BK1 Chapter Forty-Eight

Chapter Forty-Eight

The auditorium halls felt even more enclosed as four Summoners escorted me. They surrounded me tightly in formation like a caged animal that could go wild at any moment. I peeked behind me and saw Nathaniel following us at a distance with Callan beside him. It was strange seeing the two of them walking together so calmly, not a pair I would ever think mixed social circles much.

“Lady Heversham, are you aware of the decorum in a tribunal?” a summoner in front of me spoke, his voice mature with age as his white hair betrayed his once youthful vigour.

“I am aware. I must not speak until questioned” I smiled ruefully. I learned of it in the trial of my third life, which resulted in my apparent guilt and beheading.

“Correct; however, this trial is not one to determine guilt. It is merely a means to come to a decision requested of your stature in the Army. Please do not fret. You are not under arrest.” the older man turned his head slightly to face me with a smile. I believe he was attempting to comfort me; I suppose this sort of escort would be scary for a normal noblewoman. I was certainly terrified the first time.

“I understand; I am aware of why I have been summoned to a tribunal” I bit my cheek, trying to hold back my nerves. It may not be a trial to determine my guilt of a treasonous act, but it was a trial that will affect my future. If this ends badly, I could end up married to Garret again; if that happens… well, is there any point in reliving that life?

“I see. You will need to stand on the podium at the centre of the room when you are called; I will introduce the three generals to you when we arrive.” the older man concluded our conversation.

My escorts led me out of the auditorium. We passed the Garden of Reflection, the nearby Library and a number of trainees. Their gazes upon me made me want to shrink; this was not how I wanted my peers to see me. My escorts seemed to sense my unease at their stares and tightened their formation around me, blocking my form from view. It was small kindness I highly appreciated.

I was taken down a path I had not yet explored; the buildings grew tighter and appeared newer than I had seen. Eventually, I was taken toward a set of large stone steps that was guarded by footguards.

“Captain Stewart”, one of them saluted at our approach. “The generals are ready and waiting.”

“Thank you, Sir Ratchet; I will take Lady Heversham straight away then. They won’t want to be kept waiting.” the older man who had spoken to me before nodded to the foot-guard as my escort cage dispersed. The other three Summoners saluted Captain Stewart before entering the foreboding building I had been taken to.

“I wish to witness the tribunal if allowed?” Nate sauntered up the steps, his hands folded behind his back, followed closely by Callan.

“Only family members can bear witness, Lord Hudson, as you know” Captain Stewart raised an eyebrow at Nate.

“Right, right, of course”, Nate sighed with a knowing look. “I suppose I will wait here then.”

“My apologies Lord Hudson” Callan bowed to Nate with a smug smirk. “I will watch over my sister as her brother.” he seemed to be calling himself my brother rather frequently recently.

“Certainly, Lord Heversham.” Nate calmly responded, ignoring Callan’s clear jest at our friendship. Though, I guess Callan, Nate, and I were more than just friends, thanks to our scandal.

He must be concerned about pulling Nate into our family affairs.

“This way, Lady Heversham, Lord Heversham” Captain Stewart raised his arm toward the double doors, his green cloak slinking over his arm.

I braced my steadily rising beating heart and picked up the hem of my cloak to step up the rest of those steps towards the doors.

The Captain pushed them open for us, revealing a wide-open hall. It was split at the centre by a large partition broken with glass at the top and a wooden counter at the bottom. The walls were painted in a stark white, and our feet tapped against matching white stone. It looked identical to the stone the temples used. Summoners milled around in groups on this side of the partition, a few of them glanced our way, but most were more engrossed with their conversations. I noticed all of them bore an emblem of a gavel at the centre of a laurel wreath. The Captain took us forward to the far left of the room, opening yet another doorway.

“The Tribunal halls are down here”, the Captain explained as we left the large hall.

“Where are we exactly?” I asked as the painted walls became stone in a hallway similar to the auditoriums. Windows lined the right side with a doorway directly opposite each.

“The enforcement building, every profession has a specialised building.” The Captain slowed his pace a little as he noticed I was curious about my surroundings. “Summoners who join enforcement are responsible for up-keeping the law of the Zopan Empire. Here, we train them in the laws and how to enforce them before sending them to the cities of the Empire.”

“It is also where many members of the council consult before approaching Congress”, Callan mumbled beside me as we moved further down the narrow hallway.

“Yes, an enforcer’s responsible for ensuring order in the Empire. Many Summoners go on to become advisers in the palace or are assigned to a Marquess of each city. However, there are always disputes amongst nobles and commoners alike that we resolve.”

“I see. You must come across some interesting arguments.” I said absently as we approached the end of the hallway. A doorway larger than the rest was again, guarded by two-foot guards at the end.

“Captain Stewart”, they saluted before conversing with the Captain quietly as Callan and I waited for some steps away.

“Eduard will be in there”, Callan spoke beside me.

