Investigating Helvar's Death (1)
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: AL, Jane, Kaysea, Paula
Date Posted: 23rd January 2009
Characters: Corowal, Lineal, Fog, Eliste, Zandan, Xerxen
Description: Corowal approaches Lineal concerning his assistant Steward's death on board Sungazer.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 13, day 24 of Turn 4
Corowal stood at the dock, watching Sungazer coming in. His expression was grim and the captain of guard stood next to him. He really should be kissing his children for good night instead of dealing with this mess.
He had received a message from Sungazer a little while ago. Runner had brought it, they could sometimes be faster than the riverboat that stopped at holds along the river. It had been usual itself the but the message itself had been alarming: Helvar, one of his assistant stewards, had gotten killed on board. He really didn't know him personally very well, but remembered how furious he had been when his wife ran off. Helvar had also asked a permission to leave his work for "personal reasons" several sevendays ago. Now he was dead and Corowal had to investigate his death.
"Just stick to the facts, as you did at the seaport," Lineal advised Xerxen, having already spoken to Fog and Eliste and suggesting they wait on board until the Lord Holder asked for them. Although involved they were technically witnesses to the death, rather than the reason for it.
"Yes sir." Xerxen couldn't say he wasn't a bit nervous, but he probably would have been even more so had he felt like he was guilty of something. He wasn't, except for protecting himself and others, and if that was a crime, the Faranth help Pern. "I don't plan on telling any lies, sir, have no fear."
When Sungazer had been finally docked, Corowal gestured Zandan to follow and boarded the boat.
"Lord Corowal," Lineal said with a nod as the other man came up the gangway. "Would you like to come along to my office?"
"Captain Lineal. I wish this would be more pleasant business," Corowal replied with a nod and follow him.
"As would I." Lineal led the two men up the stairs to the crew deck, the middle of the three, and along the balcony to the Captain's office. It wasn't a large room - few were in the limited space of the riverboat - but there was room enough for Lineal to be able to offer the Lord Holder one chair and be able to take another for himself. Tactfully he left the seat behind the desk empty, not wanting to face Corowal across a desk as if he was in command.
"I got your message about Helvar's death and I have to investigate. You were aware he was one of my stewards?" Corowal said with serious tone.
"One of the assistants, I understand," Lineal said. "I collected statements from the participants and witnesses which were reviewed and signed by the harpers at the seaport. Crew and passengers. I had copies made for you to review." Lineal reached for the neat bundle of papers, tied with the pretty woven tape that the women used in their sewing.
"Thank you. I will look them carefully. Can you and the crewmembers involved in incident come to the hold tomorrow? I want to meet and interview them."
Lineal nodded. "Xerxen will certainly come. I don't know what you've heard but there was a scuffle - a fight - and Xerxen had to intervene. The result was your man falling to his death."
"I insist that at least Helvar's widow will be present," Corowal said.
"She really had no involvement in the scuffle." Xerxen insisted quietly. She simply stood there, shaking like a leaf while it all happened." Xerxen didn't want Eliste to have to come before the Lord Holder if she didn't have to. She had seemed nervous enough as it was.
"She is Helvar's widow and this whole mess started when Helvar went after her. She is the _cause_ of it," Corowal insisted.
Xerxen nodded slowly, though he frowned. She hadn't _meant_ to cause the fiasco, though the Lord Holder's tone seemed, to him, to indicate that she had. He kept his mouth shut, except to say a soft, "Yes, sir."
"I'll ask Eliste and her new husband to accompany us tomorrow, then," Lineal said mildly.
"Good, we'll see tomorrow then. Is around noon all right with everyone?" Corowal asked.
Xerxen nodded, glancing over at Lineal. He certainly hoped that the Lord Holder would be willing to listen to the facts and not judge just because the man in question had been one of his understewards. "It's fine with me, sir." He stated.
"We'll be there," Lineal said, getting to his feet.
Last updated on the January 23rd 2009