Merdez snorts, "Regardless, you have survived, and that means you must face judgement for the crime of high treason." the foxlord suddenly smiles, "Which we can do right here and now. Prisoner, are you ready to plead your case before the Regent?"

Bane enters the Hall of Law and surveys the area not just for who's present, but if it has been cleaned up yet from the previous bloodshed a few nights ago. He moves to take a seat at a nearby bench, shifting in his seat to gain a better view of the foxlord and Spire. He smirks at the tone the conversation is carrying and settles in, propping an arm up on the back of the bench.

"I am, sir," Spire murmurs. He makes an attempt at sitting up, but...no. That's not going to happen just yet it seems. The rat releases a strained breath. "Feel free to go ahead."

Merdez nods, face going stoney, "Prisoner, you are here before the Lord Regent of Ruingate to answer charges of high treason. I, said Regent, Merdez Soulslash, am to be your judge, and, as I am the only member of the elite guard of Ruingate as well, I am to be your jury as well. I am, to you, judge and jury, arbiter and convicter. You have the right to plead you case. Explain your actions, and speak only the truth. Your fate is in your paws, at least for now."

Spire nods slightly and closes his eyes. "My name is Spire of the Mask. I was sent here in part to assist in the freeing of specific prisoners from Ruingate, in secret if possible."

The doors quietly open, and a fox steps in, face hidden by a large map he appears to be studying carefully. Guards follow him almost casually, most of them out of uniform but very obviously guards.

Merdez nods, "Go on..." he says.

It soon becomes apparent that the side of the map with the actual map is turned away from Tellano; it also appears he is drawing. With a shout of glee, he turns towards his guards. "It's done!" the hurry forward quickly

all of them are foxes, and male -- and look extremely interested. Tellano gestures grandly: "Aphrodite. I've never seen her without all that on, so I had to improvise, but I think I did alright, eh?"

"There's little more I'm allowed to say," Spire murmurs. "Unless you have specific questions."

"Now where should I put the signature? There? No that'd obscure them, I have a -big- signature ... Ah? There? No no, she has a lovely nose. On the calf? It's a nice calf." Tellano says thoughtfully to the guard.

Bane taps his fingerpads on the bench, rolling his head to the side to briefly glance at the artist tod then looks back to Merdez and Spire.

"I'll just put a T on her elbow, how's that?" Tellano briefly scratches something onto the parchment, then gives it to the guard. "Here you go, lads. Show her to your friends, but not your mother."

Merdez scowls, "Well, I have little choice but to sentence you accordingly." the foxlord pulls himself up straight, "In the name of the people of Ruingate, and its ruling Family, I hearby find you guilty of high treason against the throne, Spire of the Mask. Furthermore I sentence you to be hung by the neck until dead. May the Stars guide your soul to salvation before you die."

Spire nods once. His eyes remain closed, and he doesn't seem to take this news with any hint of surprise, or for that matter, extreme concern. He's had a day or two to resign himself. "If that is all, sir. I'm very thirsty."

Now Tellano's attention moves from the guards to the man sentenced to be hung by the neck until dead. Crossing his arms, he trots up towards the front of the Hall of Law and stops, annoyed. "That's the bloody stupidest thing I've ever heard," he says loudly.

Merdez turns his eyes from Spire to Tellano. The foxlord does not look too pleased, "What is it, sir Tellano?" he asks, cooly.

Bane turns his head slowly towards the boistorous tod as he shouts. The wildcat's ears fold back from the sound, seems the Hall of Law has good acoustics. The drumming of his finger pads turn to a sharp tapping sound as he curls his claws outwards.

"You get hanged when you're convicted of -treason-," Tellano states, leaning casually against a seat and scratching an ear. "You're a fool if you're going to hang him for -high- treason."

Merdez rolls his eyes, "Dare I as why that is the case?" he asks. As he does, his eyes flick to find the source of the tapping, and he registers Bane's presence. He gives the cat a nod, before looking back to hear Tellano's reply.

