The priests of Liambruu moved forward as a group. Silence returned. "The gods will show who are the true priests, and will sort the false from the faithful." The man speaking wore the colors Ewoud associated with Gember or Korval, but his staff had an animal head, marking him as Yoorst's Son. The other priests raised their hands, and the speaking priest shouted, "May the gods judge and show their will and their truth!"
Nothing happened. Ewoud glanced to where his father stood, and saw Tycho looking somewhat amused, but not responding in any other fashion. No magic—mortal or otherwise—troubled the air then. The priests chanted more loudly, shaking their hands, then made a throwing gesture. Still no response. The emperor's cat yawned.
Someone laughed. The Rhonari priests turned, glaring at the witnesses, and the laughter stopped. Apparently the failure was not as funny as it seemed to Ewoud and the others.
After another failed throwing motion, the emperor raised his hands. Ewoud saw the blue fire appearing once more around him, then coalesce into balls of cobalt flame. The emperor's cat stood and swished its tail, hackle fur rising. "May the gods make their will plain through me if it is their will," the emperor called. Tycho still did not move, other than leaning away with all the other witnesses.
Ewoud closed his eyes.
"You blaspheme," a third voice from Liambruu's delegation shouted. "You are—!"
Something great, greater than men, moved air and land. Ewoud fell on his face in the snow as thunder shook the ground. He heard screams, tearing sounds, and then a second thunderous rumble. The ground was supposed to be solid, not to shake, not on this side of the city, away from the marshes. Silence. Silence. Then voices calling, "Praise Donwah, praise Gember, praise Maarsrodi!"
"Hail the gods!" someone bellowed.
A woman pleaded, ”Great Traveler have mercy on us."
"Scavenger, hear our words, forgive," a thin voice wailed.
"Hail to the Great Northern Emperor," a steadier voice called.
"The gods have spoken," the emperor stated, his voice firm but quiet. Ewoud ventured to look up from the snow, and saw the men of Rhonari and their priests kneeling, the emperor kneeling, and no priests of Liambruu. The snow had also vanished, and the ground where Liambruu's priests had stood now resembled a fresh-plowed field, churned and black. Then he saw two hands sticking out of that ground, and a foot. Queasy, Ewoud wondered if the men of Liambruu had paid their inn bills in advance, then quashed the irreverent thought. Gember's Daughter stood, walked to the foot, and scraped soil over it with her boot and staff, the way a cat buried its waste. "You may rise," the emperor said.
"Hear the priests of the gods," the senior priest of Maarsrodi commanded. "The gods will protect and answer, but only to those who speak truth in their names. You have seen and heard. Learn from what you have seen." The ambassador from Liambruu now stood much farther away from the other ambassadors and representatives, his face as pale as the snow in the fields. His hands seemed to shake. Was he terrified, as he should be, or just cold, Ewoud wondered as he stood.
After all had returned to their feet, Ewoud noticed motion in the crowd. Some people eased out the back of the group and hurried to the city gate, probably so they could be the first to spread the news. The emperor put his crown back on and the priests resumed their earlier places, all save the priest of Maarsrodi. "Meester Dogald Bushmakkda and Ewoud Truthspeaker, come forward," a herald demanded.
Hands shaking, mouth dry, Ewoud stepped forward and bowed to emperor and priest. Meester Dogald did not quite swagger, but he looked far more confident than Ewoud felt, especially after the display of the gods' anger. The great cat sat on its haunches, tail wrapped around his toes, as the emperor regarded the two men before the platform.
The cold, dark green eyes looked from Ewoud to Dogald and back. The gaze held a weight of its own, something more serious than just magic. The watching priests seemed cheerful and their expressions frivolous in comparison. The emperor's attention made the staff in Ewoud's hand heavier, somehow. The emperor said, "Ewoud Tycho's son, explain what transpired in Kehlibar so that all here may understand the complaint against you."
Ewoud bowed again, in part to buy a moment to get spit into his mouth. "I went to Kehlibar vlee to learn more of trading. The caravan arrived without incident, other than an attack by laupen, and I was assigned to work with Meester Tadol Haakom, the pelt and fur master. When not assisting him or serving in other duties, I took turns in the main trade building, watching senior journeymen and masters conduct business and assisting them by gathering, measuring, and wrapping purchased goods."
