"And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice." – William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, Act IV, Scene I
In the aftermath of the attack on the Queen, the three young lords found themselves famous. The nobility, stung by the apparent involvement of their peers in the plot were glad to find heroes to celebrate among their own ranks. Though Herald Trainee Mical, whose heroic tackle of the actor Norris at the moment the actor had disarmed the Queen, was highborn, he was identified more with the Heralds than with the nobility. The nobles wanted heroes who were unquestionably their own. Kensie, Lovat and Rubin were the only highborn to come to the defense of the Queen and found themselves thrust to the fore.
His new acceptance opened doors for Kensie. The snubs and mockery that had followed him for a year and a half lessened, though there were still those who doubted his courage. Some dismissed his capture of Evan Aitken on the grounds that Kensie had faced him in the salle before and knew Evan was no match for his skill. Others begrudgingly suggested he had 'found his courage.'
However, Kensie's social life improved markedly and he was now invited to places where he had not been welcome. Kensie, Lovat and Rubin found the exaggerations of their exploits amusing. When they told more accurate versions, the other nobles praised them for commendable modesty.
When the three were alone two days after the attack, Lord Rubin expressed their thoughts best. "Nobody likes a braggart's boasts. So if we appear modest, others will do the bragging for us."
For Kensie, the crowning moment came in a letter from Poldara:
Lord Kensie Poldara, Baron of Bransat
We have received word of your recent actions in defense of the Queen against the traitors who attempted her assassination. This word comes to us not from your father, who might be expected to be your partisan, but from several others known to us but unconnected to you.
In light of this information, we have reconsidered our opinions of the events in the final battle against the Tedrels. We had previously dismissed your return to the battle as a fabrication. We have decided we were mistaken. Only someone both loyal and brave would have rushed to defend the Queen and the Country from those who plotted against her. It now is evident that your initial hesitation in the battle was due to inexperience, not a lack of courage and that we unfairly refused to believe you.
We apologise for our doubts and disbelief and beg forgiveness for our slights and disdain. We are proud to have been your instructors.
Sir Hwyl Fian, Armsmaster to Count Poldara
Sir Chase Tanner, Horsemaster to Count Poldara
Master Juran Raab, Tutor
Kensie wept openly as he read the letter. When his father asked what was wrong, Kensie handed him the letter, smiling as tears ran down his face. Count Wyeth read the letter then walked over to his son and kissed him on the forehead.
Alberich was not impressed. Rubin and Lovat both swore that they had not told the weaponsmaster, but the day after the attack Kensie received a thorough dressing-down from Alberich. "If your friends disarmed had been, who then would have saved you? Think you Evan's friends would dismount? Personal feelings for lovers and children are. When you fight, you must your brain use. Never in a real fight throw an advantage away. Otherwise, dead you are."
The day after the attack, a delegation from the Council asked Count Wyeth to sit on the Tribunal which would try the highborn attackers. The Council wanted an independent Tribunal so that the trial would be seen to be fair. With so many of the accused coming from Rethwellan, the Council did not wish to antagonize the neighboring country, even though the horrified Rethwellan ambassador had repudiated the Prince and the whole of his entourage within a candlemark of the attack. The ambassador promised to conduct a full investigation within the embassy and turn over anyone involved to Valdemaran justice.
Eighteen surviving attackers and accomplices faced the tribunal. Two other suspects fled within a candlemark of the failed attack. Lord Devlin Gereton, whom Alberich identified as a go-between for the actor Norris and Prince Karathanelan, was found dead in the evening. He had apparently committed suicide by hanging himself in his room.
Count Wyeth reluctantly accepted the duty. There were nine nobles on the Tribunal, which Duke Perin Larkin chaired. It included members of all the major court factions, including those who favored the Prince.
The accused were tried as a group. All of them faced a charge of High Treason, though some had other charges against them. No one doubted their guilt, but the Tribunal proceeded deliberately, questioning witnesses carefully and allowing the accused every opportunity to defend themselves.
