The Angry Boy Chapter 53

[Warning: Graphic violence.]

"The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it."

Omar Khayyám

All of Bredin's yearmates now had their mind-gifts under firm control. Shortly after Spring Day, they began training in the Truth Spell.

Those with the strongest mindspeech, like Chan and Rena, mastered it most quickly. Elcarth explained that this was logical as the 'communication' gifts seemed tied to the Truth Spell.

Lars and Bredin, whose gifts were 'seeing' gifts, mastered it next. Bredin's gift was strong enough that he could use the 'coercive' version to force someone to tell the truth if needed.

Those with 'fetching' gifts, like Ari and Jan, were the last to master the Truth Spell. All of Bredin's yearmates had firm control of it within a moon.

Elcarth and Teren told the group that they were never to practice without supervision or, until they got their Whites, use it unless expressly ordered to do so. Elcarth also warned them of the limitations of the Truth Spell: It could not get the truth from someone who did not know it and, if someone genuinely believed something false, the spell would show that they were telling the truth.

"What if there is an emergency and we need to use it?" Ari asked.

"Your Companion will let you know." Elcarth said.

In addition to their practices, the trainees also began taking afternoons in Herald Mirilin's court so they could see it in action. None of them were actually called upon to use the Truth Spell in Mirilin's court; that was left to the final-year students who were preparing for their internships.

Bredin saw Amos Songer use it on an accused thief – a boy of nine or ten years old. After Amos used the Truth Spell to confirm the boy had stolen the bracelet, he used the coercive form of the spell to get the name of the 'Captain' who was running the gang of child pickpockets and shoplifters as well as the location of their hideout. Mirilin had already taken the precaution of forbidding anyone from leaving the court and, through his Companion, arranged for guardsmen to raid the hideout and capture the 'Captain' before anyone could warn him. Bredin later found out that the young gang members were taken in by the Temple of the Iron God.

The classes in Courtly Graces took a strange turn from Bredin's point of view. It was no longer sufficient for Bredin and his yearmates to know the proper forms of address or when to bow instead of shaking hands or which piece of cutlery to use. Now, they had to learn to conduct a polite conversation with highborn or anyone else. Mostly, Gaytha told them, it was a matter of getting the other person to talk about themselves and make approving or admiring comments.

The trainees also had to learn the proper steps for formal dances, which were nothing like the enthusiastic and energetic dances they enjoyed in Gray Vale. As all the trainees were bright and very fit, they all learned the required skills quickly, though they found the courtly dances 'boring'.

Summer break arrived and the trainees all returned to their family homes. They made plans to visit one another through the summer.

Almost from the moment Bredin and Lars arrived in Bransat, there was a subtle difference. When they went to the Boarshead with Tag and Rhys, Bredin's old friends seemed reluctant to speak. Getting them to talk about the people of Bransat and what had happened was nearly impossible. Both of them would look as though seeking approval from the two trainees for every word they spoke.

The only time that his old friends shook off their reticence was when someone started singing "The Grey Stallion." Everyone in the Boarshead belted out the song and followed up with "The Red Gelding."

Bredin pasted a grin on his face and pretended to enjoy it. Lars winked at him across the table.

::I warned you.:: Lacaral chuckled in his mind.

Fortunately for Bredin's peace of mind, no one in the pub put the references in the song together and realized it was about him. When Tag asked if he heard it before, Bredin said "It was popular in Haven a few moons ago." Lars rolled his eyes and took a drink from his mug.

Afterwards, Tag and Rhys returned to silence, giving only the briefest of answers to Bredin's questions. There were so many uncomfortable pauses in the conversation that Bredin and Lars were glad when Tag and Rhys made excuses and left.

In the days after on the street, people would defer to Bredin and respond with only slight smiles when he greeted them. One or two even touched their forelocks as he waved to them.

In his father's shop, the apprentices would come to him when his father was absent. Bredin would have to direct them to Asen or the other journeymen.

On the fourth day, Baron Mittel stopped Bredin on the street and courteously invited him to join his family for dinner that evening. Bredin was so surprised that he accepted politely before he realized what he was saying. Afterwards, he stared dumbfounded at Baron Mittel's receding back. ::What is going on?:: He asked. The question was as much for himself as for Lacaral.

::You are no longer Bredin the son of the saddlemaker.:: Lacaral answered. ::Now you are Bredin the Herald.::

::But I am not a Herald. Not yet, anyways.:: Bredin said.

