“Yes, your majesty. I am at your service,” I answered promptly.
“Assuming you are acquitted of wrongdoing tomorrow I will have your oath of fealty shortly afterward.”
“I will give it now if you wish sire,” I said.
He shook his head, “No tomorrow will be fine. However there is a serious matter to discuss. Have you given thought to your bonding?”
My what? “Excuse me your majesty; I’m not sure what you mean.”
“If the reports are to be believed you showed a great deal of magical prowess during your battle with Devon Tremont. Much like your father, tradition demands you be bound to a partner, your Anath’Meridum,” Edward was matter of fact.
“Your pardon sire, I had thought the knowledge of how to create such a bond lost.”
“It is not. In fact the ancients were very careful to preserve the knowledge. We have several books here detailing how it is done. I am not an expert in the matter but your father once told me it was an easy thing to accomplish. The choosing is the hard part,” he replied.
“In what way sire?”
“It should be obvious. The person you choose will die when you do, and vice versa. The one chosen should be a friend, or someone close, but it isn’t easy to put such a burden upon one you love.”
James interrupted, “I thought that part was just a myth.”
“Oh no! It’s absolute truth, it’s the very reason for the bond after all,” Edward said.
“Your majesty, if I may? Do I have to choose immediately?” I inquired.
“The sooner the better, there’s still a trainer here, from the days when your mother was chosen. He will return with you when you leave, to begin preparing whoever you choose.”
That was a surprise, “Did he know my mother?” In my haste I forgot to add the proper honorific, but he took no offense.
“Certainly, he trained her.”
“What sort of training is it... your majesty?” I remembered my etiquette that time.
“It involves martial training, some meditation, and a lot of history and indoctrination regarding the secrets and reasons for the Anath’Meridum, or so I’m told.”
I was having difficulty imagining putting such a burden on Dorian, or Penny if she came back. In truth the thought of having to worry about anyone else dying when I did was... I remembered why Penny had left. I couldn’t possibly choose anyone now; it would be a death sentence. “Are there any consequences if I decline to form such a bond with anyone?” It was an ill-considered question but I needed to know.
“Apart from death? I would be forced to rally the kingdom to have you put down. Don’t tell me you’re considering such a thing?” his eyes grew wary. I could almost see him suddenly regretting the informal setting, the lack of guards.
“No of course not sire! I was just curious. I’m very new to all this and I’ve never had a teacher, or any formal training.” I tried to put as much sincerity in my voice as possible. In my mind I went over his words... have you put down. Like a rabid dog? The phrasing made it sound as if I might go mad if I wasn’t bonded to someone. Once again I cursed my lack of knowledge.
“Good. I’ll introduce you to the trainer tomorrow, assuming you are acquitted of course.” He smiled at me, but I could not help but think of my father’s old advice, beware a smile on a dog.
James and I returned to my rooms after that. The wine had largely worn off, but neither of us felt like dinner in the great hall so we said our goodbyes and he returned to his city home. I managed to get a light supper brought to my room.
While I was eating I realized Penny’s things were gone. She must have returned for them while I was out. I guessed she was serious. I lay in bed for what seemed like hours after that. Sleep, when it finally came, was far from restful.
Chapter 7
Morning arrived bright and shining; with no regard to my personal feeling on the subject. It should have been raining, if anyone had bothered to consult me on the matter. I took breakfast in my room. The service at the royal palace was definitely a step up from Lancaster. The duke’s cook would boil someone alive for requesting a meal in their room, much less between the set meal times. Of course to be fair, the royal kitchen served a lot more people and probably had a whole crew of cooks managing things.
The hearing was set for nine in the morning. A terrible time for me to be sure, but I suspected that the king liked to get unpleasant things out of the way early. Adam showed up to help me dress. He was just as efficient at the task as Benchley had been, but he made sure I knew that true men of quality brought their own man-servants. I was tempted to ask him to empty the chamber pot after that, but I held my temper.
I got directions to the Hall of Lords, where our hearing would occur. I made my way along the corridors alone, without escort or guard, without Penny. When I arrived the man at the door announced me as ‘his lordship, the Count di’Cameron’ and an usher led me to my seat. I was pleased to find James and Genevieve sitting close by. I suppose as his vassal the seating arrangements put us close together.
The hall itself was large, with a vaulted ceiling and seats on the floor for nearly a hundred people. I say people, but those seats were for the lords and ladies of Lothion. Spectators were allowed to sit, but only in the galleries on either side of the main hall. The king sat in a small box, apart and behind the central dais. Theoretically he could intervene and overrule any decisions made, but James made it clear to me that such things rarely happened. The proceedings and the final decision would be made by the Lord High-Justicer, the Earl of Winfield.
The justicer was not the most highly ranked peer of course, that would have been James, or the Duke of Tremont, but apparently the position was not hereditary. It was by appointment of the king himself that a new justicer was chosen when necessary.
I leaned over to James, “What’s going to happen exactly?”
“A lot of rigmarole first, and then they’ll call Tremont up to make his case. After that I respond and then the justicer starts asking questions. We take turns calling witnesses if necessary. I hope you stopped by the privies before you arrived,” he winked at me.
