Clagg, thought Dougal, and all the air went out of him for the moment. "So, why are we having this discussion?" he said.
"Formality," said the officer, his teeth showing white beneath his mustache. He walked over to the writing desk and motioned to the clerk, who opened it and produced another sheaf of paper. The Seraph guard read the form.
"Dougal Keane," he said.
"Still present," said Dougal, his heart sinking.
"Born in Divinity's Reach, but emigrated to Ebonhawke as a child. Served in the Ebon Vanguard. You are listed as missing, presumed dead. Deserter?" His teeth flashed.
"We were caught behind charr lines on an extended patrol," said Dougal, choosing his words carefully.
"You disappeared five years ago," said the officer.
"It was an extremely extended patrol," said Dougal, hoping he sounded more authoritative than he felt. He felt compelled to add, "There were a lot of charr between us and Ebonhawke at the time."
"You never went back," said the officer, smacking his lips in disdain. Then he added, "The queen strongly supports Ebonhawke. We could send you back to rejoin your unit."
"I'm sure those who are still alive would welcome me back," bluffed Dougal.
The officer shrugged and returned to his list. "Wanted in regards to numerous petty crimes in Lion's Arch."
"Does the queen strongly support Lion's Arch as well?" said Dougal, raising his eyebrows in mock disbelief.
"A crime is a crime," said the officer. "Even in Lion's Arch."
"Lion's Arch was founded by pirates, corsairs, and wreckers," said Dougal, and for the first time the Seraph nodded in agreement. Even the clerk smiled.
The officer returned to his paper. "You worked for the Durmand Priory, apparently."
"Briefly. We parted company after a disagreement about their book-lending policy," said Dougal.
"I was unaware that the Durmand Priory lent out its precious books," said the Seraph.
"My point exactly," said Dougal. This time the clerk smiled and nodded, but the Seraph only shrugged.
"Your name turned up in an incident involving the sunken Temple of the Ages."
"Never been there," Dougal lied.
"Several landlords are looking for you about rent owed," continued the Seraph officer.
"A series of simple misunderstandings," said Dougal.
"You've been to Ascalon City," said the officer. "And came out alive."
The accusation was sudden and unexpected, and left him breathless. It hung in the air a moment, and even the clerk looked up. Dougal just nodded.
"Yes," he said at last. "That part is true."
The Seraph shook his head. "With all your… apparent abilities, I am surprised you have not made more of yourself."
Dougal struggled for a moment, then said, "Such is the nature of our lives in these dragon-haunted times. Perhaps I have a problem with my work ethic."
"Very well," said the heavyset man. "I think we can provide you with a little work ethic. You'll be joining a work crew on Lake Doric."
"Don't I get a trial?" asked Dougal.
"You get a hearing," said the officer. "This was it. In the name of Queen Jennah, the city of Divinity's Reach, the nation of Kryta, you are found guilty. Tomorrow morning you'll be escorted to a work gang north of the city."
Dougal started to protest, when the door opened and another Seraph entered the room.
If his original interrogator was ill-made to wear the uniform, this one seemed to have been born in the armor. Tall, with dark brown hair parted in the center, the long locks framing a stern face with noble, chiseled features.
Dougal inhaled sharply: this was Logan Thackeray, captain of the Seraph in Divinity's Reach, champion of Her Majesty Queen Jennah, protector of Kryta. The man had been legendary even before he had joined the Seraph: he was a member of one of the most famous guilds in recent history, Destiny's Edge. Although that guild was no more, Logan Thackeray's legend had continued to grow.
The interrogating officer immediately stiffened and saluted, while the clerk laid down his pen and bowed in respect. Even Dougal felt his spine stiffen and stood up straight in the captain's presence.
"Lieutenant Groban," said Logan sharply.
"Sir," said Groban, dropping his salute with a snap. "I was about to assign the prisoner to a work gang."
"Dougal Keane?" said Logan.
"Yes, sir!" said Groban, pleased that the captain was following his caseload. For his part, Dougal felt a little sick: when someone in power knew your name, it never boded well.
"He is to be released," said Logan.
A confused look spread over Groban's face, as if Logan had suddenly manifested a godly aura and levitated before him. "Released?" the lieutenant repeated.
"On orders of Her Majesty, he is to be released into the custody of the Vigil," said Logan, and Dougal's stomach felt like an abyssal hole. The queen? Why would the queen have anything to say in this?
Lieutenant Groban fumbled with his heavy set of keys and unlocked the cell door. Then, selecting a smaller key, he began working on Dougal's manacles.
Dougal's thoughts raced. Why was this Vigil interested in him? They were a group of would-be knights and heroes engaged in fighting the Elder Dragons and their minions. A fool's errand if there ever was one.
Why did they want him? He checked his ongoing list of people he had offended, stole from, or owed money to. He came up empty.
"You are a lucky man," said Logan, speaking to Dougal now. "You were specifically asked for by someone with enough influence to get you out of here." From the tone of his voice, it was clear that Logan would prefer to see Dougal rebuilding a dock somewhere on Lake Doric under armed supervision. "Were I you, I would strongly recommend that you not disappoint her. I don't want to see you back here again." He failed to elucidate whether he was referring to this cell, Divinity's Reach, or Kryta in general.
Dougal's mind was spinning now. " 'Her'?" he managed.
Logan walked to the doorway. "Ma'am?" he said.
A slim woman in chain armor entered the room, and for a half-second Dougal's heart stopped. She had tightly wound auburn curls that stopped just short of her shoulders, and her icy blue eyes had the cold look of a military professional.
"Riona," said Dougal softly.