The Trial

It wasn’t the same room as last time. This one was bigger, more official. He and Lucen were sitting in the middle, legs chained to the sturdy wooden chairs for the accused. Right in front of them was a podium, reserved for the king, and fanning out from it, in a half circle, were chairs and desks, now filled with high-ranking military men and nobles. Behind them stood a line of guards. They didn’t speak, but Elian could feel their eyes on his back, hear the occasional shuffle of heavy boots.

Most of his focus was directed forward, on Captain Kovak, who once again acted as spokesperson. Just like that time. Only this time, the stakes were so much higher.

“The charges are straightforward, undeniable even. This young man,” Kovak pointed a gloved finger at Elian. “...is a former soldier, a mage who killed many of our comrades. In his kind wisdom, our king spared his life, on the condition that he’d never return here - to the seat of his crimes. Yet after spending years with our other enemies, the wolf-people, he now stands before us, in the heart of our kingdom.”

There were whispers around the tables, notes being scribbled. Kovak smiled. “He doesn’t even deny his crimes.”

“I had to come back,” Elian said. “You have no idea what’s coming. The bugs are…”

“...your excuse again. They are not the topic for this trial. You are. Not only did you break the rules of your exile, but you also corrupted a high-ranking officer into assisting you.” His finger moved to Lucen.

“You’re not listening,” Elian shouted, then lowered his voice again. “We had to warn you. The buggers are going to kill everybody!”

“Tch, we have that threat under control. A traitor in our own ranks, though. A trusted high officer knowingly aiding a convicted criminal… That’s what we need to discuss here today.”

“I did what I did, and I’d do it again,” Lucen said. He looked more tired than Elian had seen him before, but his eyes were vivid with held-back anger.

“I can understand your actions six years ago. Misguided kindness to this monster in the shape of a child. Leaving him to be raised by other monsters.” Kovak sniffed, raising his chin. “But now, for you helping him infiltrate the army… there are no excuses.”

“Someone had to do something,” Elian interrupted. “Our entire world is at risk.”

“Nonsense. Your fearmongering isn’t going to work. You and everyone here know the punishment for your return…”

“You’ve gotten report after report about how the bugs have been changing their tactics. Yes, tactics!” Lucen slammed his hands on the armrests of his chair. “Yet you’ve done nothing. You’ve seen the creatures we believe are responsible. One of them lies dead in this very building.”

“And it will be addressed in due time, for now…” He frowned, turning to the door.

It was still closed, but there was some commotion going on. Loudly. The mumbling inside the room rose as the door drew everybody’s focus.

Once it burst open, all heads turned that way, and there were outraged gasps and objections. Ignoring those, a bulky dwarf with bright red hair and beard stomped inside, pausing dramatically so the light glistened off his full traditional armor.

“I am Brinwen Stonehammer, and I tell you this lad is telling the truth.” A massive axe was planted on the floor so hard the tiles under it broke. The dwarf leaned against it, eyes moving around the tables. “You should listen to him, not treat him like a petty thief. He came to save all of your asses, so he’s a blazing hero in my book.”

“This is a closed court,” Kovak snapped. “Foreigners are not allowed here. And I can assure you, whatever lies these scoundrels have spread will be dealt with.”

“Lies?” The dwarf fumed, and Elian noticed a girl sneaking in through the now-open door. A girl with the same shade of red hair, messily styled into two short braids. Brinja. Then the older dwarf must be…

“Are you calling my daughter a liar? Are you calling me a liar?”

“Of course not.” Kovak was looking angrily at the door, where more armored dwarves were gathering, craning their necks to see what was going on. “I’m saying you’ve been deceived.”

“I saw those bugs in the mines with my own eyes,” Brinja said as she stepped forward, giving Elian a little wave. “I saw the eggs, the army they’re breeding. And I saw the bones of my dead kinsmen.”

“Ho!” The dwarves shouted, and several axes slammed into the floor.

“The testimony of one scared dwarf girl who wants to save her friend is hardly evidence.” Kovak waved a dismissive hand, trying to regain control over the room. “I’ll be more than willing to set up a special hearing for her and the others. But for now, we’re here to decide upon the guilt and punishment of these two criminals.”

“I’m not scared, but you’re right, I want to save my friend. I would be dead if it weren’t for him. Blackbeard too.” Brinja crossed her arms over her chest, planting her feet solidly on the floor. “But what he says is still true. The bugs are coming. Soon. And we need to be ready.”

“You’d still need evidence. We can send a delegation to the mines, but…”

“Evidence? You need more evidence? I bring messages from the elves, from the esteemed historians in the Hall of Lore.” All heads turned to the door and the young uniformed soldier squeezing his way past the dwarves.

