Scales Of Justice

by C. R. Daems

  "True, if we rode ten leagues every day and never stayed anywhere more than one night. However, that would be hard on your sister, who has not seen her thirties for many years. Besides, we'll be hearing cases as we travel, which will mean further delay. And I plan to spend four to five eightdays in Ironwood and another two or three in Lappin."

  "What's in Ironwood?" Jola narrowed her eyes as she tried to think of anything she'd heard about the remote town.

  "You may call me 'Tenzen' or just 'sister' when we're alone." Tenzen paused until Jola nodded. "My family lives in Ironwood. They run a school for the king's elite soldiers-the king's personal guards, officers, and warrants. You'll receive additional training there before we begin your novice circuit. Your training at Astraea gave you a solid foundation, but you have much to learn before you can defend yourself against an experienced fighter."

  Jola jerked in surprise and her horse snorted and stamped. "But I thought you said no one would attack a judicator."

  Tenzen pulled up and raised her hand for Jola to stop. "I've had reports that the hostility among the nobility over the Seven Provinces' Treaty has increased. We've heard hints that judicators are targets. We didn't make the laws. The nobles negotiated them with the leaders of the rebellion some hundred years ago to save their privileged lives." She shook her head. "However, some hold us responsible because we enforce the laws. Unfortunately, the Seven Provinces' Treaty they negotiated prohibits the king from providing us with an armed escort. In the early days, it wasn't necessary. The nobles supported us since we were the buffer between them and the commoners rebelling again. Now, many nobles forget why the treaty was negotiated and see it as usurping their god-given rights. There could be trouble. If it should come to that, I want you able to defend yourself."

  Jola met Tenzen's eyes, surprised by the woman's look of frowning concern.

  She felt sweat start to trickle down her sides. "But...Tenzen, I could defend myself, but I'd just hinder you, more than help, in an attack. You wouldn't be able to concentrate for worrying about me. I'd probably just get in your way." Why have they sent me on a circuit that may endanger Tenzen?

  Jola felt her face flood with heat at even the thought of allowing her sister and mentor to be harmed. Her chest knotted and her heart beat faster. She had worried a little about traveling alone. The thought that anyone would attack judicators was horrible, and even worse was the thought of being a fatal liability to Tenzen.

  "I'd agree if we were going straight on circuit. The senior sisters agreed that you need more training. My family will do that. You need work on your hand-to-hand and longsword skills. Proficiency with the longsword is vital. It's the traditional weapon of the nobles."

  Jola followed as Tenzen kneed her horse into a walk, resuming her progress down the trail. They rode in silence for several minutes.

  Tenzen sighed. "Truthfully, Jola, I'm using your novice circuit to hide my intentions. That doesn't mean that I'd force you to risk your life. You must decide for yourself. You could join another sister whose circuit covers friendly provinces such as Rador or Tyrol."

  Tenzen pulled up again and turned her horse so they were face to face. Jola gripped her reins, her hands sweaty with nerves.

  "I'm not sure what will happen. It will depend on whether the provinces' leaders support the king and the treaty. Their attitudes influence their nobles. If their attitudes encourage discontent with the treaty, it could turn into defiance. I intend to poke around in each of the seven provinces. If any overt rebellion exists, we'll be in some danger."

  Jola tilted her head and considered what Tenzen had said, and what she had not said-Tenzen trusted her even with her limited skill and experience. She had a home, sisters, and a golden gift from the God Naga whom she loved. She wanted to live, but not if it meant abandoning Tenzen.

  "It's an honor to accompany you, Sister."

  CHAPTER TWO

  Tasman Province

  Duke Chaney breathed in the scent of the wildcat's musk and the leather hunting gear the cat-masters wore-the glorious aromas of the hunt. He sighed with satisfaction.

  The light from the midday sun accentuated the contrast between the black-veined granite floor and the tapestries that depicted the history of Tasman's warlords. The largest-with a silver-coated wildcat splotched with black, on a black field-hung behind his throne. It stood with front paws raised and spread, prepared to fight, its fangs bared.