“Where is Marc at?”
James frowned at that, “No idea, I sent him a message yesterday telling him to be here. I suppose his goddess is more important than keeping his father’s trust. Where’s Penny?”
“Point taken,” I responded. It wouldn’t look good for us if half our witnesses didn’t appear. The ‘rigmarole’ that James had mentioned was even more boring than I had imagined. After several minutes of introductions and speeches I was glad it was over. At last Lord Winfield got down to business.
“I believe Lord Tremont has a case to present before the court, please step up and make your claim clear.” The elder Tremont took the floor. He was a well-built man, close to James’ age, in his early forties at the oldest. He bore a presence of power and confidence around him, reminding me of James.
“I stand before you today to ask for justice. My son was slain while staying with the Lancaster’s and his murderer sits proudly here among us, with no shame for his crime,” he pointed at me disdainfully. “According to the reports given by Lancaster’s own servants, my son was threatened twice by different members of the duke’s household. First he was threatened by the man who eventually slew him...,” another nod in my direction, “...then by Dorian Thornbear.”
I started to stand but James put his hand on my shoulder, “Not yet, you’ll get your chance.”
Tremont continued, “This man threatened my son for no reason a few days before his murder, then declined an honorably given challenge. Instead he enticed my son into a chess match whereby he swindled him out of two hundred gold marks. Adding insult to injury Dorian Thornbear, another of Lancaster’s vassals, threatened to kill my son when he attempted to help the new Count di’Cameron after he had suffered an accident while hunting.”
He paused for a moment to survey the room, “I see young Thornbear has declined to appe
ar today. No matter, doubtless his testimony would have only made the case more clear. Not only did he threaten my son’s life, but a Miss Penelope Cooper, the fiancée of young Lord Cameron, attempted to assassinate my son just a short time before Lord Cameron succeeded in the deed. She was seen attempting to stab my son with a dagger at the ball that evening. Reportedly it was his act of self-defense that finally drove Lord Cameron to murder him. It has been said that a small army of assassins attacked the Lancaster household that day, but it is my belief that Lord Cameron used the attack as an opportunity to carry out his plan for murder.”
Lord Tremont returned to his place and Lord Winfield stood up, “Lord Lancaster, how do you respond to these accusations?” James stood and took the floor.
“I declare them false, in their entirety. Those things mentioned by Lord Tremont that did hold some truth were twisted in their meaning and intention to cast guilt upon innocent. Devon Tremont used my invitation to bring assassins into my home in an attempt to wipe out the Lancaster family. While he was there he insulted my son and young Lord Cameron, which resulted in their disagreement. He attempted to murder Lord Cameron using magic during a boar hunt. Dorian Thornbear prevented him from finishing his task and showed remarkable restraint in not slaying Devon at that point. I invite you to call any of the principals named by Lord Tremont who are present today and I will stand behind their word.” James took a deep breath and looked across the assembled lords.
“Considering what occurred it is I who should be laying charges of wrongdoing at Tremont’s doorstep, if I were fool enough to believe him guilty of his son’s crimes.” He stepped back.
The justicer responded, “Do you wish to levy counter charges against Lord Tremont?”
“I do not, out of respect for our past friendship and the knowledge that he did not have any part in his son’s crimes,” James answered.
“How do you answer the charge that Dorian Thornbear threatened Devon Tremont’s life, or that Lord Cameron did the same, before eventually making good on his threat?” Lord Winfield would seek an explanation for each particular it seemed.
“Dorian Thornbear is not here to answer that charge, but I will call his friend and the other principal, Lord Cameron to respond,” James replied looking at me.
That was my cue so I approached the floor. Earlier I had feared I would be too nervous to speak, but anger had replaced my anxiety. “I am Mordecai Illeniel, the new Count di’Cameron. Devon Tremont insulted my adoptive parents and I did threaten him, but only with a beating. He challenged me to a duel and then agreed to a chess match in its place. He also suggested the wager of one hundred gold marks. I did not swindle him, I merely raised the stakes,” I took a moment to breathe and I could hear a few scattered chuckles amongst the crowd.
“How do you respond to the charge that Dorian Thornbear also threatened his life?”
“I am a wizard just as Devon Tremont was. He ambushed me during the boar hunt and almost killed me by paralyzing my horse while she was at a full gallop. Dorian bore witness to this and forced him to surrender before he could finish the deed,” I replied.
“There is no record of anyone having sorcerous powers within the family of Tremont. Certainly Devon never displayed any before, do you wish to claim otherwise?”
“I do.”
Lord Tremont burst out, “That’s preposterous! My son never showed any sign of magical talent.”
“How do you support your claim Lord Cameron?” Lord Winfield looked interested.
“Everyone saw him use his abilities in the battle at the ball the night he died. His most visible use was when he tried to burn me alive,” I answered calmly.
“Is this true Lord Lancaster?”
“It certainly looked that way to me,” James responded.
Lord Tremont spoke up, “He probably did that himself and seeks to cloud the issue by claiming my son had similar abilities.”