Ewoud took a deep breath before continuing. The hand on the staff felt wet. "I was in the trade building with Journey Hanka. A local man came in to trade. Hanka misremembered the price for salt. Then I sensed him using some kind of spell on the customer, persuading the man to purchase lower quality blue cloth, but charging the price for the better material." Ewoud's face warmed and he looked at the ground. "I did not say anything, because I did not know if Hanka acted on his own or under orders from his master. If from his master, then I thought, that is, that Hanka had obtained permission to take redress for bad pelts that had been sold to Meester Dogald. And I did not want Hanka and Meester Dogald to accuse me of making a false claim, since everyone knew that Hanka and I had suffered differences of opinion in the past."
"That boy tricked my journeyman into taking the blame for breaking ship's rules, you mean," Dogald snapped.
Ambassador Count Mangus, standing beside the platform, raised one hand. "Ewoud speaks, then you." Dogald glowered but subsided.
"I saw Hanka do something the like twice more," Ewoud admitted. "And I did not speak. If his master knew and permitted it, I had no place to complain." He heard sounds of displeasure from the crowd. "Then," he swallowed hard, making himself look up at the witnesses. "Then a man of the north came in with tamman hides. Meester Haakom had told us, and others had told us, that only masters could purchase tamman, and only from northerners. When Hanka sent me to fetch more salt, I ran and told Meester Haakom. When I returned," Ewoud looked Count Mangus in the eyes, "Hanka was trying to bargain with the customer, and then used magic against him—persuasion spells. But the customer was also a mage, and he did something, I do not know what, and Hanka began choking. I ducked out of the way as Meester Haakom came in. He, the master, said that the journeyman would be disciplined along with anyone who had helped him, and ordered me back to work."
The emperor's voice caressed the words. "And then what transpired, Ewoud Rhonarida?"
Ewoud licked dry lips. It didn't help. "I told a masters' court what had happened, and was punished with ten lashes to the back as well as confinement, bread and water, and privy duty. The masters ruled that I did not have to pay restitution to the customers, in part because I earned no pay for my service in the vlee."
After a long pause, the emperor inquired, "Meester Remko Dogald, what transpired?"
Dogald planted his staff on the ground with a firm thump. "The boy started harassing my journeyman on the voyage to Kehlibar, claiming that he was the one who used a spell without ship's permission. Once we got to land, things got better, but only because the other masters kept a firm hand on him. That is, until the boy was assigned to work with Hanka.
"Hanka tried. He did his duty to me, did business as I'd taught him." Dogald sounded mournful and wiped the corner of one eye. Ewoud was not the only one to stare a little at the lean man. "If he used his gift, I'm certain it was for the good of trade, not out of malice." Pure malice filled the look the merchant gave Ewoud. "Some of the apprentices heard rumors about what happened on ship, and claimed that Hanka had misused his mage abilities to deceive customers. Hanka was a notary mage," Dogald added quickly. That generated a rustle and wave of murmurs and unhappy whispers. A dishonest notary would undermine the very foundation of trade.
"The first thing I knew, that the other masters knew, was that the boy had goaded Hanka, undermining his authority, pushing him
." The words came faster and faster. "Nothing overt, of course, but a word here, a look there, a little dig among the other sons and journeymen. Accusing him of cheating customers, claiming that he'd used improper magic, insinuating that Hanka was not a proper journeyman who abided by the laws of the vlee. It infuriated poor Hanka, pushed him to the break point." Dogald took a deep breath, as if collecting himself. "Hanka lost control under the constant harassment and forgot the laws of the vlee. He must have been desperate to escape that taunting and to show that he was worthy of mastery despite the boy's accusations and lies."
Ewoud noticed several of the men and women frowning, and the priests leaning together as if conferring. No expression appeared on Count Mangus's face, and the emperor looked... bored? Certainly not persuaded or pleased, Ewoud guessed. So, Dogald admitted that Hanka had broken the law, but claimed that Ewoud had instigated it. He wasn't telling the truth, but he wasn't lying, either. Ewoud wanted to grind his teeth.
