Quicksilver Zenith

by Stan Nicholls

  ‘Did you try to reason with her? Or did you simply order her aside so you could get at the non-combatants? Isn’t it possible that –’

  ‘Objection, my lord!’ Laffon was up again. ‘It seems the accused is trying to imply a justification of self-defence for this terrible event. And if he is, isn’t that as good as admitting that he was present?’

  ‘I’m inclined to agree,’ the judge replied. ‘Also, the exact circumstances of the incident are secondary to the fact that three law-keepers were killed. There can be no justification for that, and anyone present, in whatever capacity, must be seen as an accessory. This line of questioning will cease. Does the accused have any more questions?’

  Kinsel wearily shook his head and sank back onto his chair.

  The harbour watchman was dismissed. Then the judge instructed Laffon to deliver his final arguments.

  ‘Your Honour, I do not propose wasting the court’s precious time on a lengthy summation of the prosecution’s case. The facts speak for themselves. We have heard from the two highest officials of the esteemed paladin clans, and they left us in no doubt of their conviction that Kinsel Rukanis is a dangerous and manipulative individual. In respect of the evidence of Aido Brendall, the court was presented with the testimony of a dedicated and courageous public servant who related how the accused was involved in a vicious act of violence. And you will have noted, Your Honour, that Rukanis did not deny being present at the docks the night murder and mayhem were doled out. My lord, the fact that Kinsel Rukanis is a man of some notoriety makes his crimes all the worse, for such as he should always set a law-abiding and patriotic example. One element of the accused’s personality has not been mentioned in court today, but is well known. I refer to his espousal of pacifism. This, too, has a bearing on the issue of patriotism. For how can a man be called a patriot if he does not believe in fighting for his country, and who, indeed, encourages others to embrace his skewed doctrine? What distorted view of the world is it that sees cowardice and contempt for one’s homeland as virtues to be championed? For such a philosophy, if it can be dignified with so noble a title, and for the evidence we have heard today, there can be only one verdict.’

  ‘The accused may speak in his defence,’ the judge directed.

  Kinsel turned weary eyes upon the judge. ‘Is there any point?’

  ‘The people must be satisfied that the due process of law has been observed. I won’t have it said that a defendant in my court was not allowed to put his case.’

  ‘My lord, I’m sure that’s what the people say already. The difference between me and all here is that I regard my fellow citizens as possessing the intelligence to decide between true justice and a sham. And I believe, passionately, that genuine justice is the birthright of every man and woman, whatever their walk of life, and however their hopes and aspirations are seen by their rulers. I didn’t expect a fair trial. I wasn’t disappointed in that.’

  ‘A pretty speech, and one not designed to wring sympathy from this court. The scribe will strike that portion of the proceedings from the record, and say only that the accused turned down the opportunity to speak on his own behalf.’

  The scribe gave him a small bow and scored through what he had written.

  ‘I see no need to retire and contemplate the evidence presented here,’ the judge declared. ‘The facts seem clear cut to me. However, as no direct evidence has been presented that portrays you as an actual participant in violence, I am minded to be lenient.’

  A tiny spark of hope was ignited in Kinsel’s breast.

  ‘Nevertheless, the charges are grave, and a law lord must always be aware that the punishments he hands down should act as a deterrent to others. Kinsel Rukanis, I find you guilty as charged. By virtue of the powers invested in me by the constitution of Gath Tampoor and its protectorates, I sentence you to be delivered into the custody of the naval branch of the correctional system. You will serve an indefinite term of hard labour as part of a galley crew. And may the gods show you mercy for the wrongs you have committed.’

  It was a false hope. Being condemned to work as a galley slave was as final as a direct death sentence. The only difference was that working the galleys meant a death more lingering, more prolonged than one by the rope or block.

  ‘It is the wish of this court that the sentence be carried out without delay. Take the prisoner away.’

  All Kinsel could think of as they manhandled him from the dock was Tanalvah and the children. And of the child she carried, that he would never see.

  As he was led past the Bastorrans and Laffon, he saw that they were in good spirits.

  21

  ‘We’re all taking a hell of a risk,’ Caldason whispered.

  ‘It’s for Tan,’ Serrah told him. ‘This is probably going to be the last glimpse she’ll have of him. How could we begrudge her that?’

