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He turned briskly on his heel, walking up and down before the screened dais. “That a mighty House might succumb to the temptations of selfishness and greed is understandable, if regrettable. But such base emotions ca
Bowing first to the faceless screen, the advocate turned to walk back to the table where his clerks were sitting. I saw a suitably modest smile as he lifted his face to the gallery, guileless warm brown eyes inviting everyone to agree with his entirely disinterested speech.
Messire’s advocate, Master Burquest, was walking to his own lectern, smoothing the grey silk of his robe over his plain blue coat sleeve. He looked up at the centre of the screen. “May Raeponin hold me to my oath.” He spoke simply, as if he were talking directly to the Emperor. “I’m here to argue for D’Olbriot. I’ll show that the House’s interest in Kellarin was an unforeseen consequence of attempts by men sworn to the Name to uncover the reasons for robbery and attack suffered by a son of that House. Surely no one will deny D’Olbriot the right to protect its own? I’ll argue that it’s hardly reasonable to complain the free flow of commerce is being restricted when trade with Kellarin is still barely a trickle. I can show that with the briefest survey of the Name’s accounts.” He waved a dismissive hand before voice and face turned serious, still focused on the unseen Emperor.
“I will show that magecraft is used to cross the ocean from simple necessity. Surely no one would suggest that the perils of the open ocean be needlessly risked when there are ways to lessen the dangers? That would hardly be reasonable — or should I say rational?” Everyone in the gallery was hanging on Burquest’s words now, a smile here, a nod there approving his dry, unhurried delivery.
“It is just as reasonable for Esquire D’Alse
Burquest didn’t look at Avila, which was probably just as well because I could see her neck going pink from where I was sitting. So the Sieur had got Tor Arrial on his side; that was good news. But even a hundredth share of the Kellarin trade would go a long way to restoring the Name to its former status. Diminished as it was at present, Tor Arrial didn’t have a lot to lose.
Burquest leaned his elbows on his lectern. “Of course, any actions or circumstance can look good or bad, depending on your point of view. Which is why we trust this court to listen to all the arguments, to take a wider perspective and give judgement without fear or favour.” He smiled warmly at the fretted screen and turned to walk calmly back to his table.
There was a muted bustle of activity behind the screen and a small bell sounded. At that signal the clerks all burst into activity, some scribbling furiously, others sorting through ledgers and notes. Conversation hummed round the gallery, low-voiced speculation ringing with anticipation.
“Is that it?” Temar looked at me in perplexity. “What now?”
“Each advocate presents his argument in detail, point by point, calling evidence as he goes.” I pointed to the deed boxes and stacks of ledgers piled high down the middle of each table. Burquest sat at his ease, chatting with a smile for his clerks and idly fa
“When does D’Olbriot’s man get a chance to answer?” demanded Temar.
“Every time the Emperor thinks the point in question has been made and he wants to hear from the other side.” I nodded at the screen. “You’ll hear the bell.”
“What good will any of this do?” Avila hissed with irritation. “You people mouth the words that should secure your justice and yet you all remain free to lie and dissemble.”
The Sieur, myself and Camarl looked at her in confusion.
“Forgive me but I don’t understand,” Camarl apologised for all of us.
Avila turned in her seat, face hard. “The invocation, what does it mean to you?”
Camarl raised uncomprehending brows. “It’s a reminder to all involved to act honestly.”
“Penalties are imposed, for any found forsworn,” Messire assured her.
“Those words once invoked Artifice proof against any forswearing!” Avila took a breath and forced herself to speak more quietly. “Enchantment should make it impossible for anyone to speak a lie within this court.”
“It was ever thus, in our day,” Temar agreed grimly.
“What happens to someone lying?” frowned Camarl. I knew what he was thinking; we’ve all heard the nursery tales of the fox who’d lied to Talagrin about who’d eaten the plover’s eggs. His tongue turned black and shrivelled up, but I couldn’t see any advantage to D’Olbriot if that happened to some opposing advocate. The House’s associations with magic were clearly going to be used against us and any overt display would just condemn the Sieur further.
“Do me the courtesy of listening,” snapped Avila. “No one can lie. If they attempt falsehood, they simply ca
I exchanged a bemused glance with Camarl and the Sieur. “Could you make it so, here and now, if you repeated the rite?” I asked Avila.
She shook her head crossly. “Not without each advocate invoking Artifice in his response, citing his oath to bind him.”
“So their oath was once enchantment as well?” asked Camarl.
“All oaths were,” said Avila coldly. “Artifice bound all who exchanged them.
“So much has changed since the Chaos.” Messire looked at me with a faint smile. “This is very interesting, but we just have to rely on eloquence and argument, don’t we?”
Avila gave him a hard look through narrowed eyes. “Yet another loss your age has suffered, Guliel.”
As she spoke I heard a faint carillon from outside. The Sieur nodded to me and I stood up. “Now you know what Houses are drawn up for battle here, see if they’ve sent any skirmishers down to the sword school,” he ordered.
Temar made to stand as well but Camarl laid a heavy hand on his shoulder. I nodded a farewell to them both. “Your fight’s right here, Temar,” I said lightly. “Look amused if Camarl’s smiling, and you can look hurt if the Sieur turns round to commiserate. Don’t ever look angry, don’t look triumphant or smug. I’ll find out who posted that challenge, if Raeponin wields any justice at all, and we’ll hold a council of war this evening.”
Avila turned, face indignant. “I’ll thank you not to use the god’s name so lightly, Ryshad.”
She would have said more but the Sieur stood up, setting renewed interest busy around the gallery. “Defend the honour of our House.” He held both my hands between his, looking deep into my eyes. “And take every care you can, Ryshad.”