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 fiancee 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 fiance, 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.