  The street was lined with people. Not packed six deep as they would be for an eminent visiting dignitary or a festival day, but a substantial turnout nevertheless, especially during an hour when most should be working. Enough of a crowd for those who didn’t want to attract attention to hide themselves in.

  Reeth and Serrah, hooded and soberly dressed, stood on the kerbside. Tanalvah and Kutch were situated nearby. Around them, mingling in the press, were a score or so Resistance members who had volunteered to act as bodyguards if the need arose.

  ‘Shouldn’t be long now,’ Serrah reckoned. ‘But I still can’t see why we couldn’t have planned some kind of ambush.’

  ‘Look around. Not only are there a lot of uniforms about, you can bet there are as many plainclothes agents on duty. And the way these people work, they’ll have somebody in the wagon with Kinsel ready to cut his throat at the first sign of trouble.’

  ‘The bastards would do it too, wouldn’t they? I feel so helpless, Reeth.’

  ‘That must be the least Tanalvah’s going through. Maybe you should go to her.’

  ‘Yes, I was just thinking that. I’ll swap with Kutch.’

  He nodded and she slipped away.

  Once Serrah had sidled up to Tanalvah, she said, ‘Kutch, why don’t you go and stand with Reeth now?’

  ‘I’m all right here, Serrah.’

  ‘Kutch.’

  ‘Oh. Right. See you later, Tanalvah.’

  She gave him a soft smile and he wriggled into the crowd.

  ‘Silly question, Tan, but how are you?’ Serrah asked in an undertone.

  ‘It’s funny, but I’ve kind of gone beyond rage and despair and all the rest of it. I just feel numb.’

  ‘You’re still in shock. So perhaps being here isn’t the greatest idea in the world.’

  ‘No, I want to be here. I need to be. You understand that, don’t you? You wouldn’t make me leave?’

  ‘Of course not. It’s why we’re all here with you.’

  ‘You know, I’m really proud of Kinsel.’

  ‘Naturally you are. I know that.’

  ‘I meant especially proud of him because he didn’t crack under … torture.’ There was a tiny catch in her voice when she came out with the word.

  ‘We don’t know that he was tortured, Tan.’

  ‘Please, Serrah; I’m not naive. It’s good of you to try to protect me, but I know what these people are capable of. I had enough experience of their sort when I was a whore back in Rintarah.’

  ‘Sorry.’

  ‘But the important thing is that Kinsel didn’t give any names. Nobody suffered because of him.’

  ‘He’s a very courageous man.’

  ‘Yes. But not everybody believed that, did they? They said he’d break down and put lots of people in danger.’

  ‘Not everyone thought he would.’

  ‘Perhaps. But some were so convinced they even had the idea that he should be killed to shut him up.’

  ‘Oh, you know about that, do you?’ Serrah didn’t think to ask how she knew.

  ‘Yes, and I think I know who made the suggestion. I was terribly hurt w
hen I heard about it. But I don’t blame him.’

  ‘That’s very forgiving of you.’

  ‘It’s like Kinsel always said; you have to think about the greatest good for the greatest number. He said it so often I started to think our little family weren’t part of that greater number. He had a tendency to see things in terms of what was right for the world before he thought of himself. And maybe before he thought of his own.’

  ‘Tan …’

  ‘No. It’s the way he is, and one of the reasons I love him.’

  ‘I’m sure … I know he loved you and the children more than anything.’

  ‘Yes, he did. And I take comfort from that. But, you know, I have a feeling that everything’s going to be all right.’

  ‘You do?’

  ‘Yes, honestly. I believe we’ll all be able to look back on this as though it was a bad dream, and that we’ll be together again.’

  ‘You’re taking strength from your faith, is that it?’

  ‘Some. But that’s not the reason I feel this way.’

  ‘Tan, don’t expect some kind of miracle. Life’s not like the stories the wordsmiths tell.’

  ‘It should be. I think people deserve a happy ending.’

  ‘If anybody does, it’s you.’

  ‘And I’ll do anything I have to, to make that happen.’

  Serrah was growing concerned. ‘What is it you think you can do?’

  ‘There are ways, Serrah. There’s always a path if you have the courage to walk it. That’s part of the philosophy attached to my lady Iparrater.’

  ‘Ah. I see.’ But somehow Serrah didn’t think Tanalvah had been entirely referring to religion.

