Geheimdienstbericht – Teil 4

Hell's Rebels - Prolog 4 / Noch 10 Tage (11. Mai 2020)

Starday, 22. Arodus 4715

Diese Plakate sieht man schon seit einigen Wochen in Kintargo. Sie kündigen die neue Oper "Curse of the Scarlet Princess" an. In bester Tradition der chellischen Oper wird auf gewohnt pompöse Art und Weise die Geschichte der besessenen, ehemaligen Königin von Korvosa erzählt. Das vornehme Opernpublikum von Kintargo freut sich bereits auf die berühmte Bardin Shensen als Ileosa Arabasti. Nächste Woche findet die langersehnte Premiere im avistanweit bekannten Operhaus von Kintargo statt.

It is another hot Starday in the month of Arodus, but the torrid winds are mercifully light today. It has been five days since the arrival of the man who the city has come to know as Barzillai Thrune. In that time, he has shown himself little to the people of Kintargo. He seems to have turned down several invitations from Pavo Alazario to inspect the Chained Devil Inn, causing the old patriot no end of consternation. Rumor has it that he has visited several noble houses in the Greens but which ones precisely have been inconclusive. Furthermore, he has been spotted several times in private prayer with Arch-Heathen Corinstian Grivenner at the Church of Asmodeus. It is said that he is a particularly religious man.

The nobleman has made one rather large impression amongst the theater going public, however. Reently he seems to have taken up residence at the Kintargo Opera House, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Unfortunately, his occupancy has caused the cancelation of all upcoming performances, including that of the much anticipated “Curse of the Scarlet Princess” which features the story of the obsessed former queen of Korvosa, Ileosa Arabasti. Needless to say, the director and his cast were crestfallen, not to mention the public at large.

No one has seen nor heard from Lord Mayor Bainilus all week, which is very much unlike her. Last Toilday’s city council meeting was canceled as well. The citizenry are beginning to talk but by noon, criers begin circulating throughout the districts, bearing a message from the Lord Mayor that should reign in much of the speculation.

A crier at a nearby intersection unfurls a scroll and reads in a booming voice:

“Hear me, citizens of Kintargo! Lord Mayor Jilia Bainilus has written the following for your edification: ‘My fellow Kintargans, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you that Her Infernal Majestrix has determined that my administrative talents are needed in our colony of Anchor’s End. Governmental turmoil has arisen and the Queen believes a lord mayor of my experience is needed to put things to rights. I have been commanded to leave upon the H.I.M.S.^[1] Incubus which will have unfortunately already set sail by the time this message reaches your ears. In my stead, Paracount Barzillai Thrune shall hold stewardship^[2] over Kintargo at the Queen’s pleasure. Please, extend to the Paracount all of the trust and cooperation you would give me. Show him that the Silver City is indeed a jewel in the crown of Cheliax. Until I return to you, best regards, Jilia Bainilus.’ The proceeding was presented to you at the behest of Lord Mayor Paracount Barzillai Thrune. Asmodeus keep the Queen!”

Upon his reading of the scroll, the Devil's Bells give a single, baritone peel and then fall silent.