The justicer spoke, “In the absence of firm proof we will have to set the question of Devon’s magical talent aside. It is largely irrelevant to the case at hand. Since your fiancée is not present you will have to answer for her. Did she attempt to kill Devon Tremont during a dance that evening?”
I was on shaky ground now, “She had a premonition of Tremont’s plan and given his prior actions she sought to remove the danger he represented.” I saw James grimace; I don’t think he wanted me to answer so bluntly.
“What prior actions?” the justicer asked.
“I would rather not say your lordship.” I knew that answer would cast me in a dark light, but I couldn’t bear to share what had nearly been done to Penelope.
“He tried to rape me,” a voice spoke from the aisle. I turned and saw her standing there, resplendent in a white dress. She came forward to stand beside me and rush of emotions threatened to undo my calm exterior, but I fought them down.
“Were there any witnesses to this event?”
“Dorian Thornbear and my fiancé, Lord Cameron,” she tilted her head to indicate me. I’m not sure if she had ever looked so beautiful before.
Things got heated after that. Lord Tremont started shouting and the questions got out of hand. I almost lost my temper at some of his remarks regarding Penny’s credibility. Further testimony only made things muddier and I wondered how Lord Winfield would eventually rule. If I had been in his position I would certainly have been confused. Naturally Marc chose that moment to appear.
He walked down to the floor without being called. Wearing a white robe he seemed out of place amongst the well-dressed lords and ladies. Without being asked he took the center floor and spoke up. Though he didn’t raise his voice it carried clearly throughout the room, “The Lancasters and Lord Cameron are innocent.” His tone was matter of fact, as if he expected everyone would take him at his word.
“You’re a Lancaster! Why should anyone believe your words to be less biased than your father’s?” That sounded like Tremont but it was hard to be sure.
“I could give you my testimony but it would do little good. I am here to give voice to the Lady of the Evening Star. She would share her wisdom with you this day.” That got everyone’s attention.
Things got quiet for a moment, till Lord Airedale shouted out, “You expect us to believe you speak for the Goddess?”
Marc looked at the floor before raising his head. Opening his eyes it seemed as though light spilled out from them, illuminating the room. The light enveloped him and then he was gone, replaced by a woman so beautiful she made Penny look drab in comparison. Not that I would ever tell her that. “I am here to show you the truth, and if any man dares gainsay my word let him speak now.”
Millicenth’s voice carried an unearthly harmony behind it. No one interrupted now. The goddess gazed out over the crowd and the most powerful men and women in the kingdom knew doubt. “Devon Tremont sought power through magic. He made a pact with a dark god and brought the Children of Mal’goroth into Lancaster that day, seeking to slay them all,” she stared at Lord Tremont, pity in her eyes, “Your grief has blinded you Andrew Tremont. Your younger son slew his brother and you would not see it. His death was the result of his own greed for power. If he had not died you would have been his next victim.”
I had never heard the Duke of Tremont’s given name before and as I watched he covered his face, overcome with emotion. The goddess walked to him, passing through the crowd while people fell back in awe. She put her hand on his head, for he was kneeling now. “Rise Andrew, for you have done nothing wrong, save letting your love blind you.”
He stood, his face wet with tears but he could not bear to look into her face. Turning she strode back toward the center of the room. I thought she would pass by, but instead she stopped when she came to me. I could feel her power radiating outward, encasing me, and seeking entry. Without thinking I strengthened my shield and light flared around me.
For a moment annoyance flickered in her eyes, but she smiled instead, “Child of Illeniel, I see you still refuse me. If
you will not accept my guidance, why are you still unbound?”
“I have not chosen who will bear the bond with me yet Lady.” I answered her. Sweat stood out on my brow from the effort of keeping her power at bay.
“You should choose quickly, the dark gods will not be as patient as I am. You risk the destruction of your world while you decide,” she stretched out her hand toward me and the pressure increased. Lightning flared and crackled around my shield where she touched it and the strain grew almost unbearable.
Anger gave me strength, “Enough! If you would force yourself on me then you are no better than the dark gods you speak of!” My shield flared with red light and she drew back. The pressure abruptly lessened.
“You would do well to watch your words mortal. The time is coming when you will need my aid lest you lose that which you hold most dear.” She smiled at me but her grin seemed feral. She turned to address the assembly once more, “I will be watching. This is not the time for discord. The people of Lothion must unite or all will be lost.” In the blink of an eye she was gone, replaced by Marc’s unconscious form. He slumped to the ground before I could catch him.
The room was silent for a long minute after she vanished. The shock of her appearance had robbed everyone of their power of speech, till King Edward spoke, “Lord Justicer, what is your decision?”
“I find for Lancaster. The charges hold no merit,” he answered immediately.
I might have cheered but I no longer had the energy. I would have left but for the matter of my fealty. King Edward was kind enough to take my oath without waiting on pomp and circumstance. The room remained silent throughout the rest of the proceedings and once they were done the room emptied quickly.
James and Genevieve took Marc with them. One of the servants assisted James until they got him to the duke’s carriage outside. Penny and I were soon left alone.