Kingsteel (The Dragonkin Trilogy Book 3)

by Michael Meyerhofer

  Maybe he’s braver with steel than with words. She’d met Knights like that before. She doubted such a man could help her now.

  Sang Wei faced Crovis, then seemed to change his mind and fixed his gaze on Aeko. “Sir Ammerhel has leveled many grave accusations.” His voice trembled. A few Isle Knights chuckled.

  Sang Wei cleared his throat and continued. “She stands accused of incompetence in the manner in which she led the defenses of Atheion and in her failure to complete her original mission, which was locating Sir Rowen Locke and bringing him back to the Isles for justice. She also stands accused of disloyalty for continuing to keep her Knights stationed at Atheion, even after she received word of the attacks on the Isles.”

  Aeko grimaced. Was her defense really going to articulately summarize Crovis’s entire case? She considered shaking her head to warn him then decided to keep her expression immobile.

  “Finally,” Wei said, “Sir Ammerhel has accused her of cowardice.” He stopped, turned, and faced Crovis. “Since no details were provided on this charge, I assume that Sir Crovis means cowardice in the face of the Jolym.”

  Crovis stepped forward and gave Sang Wei a toothy smile. “I do, sir. Had Lady Shingawa attacked the Jolym earlier, before the Lochurites arrived, they could have been defeated with ease. The Nightmare would not have sensed her weakness and taken that opportunity to strike… which resulted in the deaths of hundreds, including Atheion’s beloved king.” He bowed to Sang Wei. “My apologies for not being clearer.”

  Gods… Aeko clenched her fists, digging her nails into her palms. She began to wonder if Sang Wei was actually working on Crovis’s behalf.

  Sang Wei nodded slowly. “Perhaps Sir Crovis is unaware that before the Nightmare’s appearance, Knight-Captain Shingawa was personally leading a force to meet the Jolym who were hacking through the gates.”

  “A charge that was unsuccessful,” Crovis pointed out.

  Wei smiled at Crovis. “Agreed. During the battle, Knight-Captain Shingawa demonstrated that she was unable to battle demons, barbarian berserkers, and rampaging Jolym after being knocked unconscious.”

  The young Knight’s rebuttal brought scattered laughter, but Crovis scowled. “I remind the young Knight that many of our brothers were killed in the attack, along with countless Noshans. We have not yet even had time to commit their bodies to the Light. Such levity is uncalled for.”

  For a moment, Aeko thought that Sang Wei meant to point out that the reason they had not yet buried the slain Knights was that Crovis Ammerhel had requested this trial almost as soon as the Nightmare had vanished and the Jolym began their slow, mindless march north. But the young Knight blushed. “My apologies to this council. I meant no disrespect. I merely point out that honoring our fallen comrades has hardly been the priority of this company.” He hesitated as though gathering his courage. “Even Sir Crovis has spent much of the last two days attending to other matters… meeting with the Noshan survivors, convincing them to sail what remains of their city to the Lotus Isles, I believe.”

  The Knights bristled, but Aeko fought to hide her smile. Careful, young Knight. Some of Atheion had survived, including a portion of the Scrollhouse that seemed immune to fire. Several thousand Noshans remained, including a good many soldiers. The skiffs themselves were a technological marvel. Most of the surviving Knights were probably thrilled that even in the face of defeat, Crovis Ammerhel had managed to gain additional wealth, strength, and territory for their struggling Order.

  “I confess,” Crovis said, “that one of my primary concerns has been for the living. Lady Shingawa’s incompetence caused great harm to the Noshans. They’ve lost much of their famed city. They’ve lost more than half of their beloved Scrollhouse, their leaders, their friends, their families. As this council seeks justice for Lady Shingawa, I have sought justice for the Noshans.”

  Like hells, Aeko almost said.

  Sang Wei nodded. “By Sir Crovis’s own words, then, Aeko Shingawa also stands accused of crimes against the Noshans. I wonder, then, in keeping with the tenets of the Codex Viticus, why no Noshans are present in this chamber.”

