The modernization of the guard from captains to people who "police" things was a little alarming. Gone was the charming cells right next to desks, in was different processing areas with coordinated locking iron bars controlled by electric machinery (steam was replaced with electricity while I was out, there are power lines running everywhere). There was just a whole sterilization. The cells were all white, they didn't even look lived in! This was even the temporary facility where people awaited trial, the real prisons I was told were a lot more uniform and boring (told because thankfully I didn't end up there). Even the new captains of the guard were all uniform, wearing similar outfits, name tags, and weaponry. It was enough to bring me down! Their leader was a tall thin man with a mustache named Dupont, he looked around thirty and spoke with a slow dragging everything out way of talking, I couldn't place his accent, but from his mannerisms I guessed he used to live away from cities until very recently.
"My predecessor left a note about Trezlan." I was in the back of the jail area, no other prisoners were in the cells with me I felt like my own special snowflake.
"Is that why I'm getting the executive treatment back here? I have to say its quite nice I hate being put with the drunks." Even though I was tispy I was not drunk, as much, since processing took a bit of time (a new wrinkle to incarceration you have to get "processed" which basically means they take down all your information for future stays in jail).
"Not exactly, but she did tell me to shoot you on sight should you come back."
"And here I always thought she liked me." It hurt to hear I should be killed upon my return, but it wasn't exactly a huge surprise (I mean I'm a terrible person who should I return would be the result of my horribleness).
"What are you Mr. Lorentino, I know the shorty who runs the bar is a magical something who does not age, but I've heard you do age, just slower than others, but you look young to me now, so what are you?"
"I'm magic." It was of course true, but not what he wanted he frowned.
"You'll be taken to court for the death you caused, you'll claim self defense and thats fine, the trial will let us determine your level of magical ability and assign your number same as everyone else, you are not a registered magic user in our system, but you will be Mr. Lorentino, and until you are this jail cell will be your home." He whistled as he left and I felt a little sad. I thought I already was registered! I mean how many times must I travel down the legal system of the lands of the Guard before someone/anyone actually marks me down? Not that I necessarily want that since you know I don't age and I'm a terrible person.
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