Spire quiets as Tellano draws Merdez's attention. He takes the momentary reprieve to attempt to sit up, and this time he does manage to do it, though very gingerly.

Bane stands slowly, turning his body towards Tellano and smirks. "And to question the rulings of the Regent is rather foolish. Rushing to your death," he asks smoothly.

Tellano smiles faintly at Bane. "The Lord Regent is not in a great hurry to kill me, friend," he says equally smoothly, and turns to Merdez, gesturing grandly: "Drawing and quartering, a stiletto, and five minutes. He'll have your brain on the floor in two, where it belongs, good day," he says calmly, and turns.

Merdez blinks, "I am not going to bother to try and understand that." he says, "I do not think the inebriation required to would be becoming of a foxnoble." he gives Bane a considering look, "What brings you here, citizen? Are you not that cat who Commander Trace let out of the Hall?"

Spire then begins experimenting with standing. This is not so successful, at least not right away. It takes him four or five tries to get to his wobbling legs while supporting himself by holding onto the bench.

Bane snorts as he smirks at Tellano's leave. "If the rules of my land applied here, you would have been struck down where you stood," he turns his head then body towards Merdez. The wildcat slides a foot backwards then slips his right paw from behind his cloak and rests the fist on his chest over his heart, making a thump sound. "I am," he confirms then rises from the bow. "My name is Xerxes Bane Vasilis, Grevar of Nocens. I have come to seek position in your court, my lord." He slides his foot paws shoulder-width apart, facing the Regent.

Tellano turns at the doors and turns, smiling vaguely at Merdez. "We," he gestures to the guards, "are going to Noonvale. G'day!" And he closes the doors behind him.

Merdez regards Bane with impressed eyes, "Xerxes? A noble name for a cat to bear, sir Vasilis. One of my noble ancestors bore that name as well. I consider it a good omen." he takes a few steps towards Bane, sizing him up, "You wish to join my court, do you? I have high standards, sir Vasilis, but you look to me like a beast who can meet them. Still, I would like to be convinced. What can you offer to the Regency, and to the people of Ruingate?"

Spire steadies himself and claps a paw to his bandaged middle as he leans against the bench. Standing. If you breathe on him, he'll fall over, but hey, he's standing. "Well, you can thank him for the corpse over there..." he mumbles, indicated Varesh's highly ravaged remains.

Bane looks over at Spire, narrowing his eyes and snorts. "He just got in the way of my blade. It was aimed for that weasel's heart." Leaving Spire, his eyes rest back upon the foxlord. He smirks slightly and dips his head in a small bow. "I have held position in court before in Nocens. Grevar, the equivalent of Duke. I lend my experience, knowledge, blade, and life to you and your Family, and the city of Ruingate, my lord." He steps back once more, and bows deep with fist clenched over his heart.

Merdez smiles, "That, I believe," he says, "Will do. Had you any particular position in mind, Grevar Vasilis? If so, speak now. Best to get all formalities and ceremonies over in one fell swoop." Spire goes ignored for now.

Hammer has positioned himself in one of the back corners of the room....conviently out of the way while he slumbers. Caught somewhere between sleep and pure unconciousness thanks to the severe case of whip lashes along with his couple other wounds, one so kindly given by Bane. Though the voices over time begin to rouse his thoughts...bringing his mind rather unluckily back to the aches that have set into his body. He doesn't move just yet, though his blue eyes slip half open..trying to get a look at the source of the voices as best he can without moving his head.

Trace enters, slowly pushing open the doors. Trace has arrived.

Spire licks his dry lips and quiets. He's now leaning far more than standing, but he seems to prefer hanging onto the pillar rather than laying flat on his back.

Bane looks up from his bow then straightens up to his full height looking to Merdez with his golden eyes sharp. "I seek position of Slaughterthane, my lord." He looks over at Varesh's remains for a moment then back to Merdez. "It seems fate has brought me here."

