noveltune Chapter 66: Verdict
Chapter 66: Verdict
Chapter 66: Verdict
Chapter 66
I walked behind Marcel, who had a fast pace for a librarian. He smelled of sweet perfume as he pranced before us, and the crowded streets parted before him and his escort. We entered the main road that led to the Imperial Palace. The imposing palace approached rapidly as we followed the confident Chancellor. We reached a gate to the Imperial Grounds. There were four legionaries here with shiny steel armor with gold highlights. I assumed these were the Imperial Legionaries that served the Emperor directly.
Chancellor Marcel did not pause and walked between the guards into the grounds. The legionaries saluted him with their right palm flat on their left collarbone. This was the Emperor’s salute. Maybe it was because he was counsel to the Emperor. I was not going to ask. The fewer questions I asked of the man responsible for the College of Scholars, the better.
Instead of heading to the palace, we took a blue-veined marble paved path to the right through expansive and diverse flowering gardens. The kaleidoscope of colors passed rapidly as we got deeper into the Imperial district. I was starting to get nervous but maintained pace. There was a class of nine young children in the gardens. A bald man in blue robes was giving an explanation of one of the flowering trees. He was telling them where the tree normally grew on the continent, and that was all I caught as we were past the class.
We reached a series of modest homes on the other side of the vast gardens. Each home was made of plain gray granite and had a small personal garden out front. Short, white marble stones marked off the garden. Marcel walked up the steps, and I followed. The two legionnaire escorts turned and walked away. I paused to watch them.
Marcel also stopped and explained, “I only have an escort when I leave the grounds. If they thought you were a threat, they would have remained. Come inside; my wife should have lunch ready.”
Inside the stone dwelling, large windows dominated the walls, giving it lots of natural light. The spacious room was both a kitchen and dining room. A woman who appeared much older than Marcel smiled, “Ah, I see you found the boy you were looking for.”
“Damn near had to be Mercury zipping all across the city,” Marcel griped to the woman as he sat heavily at the table.
“You need to get out more anyway, Marcel. Sit, and we can eat. I am Sofia. I assume you are legionnaire Eryk.” She smiled as she placed a pot on the table. A tray of flat oval bread was soon added to the table. “Help yourself, Eryk. Consider my cooking payment for your knowledge.”
“Don’t be bought so cheaply, Eryk. Knowledge is more valuable than gold. Although, Sofia’s cooking is as well.” Marcel said, smiling at his wife. He took a piece of bread and then scooped a healthy portion of thick sauce with cubed meat and vegetables. I followed his example. Sofia poured wine for everyone and then joined us. The whole friendly atmosphere was a little surprising.
Marcel asked as he ate, “I read the report Yanis submitted for the trial. What do you remember about the storm giant?”
I chewed and swallowed and made a satisfied groan at the taste to earn a smile from Sofia’s. “He was big, maybe the height of five men. Much quicker than you would expect,” I answered.
“No. What was he wearing? What did he say?” Marcel asked with interest, studying me.
“I do not think he said anything. Mage Durandus just attacked him,” I replied and continued taking bites, waiting for questions.
Marcel frowned, “That is unfortunate. Storm giants are one of the few reasonable giants. How old was he?”
“I am sorry you are asking things I have no knowledge of. He had a beard that was light brown, if that helps,” I answered and tried the wine. It was flavorful but slightly acidic.
“I am sorry. I will try and direct my questions based on your background. Your accent, are you from Linshania?” He did not wait for an answer before adding, “The length of their beard usually determines a storm giant’s age. They would have certain color beads in it for their life’s accomplishments.”
“I am not from Linshania,” I said carefully. I was slightly worried Marcel may have the Truthseeker ability, so I planned not to offer any information. “The giant’s beard came to his waist,” I remembered. “He did have beads in his beard...but I can not recall the details. We left the body in the crater. I am sure the beads are still there.”
“Yes, yes.” He nodded. “Waist...at least a few centuries old then.” He sucked on his teeth, considering. “We are considering an expedition, but with the Bartiradians so close, it will take time to pull it together. Now, what about the city below the swamp?”
“We did not see it. Just Durandus’ saw it with his magic. He told me it was a city for the giants, but his power was not strong enough to explore it.” I replied and started eating again, hoping he had forgotten his line of questioning about where I was from.
He nodded immediately, “About an hour ago, the dukes left the building.”
He was going to keep going, but I stopped him, holding his arm. He looked at me, waiting patiently, “What was the decision?”
He looked confused, “I believe the mage was found guilty.” He sized up my appearance and clean-cut face, “I can bring you to records if you want to know the specifics?”
“Please do,” I nodded with a pit in my stomach. I was sure Konstantin would have the details as well. I followed the Magistrate through the building and into the basement, where a sprawling library was located. Dozens of white and yellow robes individuals weaved through the shelves of books and scrolls. My guide stopped a white-robed young man, and he rushed off.
“I will leave you here. Magistrate Marcus went to retrieve the records. He will help you, legionnaire.” He bowed and left.
The young Marcus returned a short while later with a scroll. He handed it to me, “Please be careful with it. It has not yet been transcribed into the histories.”
I unfurled the scroll and read it.
Ducal Tribunal of Mage Castile Duval
Sitting Dukes: Duke Vito of Camalmia Province, Duchess Victoria of Sobra Province, Duke Octavian of Sacegoes Province
Charge One brought by Duke Octavian: Retreating from the field of battle. Vote: Guilty 3-0, punishment: ten years of additional service without annual wage from the Emperor
Charge Two brought by Duke Octavian: Willful neglect of Empire Resources. Vote: Not Guilty 2-1
Charge Three brought by Duke Octavian: Conspiracy to the death of Mage Gregor. Vote: Not Guilty 2-1
Charge Four brought by Duchess Victoria: Conspiracy to the death of Master Mage Durandus. Vote: Not Guilty 3-0
Charge Five brought by Duke Ocativan: Conspicacy to the death of Displacement Mage Santino. Vote: Not Guilty 2-1
Charge Six brought by Duchess Victoria: Improperly holding a Tribunal of Mage Durandus’ Death. Vote: Not Guilty 3-0
I read the document twice, and Marcus asked, “This is the summary. I can gather the related documents if you wish, legionnaire.”
“No,” I rolled up the scroll with the Imperial Seal on it. “Where is Mage Castile then?” I had actually thought when I heard she was guilty, she would be executed.
Marcus turned and found someone I recognized as having stood guard on the door. He went and asked him and then returned. Marcus informed me, “Mage Castile left with her legionaries at the Tribunal’s conclusion.”
“Thank you, Marcus.” I turned and found my way out of the maze-like building. I was soon in the streets and heading toward the Eastern Legion Hall.