::Not fully.:: Lacaral agreed. ::But you have had four years of training to become a Herald. You have learned to act like a Herald. Like someone with authority, someone who is competent and confident, someone who is in charge. The people of the town see that, perhaps not consciously, but they see it and react to it. You are an important person in their eyes and they treat you that way. Also, those classes in Courtly Graces and Deportment have had an effect on you. You carry yourself like someone of higher rank. You are not the same person who was sweeping Widow Pedden's doorstep when I Chose you.::

::But I am the same person!:: Bredin's mindvoice was almost a wail.

::I am sorry Chosen, but you are not.:: There was an overtone of regret in Lacaral's mindvoice. ::Three years ago, you realized that Bransat was not your home anymore. Now your family and the people of the town realize that as well. Maybe not consciously, but inside they know you are no longer one of them.

::They are proud of you. Proud that you had your beginnings with them. But they are a little afraid of you as well. You are a Herald – or soon will be one – and that puts you outside of their world.:: Lacaral gave a mental sigh. ::However much you would like to be 'ordinary', you are no longer so and never can be again.::

::Why would they be afraid of me?:: Bredin asked.

::Because Heralds are a mystery to them. Heralds can read minds. Heralds have power. They fear what they do not understand and they fear power.:: Lacaral said.

Bredin paused, thinking about what Lacaral said. ::I'm not sure I want that power. Or the fear.::

::Chosen, you can make things better for people. Would you give that up?:: Lacaral asked.

::No. But I feel so alone.::

::Chosen. You have me.::

Bredin stared off into the distance. He smiled wanly. ::Love you.:: He said.

::Love you back.::

When Bredin told his family of Baron Mittel's invitation, Enro's reaction drove home what Lacaral said. Instead of being angry that Bredin was mixing with highborn and looking down on his family, Enro was awed by the invitation and insisted that Bredin needed to show proper respect to the Baron.

The dinner went off without incident. Bredin followed Gaytha's advice and allowed the Baron to do most of the talking while voicing few opinions himself.

The distancing Bredin felt from his family and the people of the village made the summer awkward. Bredin was happy for the times when he could simply lose himself in the work of the shop or the practices with the Iron Monks.

When Bredin returned to the Collegium at the end of the break, he talked to his yearmates about feeling like an outsider. All of them had felt the change in the way others treated them and had similar conversations with their Companions. Even Ari, whose family lived in Haven and had seen her family every sennight, said that this summer had been different.

At the beginning of the year, Bredin began attending Herald Mirilin's City Court as part of his duties. Once a sennight, Bredin and one of his yearmates would go with Mirilin to watch and assist. On his first rotation, Mirilin asked Bredin to use the Truth Spell on a man who claimed he had found a purse, not stolen it. He claimed he had been on his way to the watch station with it. To Bredin's eyes, the man looked like a ruffian and scoundrel, someone Bredin would think likely to be a thief.

Bredin had practiced the Truth Spell many times with his yearmates, but this would be his first test in the real world. He tried to look more confident than he felt.

::Do it, Chosen. You know you can.:: Lacaral reassured him. ::Think of your meditation exercises.::

Bredin closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Carefully, he recited the verse nine times in his mind and imagined eyes looking at the accused man. There was a gasp in the court and from Chan standing beside him. Bredin opened his eyes to see the accused surrounded by a blue glow.

"Tell me how you came by the purse." Mirilin said to the accused.

The man seemed as nervous as Bredin felt. Slowly, he repeated his story of finding the purse on the ground outside of The Loom and Shuttle, a pub favored by the members of the Weaver's Guild. The man nervously admitted he had checked to see if there were any coins in the purse, but it was empty except for a personal seal. Thinking there might be a reward for the return of the seal he had been on his way to a watch station when the owner of the purse stopped him and accused him of stealing it.

Mirilin asked a few more questions to clarify the exact circumstances of how the man found the purse and that the man who found it had no knowledge of how it had been stolen from the merchant and emptied of coins. Mirilin told Bredin to release the Truth Spell then dismissed the charge against the accused.

Bredin heaved a sigh of relief as the merchant apologized to the accused man and, after subtle prompting from Mirilin, rewarded the accused with a few coins.

::That felt good.:: Bredin said to Lacaral as he rode beside Mirilin on their way back at the end of the day.

"You see, Bredin." Mirilin said. "The Truth Spell can protect the innocent as well as unmask the guilty."

