Lannon and the other Squires couldn't believe what they were seeing. Furlus had just all but accused Moten of having dealings with the Deep Shadow, and Moten's only response was to stare smugly back. Lannon wanted badly to say something, but Vorden beat him to it.
"Who should be on trial here?" said Vorden. "Us, or those--"
"Be quiet!" Cordus interrupted him. "Do not speak without permission. I better not have to tell you this again, Vorden Flameblade."
"The lad is arrogant to speak out thus," said Moten. "Dremlock doesn't need such brazenness, such blatant defiance of our Laws. I think we can see what kind of Squires we're dealing with here."
"I understand his desire to speak," said Taris. "Why should he not be allowed to state his case? The rule is not fair."
"Regardless," said Moten, "it is a rule and should be obeyed."
"This discussion is pointless," said Kealin. "The trial has just begun, yet already it has degenerated into a verbal brawl. And to what end? I say the final vote is all that matters. So let us waste no more time with this foolishness."
Cordus glanced around the table. "And the rest of you? How do you feel about this matter? Should the Squires--including Lannon--be banished?"
The Squires glanced at each other. Among them, only Vorden continued to show confidence, leading Lannon to wonder if he held some knowledge that might get them out of this mess. If anyone could think of a way to save their careers at Dremlock, Vorden was the one.
"I do not think Lannon should be banished," said Vesselin Hopebringer, "regardless of what happens to the other Squires." He folded his wrinkled, trembling hands before him. "I've been Lord of the White Knights for over one hundred and twenty years, and I've always longed for peace. Yet I know that peace can never exist in Silverland until the Goblins are completely vanquished. The other kingdoms won't help us. We must defend Silverland on our own. My dream is to see peace come to our land before my passing, yet my time in this realm grows short. Lannon Sunshield, and his Eye of Divinity, could make that dream a reality."
"I think they should all be banished," said Carn Pureheart, Lord of the Blue Knights. "I believe the Divine Essence does not want us to break its Laws. I believe this is a test, and if we fail it and take the easy route, Dremlock will fall."
"Beautifully said!" exclaimed Kealin. "I fully agree with you."
"As do I," said Moten. "This is indeed a test of our Knightly virtues."
The remaining Council member, a Birlote woman named Krissana Windsword, spoke up. "I have to agree with those in favor of banishment. This does appear to be a divine test, which we cannot afford to fail."
"I think all but Lannon and Aldreya should be banished," said Taris.
"I agree with Taris," said Furlus, "concerning Lannon."
"Then everyone has spoken," said Kealin. "It is time to vote."
"And none of you will change your minds?" said Cordus, his eyes searching theirs for any hint of doubt. "About Lannon, I mean."
They shook their heads.
"Our minds shall not be changed so easily!" said Kealin. "We are firm in our moral convictions, Lord Knight."
"Very well," said Cordus, sighing.
Lannon's heart went into a flutter. Jerret and Timlin were staring at the tabletop, obviously unable to watch at this point. Aldreya's eyes were closed, her hands clasped before her as if in prayer. Vorden, however, still maintained his relaxed pose, only now there seemed something fake about it--as if it were all show and no substance. He seemed frozen in that position.
Cordus spoke sternly: "Anyone in favor of banishing Vorden Flameblade forever from Dremlock Kingdom, raise your hand."
All of the Council members raised hands. Vorden's confident look disintegrated into one of shock, his mouth dropping open. "You can't do this!" he cried. "This kingdom needs us."
"Vorden Flameblade," Cordus continued coldly, "you are hereby cast out of Dremlock until the end of your days. And if you speak again, you shall spend some time in the dungeon."
The Lord Knight then went on, "Anyone in favor of banishing Timlin Woodmaster, raise your hand."
Again, all the Council members agreed that Timlin should be banished forever. The scrawny lad began to weep.
Cordus ignored him and continued. "Anyone in favor of banishing Jerret Dragonsbane, raise your hand."
Again, there was the same result. Jerret put his head in his hands, his eyes sullen. He mumbled something no one could quite understand.
Aldreya's turn was next. And when the vote called for her banishment, she leapt up. "You can't do this!" she cried, glowering at those who had spoken against her. "I was sent here from Borenthia. My father will very displeased with this decision. You're making a big mistake."
"We stand by our decision," said Kealin. "Whether or not we lose favor with the Birlotes is something we cannot be held responsible for."
"Nevertheless," said Taris. "She is right. As I've already officially stated, this could potentially ruin our ancient relationship with the Elder Family. Dremlock will suffer greatly because of this decision to banish the girl."
"She deserves no special treatment," said Carn. "She violated the Laws and must be punished like the others. The Elder Family, I hope, will understand why we had to take this course of action."
Her face red with fury, Aldreya slumped back in her chair. "You're all going to regret this!" she muttered one last time.
"And now," said Cordus, "anyone in favor of banishing Lannon Sunshield--anyone who would ignore the potential of the Eye of Divinity to save our kingdom--think carefully and make your decision."