The steady clack of boots on the hall outside the main area brings the arrival of Trace. The ratmaid's wearing a more fancy cloak than normal…velvet and the like, perhaps to impress upon others her position as she desired to do last night. Though a cloak doesn't make a guard Captain, it makes others respect you more. Trace muses on what a sad world it is, to stoop to such a level, as she hears voices and enters the Hall of Law.. "Evenin', gents.." her words drawl tiredly.

Merdez grins, "The Stars align themselves to favour you. Your blade has cut away your only obstacle. I am not one to try and deny the promptings of fate!" the foxlord reaches out his paw, "Give me your most sacred weapon, Xerxes Bane Vasilis."

Hammer starts to lift his head up from where it's pillowed against the corner and winces, halting the motion partway through. Owww. He quietly scans the room...seeking out Spire's form first before revolving his silent gaze to the foxlord and Bane. Then glances past them to Trace's appearance near the front.

Spire seems disinclined to do anything but lean against the pillar and listen.

Bane reaches at the strap over his shoulder and slips the halberd from his back, removing it from its leather frog then, with both paws, offers the weapon to Merdez. "I hand you my weapon and my life, my Lord Merdez." He bows his head slightly.

Trace just listens for the time being, continuing to stand in the doorway, and leaning back against it with her arms folded across her chest. A glance is given to Hammer, including a wink that probably suggests 'I'm going to kick you later!'…along with a scowl toward Spire. Then, her attention is shifted back toward Bane and Merdez. Excellent!

Merdez takes the halbard, smiling grimly. He grips the polearm in both paws, steps back, and cuts it through the air three times, speaking one syllable of a name with each slash, "Nar sa lis!" This done he gaze at Bane, "Swear now, Xerxes Bane Vasilis, that you give your service to me, to my Family, to my Cause, and to the city and people of Ruingate, till death or my will release you, or till the Stars fall from the holy firmament."

Hammer frowns, his eyes narrowing a little at Trace, but then...he supposes he should be grateful that she at least doesn't choose to do so now and draw lots of attention to him. So the glare doesn't last too long before his eyes adjust back toward the dubbing of the new Slaughterthane.

Spire seems quite unimpressed with the ritual, though he doesn't sneer--maybe because he's too worn out to attempt it. But he says nothing.

Bane kneels before Merdez and looks up at him with determined eyes. "No longer shall my thoughts, ideals, intentions, be mine. They belong to you, my lord, your city and its people. And I pledge this life to further your Cause and honor your name amongst the nations. If I fail at any of these oaths, might you strip me of the very breath I breathe." After this pledge, he lowers his head to the foxlord.

Trace almost looks like she has tears in her eyes. Or maybe it's still the stench of blood that's overwhelming her from the dirty Hall. Regardless, the ratmaid just watches the scene with a bit of admiration for both Merdez and Bane. /Finally/ someone in this town isn't trying to assassinate the Lord Regent.. or .. insult him. Or something. As Trace looks on, an ear quirks and she wonders in an afterthought if that's /exactly/ what Bane is trying to do. The thought whirls through her head, and she quickly dismisses it as paranoia, but something to watch.

Merdez smiles with imperious pride, and offers the halberd back to Bane, "Take your weapon. May it bite always in the name of the Family!" he declares, "Rise, Thane of Slaughter, keeper of the goretide, Harper of Ruin."

Spire's muzzle finally twists, and he grunts. "Just don't find yourself in a room with prisoners who want to kill you. Your Lord may lock the door on you."

Hammer smirks just a little and bites his lip, forestalling the temptation to add his own personalized version of title onto the list. As much as he'd like to be hung tonight.....he thinks better of the matter. His eyes dart across to Spire as the rat speaks out and he quickly shifts his gaze back to Merdez to see how the lord will react.

With this, the wildcat rises, rolling his shoulders back and takes the returned weapon. He bows his head slightly then replaces the halberd to its leather frog and back over his shoulder. Bane just ignores Spire's comment and takes a step back from Merdez to allow him more freedom of movement.