  Another murmur swept through the crowd. Crovis spoke up quickly in his own defense. “The young Knight might not be aware of the fact that of the surviving Noshans, some are busy trying to salvage what remains of the Scrollhouse, while others work to unmoor the skiffs so that they might be sailed on Zet’s Blood. Others tend to those portions of the river that have already frozen and will need to be cleared. Given these distractions, I do not think the Noshans are overly concerned with the internal application of Knightly justice.”

  Crovis’s words earned many nods of agreement, but Sang Wei did not blink. “Do you acknowledge, sir, that no Noshans are present to either support or refute your version of events?”

  Crovis offered Sang Wei a strained smile. “If it pleases you, I will withdraw all accusations and statements specifically tying Aeko Shingawa to the fate of the Noshans, so that we may complete these unfortunate proceedings. Is that acceptable?”

  Sang Wei nodded. “It is, sir.” He faced Aeko again. “Would you also agree, Sir Crovis, that your statements do not include an accusation that Knight-Captain Shingawa and the demon known as the Nightmare are in collusion?”

  Crovis snapped, “I suggested no collusion. Lady Shingawa may be incompetent and a coward, but she is no traitor.”

  Sang Wei nodded again. “Not a traitor. Thank you, sir.” He turned slowly, facing each of the remaining Knights in turn. “So in essence, Sir Crovis is angry because Knight-Captain Shingawa kept us in Atheion rather than racing back to the Lotus Isles to fight the Jolym.”

  He paused.

  “Yet the Jolym were also besieging Atheion. In fact, it’s entirely possible that the Jolym attacking Atheion had been diverted from the Lotus Isles, where they had previously been busy killing our people and burning our temples.”

  He paused again.

  “It’s quite possible, my brothers and sisters, that either by chance or through the will of the Light, those monsters that had previously ravaged the Lotus Isles found themselves facing our steel, and that by taking us back to the Lotus Isles, Knight-Captain Shingawa would actually have been allowing them to escape justice.”

  Aeko frowned. What’s he getting at?

  Crovis Ammerhel appeared equally confused. “The Jolym use no banners, no sigils. We have no way of knowing which ones attacked which kingdom, or when. We know only that the Jolym are the creatures of a Dragonkin, servants of Fohl, and an affront to the Light.”

  Sang Wei gestured to Crovis. “Our brother speaks the truth. The Jolym are an affront to the Light. Destroying them is a duty mandated by the laws and spirit of the Knighthood. In that spirit, I suggest that Knight-Captain Shingawa remained in Atheion to fulfill that directive.”

  The Knights murmured again.

  Crovis flushed with rage. “Nonsense,” he answered, shouting to be heard. “Lady Shingawa is a coward. If she wanted to battle the Jolym, she could have ridden out the gates a week ago. Instead, she hid behind the battlements. One wonders which side she’s actually fighting on.”

  The murmurs from the Knights became shouts—some of agreement, others of outrage. Sang Wei waited until they fell silent before he answered.

  “Sir Crovis,” he began with sudden sternness, “do you wish to withdraw your previous statement and assert that Knight-Captain Shingawa is a traitor?”

  Aeko smothered a grin.

  Crovis blinked. “I spoke in anger.” He bowed to Sang Wei then to Aeko. “I will assert once more that, appearances to the contrary, Lady Shingawa remains loyal to the Knighthood.”

  “So you do not question her loyalty,” Wei said, “so much as her judgment in refusing to attack the Jolym more promptly?”

  “More decisively,” Crovis amended. “Incompetenc
e and dishonor can sometimes manifest themselves as inaction, young sir. When such inaction gets Knights killed for no reason, I call it incompetence. I do not think I am alone in this.”

  Sang Wei answered before the rest of the Knights had time to voice their agreement. “So a competent, honorable commander is one who remains loyal to the Knighthood, does not retreat from the enemies of the Light, and does not get his—or her—Knights slain needlessly?”

  When Crovis did not answer, Wei continued. “The Codex Lotius advises that we should tend the blade but trust the scabbard. In other words, a true Knight is one who values restraint over bravado. That statement is echoed in another passage from the Codex Lotius: It is better to deliberate than to repent.”

  “One need not repent from courage,” Crovis countered.