Kealin, Moten, Krissana, Carn, and Trenton all raised their hands. Cordus, Taris, Furlus, and Vesselin stood opposed, hands at their sides.
"The Council has decided then," said Cordus, grimly.
"And decided well!" said Kealin. "Truth and justice have triumphed this day." He turned and shook hands with Moten, and they clapped each other on the back. Krissana and Carn sat in thoughtful silence. Trenton Shadowbane looked thoughtful as well, his eyes distant.
"Now," said Kealin, "if these ex-Squires may be escorted from here, we can get on to other matters--such as the important affairs of this kingdom."
"Wait," said Cordus, raising a hand. "This is not over yet."
Kealin's eyes widened. "What is this outrage? The High Council has made its decision, Cordus, harsh as it may seem."
"Indeed it has," said Cordus. "But now I must make a harsh decision of my own. This is a time of war! Goblins have taken over the forestlands of Hethos. They are near the borders of Kalamede, and if not stopped, will soon overrun the city. And even now they are advancing on Dremlock Kingdom. During a time such as this, a Lord Knight may assume full command of the affairs of Dremlock. Well, I am officially declaring us at war! The Black Torches shall be raised in the towers, and the Three Chambers of Law shall be sealed. This decision gives me the right to overrule any decision made by the Council."
Moten jumped up, his bushy jowls shaking with fury. "How...how dare you? You are just abusing this privilege to get your way!"
Kealin grabbed the Dwarf's arm. "Relax, Moten. I anticipated this lowly move on the part of our Lord Knight, and I have an answer for it. You made your decision, Cordus Landsaver, and now I make mine. I have the right to call for a vote on your removal from power at any time and upon any grounds. Even during a time of war, an incompetent Lord Knight can be demoted."
"That's nonsense!" said Taris. "I would strongly question your motives concerning this matter, Kealin. You would have one of the greatest Lord Knights since Kuran Darkender lose his position because of a few Squires?"
"We must stick by our principals," said Krissana, the Birlote. "We cast our vote, and we cannot back down now. I stand with Kealin on this matter, and call for Cordus' immediate removal from power."
"Agreed," said Moten and Carn.
Taris shook his head in disbelief. "I never thought I would see the day when the High Council of Dremlock would sink to such a
level."
Furlus stood up, hand on his battle axe. His eyes had turned light grey, almost white, and his skin was deep red--the signs of an Olrog about to engage in warfare to the death. "We shall see who is cast out and who isn't!"
"Furlus," sighed the Lord Knight. "Sit down and compose yourself. These Council members are exercising a legal right. The vote must be cast."
"And cast now!" said Kealin.
"You dare take a threatening stance against us?" Moten said to Furlus. "Perhaps we should call for another vote--to remove Furlus Goblincrusher from his seat as Tower Master on the grounds that he cannot control his temper."
Reluctantly, Furlus sat back down and folded his arms across his chest. "The time will come, Moten, when the vote is cast against you--when the truth about you is revealed. I await that day with fire in my blood."
Moten scowled, but for the first time, he appeared less than confident for a moment as he gazed into Furlus' eyes.
"Cordus Landsaver," said Kealin, "has sided with lawbreakers. He has gone against everything Dremlock stands for, and he has gone against the will of the Divine Essence. Anyone in favor of his removal from power, raise your hand."
Kealin, Moten, Carn, and Krissana all raised hands. Trenton Shadowbane stared into the distance, his hands at his sides.
"Trenton?" questioned Kealin, his eyes reflecting uncertainty. "What are you doing?"
"What would you have me do?" said Trenton. "Cast out our great leader, Cordus Landsaver, over a few Squires? I think not. Do you take me for a fool? Do you think I want any of you to end up as Lord Knight? Anyone on the Council could pass that silly Divine Test and end up leading Dremlock. Yet I prefer the one who is in power now--even over myself. There is none better fit to lead us than Cordus."
"Then you back away from your principals," snapped Kealin, his voice shrill. "You are a coward, Trenton!"
Suddenly, Trenton Shadowbane growled like an animal, startling the Squires and some of the Council members. "Enough! My vote is cast, and I'll hear no more of it. I know of the darkness that lurks behind these walls. I know of the creeping disease that rots away all that is wholesome. Even the rains that bred life, before the great darkness, cannot wash away the stench of it."
"You're insane!" hissed Moten.
"Nevertheless," said Cordus. "Trenton has spoken. Whether you understand his words or not--you certainly understand his vote. This matter has been decided. Lannon Sunshield will remain a Squire, and I will remain Lord Knight."
Lannon nearly leapt out of his seat in excitement, but then he glanced towards the other Squires, and his heart sank. How could he go on without his friends?
"So be it," said Kealin, his face gone crimson. "But at least I can now have these other former Squires removed from my sight. Guards--come escort these youths to their rooms and keep watch over them until they can be sent home."
Two of the Red Knights came forward, looking uncertain.
"Hold on a moment!" said Vorden, standing up. The lad from Gravendar seemed to have quickly recovered his composure.