The trial took place in the Great Hall and lasted nearly two sennights. Wyeth arrived home each night tired and depressed, convinced by the mountain of evidence that he would have to condemn the accused. He hoped he could find reason to spare a few of the younger boys on the grounds they had been deluded. When Kensie revelled at the thought of seeing Evan Aitken hang, Wyeth rebuked his son and told him not to speak of the trial in Wyeth's presence.
In addition to attending as much of the trial as his classes permitted, Kensie, along with Lovat and Rubin, testified about his actions. Like all of the witnesses, they testified under the Truth Spell. After swearing that they were neither involved in the plot nor had any advance knowledge, each of the three told the story of how they had raced after the Heralds and guards to help. They told how they had stopped Lords Evan Aitken, Pereteasan Holofernes and Abram Posonby fleeing the ambush. When the questioning ended, Kensie thought it strange that no one asked how he had known of the attack.
Wallis Mittel appeared before the Tribunal. Kensie listened closely to Wallis' testimony, hoping that his one-time-friend-turned-enemy would say something implicating himself in the plot. To Kensie's disappointment, Wallis was wholly innocent and had no knowledge of the conspiracy. Wallis' testimony only served to prove that Evan had met with the other conspirators on several occasions before the attack.
On the final day of the trial, the accused were allowed to make their final pleas and have one person speak on their behalf. Some were defiant. One Rethwellan-born lord said it was wrong for a nation to be ruled by a woman and that Prince Karathanelan was right to try to seize the throne. Others tried to mitigate their involvement or shift the blame. Evan Aitken broke down completely, weeping and begging the Tribunal to spare his life. Baron Chester Posonby was the last to speak, pleading the Tribunal spare his son on account of his youth. Though very poised and mature in his looks, Abram Posonby was only fourteen years old.
The Tribunal moved to the Lesser Council Chamber to discuss their verdict and sentence on each defendant. Herald Trainees, among them Bredin, served as pages. They were told they must never, now or in the future so long as they lived, talk about what they heard with anyone, including each other.
Duke Perin Larkin, as chairman, moved the discussion and votes deliberately along. He took care to see that any doubt was considered, however minor. Marchioness Tyra Sayward questioned whether Abram Posonby should have been tried at all. Duke Perin sighed and reminded her that the law said that a person could be charged at the age of twelve for a capital crime.
Bredin, standing behind the lady, was indignant at the idea that someone his own age could be excused for treason.
::Chosen, keep your thoughts to yourself.:: Lacaral admonished.
By late afternoon, the Tribunal had decided unanimously that all of the accused were guilty on all charges. They adjourned for the night. They would vote on the sentences in the morning.
Count Wyeth and Kensie returned to Poldara House. Seeing the grim look on his father's face, Kensie rode silently at Wyeth's side. As Poldara House came in sight, Wyeth turned to Kensie. "Someday, my son, you will hold the power of life and death. Remember justice always."
To the Count's consternation, Viscount Colin Aitken and Baron Chester Posonby were waiting for him when he reached Poldara House. Their retinues filled the yard. Piran Couch explained they had arrived a candlemark before. Rather than make them wait outside, the major-domo had invited the two lords to wait for the Count in the reception room.
Count Wyeth sighed. He ordered Kensie to go to his suite and not come out until the two lords left.
The Viscount and Baron rose as Wyeth entered the reception room. Wyeth ordered Piran Couch to close the door and keep everyone away while he spoke to the Lords.
"This is hardly proper, My Lords." Wyeth said, waving them to be seated and sitting down himself. Though officially frowned upon, Wyeth knew from experience that parents often came to judges to plead privately for clemency.
The two lords begged Wyeth to spare their sons' lives and to intercede with the other members of the Tribunal on their behalf.