Elian looked up, thinking this must be a dream, but there was Lior. Waving a roll of parchment in the air, closely followed by Kaia, and one black goat who ran straight to Brinja.

“I also saw everything,” Kaia announced loudly, tail swinging angrily. “Giant bugs are coming.”

Ignoring Kovak, they went straight to the podium where Lior presented the scroll to the king.

“This matter definitely is more complicated than we thought,” the king said, reading the scroll. “But Captain Kovak is right. This is a trial, and letters are hardly strong evidence. If the situation is so dire, why aren’t the scholars here in person?”

“You’ve never tried getting an elf to hurry, have you?” Lior asked, shuddering. “They’re on their way, but since they’re bringing half the library, they’re travelling by carrier. They’ll be here eventually.”

“Then we’ll discuss this further when they arrive. Someone find our guests lodging for the night, and we’ll address the mines and the new bugs at a proper meeting tomorrow.”

“See to it!” Kovak clapped his hands at an attendant, who managed to shoo the dwarfs away with a promise of food and drinks.

Brinja, however, stayed, as did Kaia and Lior. The door was slammed shut, and order was somewhat restored. More than one of the seated members of the court seemed almost disappointed. This straightforward case had turned out more entertaining than they expected.

“Now, let’s get back to the order of business,” Kovak said, smoothing his hair down. In complete control once more. “Elian, your past crimes include causing the deaths of a platoon of mages, as well as other soldiers.”

Elian lowered his head; it was true after all. He had killed all those people, and he knew what coming back would mean…

“And if those losses were not enough, you also killed our dear Captain Markor. Do you admit your guilt?”

Elian nodded, but someone else spoke up.

“No, you didn’t kill the captain. You couldn’t have. Remember what I told you.”

“What?” Kovak stared at Lior as he told the court about what he’d seen that day. Some of the soldiers nodded thoughtfully.

“Something about that second burst of fire, the one that killed Markor, has always bothered me,” Lucen said.

“One burst or two, it doesn’t change the outcome,” Kovak sneered. “We all saw this boy start the fire, not even you are denying that.” He looked pointedly at Lior, who lowered his eyes and shook his head.

“But,” Elian said, rolling up his sleeve. “...I got this burn that day.” He held up his arm to show the scar. “I thought it was from the bug exploding, but…”

The room grew quiet, only the impatient tapping of Kovak’s foot broke the silence.

“If it wasn’t the bug, then it must have been another mage’s fire,” Lucen said softly. “And there was only one other fire mage who survived that day… A fire mage who had a lot to gain from the death of the old captain…”

All eyes turned to Kovak, who was suddenly looking less comfortable.

“This is all circumstantial,” he said, straightening his jacket. “An injured boy’s recollection from six years ago is hardly definitive.”

“No.” The king rose, staring at Kovak in disbelief mixed with horror. “You didn’t…”

“Of course not. But you have to admit that things worked out perfectly. Markor was too soft. My leadership has provided us with many victories, and our budget has never been better.” He was clearly sweating now, though his face was calm. “And Princess Eloria has never been happier. She says so herself…”

“My poor girl…” The king sank down in his seat, face pale and hands trembling. “How can I tell her…?”

Elian was looking between the men. Could Kovak really have done something so horrendous? The king raised his head again, his jaw set and his eyes flashing.

“And I assume you were planning to rule in my stead, once you were married?”

Kovak straightened himself, chin up.

“Yes, naturally. As Captain and Prince Consort it'd be my right and duty.”

“Take him away. Put him in a cell until we can arrange his trial.” 

The guards quickly apprehended the former captain and led him away. The king turned to Elian next.

“After hearing this new information, I hereby offer you a full pardon.” The king raised a cautioning hand. “This does not mean that you were completely innocent. Your slip caused many deaths and provided the scene for Kovak to commit a heinous crime. Not only to Markor and the others he killed, but also to you, exaggerating your guilt.”

Elian’s head was spinning. Was this really happening? But the king hadn’t finished.

“Your part as the instigator was clearly unintentional. And since we, the crown and military, put you in that position, some of that guilt should fall on us. Considering your great service to us, risking your very life to warn us of danger… it more than makes up for that past mistake, and we hope you’ll keep standing by us in our hour of need.”

“I… Of course I will.” Elian stood, barely having time to tap his fist to his chest before his friends swarmed around him. Kaia was first to throw her arms around him, then Lior and Brinja joined in. Blackbeard joined last, bumping into them so hard they almost fell over.

“We’ll all help.”