Cordus glowered. "You better have something important to say, Vorden Flameblade, or banishment may be the least of your worries."
"Lannon cannot use the Eye without us!" Vorden blurted out. "We helped him unlock it. If you banish us, you can forget about the Eye."
"Is this true, Lannon?" asked Cordus.
Lannon nodded quickly. "That's right. I just can't do it on my own. I've tried lots of times, but it doesn't work."
"I see," said Cordus, a slight smile appearing on his lips. He gazed at Kealin, daring the Green Knight to oppose him. Then he focused again on Vorden. "Well, it seems you Squires have me over a barrel. And so for now, you shall all be escorted to the East Tower, where you will be placed under guard while I decide what to do about all this. If any one of you cause the slightest bit of trouble, I will personally take you down to Dremlock Dungeons and give you a new home."
"You won't get away with this, Cordus," Kealin said. "Justice will inevitably prevail, one way or another."
"I believe it already has," said Cordus. "Though there is certainly more justice that needs doing...when the time is right."
Elated, the Squires jumped up and followed the two guards. As Lannon walked away from the table, Kealin made a quick sign to the lad--pulling his fingers across his throat in an unmistakable gesture.
"It's your day, Lannon," he whispered, smiling. "Enjoy it while you can."
Chapter 13: Whispers of Flame
When the Squires arrived at the East Tower, Aldreya was taken to her room and the boys were led to the Blue Squires' quarters. The two Red Knights warned the boys not to try to leave their rooms without permission and that they would be watched at all times. "You dodged an arrow, Squires," they said. "Anyone else would have been banished for what you did. But don't go trying to pull anything on us. The East Tower is on full alert, and which means that you-know-who is creeping around somewhere right outside your door."
"The Watcher?" said Vorden.
The guards glanced at each other. "Let's just say nothing you do will be a secret from this point on, so just do as you're told. If you need anything, or if you observe anything unusual, give a holler."
The boys were herded into their room and the door was closed and locked behind them. They suspected at least one of the guards was posted just outside, though no one checked. They sat close to each other on the beds, and kept their voices at a whisper, though at this point they had little to hide.
"I guess I should feel happy about remaining a Squire," said Vorden. "But I can't stop thinking about Clayith. Clayith was a good person deep inside, and I'm not proud of what I did. It was just an instinctive thing, I guess." Vorden gave a troubled sigh, running his fingers through his black hair.
Lannon nodded. "I just wish there had been another way."
"I've thought of that, too," said Vorden. "It's not like Clayith knew what he was doing. But how was I supposed to know that? All I knew what that he was trying to kill you, and I just reacted. I keep seeing it in my mind, and I don't like it. I don't like the thought that I killed an innocent person."
"There's nothing to be done about it now," said Jerret. "It's just a bad way things worked out. But hopefully we've learned our lesson."
Timlin just sat watching, offering no opinion. For an instant, Lannon wondered what motivated the little fellow, if Timlin ever really cared about who lived or died. In some ways he was very likable, even sympathetic, yet in other ways he seemed strangely unfeeling towards others.
Timlin seemed to notice Lannon's scrutiny of him, and he lowered his gaze, looking uncomfortable. But he still said nothing.
"I guess I just need to put it out of my mind," said Vorden. "If I can, that is. It's not going to do me any good to dwell on it."
"But what's going on with that Kealin fellow?" said Jerret. "He didn't look too happy with you, Lannon."
"Not at all," Lannon agreed.
"It's obvious," said Vorden, "that Kealin and Moten, and maybe one or two other High Council members are corrupt. Kealin might even be involved with the Deep Shadow, like some of the rumors suggest. I don't think I'd want to be in your shoes, Lannon. They must see you as a threat, because you have the Eye of Divinity, and they probably sent Clayith to kill you."
"I just can't believe any of this," said Jerret. "What has Dremlock come to? The Knights should just round up anyone they suspect of having dealings with the Deep Shadow and imprison them."
"They can't do that," said Vorden. "They need evidence. Otherwise they would be just as bad as the guilty ones."
"That's stupid," muttered Jerret. "If they know who's evil, they should take them down--with or without evidence."
"They should kill them," said Timlin. "Before they kill Lannon."
"Not without evidence," Vorden insisted. "People have rights. Laws are important. I don't think either of you understand how it all works."
"I understand someone wants me dead," said La
nnon. "I understand that Clayith was used against his will as my assassin. I'd rather see Kealin imprisoned on weak evidence than have him plotting to kill me. If he's the one, that is."
Vorden frowned. "I'm surprised at you, Lannon. You always seemed like you had a solid grasp on right and wrong."
"You're pretty righteous all of a sudden, Vorden," said Jerret, rolling his eyes. "What's got into you?"
"It's not that," said Vorden, looking away. "Like I said, I feel bad about what happened to Clayith. Maybe I'm just trying to get things in order, to figure out where I stand. Is there anything wrong with that?" He moved off to his bed and lay down, a troubled expression on his face.
Knights: Book 01 - The Eye of Divinity Page 22