Common Law of the Races

Callum looked over the table of party leaders and saw that most of them received his pronouncement with smiles or words of agreement. Though, he did note two faces that looked a little glum after he spoke.

He noted down the two individuals and resolved to keep an eye on them in the future. However, he did nothing else as not everyone needed to be happy about his decisions, and they could just be naturally dour individuals.

Still, this was a small community and a couple of potential troublemakers could cause chaos, especially as party leaders. Not everyone chose to be an adventurer, but those who did, possessed a certain cachet with the general public.

Callum left the party leaders to divide up the various exploits; he didn't know a thing about the various names, although he resolved to inquire about them later. For now, he had another mission. He needed to find the truthteller, Junpei Kuri.

Junpei was a Mystic, and their highest leveled healer class. However, he didn't focus on Abilities or Spells that were as useful in combat situations, so some of the other healers made better choices in dungeon fights or open field battles.

Junpei wasn't useless in a fight though. He was an experienced and wily individual who used what he had to the best of his ability; Callum experienced this personally as Junpei was the person who healed and buffed him when he first intervened to save the Baroness' party.

What he did have was the Aura of Veritas; it was a strong field that forced people to speak the truth while they were in his proximity. It could be countered by pitting your Willpower against Junpei's, but that was difficult because he was approaching Advanced Class and had high attributes.

Callum found the Mystic where he expected to find him, high up on the battlements and enjoying the fresh air. He wasn't sure if Junpei hated the crowded hall or simply enjoyed the view.

He had to admit that the view was spectacular.

They were on a tall hill that dominated the area near the valley's mouth. Fortunately, the valley made a sharp bend around the shoulder of a nearby mountain peak. This served to block sight of the castle from the main pass; one had to enter the valley before they could spot the castle.

From their vantage point, Callum could see for miles around him. The pristine snow capped mountain peaks were breathtaking in their majesty as they towered over the forest and clearings. From here, it would be very easy to forget the danger lurking in the area.

The two men stood silently for a time before Junpei glanced over at Callum.

"Am I right to assume you're not here to just enjoy the vista with me, Lord Murray?"

"Your instinct is correct, I wanted to talk to you about the prisoners we are holding," Callum replied.

"Are they finally going to be given more space? There are thirteen of them packed into the tiny room."

"Unfortunately space is at a premium right now, but I wanted to know if any of them broke the Common Law, and I also want to know about the others."

The Common Law, also known as the 'Common Law of the Races' or the 'Common Code of the Sentient', was a widely accepted set of rules that most, but not all, nation states and individuals recognized.

Although controversial in some places, the Common Law gave people redress for crimes committed in the wilderness, the high seas, dungeons, or disputed territories; areas where it was difficult, if not impossible, to enforce more formalized laws.

The Common Law only dealt with the most egregious crimes, such as piracy, rape, or murder, and most of the sentences were the same, execution. Even abandoning a party member in a dungeon could be considered a crime, depending on the actual circumstances.

There was a difference between murder and killing in the eyes of the Common Law. What Count Yonge, Baron Wei, and Callum were engaged in would be classified as killing, as there was open conflict between the parties.

Most adventuring parties and ship crews were in favor of the law because of how often it shielded them. Although distasteful to some, they understood the deterrence that a death sentence might have on would be criminals.

Nation states, that didn't make some provision for the Common Law, often saw an immense drop in the number of adventuring parties or ships willing to do business in their territory.

Typically, only those nations seeking to make a profit off of piracy or banditry wouldn't support the Common Law.

"All six of the hired bandits broke the Common Law and are deserving of execution under that law. Three are Count Yonge's men, but only one broke the Common Law. The four mercenaries are from a group called 'Mountain Aegis' and are all innocent under that law."

Callum nodded as Junpei went through their prisoners. He expected the bandits to have broken the Common Law, and he wasn't too surprised that one of Yonge's men was guilty as well.

After witnessing and hearing what he had, he was surprised that only one of Yonge's men had broken the Common Law.

Callum prompted one of the guards to see if the former Baron and Baroness could join them on the battlements. While they waited for them, Callum took the time to express his thanks for the heals and buffs during their first interaction.

Captain Xinyi escorted the two former lords that Callum had requested, it seemed like the party leader meeting was over. After some pleasantries, he brought up the reason he had requested them.

He wanted to hold a public execution of the seven who had broken the Common Law.

"Bring out all of the prisoners and make them watch, it should help ensure they know we mean business," said Captain Xinyi as soon as Callum mentioned his plan.

"If we're going to bring them all out, we should do it late at night, so that they aren't able to see any landmarks," added Wei Jin.

Callum thoughtfully stroked his beard, the two brought up some good points.

The prisoners had been brought to the castle during a heavy snowstorm and had been under the effects of Mana Drain, due to the manacles placed on them. If they were released now, they would have a very hard time trying to guide anyone else to the castle.

"I don't like executing people, I think it stains a man's soul. But, if anyone deserves to die, it's these ones," Junpei shuddered as he finished speaking.

Callum didn't know if he shuddered at the thought of executing them or if he was recalling some of the specific of their crimes.

He decided to go ahead with the executions, since those who spoke out seemed to be in favor, the Baroness had remained silent. The four individuals before him had the most knowledge of their people's likely reactions.

Based on their reactions, there was likely to be little, if any, negative reactions.

"Let's plan for it to take place late tomorrow night, there's no reason to delay it any further. Pass the word to everyone," Callum looked at the group as he made it official, he didn't see any signs of doubt or hesitation.

"Give the condemned some time in less restrictive manacles, maybe do it one at a time. I want them all to have one last chance to craft a letter or two to their family and the opportunity to seek solace with their gods," he commanded.

Junpei bowed his head, "I will see it done. I will bring in a couple of the other healers so that they have a choice as to who takes their last rites."

"I'll oversee their limited freedom, none shall have the chance to escape or harm one of ours," Captain Xinyi dipped her head as she spoke.

"Thank you both, I know it's not an easy task that I have asked you to do."

As everyone was about to walk away, Callum suddenly remembered a couple of minor things.

"Oh, and before I forget again, please pass the word that I'm buying all Beast Cores, even fragments, at normal market prices," he got a couple of raised eyebrows at the pronouncement.

"I'm sure that most of the parties will be pleased to take that exchange, I'll pass the word," Wei Jin stated.

"Excellent, one last thing. Let's change up the watch on the shoulder," Callum pointed towards the shoulder of the mountain peak that marked the pass entrance.

From there, a party could see a long distance into the main pass and were also in perfect position to watch the valley entrance or signal to the castle; there was also plenty of cover in the form of trees to hide them from observation.

"Change the shifts to twelve hours and set the shifts so that both parties have plenty of time to run the dungeon during the day if they wish. Also, add my party to the watch rotation."

As they walked away, Callum couldn't help the grim though that passed through his mind. It turned out that the prisoners were going to be getting extra room, just not in the way Junpei probably originally thought they would.

Callum wasn't sure if he would appreciate the irony.