The Magic Council

Libarius and Salvo step out of the glowing doorway. Libarius winces as they appear in the center of the well-lit chamber. The room is circular and domed. The dome is covered in frescos depicting ancient tales from when mages fought against devils. Libarius and Salvo stand at a lectern atop a small raised platform in the center of the room. Behind them is a large set of wooden doors. On either side of them are tall stone seats, all empty, passageways leading to them barely visible from where they stand. In front of them are three tall, slightly curved stone platforms, each with three seats. The center platform is raised above the other two. At the nine seats are nine old men, each wearing a loose-fitting silken robe. The nine old men glare down at Libarius from their vantage points. Salvo takes his cap and places it at his chest as he bows to them.

“Lords of the Council, I thank you for accepting my request.” The centermost old man begins to talk.

“No need, Major General Mitis. Let us review the facts of the case before we begin. The prisoner at issue is Libarius Canto Grandis Magice, designated the Forbidden Sage during the operation for his capture. He was charged and found guilty of having learned the thirteen gravest Taboos and countless others. In aiding his master, the Tyrant, he participated in the slaughter of between one-hundred and three-hundred innocent civilians. At the time of his capture ten years ago, in resisting arrest, he severely maimed four soldiers of the Magic Corps, and more minorly injured eight further. When he was brought before us to face judgement, the Council deemed it necessary to imprison him for life within the solitary block of the Abyss. Is this a proper and correct summary of events?” Libarius answers.

“Yes sir. May I return to my research now?” In a rush, Salvo slams his palm against the lectern.

“Lords of the Council, the whole of that summary, though accurate in the most basic terms, ignores the most pertinent detail: he was a ch—”

“Major General, we will hear your arguments in a moment!” Salvo holds his tongue as the nine old men begin to talk amongst themselves. Several minutes later, the central old man addresses Salvo and Libarius once more. “The Council has discussed, and has come to the conclusion that it had not erred in this decision. Major General Mitis, the Council will now hear your reason for petitioning for the unconditional release of this prisoner.” Salvo responds, his demeanor now subdued and smoldering.

“Yes Lord. Libarius Canto Grandis Magice cannot be reasonably held responsible for his actions. Not only was he but a young child, aged eight at the time of his capture, but he was groomed into an obedient servant by a mage so powerful that not even the esteemed Council would dare to attack him lightly. If he were not complicit in the crimes of the Tyrant then he would not be alive to stand before this esteemed Council today. It is my professional opinion as the Warden of the Abyss that due to these extenuating circumstances, the Council had decided in error and handed down a punishment that far exceeds any reasonability. For this reason I urge the Lords of the Council to reconsider the punishments placed on this child.”

The Council begins their discourse. They talk for minutes. Then for an hour. The whole time, rather than any question of law, morality, ethics, or philosophy, the nine wise men seemed to be bargaining, negotiating for some middle-ground. An especially passionate figure, his body animated even in silence, an old man on the fringe of the seating, seemed more disappointed than anything else when the decision was at last made. The central old man begins to speak once more.

“The Council has come to a decision. Following such a speech, it would be remiss of us not to reconsider. It has been decided that the previous decision will be rescinded. The previously imposed sentence of life in the Abyss will be commuted. However, this is not to say that the facts of the case nor the real danger posed by the Forbidden Sage have changed. The Council has decided on the terms for the Forbidden Sage’s parole. First: the parole will last for a single year starting from the moment of his release, as recorded in the sigil on his back. Second: he will be made to work as a teacher for the Royal Magic Institute in the capital.” Libarius objects to this.

“I’ve done no wrong and yet still I am punished. You decided that I was punished in error yet you maintain it. All I desire is to live out my days peacefully, researching magic as my heart wills it. Don’t get—” Salvo forces his hand over Libarius’ mouth, making him quiet.

“Major General Mitis, it appears that on a dispositional level—”

“Lords of the Council, do not be mistaken! Libarius is but a young man, barely an adult at all! For him to be ignorant of decorum, especially in view of his strange upbringing, is not unexpected at all. The passions of youth cannot be taken as evidence of a desire to harm others!” The old man scoffs.

“Very well, Major General. Third: his use of magic will be restricted to spells approved by his designated guardian within the previous two hours and spells cast in proximity to him within the past minute. Fourth: the aforementioned designated guardian, tasked with monitoring the Forbidden Sage, will be Major General Salvo Mitis. Fifth: in order to secure his freedom and repent for his sins, the Forbidden Sage must show a notable positive impact within his assigned role. Sixth: failing to make such an impact, as judged by the Council in full attendance, will result in the reinstatement of the previous life sentence. Seventh: any attempt to return to the research of the Taboos will result in the reinstatement of the previous life sentence. Eighth: any attempt to escape will result in the reinstatement of the previous life sentence. Ninth: any act of aggression against the Council, Magic Institute, or kingdom will result in the reinstatement of the previous life sentence. Tenth: in the event that the designated guardian dies or becomes otherwise unfit for the role during the one year period, the Forbidden Sage will be taken into custody; if during this custody he cannot find another to serve as his designated guardian then it will result in the reinstatement of the previous life sentence. Eleventh: in the event that the Forbidden Sage dies during the one year period, possession of his body will go to the Council. That is all. Do you accept these terms?” Libarius fights furiously within Salvo’s grip, clearly still opposed to no small number of the terms. However, Salvo answers for him.

“Yes, he agrees to them. And I shall fulfill my task dutifully, Lords of the Council.”

“Then leave us, Major General.”

The old man raises a hand and murmurs a spell beneath his breath. There is a flash of light and Libarius stops struggling. Salvo releases Libarius. When Libarius is made to stand with only his own strength, he crumples to the ground. He gasps with pain as he reaches weakly towards his leg. Salvo grimaces. He bends down and picks Libarius up and carries his light body cradled in his arms. Salvo turns towards the doors and begins to walk.

“I’m sorry, Libarius, but this is the only way. I don’t have power enough to transfer us to the capital, so we’ll take the train there I suppose. I have a home in the capital as well, so I suppose that’s sorted. Libarius,” Salvo pushes open the doors and walks out, “I promise you that you will be free. Please just endure this a while longer.”