Fortress Anna - Alexander Nighthawk

[Kaelon]

Transporting criminals in the old days was a highly laborious task. Dozens, sometimes hundreds, of guards would need to be stationed throughout the path that a prisoner would be escorted, usually from a dungeon safely submerged beneath a moat outside of any sensible urban area, removed from populated exposure. These logistics alone would be complicated by the fact that the installation to which criminals would be transported for trial, Fortress Anna, was not necessarily the most secure of installations either.

Both of these characteristics had changed under the Rakrya. First Guardian Julos had implemented Arcane Law, measures to enforce current laws through the use of magical spellcraft. Already, they had proven useful during pre-trial interrogations, wherein Inquisitors appointed by the Rakrya could successfully extract the memories and incriminating thoughts of the accused, solidifying sufficient evidence to lock them away for good. Furthermore, it remained a mystery as to where the Rakrya would initially incarcerate their criminals, though one suspected that it was highly defended by only the greatest of magic.

Fortress Anna was, in its day, one of the most efficient prisons in the Allerian Empire. The Allerian Penal System was highly advanced, in that criminals were never incarcerated in populated areas, and so, the only times that they would need to be in cities is to appear before their trials. Fortress Anna served in this capacity, allowing all of its prisoners a cell no larger than six paces wide by six paces long. Furthermore, the fortress was operated almost entirely by the Imperial Army, and in Alleria Prime, this meant virtually all of the remaining, salaried enlisted men and officers had a role in operating the fortress as their personal garrison.

The arrival of Alexander Nighthawk might have brought with it a certain degree of public outcry, or at the very least, awkward discomfort for the soldiers protecting Fortress Anna. After all, these soldiers had only years earlier served under Nighthawk as their Imperial Marshal, the head of the army, but through a quirk of fate, Alexander Nighthawk had been propelled into leadership of the Allerian Empire as its regent, only to have his shortcomings as a leader turned upon him when a riot of mages seized the government. However, former Regent Nighthawk was not transported in a public gaol carriage, nor was he held in stocks and chains. Instead, when he had gone to sleep in the sea of darkness that had constituted his first prison, he found himself awakened by the sunlight that he had not experienced for months. He knew that he had been magically relocated.

The Rakrya had taken great pains to protect Fortress Anna, both magically and through the use of soldiers. Over three hundred military personnel patrolled the corridors, towers, battlements and parapets. Alexander Nighthawk knew that his time for trial was approaching quickly. Before he could assess his surroundings, however, he heard footsteps.

An imperial soldier, dressed in the black and red military uniform so customarily worn by footmen of the empire, marched promptly to the thick bars of iron binding Alexander Nighthawk in his cell. He saluted, out of habit, and caught himself with slight embarssment. The young soldier spoke firmly and harshly, remembering that the former regent was a prisoner and that his duty was first to the law.

"Prisoner Nighthawk," he said. "You have a visitor." Apparently, the Rakrya would allow individuals, one at a time, having been humiliated through a strip-search and exposure to advanced arcane probes of their persons, to give Alexander a respite from his solitary confinement.

(OOC: Those wishing to visit Alexander Nighthawk may do so in this thread.)

[Aramil H. Thamion]

Aramil had been told by one of his aides that he could now see the former dictator of the Empire. Aramil had searched the Articles of Imperium throughly the last few cycles. Aramil had found nothing legal about what Alexander had done. Aramil once held respect for Alex, but most of it had went away when the leader of Alleria betrayed his own Empire for the sake of power.

Aramil strode confidentally down the halls, his golden cape flowing behind him. Aramil's crimson robe was most notably to long, fore it at one point made him nearly trip. Aramil made sure his arm was neatly tucked away within the folds of his fancy robe. Aramil stopped abruptly, halfway to the cell. Aramil checked his satchel for the Articles of Imperium. Aramil wasn't sure if he'd need them this visit or not. But alas, he would take them just in case.

Aramil finnaly reached the cell of Alexander, and let his eyes meet Alexander's directly. Aramil looked to the guard who was standing near the cell. Waiting to see if he would pick up on any hint, his eyes fell between the guards and Alex.

