The aftermath

Cassius witnessed his defence with absolute focus as Horace stepped in front of him with his left foot forward, executing a standard thrust through Kels hand. Followed by planting his right foot forward and twisting his blade and hips, turning the well executed thrust into a slash, pulling his blade through the remainder of Kels neck and decapitating him.

The entire movement was completed in a single breath.

A few moments passed before total chaos erupted in the crowd as they became completely outraged with the man's display. The four men who had dragged Kel out, were completely and utterly stunned with what had just occurred, a mixture of sadness and anguish and their uncertain fate for being unable to hold the larger man still.

Cassius moved to Horace's side with concern and surprise. Jacobs, his face set with grim determination, was already by their side, sword still in hand and his eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of further threats. Laurence, clearly shaken by the near assassination of his son, stood rigid, his expression a storm of protective fury and disbelief.

The crowd, once a chaotic sea of bodies, was now a jumbled mess of murmurs and shuffling feet. Soldiers and guards pushed through the throng, attempting to reassert control and maintain some semblance of order amidst the chaos. Carmen, still rooted in shock, watched the scene unfold with wide eyes, his mind racing to process the whirlwind of violence and betrayal.

After checking on Horace, Cassius quickly spotted his four soldiers and ordered them to cover the body.

Walking up to a fierce looking Jacobs, who was completely and utterly disappointed in himself for failing to protect Cassius, Cassius reached up and placed his hand on his arm and shook his head, a silent indication to the man that he was not at fault for this.

Jacobs looked down at the man, and realised he was being comforted by a child and so gave him a wry smile, 'ludicrous' he thought, 'i'm being comforted by a child?'

Over the next five minutes order was finally restored, and before anybody else could speak, Cassius addressed the crowd once again. Much to the shock of everyone present

Cassius stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate attention despite the chaos that had unfolded. The crowd, still buzzing with shock and murmurs, fell into a hushed silence as he raised his hand to signal for calm. The gravity of the situation was evident in his demeanour; his normally youthful face was set with a seriousness that belied his years.

Clearing his throat, Cassius spoke with a clarity that cut through the tension. "Gentlemen… I understand that what you've just witnessed here has been both shocking and frightening. But let us not lose our composure in the face of danger."

His words resonated with an authority that was unexpected but undeniably effective. The crowd, seeing the determination in his eyes, began to quieten down, the tumultuous murmurs fading into a subdued whisper.

"We are not going to mourn this man, who even in his final moments couldn't face his guilt with the duty and poise the House of Stenfall demands of you"Cassius continued, his voice steady and firm.

"Justice has been executed, The Margrave and I expect you all to continue protecting the values that bind us together. I ask that you remain calm and disperse for your morning duties, and allow us to clean up this mess. But let us first ensure that we do not allow this moment to fracture our unity."

The crowd, still grappling with the shock of the attempted assassination and the sight of a young man taking command, seemed to find some confidence in Cassius's words. The remaining murmurs became softer, more contemplative, as the audience began to process the gravity of what had transpired.

Jacobs & Laurence stood to the side, observing Cassius with a mixture of admiration and lingering self-reproach. They couldn't help but marvel at how the young man had managed to restore a semblance of order so quickly. It was a testament to Cassius's natural leadership and the respect he commanded, even in the midst of crisis.

Following the brief transition, The scene was cleaned up and his body disposed of in a manner truly befitting of a treasonous coward, later in the morning a brief investigation uncovered more information about Kel and his life, and what sort of man he had been.

Kel had left behind a deeply malnourished and abused family, who Cassius and Laurence agreed should receive the man's wages for a time to help set them up. Cassius made note that he should speak to Hektor about getting them employed under his care, perhaps training her on the new spinning wheel?

Either way, Cassius's plans for the day were completely thrown off.

Signalling to Maron, Pill, Lee, and Kral to approach him with an open palm, he pointed down, signalling the men to stand before him while the busy scene was clearing out.

The four men stood shoulder to shoulder with deep remorse and regret easily apparent on their faces.

"I will not blame you all for this, however I need to know who here was close to this man"

"Be honest with me, I will not punish you for that." Cassius said, gesturing to the yet covered body.

Maron, Kral, and Lee all shoot their heads in the negative, but Pill nodded. Explaining that he had known him since they entered the castle together many years before, and were close drinking buddies.

Cassius nodded and dismissed him from the group, he could not afford lingering resentment in his chosen group this early.

Pill looked as if he was going to say something, before his shoulders slumped and he disappeared into the crowd