A loud knock echoed in Mr Luketon's house.
Who is it?" He asked.
Council guard sent by Lord Emmanuel Morin, we are here for inspection. "inspection? Mr Luketon asked confused "Yes Sir" words reaching the council that heretic letters were sent to the academy, Lord Emmanuel commanded we do house checks.
The guards entered the house without further explanation searching everywhere, the guards started roaming round the apartment till they reached a room that stands alone in the narrow hallway. Before the men could turn the handle "You are not permitted to go in there" Mr Luketon said feeling irritated about the house check thing.
The guard turned around facing him, annoyed. "With all due respect, sir" he said, "We have been granted authority by the council to go anywhere we please and even touch anything we see. Mr Luketon jaw tightened, that room is private, it contains council documents you don't have clearance for. The guard steps closer, " We don't need clearance, Mr Luketon we need cooperation. So, if you make this hard for us we do it the hard way and I promise you, it isn't going to be funny. For a long second no words were heard until the last minute. You have five minutes, Mr Luketon broke the silence, after that you leave my house.
That's all we needed. The guards brushed past him entering the study room looking for anything at all until they saw a box.
There is nothing in there for you. Mr Luketon said
Then you won't mind opening it"
Luketon looked at the guards and sigh. The guards brought out the paper in there and saw nothing, he was about to drop the paper when he saw an old, fragile paper stuck in between two documents they brought it out. What is this? Mr Luketon asked the guards leaned in frowning "what language is this?" one muttered.
Until one guard spoke " That is the forbidden mark"
Mr Luketon took a step back, shaking his head "No" what is this paper doing here he shouted. Who are you asking the guard close to him asked, it's not mine he said looking at the guard
"Don't lie to us" another snapped
You have to believe me I haven't seen this in my life. Please take him to the council Chambers,the lead guard told his men – They seized his arms while another gathered the evidence. I didn't take this letter, I don't know where it is coming from, Mr Luketon said in panic. Don't waste your strength, Sir you'll explain yourself at the council Chambers", the lead guard said coldly.
Inside the council's chamber
What with the commotion ? Mr Morin the high councillor asked.
The lead guard bowed slightly, " forgive us, councillor. We were directed by Emmanuel to inspect Mr Luketon house and we found this, the guard showed the council the letter.
It…. It can't be.. Luketon where did you find this? Mr Rallen, one of the council members asked him.
No it can't be Mr Luketon,he can't do this,he is the most loyal among us he would never touch a forbidden symbol he continued shaking his head.
Loyalty you said another of the members blurted out. Do you think the war ended because we are honest? No, these symbols are dangerous to us, and if Mr Luketon can keep these secrets that means we are ruined.
Morin's hand clenched on the table, he knew Luketon, what he can do and what he can't but the evidence presented before him were undeniable and damn too real.
I…. Luketon started talking and his voice became unstable because of fear, I won't do anything to destroy the council. Mr Rallen slammed his hands on the table.
Enough!!! He roared " no one would dare plant forbidden symbols into the house of a councillor by mistake.
"And if he's innocent?" Mr Tarren, another member, said. Throwing more suspense.
Immediately there was silence everywhere until Morin's voice broke the silence. Until we discover the truth, Mr Luketon you will remain in our custody. Guards!!
Luketon eyes widened, Morin! You have to believe me, I didn't do it! Please believe me. The guards stepped forward guarding him towards the door.
THE INTERROGATION
After the council meeting, Mr Morin was pacing round the chamber in deep thought.
Jonah!! "Yes sir" the chief guard came in.
Who did you say gave you the order of the house check?
Emmanuel, sir the chief guard answered bowing down.
You may leave, Mr Morin said, pointing to the door. When the guard exited he picked up a communicator and dial quickly.
" Emmanuel" he called immediately the line connected.
Who informed you about the paper? How did you even know about it?
There was silence on the other side.
" Dad" I'm not a kid anymore, moreover the paper has circulated all over the school."
Morin's brow furrowed, "school, How?"
Emmanuel took a deep breath, the paper was found in school under a female student desk, she was startled about the letter and raised an alarm. When I heard about the matter and inquired about it, a young girl told me she saw Mr Luketon putting the letter on the locker.
So I decided to do a house check and fortunately we saw the letter there.
Mr Morin leaned back exhaling, "I see", he said tiredly, thanks for the information Emmanuel then he dropped the call.
The next morning, Mr Morin came to the school to inquire for himself. When he got there he asked for the young lady that whistled the name of his trusted ally.
Adele luketon you are needed in the principal office.
Adele and Mara exchanged glances. What did you do Adele? Mara asked, I didn't do anything, she replied scared.
Adele, he began as soon as she entered the principal office. You said you saw the man placing the paper.
Adele lip quivers, while her eyes locked to the door. Yes sir
How do you know Mr Luketon? He asked.
He is my father, she replied
"Your father?" He repeated, then realization struck him, so you are accusing your father because of your mum? He asked, staring at her for answers.
Adele wanted to say something but closed her mouth, tears spilling from her eyes, " No councillor" she whispered with her voice breaking. " My mum had those symbols in her room. I'm not doubting it, but since she died my dad has been acting strange. He even chased me from the house and I hadn't seen him till he came to school. I saw him keeping something on Gail's table.
She sniffed as her shoulder shook, " I thought he had just moved on, or he was looking for something until Gail started panicking and showing us the letter. I told your son because he promised me it won't get to the council's ear. But now.. she broke off sobbing he promised me that my father will not die, please don't kill him, she begged
That's for me to decide, girl, Marin replied then left the room.
Later that day Morin walked to the prison to confront Mr Luketon, where is your daughter? Is she staying with you ? He asked.
Luketon raised his head weakly, " No", councillor. He continued, I chased her from the house so that her mother heresy won't rub on my son. Morin stared at him for a minute before leaving the prison. Guards call all the council now, " yes sir" the guards close to him replied running off.