I reincarnated in game

37 The Parade

Hugh and the others had seen James coming in later that evening, looking very tired … the latter had mentioned that there were several names on the international guest list which they were interested in; some very high up in the curia.  The fact that Saint Elizabeth and King Archibald were to announce their engagement was proving to be an excellent magnet, drawing in every level of religious leader from bishops to the local priests.  He had high hopes that they would be able to capture some of their most sought after quarry. 

Figuring this was as good a time as any, the three friends followed James to his room. “I wonder if you know offhand whether your list includes a priest from Valari who goes by the name of Father Paul?” asked Hugh.

James thought a moment, “You might mean Bishop Paul.  He was the local priest in Valari but has recently been promoted.  Why do you ask?”

”When we were watching Saint Elizabeth’s arrival this morning, I saw him in one of the carriages in her entourage.  I have witnessed first hand, Father Paul’s fanatical collections.  In fact, I ended up on fourth level in order to avoid a sentence of death at the hand of his goons; they accused me of being responsible for some counterfeit coins submitted as part of a tribute payment,” replied Hugh.

“Well, you are certainly right about him.  He is one of our main targets.  The injustices perpetrated by him, and for him, are among the worst.  Eos has had their eyes on him for some time; he has actually been tried in absentia and was found guilty on all counts.  He has been marked for execution.  It is good to get confirmation that he is here,” James said with emphasis.

“This is really personal for me.  I would be honoured if you would allow me to carry out his sentence on behalf of the organization,” Hugh replied fervently.   

“OK.  I will allow you the opportunity to avenge yourself; however, you must take great care not to be caught.  Eos cannot be seen to be connected to his death; if you are apprehended, we cannot come to your aid and will disavow any knowledge of your actions,” James advised. 

James stood before the trio and said, “I will be away before first light tomorrow morning.  I have some important meetings before the parade starts.  The parade is supposed to go along the main street which is just down the hill from here.  You and the others should leave early to be able to get a good spot to view all the grandeur of the procession.”

The three of them walked back to the bedroom Hugh and Kenneth were sharing; they needed to reflect, and plan for the days to come.  Hugh knew that he had to be at his best for any confrontation with Bishop Paul.  He quickly looked at the epithets for Judi and Kenneth … Judi had leveled up from her initial Level Twenty to Level Twenty-Two; Kenneth had moved up from his initial Level Fifteen to Level Nineteen.  He noted he now matched with Judi at Level Twenty-two.  He decided to put a few attribute points into subterfuge and some into intelligence.  He was brought back to the moment when Judi spoke to him.

“Hugh I have never seen you like this … are you OK?” Judi asked.

“I am OK … Thank you, Judi.  I just want to get back at this guy.  The only good thing that came out of that whole situation was that it led to meeting you guys.” Hugh responded.  He then continued, “From what James said, we have to be very careful.  We don’t want to jeopardize Eos and we certainly don’t want to get caught and hung for attempted murder.  I think it is important that we decide how we are going to get close enough to him to be able to do what we have to do.”

“In any parade that I have seen, the most important float is always the last one in line.  In this circumstance, that would be the float carrying Saint Elizabeth.  Today when we saw them coming into town, the bishop appeared to be part of her party.  I presume he must be there as a representative of the Curia for the upcoming announcement of the engagement.  As such, he will likely be on the same float as she is, or at least, one close to it.”  Hugh paused a moment.  “If we keep an eye out for him, I can try to join the parade immediately after the float that he is on passes our position; that way I can find out where he goes and maybe, where he is staying.  It would be far too risky to try anything during the parade.  If we keep a close surveillance on him, an opportunity may present itself.  If it does, I want to be ready.”

“What do you want us to do after you join in the parade?” asked Judi.

“Well, it might be best if you just follow the crowd behind the last float.  It will end up in the town square.  There should be a central flag pole.  We will use that as a rendezvous point … if we don’t connect there, we will meet back here at the inn for supper,” Hugh suggested.

Kenneth yawned.  “Maybe we should get to bed now because we want to wake up early,” he said, and yawned again.

“OK,” said Judi, “I get the hint.  I will leave you two and head to my room.  See you in the morning.  Sleep well.”

When she was in her adjoining room, Judi paused a moment before heading to the bed.  She turned, and then went to the closet where her bow and quiver lay; she removed the cloak that was covering it.  Looking at it, she reached tentatively towards it; her hand withdrew involuntarily … “No,” she said to herself.  “I just can’t.  I’m not there yet.  This is not a situation where my life or my friends lives are in immediate danger …”  She replaced the cloak over her weapon and went to bed. 

The morning of the parade was bright and clear, but cold.  The trio had a hearty breakfast then bundled up and headed out to find a good place to watch the procession.  They made their way to the temporary seating arranged along the parade route and found a place in the front row.  This way they would be the closest they could possibly be to the floats; hopefully, Hugh would be able to cross the short distance and sneak in to the parade without being noticed.

The parade started right on time.  The first floats were brightly decorated and featured children’s themes.  Several other floats, sponsored by the local businessmen followed.  Each one was accompanied by banner bearers with the name of the business.  Some had their employees walking along and waving to the crowds, inviting them to visit their shops.  Several of the town councilors and dignitaries, driving their personal steam wagons joined in the procession.  Each had taken great pains to decorate their conveyances; each one trying to outdo their colleagues.  Clowns and jugglers wandered in between the floats and interacted with the crowds lining the parade route.  

Several marching bands were interspersed between the floats.  They played their instruments with much enthusiasm, which was the reason for them to be spaced several floats apart; they didn’t want to drown each other out.

The last marching band was the most impressive.  This was the royal marching band, dressed in royal blue with gold trim.  They preceded the final floats which carried the royal entourage.  There was a noticeably higher presence of security for the final two floats.

The float sponsored by the Curia was first, decorated in white with gold accents representing the purity of the god of light religion.  Saint Elizabeth and members of the church, including Bishop Paul were on this float.  Hugh stared at his nemesis intently.  He paid no attention to the final float, decorated in the royal colours, carrying the King and his closest advisors. 

Several of the king’s staff, bearing baskets of treats walked between the two floats; they were handing out the goodies to the closest bystanders.  Hugh saw his chance.  He motioned to Judi and Kenneth that he was going to try to slip in to the parade and walk with the royal staff.  He rose from his seat and stepped closer to the edge of the road.  As he was about to slip in behind the leading float, he felt a strong hand grab him from behind; it held him in an unflinching grip and then spun him around.

Hugh found himself staring up into the face of a very muscular castle guard.  His companion, who was equally brawny, stood beside him.  Neither looked amused.

“What do you think you are trying to do?” the large man who was holding him, sneered in his face.  “We don’t allow your kind to take part in our parades.  No crystal of mixed race is welcome here!”

“Yea, we don’t like your kind here.  Get lost!” the other added in distain.

The man who had been restraining Hugh suddenly shoved him, roughly, back towards the seating area.  He stumbled slightly with the force of the thrust but caught himself in time to save hitting the ground.  Judi and Kenneth were standing right beside him; concern etched in their faces.    

Dejectedly, the three friends walked back to the inn. 

Hugh turned to them.  With grit and determination, he said, “We need to come up with another plan.”