Wyeth noted that neither lord sought an acquittal. He wondered if they knew that the Tribunal had already decided to convict their sons. Baron Chester answered that indirectly when he said. "We know they cannot be acquitted. The evidence is too damning. We are pleading for clemency. Let our sons live." Tears flowed down his cheeks as he spoke.
Wyeth did not confirm the Tribunal's finding. "If your sons are found guilty, the only mercy possible is exile with a sentence of death should they ever attempt to return."
"We know that." Viscount Colin said. "We merely ask that our sons be permitted to live."
Count Wyeth sat still for a long moment. The two lords held their breath and watched his face. He sighed once more then said "I am inclined to mercy. Your sons are both young and too inexperienced to have known their folly. I will vote for exile."
The two lords exhaled sharply. Both spoke at once, babbling their thanks. Count Wyeth held up his hand to silence them once more. "I am but one of nine on the Tribunal. Others will be more harsh. I have told you how I will vote, but my vote alone will not decide."
The two lords looked at one another. Viscount Colin spoke for them. "We know that, My Lord. But your word carries much weight. We do not know if it will suffice, but we thank you. If you will forgive us now, we will see if we can persuade others. There is little time."
Count Wyeth escorted them to the door. As he closed it behind them he turned to see Kensie at the top of the stair looking down at him. From his look, Kensie knew why the two lords had come.
All Kensie said was "I told the cook to delay dinner for a candlemark so you could refresh yourself."
Just as Kensie and his father sat down to dinner, Piran Couch interrupted. "My Lord, Earl Orthallen is at the door. He asks to speak with you."
Count Wyeth hurried to the door with Kensie following in his wake. Count Wyeth welcomed Lord Orthallen to Poldara house. Kensie bowed to the Earl, who acknowledged him. Wyeth invited Orthallen to join them at dinner, but Orthallen declined, saying he needed only a few moments of Wyeth's time.
When Wyeth ordered Kensie to return to the table, Orthallen demurred. "I think your son should learn some of the realities of the Court." He said.
Kensie bowed again to Lord Orthallen. Though Orthallen's expression was overtly friendly, Kensie noted a tension in the Earl's face. He wondered if Orthallen disliked him for some reason. Schooling his own expression to one of interest, he followed his father and Lord Orthallen into the reception room.
"I understand Viscount Colin and Baron Chester came to see you a candlemark ago." Orthallen began without preamble.
"They did, My Lord. They pleaded for their sons' lives." Wyeth saw no point in dissembling. Without waiting for Orthallen to ask, he went on. "Due to the boys' youth, I am inclined to mercy. I told them I would vote for exile."
Kensie stiffened, but said nothing. Orthallen caught the movement. "Does your son agree? He took Lord Evan prisoner, did he not?"
Wyeth sighed. "Kensie and Evan dislike each other intensely. I have asked my son not to speak of the trial in my presence."
Orthallen looked at Kensie. "So what do you think, Lord Kensie?"
Kensie glanced at his father, who closed his eyes briefly then nodded. "I believe the proper penalty for treason is death, My Lord." Kensie spoke cautiously.
Orthallen nodded. "I agree, young man. These traitors have threatened our Queen. They should not be permitted to live." He looked back at Wyeth.
Wyeth did not flinch. "Have we not all made mistakes when young? They were fools, no doubt, but too immature to really know their folly. I will vote to spare them."
Orthallen grimaced. "I think you are wrong, Wyeth. Treason should be stamped out without mercy. I thought you and Viscount Colin were enemies."
"Colin Aitken and I have disliked each other for years, but I am not going to make his son pay the price of my feelings. When I accepted the duty to sit on the Tribunal, I swore I would judge without prejudice. I cannot acquit his son, but I can vote for mercy." Wyeth's voice was calm. Kensie thought his father sounded tired.
Orthallen sighed heavily and rose to his feet. "Very well, My Lord. I see I cannot persuade you. Thank you for hearing me."