"For that your journeyman was executed?" The emperor inquired. "That sounds like a harsh punishment indeed, if the instigator only received a flogging."
Dogald looked down for the first time. "No, most Imperial Majesty. It was said by men of the town that Hanka forced himself on young women, using his magic. No doubt the girls claimed that to absolve themselves of not standing firm when he approached them." Ewoud's hand hurt, and he made himself release his grip on the staff a little as an angry snarl rose from the crowd, particularly from the women. "If he had used his magic, again, the boy's harassment pushed Hanka into it. It is said, as all know, that sometimes magic may come into use without the mage being aware of it, should he or she be too distracted or upset."
"Oh not that shit again," a loud voice from the crowd declared. Several of the mages within Ewoud's view shook their heads, and one of the Scavenger's priests covered his eyes with his hand, or so it appeared. Dogald turned, trying to find the source of the voice. Ewoud remained still.
"And for this reason you claim blood payment," Count Mangus said. "What of Hanka's family?"
Dogald hesitated. "Ah, most Imperial Majesty, that is, it is complicated, and I prefer not to speak of delicate matters in the presence of so many."
"What of Hanka's family?" The emperor himself inquired.
"I am their representative, most.. imperial... maj—" Dogald's hand went to his collar, loosening it.
The emperor turned dark eyes to Ewoud. "Did you intend harm to Hanka?"
"No, most Imperial Majesty, I did not."
"Did you cause Hanka's death?"
He had to be honest. "Perhaps I did, because I did not try to stop him or to warn the masters before Hanka's behavior grew worse. If I had complained, the masters could have taken steps sooner." Ewoud swallowed hard around a lump. "But Hanka's choices were his own, and I did not encourage him or threaten him. In truth, most Imperial Majesty, my noble lords, Masters, I tried to stay away from him because everyone knew we didn't get along and I didn't want people thinking that I was trying to get him in trouble."
On impulse he added, "I didn't take any money with me or have an allowance or earn anything that could have been used for a payment, either for the insult on board ship or for Hanka's later death."
Dogald wheezed, drawing Ewoud's attention away from the emperor. He'd opened his collar but still labored for breath. As he did, Ewoud caught a glimpse of brown and gold that shone in the bright winter sun, almost like honey. Saka! Dogald wore a saka necklace or pendant. But it wasn't red or rose, just ordinary saka. Ewoud looked to the priests, then the emperor, then back to Dogald.
"It appears that your own words choke you, Meester Dogald." The emperor mused. Dogald dropped his staff and went to one knee, trying to breathe. His face had turned grey, his lips blue-grey. "No mage can use his or her gifts without knowing it and being deliberate in the effort. No man trained in a skill for over eight years, as you yourself affirm," the emperor held up the petition of redress, "can forget the most basic laws that govern all men. Hanka chose to break the laws. If Ewoud Rhonarida, called Truthspeaker, bears guilt it is for him to settle with the gods, not with men. And you lied before all men, Dogald. The saka shows it."
On his knees, tongue hanging from his mouth, Dogald shook his head.
"Yes, you did. You do not represent Hanka's family. My sight mages looked for Hanka's kin, at Count Mangus's request after the initial insult. He was born a bastard but raised by his father's family until he showed mage-gifts. Then they disowned Hanka as a child because of his talent, rather than approaching the priests and others who might have been able to assist, and instead of taking responsibility for him. You bribed a notary in Bushmakk to allow Hanka to study with him, so that he could serve without revealing his true skills in illusion and perception-twisting." A wave of gasps and hisses flowed out of the crowd and Ewoud's gut clenched. Without trust in the notary mages, no one could trade! Dogald and Hanka had ruined everyone.
"That corrupt notary is answering for his crimes." Dogald tipped onto his side, fighting for air, writhing on the cold snow. "Young Ewoud Rhonarida is not the only person you and Hanka threatened, was he? Nor the first to suspect your journeyman's misuse of magic. How many others did you abuse into silence?" Dogald could not answer the emperor's words without breath. "How many?" The words struck like a whip, and Dogald held up one hand showing four fingers. Ewoud felt sicker. Was he going to lose his supper right there?