[Alexander Nighthawk]

Alex smiled at the solider from his bunk. It was good that some still gave him some sort of respect, unlike the traitors that had these men of honor holding him.

"Well then don't keep my visator waiting." Alex said as he wonder who had come to see him this day. When he saw who had his eyebrow went up froming a rather quizzcal look on his face.

"And what does the lap dog for the traitiors want today?" Alex said still having the quizzcal look on his face as he asked the question.

[Aramil H. Thamion]

"I would not be so eager to throw names around Alexander, I've heard the crimes you being held for. They'll eat you alive...” Aramil said with a worried look.


“You know Alex, I have no idea why I am here, I really don’t. At one point I held respect for you, I may even yet still have the desire to help you. I am not as you and your friends wish to deem me, Alex. I am not a traitor. You would risk bloodshed to fix the situation, when I am working with the greater evil to get the greater good. Or shall I say, working with Rakrya to make sure the Empress is fine and well. No other monarchist are in such a good position to make the Empress’ arrival happen with minimul problems. You can continue to call me a traitor Alex, but you need to wisen up and begin to think of things in greys, instead of only black and whites.”

Aramil reached into his satchel and pulled out a leather bound book. Aramil slide it into the cell.

“Here, these are the Articles of Imperium. You may not know them as well as your lawyers, I advice you to read them. I will make sure they are left in your cell for you...”

Aramil turned on his heels, and prepared to head out. Aramil stopped a second, halfway expecting Alexander to reply.

[Alexander Nighthawk]

Alex shook his head. "Aramile I never called you a traitor. Just those you work for." Alex said as he picked up the articles. "It will be nice reading." Though Alex truely didn't believe the mages cared about the book any. "Has there been any word on Empress DeLylle?" That was the only thing Bolden hadn't been able to tell him, if she had been found or not.

[Aramil H. Thamion]

Aramil turned back around, seeing Alex had either come to his senses or truly didn't think Aramil a traitor.

"I've heard nothing about the Empress, I have the Sel'Rakrya looking for her. Rakrya will not find out that I have them out searching either. Nadina has told me Audrey is fine, though. I myself have heard nothing from her, but we can both pray."

Aramil hadn't gotten the Sel'Rakrya out and about yet, but Alex would surely find comfort in this, partial lie.

"Alex, I wish you would take me on as your Advocate, you know my knowledge of the laws is nearly flawless. Whether or obey all laws, is a different matter of course." Aramil shrugged.

"But with me as your representation, I think the public will be confused. Many of them are begining to think you are the traitor. The Rakrya's publicity is working well. But if someone within the upper hiearchies of Rakrya was to be your advisor...I am sure you can see the extreme benefits...."

Aramil looked at Alex, and smiled.

"And as the Chief-Interpreter of the Law, that is also a benefit."

[Cepalico Kiel]

Cep was nervous, which made no sense to her since Alex was like a brother to her; but the events that had transpired, to lead him to where he was today, was a bit nerve-wracking, to say the least. She wasn't sure what to believe, or even if the accusations were substantiated or not. She did know, however, that the case against Alex was sound; and that the possibility of him meeting his end was near. She'd seen what he could do, all those years ago, in Riparia; and assuming his powers had developed even moreso since, it was a frightening thought to her.

After the humiliating strip search and mind probe, Cep was led to stand in front of the bars to the cell Alex was confined in. Her delicate blue gown wisped about her form as she came to a halt, and she peered through the bars at the man within. Not sure what to say, she stood for what seemed like an eternity, in silence. Finally she found her voice.

"Alex....brother...." she cleared her throat and brought her hands up to grasp the cold bars. "I don't know what to do." is all she could say. Tears were beginning to well up in her soulful eyes, as the familiar light of the Mirrarshar medallion began to intensify. Alex, knowing her the way he did, could only guess how that cursed jewel was affecting her at the moment.

[Alexander Nighthawk]

Aramil

Alex shook his head. "No you need to stay clear of my troubles Aramile. You do the empress proud by doing the things you do already for the empire." Alex turned and looked at the bars on his cell window. "To mix yourself in my affairs may hamper anything you should do behind the mages back."

