The Time Travel Directorate by Penny Kim

than to trust Habit, though it felt like his position had been relegated back to an analyst.
    Pulling himself together as best he could, he began the journey towards the castle. As he approached, he noticed crowds swarming the gatehouse like a colony of ants. Grateful for the cover, Vin moved easily through the checkpoint, and headed towards the looming castle ahead. Not knowing exactly where he was going, he blindly followed the mob of people around him—hopeful they were all headed to the same place.
    It took nearly an hour, but he finally reached the inner bailey of the castle. The residences in this area were very fine indeed—Julius had been generous. Every windowsill was decorated with flowers—ribbons were affixed to doorways and posts. Music streamed from wandering musicians, supplying a general feeling of revelry. Ale was flowing freely, located at several stands along the progression to the castle keep, looming above them like a grey ghost.
    Vin decided on breakfast first, eating his fill of a bland tasting pie and washing it down with several gulps of ale. Turning, he followed the crowd as they proceeded directly in front of the stone keep. Directly below the castle’s colorful, stained glass windows was a large wooden platform—cordoned off from the pressing curiosity of the crowd. Vin swallowed heavily, finding the scene eerily familiar. Next to it was a well-constructed pen, as one might house an animal.
    It was now clear where the executions were taking place.
    Vin felt pressure on his shoulder. Turning, he watched as Inspector Habit appeared through the mob of people.
    “ Fine day for a beheading, don’t you think?”
    “Keep your voice down, ” Vin cautioned, looking around nervously.
    “Oh , don’t be ridiculous. None of this impacts Standard D.”
    “That doesn’t sound like the attitude of an inspector,” Vin shot back, eyeing Inspector Habit nervously.
    “Oh , relax. You should enjoy yourself in the past, let loose a bit.”
    “Yeah, thanks, maybe I will. Where is this guard I’m supposed to lookout for?” Vin asked, his anxiety growing.
    “ Julius will probably begin the proceedings soon. See that?” Inspector Habit said, pointing to the stained glass windows.
    “He lives in the castle?” Vin asked.
    “ Yes, he’s a Lord, after all,” Inspector Habit responded succinctly. “This all belongs to him. He owns the land, and the people.”
    “ Tell me more about the day’s festivities, the man I’m supposed to watch for?” Vin asked, shifting his weight.
    “See those people there?” Inspector Habit said, ignoring his question.
    Vin looked closer at the pen placed next to the platform, detecting the slightest of movement.
    “There are people in there?”
    “Local peasants who started an uprising a few weeks ago.”
    “Uprising over what?” Vin asked, horrified.
    “ There are always those who complain they don’t have enough. One must make an example of them, to dissuade future disturbances.”
    Vin looked into the depths of the pen. He thought again of Inspector Habit’s comments about enjoying oneself in history, suddenly he felt sick.
    “Come on, let’s take a look,” Inspector Habit said casually, taking Vin by the arm and leading him over to the pen.
    It was then that Vin realized Inspector Habit was armed, a large sword swinging at his side. Vin wondered whether or not he should be similarly outfitted. He felt the lowliness of his costume keenly, in fact, he looked more like one of the imprisoned peasants.
    “What was their crime again?” Vin asked, taking a good look at the scaffolding erected alongside the pen.
    As he got a closer look, he caught sight of a large axe casually placed next to a wooden block .
    Inspector Habit didn’t seem concerned with their situation. He inserted a key into the lock, turning it quickly.
    “ Some stole bread—another killed a knight,” Inspector Habit said, opening the door.
    “Who killed the knight?” Vin asked, reeling