The emperor pointed and Ewoud dropped to one knee, head bowed. "Our absence does not change the laws of the gods and of men." The emperor's voice boomed like thunder. "Dogald, once a master, is stripped of all rights and privileges. His estate is forfeit to the city of Bushmakk." Dogald gasped, then gasped again, breathing once more. The emperor gestured and guards hurried forward. One reached down and removed a chain and four pieces of saka from around Dogald's throat. Ewoud saw a flash of red as the guard handed the necklace to Count Mangus, who placed it on the platform beside the cat. The cat rested his paw on the jewelry. The emperor continued, pointing to the gems, "And this will return to its proper owner, the one who sold it in good faith and who trusted someone unworthy of that gift.
"Ewoud Rhonarida bears no responsibility for Hanka's death. He has learned from his mistakes, has taken the duties of a man and discharged them faithfully. He spoke the truth even when it cost him honor and credit. For this we grant him mastery of his trade, as is our ancient right. Young in years but sadly wise, Ewoud Truthspeaker we name him. Would that all young men learned so well and acted so wisely."
Ewoud did not look up. He didn't need to. The emperor left the platform, flowing as much as stepping. He reached down and picked Dogald up by the collar. "Be gone from our cities. You are outside our protections and laws." The emperor tossed the limp former merchant into the crowd. People stepped away with haste, as if dodging something noxious. "In the year to come, we need men of honor and the law, not creatures such as you."
The emperor resumed his place. "Ewoud Rhonarida, you may rise and rejoin the other petitioners." Ewoud wasted no time getting up and out of the way.
The emperor raised his hands again, this time without calling spell power, then lowered them. "Hear my decision. Mages are not leb-servants." Several of the ambassadors opened their mouths and the emperor raised a single gloved hand once more. "Because of the dearth, and the lack of certain medicines and healing earths occasioned by the foolishness of Liambruu, for a year from this day, mages are to serve those in need, who must pay what they can as a leb-price. Mages are not bound servants or live-servants, and can refuse to serve those who have publically abused them."
No one looked happy. That suggested to Ewoud that everyone would abide by the rule. Even the mages in the crowd, the ones that Ewoud could see at least, were nodding although one woman looked as if she'd just stepped in something worse than summer fish guts.
"We will go south. We will personally inspect those cities requesting freedom from their lords, except for Karlstejn." A smile curved one cor
ner of the emperor's mouth. "Our sight mages have inspected them, as have our representatives, and we approve their request. We suggest, however, that no one else claim that their lord died in a hunting accident unless they can also provide us with the chervi's or tamman's crossbow. We are curious to see such a wonder for ourselves." Ewoud heard laughter in the emperor's voice and had to smile a little as well. So much for believing that story.
The smile disappeared as the sun broke from the clouds. "When the port opens, we will travel south. War has come as we had feared when we first heard rumors of Liambruu's folly. The gods made their will plain once, now twice. We would not have another Great Cold descend on our lands, and so we will do what is needful." A pause and Ewoud shivered. The slight smile returned. "And perhaps it is past time to deal with the mouth of the Moahne. The river's obstreperous behavior wears on us."
Finally, a decent port! Ewoud wasn't the only merchant to have trouble hiding his excitement and glee.
15
South Once More
Two days later, Ewoud followed his father into the lesser council chamber. They both bowed. The emperor sat on his throne, his cat asleep beside him. The tip of the cat's tail twitched, as did his paws, and Ewoud wondered if it was dreaming. "Tycho Rhonarida and Ewoud Truthspeaker Rhonarida," a herald called. Count Mangus approached from the side and bowed, then stood at Ewoud's side. As he did, Ewoud realized that no one besides north-men attended the meeting.
"We will be blunt," the emperor began. "Tycho Galnaar, we desire your presence with us as we go south."
Was that why the emperor had given him mastery? Ewoud's hands began sweating once more.
"Why, most Imperial Majesty?" His father's quiet question seemed to shake the room.
The emperor smiled. "Because of that, Meester Tycho. You have courage and you have no magic. You cannot be swayed by illusion or compulsion, and you know how to live without magic. Truth be told, we suspect that you fear only the gods, not us." He pointed to his own chest.
Imperial Magic Page 21