  Not far away, Reeth and Kutch were sending surreptitious glances in the direction of the women.

  ‘Do you think Tan’s going to be all right, Reeth?’

  ‘Hard to say. She’s suffered a terrible blow. Then again, after all she’s been through, she has strength.’

  ‘And the kids. Serrah says that having to care for Teg and Lirrin should help keep Tan on an even keel.’

  ‘I expert she’s right.’

  ‘People tend to sacrifice a lot for their children, don’t they?’

  ‘Yes. Everything, sometimes.’

  ‘I don’t remember a lot about my mother,’ Kutch confessed. ‘But I’m grateful to her.’

  ‘She sold you.’

  ‘Well, yes. Only I reckon what she was really doing when she let Master Domex take me was giving me the best future she could. Like when my brother went into the army. I don’t know whether he really wanted to be a soldier. I think he just wanted to take the pressure off my mum, give her one less mouth to feed.’

  ‘Do you miss your brother?’

  ‘I’d like to see him again. I often wonder what happened to him.’

  ‘Why all this talk of families, Kutch? You don’t normally speak about it very much.’

  ‘It’s what’s happened to Kinsel, I suppose, and Tan. It’s sad, isn’t it, Reeth? They all came together like a family, and now they’re split again. It doesn’t seem fair.’

  ‘Life isn’t always fair. You must have realised that by now. There’s no law that says the good come out on top.’

  Kutch fell silent and thought about that. At length, he said, ‘What’s going to happen to Kinsel, do you think?’

  ‘What’s going to happen to him? Nothing too pleasant, I’m afraid.’

  ‘Well, it’s not like they sentenced him to death.’

  ‘They did. A slow, painful death. People don’t come back from the galleys, Kutch. If they’re lucky they meet their end quick and clean. In an accident at sea or something. They have plenty of those. Otherwise …’

  ‘Oh. Do you think Tan knows that?’

  ‘Of course she does.’

  ‘Only, I thought she was taking it quite well.’

  ‘She’s being brave. Or she’s in shock. Maybe both.’ He tilted his head to one side. ‘Hear that?’

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘They’re coming.’

  Distantly, but growing louder, the crowd could be heard. The nearer the convoy came, the more it was obvious that it wasn’t getting a uniform reception.

  ‘Why’s the crowd making that funny noise?’ Kutch wondered.

  ‘It’s not one noise. Some of them are cheering, some are booing. I guess feelings about Kinsel are pretty mixed.’

  The lead wagon in the convoy came into sight and the roar increased.

  ‘Why are they doing it like this, Reeth?’ Kutch asked. ‘Taking him through the streets, I mean. They could have done it quietly, couldn’t they?’

  ‘They’re displaying a trophy, and sending a message. The message says no matter how high you might be, or how well liked, you’re not above their vengeance. It’s intended to warn off others who might be tempted to stray into the Resistance camp. But I’m not sure they’ve got it right. Listen to the crowd.’

  There was no doubt now that the bystanders were split. Cheers and boos went up in equal measure. Bizarrely, lots of people were clapping, but Caldason didn’t think it marked approval of what the authorities were doing. Some catcalled, spat and even threw things, but many more simply stood silently, their expressions morose. Here and there, people waved, and that couldn’t be called a gesture of ill-will. Kinsel’s popularity seemed intact as far as a goodly portion of the crowd was concerned.

  Several wagons passed, loaded with militia. Cavalrymen and paladins acted as outriders. Then, in the middle of the convoy, the wagon holding Kinsel came into view. It bore a cage and Kinsel stood inside, hands clutching the bars. He wore an impassive expression. People hurled rotten fruit. Others tossed flowers.

  In an instant, the wagon passed.

  ‘Come on,’ Caldason said.

  The crowd, strangely quiet, had begun to disperse. Reeth and Kutch pushed their way to Serrah and Tanalvah.

  ‘Let’s not hang around here,’ Caldason suggested.

  ‘I think he saw me,’ Tanalvah said, eyes shining.

  ‘I’m sure he did,’ Serrah told her, slipping an arm around her friend’s shoulders. ‘But we have to leave now; it’s not safe to stay on the streets.’

  Two Resistance men, known to them all, appeared and said they had a carriage waiting.

