Murder in Cormyr - Chet Williamson [67]
"Patience, please, my dear Barthelm. This is not something that can be done in haste. It may take a bit of time to sort out all the pieces and put them together again." He looked at Captain Flim, who was standing stolidly by, his hand on his sword hilt. "I don't think we'll need your soldiers just yet, Captain Flim."
"Just the same, sir, I'd rather have them here and not need them than need them and not have them."
"A wise answer, Captain," said Benelaius, "and I bow to your greater military experience. Position your men as you see fit. Now," he said, sitting back down, "I would ask all of you-except the soldiers on duty, of course-to please take a seat. Yes, that's fine. Jasper, on my right. Lord Mayor, on my left if you will." I sat where I was told, while Tobald made his way, with a slight limp, to Benelaius's left The others sat as well. "Good, very good. Everyone comfortable? Excellent
"As you may or may not know, I have been appointed, first at the request of Mayor Tobald, and then in a more official manner by Vangerdahast, Royal Wizard to King Azoun, to study the recent murders in the Vast Swamp and see if I could solve the mystery of who the killer was. I have been fortunate in having the aid of two excellent helpers-Jasper, who has done much of my legwork, occasionally at the risk of his life and limb, and Lindavar, the newest member of the College of War Wizards. Jasper has gathered an immense and enlightening wealth of information, and Lindavar has helped me beyond words to take that information and blend it into a theory… nay, more than a theory. An absolute proof as to who killed Dovo and Grodoveth."
"You've found the killer?" Barthelm said, nearly starting from his chair.
"I… we have," said Benelaius, acknowledging Lindavar. "And in this case, such definite proof is needed, for orders have come from Suzail that the killer, once his identity is exposed, is to be immediately executed by the military authority." The wizard gestured toward the stolid but watchful Purple Dragons standing to one side of the piazza. "And that is why they are here this night."
"You mean to say," said Shortshanks, his legs dangling from his chair, "that these soldiers are gonna do for the killer right here?"
"I am not sure," answered Benelaius. "Captain Flim, what will be the procedure?"
"Hanging," Captain Flim said. "From the nearest tree."
"Ah-hah," said Benelaius mildly. "And there will be no opportunity to plead for innocence, I take it?"
"None."
"That is why," Benelaius said in the same pedantic tone he sometimes used when tutoring me, "there must be no mistake. And when you have heard our evidence and conclusions, I think that none of us-not even the murderer- will doubt that we are correct in our accusation.
"I must give the lion's share of credit, however, to Lindavar. It was he who came up with most of our conclusions, and I think that once you hear them, you will agree that he has done a splendid job of reasoning."
"Are we gonna find out tonight?" Rolf asked, "or are you gonna talk us all to death?"
Benelaius only smiled benevolently. "I don't blame you for your impatience, young man. But when we are dealing with a person's very life, we cannot afford to be rushed and slipshod. I would like Lindavar to explain our deductions, and perhaps you will find his discourse a bit less rambling than my own."
At that, Benelaius nodded to the younger wizard, who stood up, nervously cleared his throat, and looked at the assemblage. Then he began to talk, very softly, so that even I, who have good ears, could not make out all the words.
"Speak up!" said Barthelm. "Can't hear a thing!"
Lindavar cleared his throat again and bowed apologetically. When he next spoke, his tone wasn't commanding, but at least I could hear him. "Most of you are here," he said, "because you have been considered as possible suspects in the murders of Dovo and Grodoveth."
"What!" Rolf said, leaping to his feet. "I had nothin' to do with that weasel gettin' himself killed, nor that old one either!