Cepalico

Alex took Cep in his arms, just as he had always done when things went wrong for her. He tried his best to calm her. "Sister it will be alright, Diana didn't forsake me when I stood before the angry mob in Diana. I doubt she left me alive then just to die in the hands of traitors such as these." Alex said while rubbing her back softly. "By Diana's and the Phoenix's will, I will be free again."

[Aramil H. Thamion]

Aramil studied Alexander throughly, that much was evident. Aramil tried to figure out why Alex would use tact now, versus the opposite.

"Alex, I do not care what the mages think. I can turn it around anyway I want. If you do not have proper representation, you will be executed, and I will be powerless to stop that..."

Aramil spoke sincerely, and he knew Alex's fate rested in the hands of very few people. Aramil was willing to change it.

[Alexander Nighthawk]

Alex turned back. "Aramile if it is Diana's will I am to die then the best legal team in the world can't stop that." Alex said with a faith he didn't alway show or sometimes believe. "Plus my life isn't that importent as the Empress, if she is found soon I doubt there will be much need for this silly trial anyway."

Alex had heard what they where charging him with and he had almost luaghed at all those charges. The mages where grabbing at straws. The only charge that concerned him was the attemped murder charges, those where going to be trickey in disproving.

[Aramil H. Thamion]

"Well, if you decline I will take my leave. If you need anything, please send me a letter, and I will see it done."

Aramil began to turn around and took two steps when he halted. Aramil stood a moment, rubbing his chin. Aramil turned back around and stood before Alex again.

"Alex, I have heard many rumors of a revolt against Rakrya. I would ask you to tell whomever you are working with to make sure my life is spared. I can not help the Empire dead..." Aramil said as he let his confidence slip.

[Alexander Nighthawk]

"Do not worry on that Aramile." Alex said with a smile. "Those that plan this will more then likely only fight those that take up arms to stop them from righting the wrong that has been done."

So Bolden's plans where somewhat known. Or where thier others planning his freedom as well. "Ahhh. I hate not knowing what is going on." Alex thought to himself. But Bolden thought it best Alex knew as little as possible in case of mind rippers.

[Cepalico Kiel]

Cep let herself be comforted, finding a familiar warmth in the arms of her brother that she had missed more than she realized. She allowed herself to be enveloped by him for long moments before reluctantly moving a few inches back and looking into his eyes. "I hope you're right, Alex. I trust in the Phoenix, and somewhat in the gods; but you know what the Phoenix stands for. If it is your time to move on, to be reborn, to complete the circle; then there's nothing we can do." she remarked, lowering her gaze to keep the look in eyes from making her cry.

A memory flooded her mind, however, and she looked back up at him. The vision of Diana descending into the Aetherchamber, just as her eyes fluttered open after being saved by Kevlar and the Phoenix. Maybe with the grace of Diana, and the will of the Phoenix, this could work out in their favor.

A slight smile creased the corners of Cep's blood-red lips. "I hope you're right."

Looking at the dank surroundings, Cep grinned. "I guess there's nowhere to sit." she attempted a bit of a chuckle. "Oh well." Turning back to Alex, she finally got to the question she'd been wanting to ask. "What happened? I mean, what led you to this point? I'm not sure I understand everything that they're saying." she admitted, a bit embarrassed to not be up-to-date with what's been happening with her brother.

[Alexander Nighthawk]

"What happened." Alex said with a sigh. "Is that the truth has been marred by those who have won, for now." Alex said sadly as he released his sister. "The best I can tell you is that I used my powers so no one would get hurt during thier riot on the Imperial Citidel." Alex shook his head. "Even now knowing how things would have turned out I wouldn't have order troops in like I should have, or have used more force then I did to try and break up thier riot." Alex stopped for a second as he allowed his anger to cool. "And the mages have made my actions try and seem to be more then they where." Alex looked to Cep. "Does this answer your question my sister?"

[Cepalico Kiel]

Cep smiled. "Yes, it does. I'm sure you did what you had to do, and what you thought was best at the time. I only hope that the entire truth will come out." she paused for a moment. "I think it's all a matter of understanding the motives behind the actions, which it doesn't seem they are taking into account. But then again, did the Allerian Law ever?" she almost asked herself rather than Alex.

"What does your defender think? Does she think you have a chance of coming out of this on the winning side?" she asked, curiously.