Getting Dragged Deeper

"It looks like a Talisman, Your Majesty. We got it from Captain Lupus," the captain of the black surcoats stepped forward with a careful gait. "I cannot read what's inscribed, but… We can ask the Royal Mage to have a look~"

Before he finished, Maximus got the talisman from the hands of the captain much to the panic of the captain. The Emperor cannot lay his hands on odd objects like these without second thoughts. What if they contain spells that hurt him?

"It appears to be a curse…" Maximus smirked looking at the little plate of metal. He walked towards Captain Lupus who now kneeled on the floor well aware of his failure. "Who does this belong to, Captain?" Maximus asked. 

He knew that his mother's hand is in this and he wanted a solid witness to his mother's hideous crimes. He has other plans but his mother has graciously offered him a bountiful chance. He wanted to get the confession of the Captain and use his testimony against his mother.