::Mirilin took the very thought from my mind.:: Lacaral said.

Bredin detected an undertone to Mirilin's statement. "Was there a reason you had me use the Truth Spell on him? Wait – you knew he was innocent, didn't you? How did you know?"

Mirilin smiled. "I was fairly sure he was innocent. Can you figure out why I thought so?"

Bredin puzzled a moment, then shook his head.

"How was the man caught?" Mirilin asked.

"He was carrying the purse to the watch station." Bredin said. Mirilin smiled at him and prompted him to go on with a wave of his hand. Bredin thought a few moments. He looked at Chan, who was riding on Mirilin's other side. His yearmate was grinning broadly; Chan had obviously guessed the answer.

Bredin imagined himself in the shoes of the accused: He had found a purse and was taking it to the watch station when the owner spotted him and stopped him. How had that happened? The answer hit Bredin "He was carrying the purse in his hand when he was caught. That's how the merchant caught him. If he'd stolen the purse, he would have hidden it in a pocket or pouch."

"Very good, Bredin. I'll give you full marks." Mirilin said. "A pickpocket – at least, I assume it was a pickpocket that took it from the merchant – would not want to be caught with the purse, which was clearly marked with the merchant's device. It would tie him to the theft. The same applies to the seal, which is why that was left behind. Usually, a pickpocket empties the coins out as soon as he can and throws the purse away – in this case, into the small alley beside the inn.

"So, I was fairly sure the man was innocent."

"If you knew he was innocent, why did you have me put the Truth Spell on him?" Bredin asked.

"I didn't know he was innocent. He might have been a very stupid thief who thought he would be clever and try to collect a reward for the return of the seal. But that was unlikely. Stupid thieves get caught very quickly. You confirmed he was an innocent man. How do you feel about that?" Mirilin smiled knowingly.

Bredin smiled back at Mirilin. "It was good. It made me happy."

Mirilin reached out and patted Bredin on the shoulder. "I'm glad. It's good to be happy about the first time you use your Gifts. It makes you more confident the next time."

Bredin was the first of his year group to actually use the Truth Spell in a real 'trial.' His yearmates were envious and admiring. They demanded Bredin give them the full details over dinner and in the common room that evening.

Bredin's mastery of unarmed combat had now reached the point where Alberich decided that he must confront the fact he could kill someone. Alberich consulted with Father Toma and with Deacon Tsareyn on how they would broach the subject to Bredin. For years, Bredin's instructors had warned him about the dangers of certain moves. Deacon Tsareyn repeatedly cautioned him that a tiny difference in the placement of a blow could cause death.

Alberich and Deacon Tsareyn knew that they now must teach Bredin how to kill and when to know that he must. They decided that Father Toma, who had known Bredin longest, would be the best person to prepare Bredin mentally.

Events got ahead of them.

Two sennights before Sovran, Bredin was once again observing in Mirilin's court. The case before Mirilin was a nasty dispute between an estranged couple. Though they had separated moons before, Jake and Freda Tiles had continued to fight and snipe at one another every time their paths crossed. In the confines of the small neighborhood where they both lived, that happened frequently. They shrieked insults at one another in the street and often came to blows.

Fed up with the incessant quarrelling disturbing their peace, the other residents of the neighborhood had brought the two before Mirilin.

Even the presence of the Herald could not restrain the couple.

"You bin whorin' wi' Charly Roux." Jake Tiles shouted across the room.

"An' you bin screwin' half the women in the street." Freda yelled back. "Bet they didn' get no satisfacshun outa you. Not much there to pleasure a woman." Most of the people present guffawed. Bredin and Ari stifled their own laughs.

Before they could continue, Mirilin banged his gavel and ordered them to silence. The two glared at each other, ready to resume their fight in an instant.

Mirilin stated the complaint from their neighbors in the street. He asked several complainants to describe what they had seen and heard. Several times, he had to silence either Jake or Freda Tiles when they tried to interrupt.

The Sergeant of the Watch told Mirilin of the many times the neighbors had summoned him and his men to break up their fights. The Sergeant reported that twice they had pulled knives from the couple's hands – once each from Freda and Jake – when one was on the point of murdering the other.

At last, Mirilin turned to the couple to hear what they had to say. Both of them started to talk at once, each trying to outshout the other. Mirilin had to bang his gavel and use the command voice to silence them. He decided who would go first by a coin toss, which Freda won.