  ‘You go with Tanalvah, Kutch,’ Serrah told him. ‘Reeth and I will catch you up.’

  They watched as Tanalvah, the apprentice and the Resistance men got into the carriage and left.

  ‘I don’t like the way she’s been acting, Reeth. It’s not natural.’

  ‘What’s natural in a situation like this? She’s in shock.’

  ‘That’s what I thought, but … I don’t know, this is something different.’

  ‘What are you trying to say?’

  ‘Shit, Reeth, she reminds me of … well, of me. The way I got a couple of months ago.’

  ‘You think she might try to harm herself?’

  ‘Maybe. Mind you, there are the children, and I think that should give her pause. Unless …’

  ‘You don’t think she’d hurt them?’

  ‘Unlikely. Very unlikely. But you can never really be sure what people will do. Believe me, I speak from experience.’

  ‘So it’d be best if you could be with her as much as possible.’

  ‘That’s what I figure. Damn it, Reeth! Why do you have to be going off to deliver the gold tomorrow?’

  ‘What? After all the trouble you went to persuading me? And Karr getting everything organised so fast? I can hardly call it off now, can I?’

  ‘No, of course you can’t. It’s lousy timing, that’s all. And …’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘I just wish I was going with you.’

  Once the convoy was away from the more populous parts of the city it picked up speed. The authorities had seen to it that the roads ahead were cleared, and there were foot patrols on every corner.

  Finally the caravan rattled into the port area. The same harbour where, in wha
t now seemed a dim and distant summer, Kinsel had first laid eyes on Tanalvah and the children.

  His wagon drew up outside a large building with barred windows and guards at the door. The cage was unlocked and, accompanied by a pair of wardens, his ankles shackled, Kinsel was taken in.

  There were another fifty or sixty convicted men inside, huddled miserably on a line of benches. They wore manacles, with long chains running through them, so that all were bound together. Kinsel was shoved towards the nearest bench. A guard barked and its occupants slid along to make room for him. Then a smith knelt and fussed with the manacles, and Kinsel became part of the chain-gang.

  It was cold, and the shapeless convict uniform of rough cloth Kinsel now wore offered little protection. The place was silent apart from the rattle of chains and occasional wheezing coughs. They were waiting for something, but nobody explained what. Half an hour later, he found out.

  A muscular barrel of a man swaggered in. He was completely bald, save for a pencil-thin, black moustache, and his tanned skin looked oiled. He sported leather breeches and a sleeveless leather jerkin, unbuttoned over a hairless, bare chest, despite the season. On his upper right arm there was a tattoo of the Gath Tampoor dragon emblem. His boots were thick and heavy, and he had wide, studded bands on both wrists. A large and elaborate gold buckle secured his belt, from which hung a sheathed knife with a curved blade. He carried a coiled, barbed whip.

  ‘The basic facts of your new life,’ he announced, his voice deliberate and penetrating. ‘I am your overseer. You are scum. You call me sir, or master, or god. Or better yet, you don’t call me at all. My word is law; your lives are worth less than a peck of salt. You jump when I say so. You work until I tell you to stop, which isn’t often. If I tell you to plug a hole in the keel with your arse, you do it. If you’re called upon to fight, you will do so with savagery and at the expense of your own wretched lives if I think it’s necessary.’ He was walking along the line, scrutinising the faces of his charges. Very few met his gaze. ‘Everyone on board without shackles is your better, and to be obeyed without question. But your first allegiance is to me. If you displease me in any way or fail to obey an order quickly enough, you will be punished. That ranges from a flogging to losing a foot; from having your eye taken out with a hot brand to feeding the sharks. Where we’re going is none of your business. What we do once we’re there is nothing to do with you.’ He’d reached Kinsel, and obviously knew who he was. ‘We don’t go in for favouritism.’ He was staring at him. ‘Nobody cares who you were in your old life, which from this minute is over, done with, forgotten. High born or low, it’s all the same to me, and this.’ He held up the whip. ‘Oh, and if you survive for thirty years the Empress gives you a pardon. Don’t get too excited; nobody’s earned one yet.’ He was on the move again. ‘You’ll be pleased to hear that we’re catching the night tide. Your sea voyage begins within the hour. I’d like to say that I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I will. Only I know you won’t.’ He turned and strode out.