Actually, Trace is gonna act before Merdez. She finally makes her entry into the room, being sure to walk by Spire and to send a booted foot toward his head.. gut.. y'know, wherever it happens to make contact. It's all in one fluid movement, and she continues toward Merdez and Bane, clapping her hands lightly. "Most excellent.. I can hardly wait to work with someone who /will/ get a job done, Merd."

Merdez chuckles, "Indeed. I have never doubted your taste, Trace." he grins at Bane, "Welcome to the Ruingate Regency, Thane. I hope we will have a most prosper out relationship." the foxlord stifles a yawn, "But now I must retire to bed. Please, Trace, see that the prisoner Spire," he thumbs at said rat, "Is fed and watered. He mustn't go to the gallows on an empty stomach."

As before, the boot connects solidly, with no resistance from Spire himself. As he's standing, it's his gut that gets the blow, and he falls immediately, writhing and gasping for air. Really, that was a bad, bad, bad place to kick him. The gasps turn into chokes.

Hammer shifts uneasily as Trace nails Spire with the strike, despite the discomfort that it sends rippling down his back. He sits up somewhat, his gaze narrowing on the rat again but he doesn't rise nor say anything in particular. After another moment he actually rises to a crouch, leaning partly against the wall beside him as he continues to observe in silence.

Bane returns the smile with one of his own then looks towards Trace. "As you said before, my lady. I will have no problem working with you," dropping his voice to a smooth low tone. He looks down at his attire and brushes at them. "Seems I need to renew my wardrobe to those of Ruingate."

Trace gives a lopsided salute to Merdez, grinning at him as she steps up to stand near him and Bane. "Of course, m'friend. We wouldn't want him to die too quickly now, would we?" Her voice is almost in a happy purr as she states this and glances toward Hammer. "And this one, as well? He'll need to be broken soon so he can fit into the lifestyle he /should/ be set in.. As an otter, of course.." Trace's eyes flicker to Bane with amusement, and she gives him a glance over. "Indeed… You'll be needing something to command authority."

Merdez nods to Trace, "See this otter is informed of his place here. Make sure he knows we will treat him well if he obeys his betters." he bows to Bane and Trace, "Good evening." the Regent heads homes.

Spire continues choking, making strange, snorting sounds through his nose. He can't seem to get any air into his lungs. His eyes roll back.

Hammer's icy blues fix upon Trace and as Merdez turns away and walks off a slight smirk does wiggle onto his muzzle. Confident still, despite the pounding he's taken. None of the guards have been bold enough to try and rechain him, so the only bounds he bears as of the moment is the rope on his paws.

Bane watches Merdez' back as he exits then looks over at the gasping/dying rat and just looks at him for a moment. No expression just watching. Then wildcat then looks over at Trace. "I doubt Lord Merdez would be too disappointed if that rat chokes on his own vomit, would he?"

Hammer growls softly as the two just settle to simply ignoring Spire's plight, "Savages." He shoves his weight off the wall, using the motion to make rising a little easier, and he strides across toward Spire. Trying to keep at least a few paces between himself and either Bane or Trace at all times. The otter drops to a kneeling position and attempts to roll Spire over onto one side if he's not already. Then clap his paws into the central back region, "Come on, mate....spit it out..." The motion is made awkward by his bound paws, but certainly not impossible.

Trace sighs as she glances toward the gasping rat, and her eyes roll. "Oh, someone had better pat him on the back or something.. Mind doing it, Baney, m'boy?" She yawns, watching as Hammer moves to take care of Spire. Oh, this is actually more amusing…watching that. The ratmaid's eyes gleam with amusement, and she motions a paw toward Bane, gesturing that it's not /entirely/ urgent.

Spire's choking continues, actually heightening for a moment as he's rolled. But then he heaves violently. And another. And another. It's an entire series of retching, but nothing comes up other than a few watery dribbles of blood. He hasn't had anything to eat or drink for a while now, so there's no mess to clean up off the floor.