Wyeth and Kensie rose at the same time. They escorted Orthallen to the door and shook his hand as he went out. Kensie repressed a shiver as he did so. There was nothing in Lord Orthallen's expression that was hostile, but it was tight, as though Orthallen had other thoughts.
Wyeth and Kensie stood outside the door until Lord Orthallen left the yard, then returned to their dinner. As the butler placed their salads before them, Kensie asked "Why is Lord Orthallen so intent on seeing them hang?"
His father ate a few forkfuls of salad before he answered. "I don't know. He is well known for using the law to his advantage. I thought Colin Aitken was one of his strongest supporters. When he arrived tonight, I expected he would plead for Evan's life."
"Will he be angry with you for opposing him?" Kensie asked.
Wyeth finished his salad and put the plate aside. "He won't be pleased. It may cost me a favor sometime, but he wasn't angry. He knows he has already got enough votes to hang Evan."
Kensie sat up in surprise. Before he could ask how his father knew, Wyeth grinned at him. "You must learn to mask your thoughts better, son. If Lord Orthallen needed my vote, he would have raised other matters that I am interested in to tempt or threaten me to his side. Since he did not attempt to sway me by threat or favor, I know he already has what he wants."
"Then why did he come?" Kensie asked.
"Because it makes the Council and, indirectly, Orthallen, look stronger if the vote is unanimous."
Kensie puzzled. "But doesn't it make him look weaker if the vote is split?"
"Not much." Wyeth said. "Orthallen and the Council can turn a split vote to their advantage as well: 'See how Valdemar is strong enough that men need not fear to follow their conscience.' "
Kensie shook his head. Politics was baffling.
In the morning, Duke Perin kept the votes on sentencing as deliberate as the prior votes on conviction. For each accused, the duke insisted that the Tribunal seek reasons for mercy as well as reasons to condemn. In the case of Evan Aitken, the vote was six to three in favor of hanging; Count Wyeth, Marchioness Tyra and Duke Perin voted for exile. Only Abram Posonby was granted mercy by a vote of five to four.
The Tribunal reassembled in the Great Hall immediately after luncheon. The hall was filled with spectators, except for the section for witnesses. During the trial, most of the seats for the witnesses had been filled with white and grey uniforms. Now there was not a Herald or Trainee to be seen. Wyeth noticed Rubin and Lovat sitting together. He wondered why Kensie wasn't with them.
One by one, the prisoners faced the Tribunal. By tradition, each member of the Tribunal formally voted twice in front of the accused, first to convict and then for the sentence. Most of the accused heard their sentence stoically. A few wept. One or two of the Rethwellan nobles cursed and threatened the Tribunal.
Evan Aitken fainted when he heard the unanimous conviction. After a Healer revived him, he sobbed and stood to hear the sentence. Duke Perin voted first and Evan brightened as he heard "Exile." Duke Joakim Marduk voted second and Evan's face fell as he voted "Death." Count Wyeth was third to vote. Evan brightened once more as Wyeth said "Exile." The voting went down the ranks of the judges. After Marchioness Tyra's vote for exile, the vote stood four to three in favor of hanging. When Baron Chris Felthan voted "Death", Evan howled.
Evan screamed "No! No! No!" at the top of his lungs, babbling for mercy while his father embraced him.
It took several sunwidths before Evan composed himself sufficiently to hear the final vote to condemn, which started him screaming once more. Duke Perin formally pronounced the sentence as the guards pulled him still screaming from the courtroom. His screams and pleas shook Abram Posonby who entered next.
Abram said nothing, though he shook visibly while the voting proceeded. When Duke Perin formally announced his exile, the white-faced Abram said "I thank My Lords for their mercy."
Duke Perin dismissed the Tribunal. Wyeth looked around, but could not see Kensie.
Wyeth returned to Poldara House, but Kensie was not there either.
Kensie arrived at Poldara House just before dinner. Wyeth wondered at his odd expression.
"Father, I have something strange to tell you."