“I figured he would be”, I said, my eyes fixated on the door. My fate was behind it.

“Kara will be happy to have you home with her again; I will speak with Father about Lord Asher and try to sort something out.”

“Maybe,” I said, barely paying him attention. Callan assumed I was going to have my blood contract revoked then? I suppose that’s a fair conclusion.

“Lynette-” Callan began, but the Captain turned from his conversation.

“You may enter now, Lord Heversham. Please join the stands for witnesses. Lady Heversham, remain with me.” The Captain pushed against the large door.

***

The tribunal room was round like the temple in Talbour. Dark stone contrasted against the white of the rest of the building as I stood upon a raised wooden podium. Before me were even higher podiums forcing me to raise my head upwards to see the three generals sitting leisurely in high-backed chairs. The whole set-up was designed to make the accused feel small and insignificant against their power of authority.

It was certainly working.

I felt pitiful before their bored gazes. The Captain had introduced them before showing me the podium to stand upon.

General Mullins wore a deep blue cloak; he had hard eyes, one of which was white from the scar that marred his face as it blended into the wrinkles on his forehead. He was the general of enforcement.

General Drew tapped a quill repetitively against the arm of his chair, adorned in a green cloak of wind. His shaven head looked polished against the scruff of his long brown beard. The general of administration.

Finally, General Fleming. He was younger than the others without a wrinkle in sight. His brown cloak was untidy as a rip ran up its side, his shaggy brown hair hiding his eyebrows as he leaned on his hand. The general of Healing.

My eyes flitted to the left of the room, the stands of the witnesses.

Eduard, he was watching me intently with eyes are cold as the grey they were. His expression was firm, resolute. I hadn’t seen him since I returned from my detour during the march. He had shaved the little stubble he had, and he wore a new tunic of dark blue and silver thread. He looked as immaculate as he usually did in Talbour.

I pressed my lips as the box above his head.

Vishka’s Guidance System

Eduard Heversham

Likeability:-10% (+2%)

Still, in the minus, I wasn’t surprised. Though it was strange, it had increased since I last saw him. Did Eduard’s and Callan’s opinions of me improve when I didn’t speak with them? Or is there something I am doing that they approve of?

It’s no use contemplating it right now.

Callan was beside Eduard, watching me with a softer tone. Maybe it was worry? I couldn’t be sure as I wasn’t used to him caring about me yet. They oddly didn’t appear to be comfortable around each other from their postures.

What happened between them?

“Shall we begin then?” General Drew said, his voice reverberating in the room.

“Let’s. I have a meeting scheduled shortly” General Mullins’s tone sounded impatient.

“Are we sure he should be here?” General Fleming asked, nodding towards a man in the witness stands I had assumed was meant to be here.

“He won’t leave even if we ask him to,” General Drew sighed. “Saika, be sure to stay quiet, would you? You’ve caused enough grief already handing out a blood contract before assignment.”

“I stand by my decision”, General Saika, the man who had assessed me in Talbour and given me my blood contract, pouted on the witness stand. “I should be up there, not you, Fleming.”

“That would be biased, Saika” General Mullins frowned. “Tribunals must be impartial. As the responsible party for this mess, you can not make a decision on this.”

“Tch”, General Saika folded his arms in defiance. “This is why I don’t like you enforcers. The girl has skills we can use!”

“Saika!” General Mullins’s voice raised, “You will refrain from speaking further.”

As the discussion among the generals continued, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. The weight of the situation pressed down on me, knowing that my fate resting their hands. It was a shame General Saika wasn’t allowed to weigh in on a decision; by the sound of his frustration, he may have been a vote I could count on.

“Lady Heversham”, General Drew called, pulling my attention to him. “You have been summoned here today as your father, Viscount Heversham, has expressed his displeasure to your decision to join the Army. He advises that you joined without his permission and are, in fact, to marry in the spring. Do you refute this?”

I gulped, finally able to speak as I had been addressed. “I do not, General Drew.”

“So he writes the truth of the matter then?” General Mullins asked this time.

“He does, General Mullins. However, I did not agree to any such engagement, and I do not intend to uphold it.” as I spoke, I caught a glimpse at the side of my eye of Eduard’s scrunched face.

“Bold words Lady Heversham. However, it is commonplace that a parent may decide on their child’s marriage. That is the way of a noble.” General Fleming said with a raised eyebrow.

“That may be General Fleming. However, I still stand my wish to cancel my engagement.”

“Is that why you joined the Army? To run away from your responsibilities?” General Mullins frowned down at me.

The tension in the tribunal room seemed to escalate as my response was met with disapproval from the generals. I felt my nerves rocket in my stomach. This wasn’t going so well.

“I did not join the army to run away from my responsibilities, General Mullins,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the nerves gnawing at me. “I joined because I want to utilise my skills to serve the Zopan Empire. As a loyal subject, I want to do my part as a dutiful citizen. Viscount Heversham’s decision to arrange an engagement without my consent does not change this choice.”

