The Inquisition (Summoner, #2)(8)

A low hum of conversation permeated the room as Arcturus stood and collected his notes.

‘I guess all my preparation for training as a judge paid off, huh, Fletcher,’ Didric croaked as he made his way back to his chair. ‘Although, one look at that fuddy-duddy makes me glad I ended up going down a different path.’

‘Like they would ever let a monster like you become a judge,’ Fletcher replied, hatred dripping from his words.

Didric’s shoulders stiffened and he turned back, despite a stern cough from the judge.

‘Remember, Fletcher, it’s my prison,’ Didric hissed, his eyes blazing with madness. ‘If you think withholding food is the worst I can do, your imagination is severely lacking.’

‘Lord Cavell, I must ask you to return to your seat,’ the judge ordered.

‘Actually, your honour, I would prefer it if Didric stayed.’ Arcturus strode forward and lifted Fletcher to his feet. The firm grip on Fletcher’s shoulders steadied the erratic beat of his heart. He took a deep breath and met the judge’s gaze.

‘Very well. Lord Cavell, please take the stand,’ the judge said, waving Didric back to the podium.

‘Would it be unorthodox if I was to bring Sergeant Jakov and Private Calista back in as well?’ Arcturus proposed.

‘It would be, but it is within the realm of the law. But let me ask this first: as I understand, you are not a qualified lawyer, Captain Arcturus. Why is it you who is defending the boy?’ the judge said.

‘I defend him because nobody else would, for fear of reprisal from the Triumvirate. Cowards, all of them.’ Arcturus shook his head, his voice bitter.

‘I am sorry, I am not familiar with this term, triumvirate,’ the judge said, furrowing his brow.

Fletcher was curious – he was also unfamiliar with the term.

‘Lord Cavell, Lady Faversham and Lord Forsyth have close ties in politics and business. That is what the three families have come to be known as,’ Arcturus replied.

So Didric was in cahoots with the Favershams and the Forsyths. Fletcher almost smiled to himself. How fitting. All the people who hated him most in the world, working together to bring him down. He should have known.

‘Perhaps they would not represent him because it is so obvious he is guilty,’ Didric said loudly. ‘No lawyer in his right mind would take a case like this.’

‘Quiet!’ Arcturus snapped, turning on Didric. ‘I did not speak during your plea. I would appreciate it if you afforded me the same courtesy.’

Didric rolled his eyes, holding up his hands in mock surrender.

‘Bring in Private Calista and Sergeant Jakov,’ the judge ordered. ‘And fetch chairs for them too.’

It took but a few seconds for the guard to bring them back in. Fletcher suspected they had been listening at the door.

‘Let’s get to it then, shall we?’ the judge said. He sniffed irritably as the guard dragged two chairs beside the podium, making a loud grating sound against the floor. ‘State your case and I shall give you my verdict.’

Fletcher watched the three onstage, wondering what game Arcturus was playing.

He had never told Arcturus, nor anyone else, the full story of what had happened that night. Kicking himself for it, Fletcher sank into an even deeper despair as Arcturus began to speak.

‘I want to first point out to the honourable judge, that there is no evidence whatsoever to support Private Calista and Sergeant Jakov’s claims, other than their testimony. Therefore, we must conclude that should their story be proved inconsistent, the judge must acquit Fletcher of all charges. Is that right, your honour?’

‘Well, that is a very simplistic interpretation of the law,’ the judge harrumphed. ‘If you cast sufficient doubt over their story, yes, I will be more inclined to find Fletcher innocent. However, you must also provide an alternative version of events, with proof.’

‘Thank y—’ Arcturus began.

‘Keep in mind that the matching testimony of three individuals is very powerful,’ the judge interrupted. ‘There must be significant doubt, Captain Arcturus. Significant indeed.’

‘Very well, your honour,’ Arcturus said, bowing his head with respect. ‘In that case, I shall begin by proposing a very different set of events that night.’

Clasping his hands behind his back, Arcturus turned back to the three witnesses.

‘On a cold evening, two years ago, Fletcher befriends an old soldier. As I understand, his name is Private Rotherham, also known as Rotter to his compatriots on the front lines. He was the man who was initially in possession of the summoner’s book. The two are drinking in the local tavern when Didric accosts them, accompanied by Jakov, and demands the book in exchange for a paltry sum that was never agreed to in the first place. Do you deny these events, Didric?’

‘I believe the proper form of address is Lord Cavell,’ Didric said, crossing his arms and challenging Arcturus with an obstinate glare.

‘Lord Cavell,’ Arcturus said, forcing the words out through gritted teeth. ‘Do you deny the charges? I have found several witnesses who would swear to it. It looks as if not everyone in the village would take your money, even those your father bankrupted.’

Didric flushed with anger, but kept his fury in check, responding in a measured voice.

‘I do not deny the charges. We did meet in the tavern that night, though I would debate with you whether we had agreed on the sale or not.’