Baron Gauss of Halcyon

With the judicious use of the ever-berries and the last of their rations, as well as finding a wild winter crop of wheat, the humans finally made it to civilization without any additional casualties.

The trek to Obsequence was a more direct route than Oblivion with so many people, so that was the path chosen in the end. At the market there, the group was finally able to get all the people proper clothing. This single action changed things drastically.

When the thousands of people at last entered the snowy walls of Valiant, they did not seem nearly as much of a ragtag group has they had before.

Aurora had never been so happy to be home. Upon seeing Anna, who had been acting as interim Empress while she was away, Aurora asked if she could hold on one more day while the fiery-haired woman took a well-deserved rest.

The bed had never felt so good. And when she awoke in her husband's arms, Aurora thought for the first time that things might actually be alright.

More than a month's worth of trials ensued. Each person was given a fair hearing and was able to make their case.

While most were condemned to either life in prison or execution, a few were able to prove that they were coerced and misled and were granted a lighter sentence.

Those who had completely lost their mind were sent to receive appropriate care in hopes that their mind might return so they also could face justice.

All in all it was an arduous process, and it was the last trial in the end that turned out to be the most interesting.

Instead of running for the hills when not one, but two of his children had brought an insurrection against the Empress, Baron Gauss of Halcyon had shown up during the second week of trials making a demand all his own.

First he showed up to the palace and demanded to see his children. Though his tone and mannerisms were not becoming of his position, Aurora still felt compassion for the Baron in his loss. She brought him to a heavily guarded private room and gave him the sad news herself.

But instead of grief, the Baron was outraged. "How could you let two more of my children--who had royal blood from the kings of generations past!--die without your intervention?! Losing one of my children was negligence, Your Majesty, but three? That is inexcusable."

Aurora was stunned into silence for a moment. "Royal blood? You know my mother wiped out everyone that she thought could have a remote claim on the throne, so either your definition of royal blood is very thin indeed or you were misinformed. As for trying to save your children, forgive me for defending myself when they both chose to transform into monsters and try to kill me."

Rather than be cowed, the Baron puffed out his chest in indignation. "I have never been so insulted."

Gauss rose and looked as if he might strike the Empress. Nurlan, who was by her side, stepped forward with his hand on his sword.

The Baron thought the better of his action and smoothed his tunic. "This is not the end of this."

"If you are wise it will be," Aurora looked evenly at the old nobleman.

Nurlan motioned for the guards to escort out the Baron. Outmatched in both people and power, Gauss reluctantly stood and exited the private chamber. But as soon as he was in the open court, he began screaming at the top of his lungs.

"My family is being defamed! Her Majesty wishes to besmirch all that I have built! This must not stand! The truth will come out!" Gauss's indignation rendered those in the outer court as dumbfounded as Aurora has been initially.

The Baron's assistant ran to his side, offering him his cloak. The younger man received a crack across his head from his master.

"How dare you be so presumptuous! I will let you know when I am ready to leave. I should have you beheaded for that insult!"

The young man lowered his head, unsure if the Baron actually had that power.

Gauss scoffed at the man's lack of spine. "Pathetic. You are relieved of your duty. I never want to see you again. There is enough incompetence around here without you adding to it!"

Storming out of view, Gauss left the devastated servant in his wake. Aurora watched with a pained expression.

"Nurlan?" The Empress did not need to say more. The General bowed and went to make sure that the Baron left without confronting anyone else.

"Now I know why the man is never at court," Devrim appeared at his wife's side. "He is insufferable when angry."

Aurora nodded. Based on the royal records, her mother had kept Gauss at arm's length. No wonder he was gifted land so far from the capital.

And up until now, the man had been able to do basically anything he pleased. It was only when Gauss was challenged that his true colors had come out.

The Empress walked over and spoke to the distraught servant. He was looking around frantically for some direction.

Having come with his master and been fired, he now was stranded far from home and completely lacked instruction on how to proceed. When he saw the ruler coming toward him, the man fell on his face and cowered before her.

"You don't need to fear me," Aurora said calmly. "I mean you no harm."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the servant answered, unconvinced.

The fiery-haired woman touched the top of his head so that he would look up. "Gauss should not have treated you that way when you were only trying to help him. Do you have family in Halcyon?"

"No, Your Majesty. I've nothing there for me...now." The man lowered his head once more.

"I cannot let this injustice stand." Aurora called to Captain Caleb. The man dutifully came to the Empress from some hidden alcove. "Please give this man lodging for tonight. Tomorrow we must find a position for him in the palace...if that is your pleasure. You are free to do as you like."

The servant's shoulders relaxed. "Thank you, Your Majesty. You are most gracious." He bowed repeatedly until he was out of the Empress's sight.

"He could be a spy," Devrim commented as he watched the young man leave. "Taran had to learn his conniving ways from somewhere."

"You may be right," Aurora agreed easily. "But I don't think so. I've been humiliated like that before. His reaction was genuine."

Devrim did not have to guess who would have done such a thing to his kind and compassionate wife. Only one person would have had that power and thankfully she was long gone.

"But as you say, I will make sure the young man has someone loyal to the crown who keeps an eye on him. And the extra care and attention will go a long way to returning the man's dignity."

Two days later, the servant was called back into the Empress's presence. He appeared far more composed and well-rested. Aurora greeted him fondly and before she could even ask a question, the servant bent to his knees.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for all you have done. In my years with the Baron, I never knew a moment's rest. Here I am busy but it is an honest and peaceful work. I am very content."

"I don't suppose you want to go back to your old position then?" Aurora asked with one eyebrow raised.

"Your Majesty?" the servant clearly did not understand.

Aurora held out a piece of paper. "As soon as Baron Gauss heard I had taken you in, he petitioned me to release you to him so you can return to your previous position in his household. I was going to let the final decision be up to you. Though after the way he treated you, I cannot imagine why he is so eager for you to come back..."

A smile formed on the man's face. It was not a friendly smile. "He wants me to come back because...I know where the bodies are buried."

Devrim, who was sitting next to his wife in the receiving room, arched his brow. "You mean his political secrets? I can see why that might concern him."

The servant gave a dry laugh. "Oh yes, I know those too. But I was speaking of actual bodies. If you give me a piece of writing and a map of the Baron's land, I can mark them down for you. I am sure if you hurry, you can find them before he has them moved. It will be nice to finally get justice for the woman I loved."

And just like that, a little kindness was all it took to bring down the mighty Baron Gauss of Halcyon.

His trial was held after all the others and unsurprisingly, he was sentenced to reunite with his children. His tyranny and hatred were finally put to an end, and the War of the Abominations was finally complete.