Johann, Chapter 1

“I’ll tell yew nothin’” the potential assassin told the soldier interrogating him, starring at the various knights and lords about him, both of foreign and domestic origin. 
“Well, If that is the case, I’m sure Posnik here would love to continue roughing you up. Should you ever change your mind, however, feel free to speak up.” The Duke said, before exiting the dark tent in which the captive was tied. 
“Each day, we grow closer to finding the source of this plot, yet each day, it grows more complex. We will find these traitors eventually, and justice shall be served, but we must be careful.” the duke said to the robed man beside him, striding toward a large tent in the center of the camp “Were it not for your men, milord, I don’t think that skirmish would have gone so smoothly.”
“Oui, it would not have. For now, though, we should rest, and perhaps plan an alternate route back to your court. This one seems to be...watched.” the foreign lord replied, as they entered the great canvas hall 
“I, for one, would agree. Let us talk over some wine.” the Duke says, grabbing a green bottle, and pouring the deep, red liquid into a pair of silvered goblets. “Never has there been a more southern combination, fine wines and plotting, had there?” the duke jested, handing the foreign lord one of the cups 
“If you say so, my friend.” the lord replies, taking a long draft of the wine 
“Now, what shall we speak of? This business about the conspiracy makes me tired-“ Johann says, until he is cut off by someone outside the tent
“Mes Seigneurs, May I enter?” a voice calls, one of the Foreigner’s men 
“Oui, Jacques, you may.” the lord replies 
“I apologize for my intrusion, my lords, but we found something on one of the bandit’s bodies. You may want to see this.” the knight says, entering with a small pouch, which he empties into the table at the center of the tent
Johann takes up one of several items which spill out, a small wax seal, featuring an open hand surrounded by vines
“Ersaso, the swine!” Johann Says, with rising anger in his voice “This is getting out of hand! For him to have the audacity to...try THIS! To be so bold as to attempt to assassinate the entire house of Taepe!” his anger grows to a crescendo, and he turns to Sir Jacques 
“Sir knight! You are to behead that bastard bandit! Now! Dismissed!” 
Jacques stumbles back with the fury directed toward him, before nodding, and scurrying out of the tent, drawing his sword as he leaves. 
“My lord, perhaps it is not time to act rash-“ the foreign noble councils 
“I do not CARE! This....BANDIT, has the audacity to assault MY PERSON! I will see him broken over the wheel a thousand times for this!” johann replies in rage, before downing the rest of his wine in but a swig. “My Lord, you are dismissed” he says, slamming the goblet against the ornate wooden table, leaving a semi-circular dent in the stained oak 
“Very well, Duke.” The foreigner says, before bowing, and following his man out of the tent, into the evening dusk