One of the guards snorted. "Nay, twasn't me. They put me on the south gate that day." 

He beckoned to the younger guards next to him, who, in Keito's judgment had a rather unassuming look; he was no taller than him, with a physique so average he looked like an armored scarecrow. He wore a non-standard oversized helmet with a loose visor, causing it to fall and covered his face as he walked. 

"Aye, right away sir." 

And without further ado, he testified. "I was in charge of keepin' the crowd off the fence sir, it wasn't that much that day, so we had it easy, twas always easy. His majesty was on his way to give a speech and we had a few wee crowds inside the fences as well, part of the holy congregation, but surely there were ordinary folks as well. The ceremony always opens for the public."


He tapped his helmet and corrected his visor. "So we ain't suspected a thing that day, until we saw three men jumped from the crowd, brandishing sword and dagger. [i][b]Death to the marauder king![/b][/i] they cried. I's a good soldier so I rushed into the fray, swords in me hand." 

[color=#93FFFF]"So what about the crowds?"[/color] Asked Keito. [color=#93FFFF]"Weren't you supposed to keep them out?"[/color]

"Yes. But folks scattered about as soon as the swords started clanging' and bolts and whatnot flyin'. I was the closest with the Majesty and besides, I've got friends in the back. The only thing on me mind was bringing His Majesty to safety. 

[color=#93FFFF]"And killing His Majesty's pursuer?"[/color]

"If I could, but alas when I got there, the three Mecheans were dead, one killed by His Majesty's sword, and Madame Matilda was busy pummelling the archer. There was an explosion, and yellow smoke afterward. We were confused, but Madame Matilda got His Majesty escorted back to the Palace immediately. Then when I swung me sword against empty air I heard someone shouting: [i][b]By the Blessing of the Ouroboros! We have reclaimed what is ours![/b][/i] and after that, there was a blinding flash and those basterds were gone in thin air."

[color=#93FFFF]"I see. How many of them that was escaped?"[/color]

The guard paused. He straightened his posture and then spoke with a defensive pride. 

"Damn if I know, sir, If they ran through the fence we could'a seen 'em. Or if they climb the monastery, our watchers would ave shoot em. The smoke was thick and putrid a dragon could’ve taken a stroll there and I might not’a see it. They say it was two. And there were like, four dead bodies not including our lads which I recalled was three, taking arrows to protect His Majesty. Bless their souls dyin' in a great service like that. Please write that in your pamphlet or whatever."

"I quickly joined the other guards, thinking we might av missed them passing through the fence, so we scoured Rascade to every blade of grass, and twas to no avail. Some of my superiors were disciplined afte that futile search and a few more were demoted. Now here we are, guarding this place as a reminder and punishment." 

The guard sighed, waiting for Mister Geito to finish his scribbles before giving a closing statement. 

"That's all I know, sir. You can ask others the same questions and get the same answers. Not a great story if ye ask me."