Under Imperial Law

-Alexis Lycan, 18 Years Old-

As Alexis' soldiers drag the sobbing Baronet Anstrada towards the village square, the towns people tentatively emerge from their homes to see what the commotion is. When they see their tyrannical Lord at the mercy of the Duke, they grow excited. From person to person, word spreads throughout the town. And before long, a large crowd has gathered around the square.

Alexis points to an elevated platform, signaling for the soldiers to deposit their prisoner there. The Baronet is forced to his knees and his head is jerked down. He is still blabbering nonsensically, begging for mercy. He is deathly afraid of what the young Duke might do to him. He knows that his death would bring the war to a swift end and allow Duke Lycan to legally confiscate his lands. He was the aggressor after all, so the Baronet is afforded no protection under Imperial law.

Alexis eyes the swelling masses, the sight of which cools the rampaging anger within. Only a bit though. Alexis steps up onto the platform and raises a hand in the air. The village folk silence almost immediately at his gesture. No matter their excitement at the sight of their captured Lord, they are still instinctively frightened of the invaders.

"People of Nightlear, my name is Duke Alexis Lycan. I have invaded your lands due to the provocation of your liege Lord, Baronet Anstrada. He sent his soldiers into my domain and attempted to kill my people. My grievance is with him, not you. You need not worry about any violence or pillaging being inflicted upon you. I swear this upon the Gods." Alexis says loudly, grabbing the attention of everyone. Though he feels slightly uneasy when he invokes the Gods.

He puts that out of his mind as he continued. "As you can see, my soldiers have captured Baronet Anstrada. These lands will soon be mine, and I will become your new Lord. As such, I vow to improve the lives of each and every one of you."

As he speaks, the crowd is tense yet hopeful. A sliver of hope is working its way inside of their hearts. Most have heard about the newfound wealth and prosperity of the Duke's village of Starfall, and how he magnanimously leads his people. For years now they lived under the oppression of Baronet Anstrada. They are desperately ready for a change.

Alexis notes the state of the crowd. The townsfolk are whispering and talking to themselves. They are getting worked up. He is not too concerned about this, as it is clear they are excited about the prospect of change.

Alexis raises a hand once again, silencing the crowd. "Now, I must decide what to do about your current Lord, Baronet Anstrada." As he says this, the man jerks upward. His eyes are wild and unfocused. His gaze shifts left and right, raking over the crowd.

"Save me! I am your Lord!" Baronet Anstrada frantically yells at his people. "Do not let this invading dog harm me! I- I know! I will grant a week off of work to any man who slays this bastard!" He continues to scream while spittle is flying from his mouth, he is frantic.

As the Baronet was screaming, he is met only with the cold, steely eyes of the very people he exploited and oppressed over the years. No matter where he looks, he would receive no mercy. He had worked his people to the bone. Almost every family has lost a loved one due to his draconian policies. Death from starvation and overwork is the norm for his people.

Alexis watches the truly pitiful sight and feels nothing. He is still extremely angry at the insult to his mother. But he decides he would not kill the Baronet. He has a better idea, something that will earn him some positive points from his soon to be subjects.

Alexis steps forward and signals for his soldiers to lift the Baronet. "It seems no one is on your side, Baronet Anstrada." He says calmly, keeping his anger under wraps. He then turns towards the crowd. "I, Duke Alexis Leon Lycan, under the authority of his Majesty, Emperor Noah Dar Dragonair, sentence you, Baronet Anstrada, to death." As he says this, the crowd grows excited, their eyes full of hate and wrath. On the other hand, the front of the Baronet's pants become wet. It seems he pissed himself in fright. No man welcomes death.

The Lycan soldiers drag the struggling Baronet towards the edge of the elevated platform. Alexis follows after them and places a hand on his shoulder. If he is not careful, he could topple over into the animated townsfolk.

"People of Nightlear. I would not dare take your vengeance from you. I have spoken to your kin and have heard the horror you were all subjected to. Therefore, I will give Baronet Anstrada to you. Do as you please." Alexis says, his voice cold and detached.

As he says this, he pushes the bound man forward, and he falls into the crowd. They quickly surge forward and began grabbing and hitting the man. A few seconds have passed, and blood is already splattering in the air. Alexis turns around and walks back towards the manor. The pain filled shrieks and begging of the Baronet is steadily building behind him. The crowd is frenzied.

-

-???, ??? Years Old-

The Oracle stands in the shadows of a building, watching as Alexis walks away from the crowd. As she gazes at him, she sees a severed leg fly in the air followed by an ear shattering shriek. It seems the townsfolk have begun tearing the poor Baronet apart. May he soon find peace in the embrace of the Goddess.

The Oracle looks at Alexis' retreating form again. She could not get the man out of her mind. No one has ever escaped from her cleansings, nor evaded her blessing. She wholeheartedly wants to grant salvation to as many people as possible while she is alive. Therefore, she has been following the Duke for quite a while, watching him.

Her Goddess had granted her a vision soon after her failure to save his soul in the cathedral. It would seem that a great many heroes would soon be summoned and tasked with fighting a yet unknown enemy. And as a servant of her God, she would be tasked with guiding one. Each Oracle would mentor the Hero summoned by their respective God. The summoning is almost complete, and she will have to leave soon. So, she wants to convert the heretical Duke before that time comes.

A too wide smile spreads across her face as she stalks after Alexis. She will not fail again.