  But Sang Wei continued as though no one had spoken. “Knight-Captain Shingawa showed restraint in facing a new, terrible adversary, about which very little is known. In so doing, she prevented Knights from dying rashly. She is, by Sir Crovis’s own definition, a competent and honorable commander. Were it not for the appearance of the Nightmare, both the Jolym and the Lochurites might easily have been rebuffed from Atheion’s walls.”

  “But the Nightmare did appear,” Crovis insisted. He gestured to the cracks in the walls. “Or have you not seen the wreckage and smelled the bodies?”

  Sang Wei faced Crovis. “By your own assertion, Knight-Captain Shingawa and the Nightmare are not allies. She had no way of knowing that the Nightmare would appear. You may find fault with her for not attacking sooner, but the Grand Marshal placed her in charge of this company. Her, not you.”

  Aeko heard a distinct change in the murmuring of the Knights around her. Her young defender was getting through to them.

  But Crovis was not finished. He gave Sang Wei a withering look then slowly faced the rest of the Knights. “Brothers, the city of Atheion lies in ruins. More importantly, from what we’ve heard, much of our own beloved homeland lies in tatters. The temples where we prayed and trained for years have been destroyed. Ashes darken the Burnished Way. Both the Jolym and the magic-wielding demon called the Nightmare have escaped justice, as has the Dragonkin who supposedly leads them. The Codex Lotius calls for restraint and forgiveness, but I must confess, I find my heart filled with rage.” He paused. “Not since the Shattering War has our beloved Knighthood faced threats like those that surround it now. Such times call for action. We need bold, honorable commanders.” He pointed at Aeko. “We need better than this.”

  Sang Wei answered quickly. “What do you ask of this council, sir? Normally, the accuser voices their desired punishment along with their accusations, but you have not done so.” Aeko sensed his hesitation. When the young Knight spoke again, his voice sounded lower. “Tell me, Sir Crovis, does your enraged heart require that a competent, reasonable Knight-Captain… one chosen by the Grand Marshal himself… be put to death?”

  Crovis bristled. He touched the hilt of his own adamune, and Aeko wondered if he meant to challenge Sang Wei to a duel. Instead, he scowled at Wei then at Aeko. “I suggested no death sentence. I merely suggest that her rank of Knight-Captain and her induction into the Order of the Lotus be revoked until such time as she is able to demonstrate her worthiness of these honors.”

  Sang Wei said, “The Codex Viticus allows for a majority vote to suspend a Knight-Commander and replace him or her with another Knight of majority vote, but this does not apply to a Knight-Captain or higher. A Grand Marshal can revoke the rank of Stag or Crane, but the rank of Lotus can only be revoked by a majority vote in a body of at least five hundred Knights.”

  Aeko frowned. How in Jinn’s name does he know that? The Codex Viticus was a frightfully ponderous tome. She had never heard a mere Knight of the Crane so familiar with its complex and tiresome edicts.

  Crovis looked equally surprised but recovered quickly. “Our young friend demonstrates a refreshing respect for the law. Of course, he is correct. But I believe that in extreme cases, the Codex Viticus permits the temporary demotion of a Knight of the Lotus by order of a Sword Marshal.”

  Aeko swore inwardly.

  Sang Wei frowned. “I see no Sword Marshal in this assemblage. In fact, I don’t believe we’ve had a Sword Marshal for over a hundred years.”

  Crovis smiled faintly. “No, we haven’t. But if I remember correctly, the Codex Viticus also allows a Knight of the Lotus to be promoted to Sword Marshal, in extreme circumstances like a time of war, by simple majority vote.”

  Aeko gave Crovis a cold smile. Of course you remember correctly, and you damn well know it!

  Now it was Sang Wei’s turn to look surprised. “That’s correct, but—”

  “Then I propose a more measured course of action,” Crovis said. He paused, choosing his words carefully. “Lady Shingawa has refused to step down voluntarily. Sir Wei believes that she has acted appropriately, given the circumstances. Obviously, I disagree, but some of you may favor leniency. Some may even agree with Sir Wei. You are within your rights to do so.”