"We bin married four year, Your Honor, when I found out Jake were playin' around with Ilse Kuiper what lives two houses down. An' I lay inta 'im 'cause I ain't gonna take no man tomcattin' around." Freda said.

"That's 'cause you weren't givin' me none…" Jake tried to interrupt. Mirilin cut him off and told Freda to go on.

"Anyway," Freda continued, "tweren't two moons later I foun' out he's playin' with Jess Craig an' maybe a couple others, so I threw 'im out on the street with his clothes an' tol' 'im don't come back."

"You stole my money!" Jake shouted.

"I bin workin' the tavern fer my keep jus' much you been workin' the tannery." Freda retorted. "I figure it's much mine as yourn."

"I want my money. I need ta live." Jake shouted again.

"You bin livin' with your momma. Don't need no money." Freda sneered.

The outraged Jake raised his fists and charged at Freda. The watchmen were unprepared. Only Bredin was in position. Bredin jumped in front of the man and wrapped his arms around him. Jake tried to strike at Bredin, but he was too close for Jake to make a solid blow. Bredin hung on grimly.

Frustrated, Jake screamed at Freda over Bredin's shoulder. "I been sleepin' on the floor in my ma's place. I got no place to go."

"Poor baby! Run to momma to take care of you?" Freda taunted.

Jake's rage rose further. He struggled against Bredin's hold. "You been sleepin' every man on the street and their dogs, too."

Now Freda screamed wordlessly and launched herself at Jake. Bredin kept between the two, so Freda's blows landed on Bredin. Bredin head-butted her to pushed her away. She bit his neck.

The bite surprised Bredin and his hold on Jake slipped. As Jake pulled back, Freda sneered. "You ain't bin sleepin' on the floor, you bin sleepin' in your momma's bed."

Jake roared in anger. He snatched a knife from his belt and charged a Freda, who was still behind Bredin.

Shrieks and screams filled the court. Bredin grabbed Jake's knife arm with his left hand to force it back and down. He drove the palm of his right hand upward at Jake's chin.

The blow slammed Jake Tiles' head back. His neck snapped audibly.

Jake's eyes bulged out and he rose on his toes. His body and limbs jerked and twitched for a moment. The knife clattered on the floor, then Jake collapsed. His limbs thrashed irregularly for a few moments, then relaxed and he lay still. His bladder and sphincter relaxed and the stench of his dung and urine filled the court.

The screams and shouts of the crowd ceased. Everyone stared in horror at the body. Bredin gaped speechlessly at the body in front of him. He closed his eyes, trying to deny the sight.

::Chosen! You have done nothing wrong. You were forced to defend yourself. He would have killed you and the woman if you hadn't stopped him.:: Lacaral put all the force and reassurance he could into his mindvoice.

Freda moved first. She ducked around Bredin and threw herself on her late husband's body. "Jake, Jake. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, love. I love you, I'm sorry."

She looked at Bredin, her face a mask of hate. "You murdered him. You murdered my Jake." Tears ran down her face.

"No!" Mirilin shouted. "You killed him. You taunted him until he attacked you. This is the result." Mirilin knew he had to protect Bredin. His anger at Freda and her late husband drove all pity out of his voice and expression.

Freda collapsed on Jake's body, weeping hysterically.

The watchmen who had been coming to help Bredin had stopped momentarily when Bredin broke Jake's neck. Now they moved forward again. They raised Freda up and one of the female watchmen put her arms around Freda to comfort her. The watchmen covered Jake's body and carried it out on a stretcher.

Ari put her arms around Bredin and pulled him to the back of the room. Mirilin asked her to take Bredin back up the hill. He apologized to them, saying he would have to remain behind to take statements.

Bredin, scarcely aware of where he was going, allowed Ari to guide him to the Companion stalls. Wordlessly, he mounted Lacaral and went back to the Collegium with Ari. Bredin was oblivious to the stares and pointed fingers of the people in the street.

They arrived at Companions' stable. Lost in a dull fog of shock and shame, Bredin untacked Lacaral and brushed him off. When he was done, Ari touched his elbow and nodded in the direction of the Collegium.

Bredin shook his head glumly. He walked with one hand on Lacaral's shoulder as the two went into the Companion's stall. He threw his arms around Lacaral's neck and buried his face in the silky mane.

Carefully, Lacaral folded his legs and lay down. Bredin lay down with his Companion and, shoulders shaking, cried on his friend's shoulder.