The Murder Weapon Is Missing!

(a transcription of the following interview just reached the Hall of Heroes)

When the First Citizen fell, I was there. As he descended the steps I saw the look in his wild eyes change to one composed of peace. It was an expression I had not seen on the face of the First Citizen in the past year... not since some said he had fallen to madness. He is truly dead, is he? You know I never would openly say these things unless he was truly dead and not coming back. Anyway, he paused on the stairs about one third of the way down from the top. His new Daglirae guard halted; wondering why he had stopped, and saw the First Citizen looking down at a strange hilt protruding from his chest. As he fell forward, panic ensued. Three of the guard ran to his side, while the other six entered the crowd. I don't know if they were looking for a murderer yet, but he was dead, all right. I had seen that expression before in our northern campaigns to liberate the locals from their own ignorance. There was blood. Quite a lot but as not much as I would expect from such a wound. It was shaped like an "X" over his heart. Someone must have pulled out the weapon when they tore open his garments because the blood flowed freely. Then I heard talk from the three guards asking each other who removed blade. I don't know who had it but I don't think they ever found it, Mavors help them. Those guards seemed very inexperienced. I don't know why the First Citizen was using them. Where was his Guard of Honor, Valor, and Might anyway?

Hierarch Arujah was there in a moment running up the stairs, his white robes flowing behind him. But as you've already heard, this was no natural death. And that is why I speak so freely.

Now, you might be asking me how I saw all of this. It wasn't a dream nor talk from an oracle. I was there on the steps when the commotion started and eventually stopped. It was an odd situation and I'll never forget what I saw.

I'm actually glad you saw me here so I could talk to someone. No one ever sees Old Barnabas just sitting there. Just another stone cast aside. Just another old soldier.