  He faced Sang Wei and gave him a gracious bow. “I do not wish to sow disunion in a time of war. So I suggest that if this assemblage will grant me the rank of Sword Marshal, I can then assume command of this company without dishonoring Lady Shingawa by stripping her of rank.”

  He added, “Naturally, as set forth by the Codex Viticus, such a field promotion is only temporary… unless ratified by the majority of all Knights on the Isles as soon as a proper vote can be called for. So, after the Jolym have been defeated, the Nightmare executed, and their foul master driven back across the Wintersea, I will surrender my fate into the hands of my honorable brothers and sisters in armor.”

  For a moment, no one spoke. Then, Crovis’s supporters broke into wild applause. A few shouted their agreement. Some tried to argue but were shouted down. Sang Wei called for silence. No one listened. By the time Crovis Ammerhel was able to quiet the assembly, Aeko knew she’d lost.

  She knew, too, why Crovis had not simply challenged her to a duel over some imagined slight. This way, he gained rank by appearing gracious, even merciful. Aeko eyed her sword, still resting on the palace floor.

  I could challenge Crovis myself. But he’d win. Then Rowen Locke would have one less friend in the Knighthood… and right now, I’m not sure he has more than one.

  Aeko resisted the impulse to stalk out of the room. One of Crovis’s supporters, a gray-haired Knight of the Lotus named Wyn Kai, took over. He proposed granting Crovis the rank of Sword Marshal and called for a vote. The chamber resounded with shouts of approval. Wyn Kai smiled then called for voices of opposition. Though Aeko saw a few grimaces, no one bothered to speak. Sang Wei opened his mouth, but Aeko caught his eye and shook her head. She did not speak, either.

  A heavy silence hung over the chamber for several oppressive seconds. Finally, Wyn Kai turned to face Crovis. “Sir Crovis Ammerhel, Knight-Captain in the Order of the Lotus and protector of the legacy of Fâyu Jinn, step forth.”

  Crovis did so, managing an expression of deep humility as he fell to one knee.

  “It is the judgment of this special council that you be granted a field promotion to Sword Marshal, the permanence of which will be decided as soon as a proper vote can be organized on the Lotus Isles.” He paused. “Do you accept this honor?”

  Crovis had been looking at the floor. He looked up slowly. Tears glistened in his eyes. “I do.” He drew his sword and gave it to Wyn Kai, who reversed it, passing it back to Crovis by the hilt.

  “Then by the Light, we name you Crovis Ammerhel, Sword Marshal in the Order of the Lotus. Stand and be recognized.”

  Crovis sheathed his adamune and took his time rising. By the time he stood, thunderous applause surrounded him. Crovis bowed, turned, and bowed again. Then he picked up Aeko’s adamune and slowly carried it back to her. His expression hardened.
His eyes no longer appeared teary. “Knight-Captain Shingawa, I relieve you.” He held out her sword, hilt first.

  Aeko took it. “I stand relieved.” She forced herself to bow then sheath her sword.

  Crovis stepped back. Then he faced Sang Wei. “Sir Wei, in recognition of your honorable defense of Knight-Captain Shingawa… and contingent, of course, upon the agreement of those Knights here assembled… I hereby promote you to Knight of the Stag, with the corresponding rank of Knight-Lieutenant.”

  Sang Wei blinked.

  After a moment’s stunned silence, the chamber erupted into a second round of thunderous applause. Wyn Kai held up his hands, calling for silence. When he got it, he called for a second vote. This time, nearly every Knight in the chamber—including those who had sided with Aeko—voiced their agreement.

  Clever bastard, Aeko thought, as she added her own.

  Crovis faced Sang Wei again. “Sir Wei, do you accept this honor?”

  Sang Wei looked to Aeko for help. Aeko nodded slightly. Turning back to Crovis, Sang Wei bowed. “I do, Knight-Marshal. Thank you.” He started to kneel, but Crovis was already turning away. The Knights began to disperse.

  Sang Wei edged closer. “Why did he do that?”

  Aeko frowned. As the crowds shifted, for the first time, she noticed a short, muscular figure standing at the far end of the chamber. Her frown deepened. She approached the Dwarr, one hand on the hilt of her adamune. “You’re Jalist Hewn.”