I was lying a bit. I wasn’t as loyal to my country as I was to avoid my previous lives. I won’t mention it was also Vishka’s guidance. That was truly the only reason I joined.

General Drew leaned back in his chair, his eyes scrutinising me. “You claim loyalty and duty yet defy your father’s wishes. How do you reconcile that?”

I staunched at this question. He was right, of course. How should I approach this?

“I do not seek to defy the Viscount”, I forced the lies from my mouth. “However, I believe in having the right to make choices that align with my own beliefs and aspirations, “It is not an act of disrespect, but rather a declaration of my desire to follow my own will.”

Again lies. I did not respect Roger Heversham in any form. But saying that wasn’t going to get me anywhere. Telling the truth in my trial last time only wound me up killed. I won’t make that mistake again. Luckily, these generals did not know me; they won’t be able to notice my lies like Eduard and Callan probably could.

General Fleming raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued by my response. “Your convictions are admirable, Lady Heversham, but you must understand the implications of your actions. Arranged marriages serve to strengthen alliances and maintain social harmony. By rejecting this engagement, you risk unsettling the balance between the noble families involved.”

“I understand the consequences, General Fleming,” I replied. “But I cannot sacrifice my own happiness and aspirations for the sake of political alliances.”

The generals exchanged glances, and I noticed that General Drew’s expression had softened somewhat. General Mullins, however, still appeared stern and unyielding.

“Young lady, you speak passionately, but emotions cannot always guide important decisions,” General Mullins said gruffly. “You may have your reasons, but your father’s wishes cannot be dismissed lightly. This matter requires thoughtful consideration and respect for tradition.”

“I do respect tradition, General Mullins,” I replied quickly, trying to maintain my composure. “But I do not believe my engagement should impact my blood contract.”

“No impact? Is that not the reason your father petitioned for your revocation?” General Drew said, curious.

“Viscount Haversham believes I am incapable of being in the Army,” I said, making eye contact with General Mullins. “I refute that opinion.”

“I understand you have been assigned as a foot guard, Lady Heversham?” General Fleming asked, knowing my answer.

“That is correct,” I confirmed.

“Then, is his opinion not substantiated? I know of no noble who is a foot-guard.” General Mullins questioned, but it was clear to me his mind was made up from the roll of his good eye.

“I intend to become a Summoner once I have grown my core, General Mullins.”

“Grow your core?” General Mullins scoffed. “You barely have one, Lady Heversham. You won’t be able to use a gathering technique to do so.”

“You seem confident in your statement Lady Heversham,” General Fleming said, his brown eyes narrowing. “Why?”

I braced my heart from its tension; this was it; I had to prove myself. “I have a technique that allows gathering for a core as small as mine.”

“Impossible, no such thing exists”, General Mullins exclaimed.

“Consider me intrigued, Lady Heversham” General Drew stroked his long beard.

“You can’t be serious?” General Mullins glared at General Drew.

“What? It’s not impossible now, is it? We have Aether Researchers for a reason.” General Drew replied.

“You think a young woman from Talbour knows a miraculous gathering technique for a core below grade one? Your head is in the clouds, Drew.” General Mullins shook his head in exasperation.

“Regardless”, General Fleming interrupted them both. “Results would be proof enough.”

“True enough, Fleming” Drew withdrew his argument with General Mullins.

I felt a small hope rising; maybe I won’t need to use my backup plan. They would need to let me stay in order to see such results, just as I had hoped.

“I can’t see any reason to go against Viscount Heversham’s request at this point. If the young lady truly has such a technique, she can grow her core at home and re-go the assessment at a later date.” General Mullins waved his hand as my skin prickled.

“That could get her killed, Mullins; if her technique is not suitable for her core, she will only end up poisoning herself with Aether.” General Fleming frowned. “It is best that she stay so we can monitor her results.”

Two decisions were made, and there was only one left. I watched General Drew in anticipation as my heart raced.

“Considering her lack of approval and pre-arranged marriage, I am inclined towards to agree with Vis-”

“I request your attention to my declaration!” I shouted desperately to stop those last words from leaving General Drews’s mouth. All three of the generals paused at my outburst, and I quickly rushed to pull out my envelope.

I had no choice.

“What is your declaration?” General Fleming nodded to Captain Stewart, who approached the podium and took the envelope from my hands. He brought it over to the Generals. They opened it and began to read my written request.

I glanced at Eduard and Callan; they looked at me in confusion as I swallowed the pit that hardened in my throat.

I’m sorry, Cassandra. I will have to go back on the kindness you gave me.

“I wish for the immediate revocation of my legal adoption.”

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What do you guys think of my reveal of the backup plan? How upset do you think Eduard and Callan are going to be??

Did this chapter read okay? Im not sure if I should cut out some of the beginning before we get into the trial room.