  He smoothed his silk shirt and smiled. Months of planning had gone into this, and he intended to enjoy every moment of it. It was time to teach them their place, time to dispel their delusions of having a right to judge nobles like they did commoners. Today it ended. His heart beat faster, his skin tingling. This moment would lead to the king's throne, and to the return of the nobility to their rightful place.

  Alfred, his chamberlain, and Lord Dunsam waited at the foot of the dais. On the bottom step stood two cat-masters, each with a leopard-like wildcat of the kind found only in Tasman. They stood erect and alert, dressed in cat-skin tabards. The cats' yellow eyes tracked every movement. Twelve soldiers in battle dress flanked the dais, six on each side.

  Chaney motioned, and the doors swung open. Judicator Narette strolled toward his throne and stopped several hands in front of the platform. She nodded, and he frowned. They bowed to no one except the king. Her olive skin, slender frame and long, curly-brown hair were attractive enough. His eyes narrowed as he considered investigating what lay under that ceremonial red robe. He caught a faint whiff of her perfume.

  "Good morning, Your Grace. I was sorry to hear of Lord Gossard's death. No doubt you and your people will miss him," Narette said.

  "I guess it was my time to rule, and his time to die." He allowed a slight smirk to touch his lips at the memory of the hunting accident. No one had questioned him when he said his father had stepped in front of him as he thrust at a boar, though no one else had spotted a boar that whole day. Well, everyone knew that he was always lucky in the hunt.

  Narette raised an eyebrow.

  "Do you have any issues you would like to discuss with me, Lord Chaney, before I begin my circuit in your province?"

  "Now that you ask, I do. From now on, all nobles will be tried here in my presence and the verdict will be discussed and approved by me prior to being announced." Narette's eyes widened. Chaney smiled as he relished the look on her face.

  "I'm willing to hold trials involving Tasman nobles in your presence, if they are open to the public. However, the verdict is my decision. It's not subject to review by anyone except the king." Narette tilted her head to the side as she stared up at him.

  Chaney laughed, raising his hand to his guard captain, who signaled the guard at the side entrance. The guard opened the door. Ten soldiers with swords drawn came in at a run. At the same time, the guards surrounding the platform drew their swords and stepped forward.

  "I'm afraid it's not negotiable. Nobles aren't commoners and shouldn't be treated as such. Nor should commoners-like you-judge them. I'm the ruler here. If you can accept these truths, I can make your life comfortable, with jewels, servants, fine clothes, and much more. If not, I can make your life uncomfortable." He waved in the direction of his soldiers.

  Narette shook her head. "Unlike you, Lord Chaney, I have no choice. My oath is to the King of Pyxus and the God Naga."

  Chaney glared, but the stubborn woman continued.

  "I can be killed only once, either by you for refusing your generous offer or by the king for breaking my oath. I'll die happier by your hand."

  "Die? That would be too easy. Perhaps after you have had a taste of my displeasure, you will reconsider." Chaney leaned back in his throne with a smile. The game was going well. For too many years, he'd had to defer to the king's fancy women. No more.

  "Lord Dunsam, please collect our retiring judicator's viper. It will add legitimacy to my new judicator, Shalea."

  Dunsam stepped back, his jaw sagging. Chaney leaned his chin on a hand. His smile widened
with amusement. His young aide didn't appear anxious to retrieve the viper.

  "Don't be a coward, Dunsam. Do you think the judicators could keep poisonous snakes without being bitten? Either they're not poisonous or they have defanged them."

  Sweat ran down the nobleman's pale face, but he sidled up to Narette. He made a quick grab at the viper's exposed tail. The viper's head whipped around and struck him in the hand. Dunsam jerked away, stumbling backward. "It bit me, my Lord." Dunsam turned toward him and held out his bleeding hand.

  "I guess we are about to find out whether the rumors about the golden vipers are true or not." Chaney leaned forward with a frown. He certainly wouldn't have grabbed one of those vipers. Thankfully, he had others to do his bidding. Dunsam's face twisted in pain, and he collapsed to the floor.

  "I guess the rumors were right. Young Dunsam should have been more careful." Chaney shrugged. "Alfred, have the guards escort our retired judicator to the dungeon. There you will collect all of her artifacts of office, including that viper. Have it defanged before you give it to my new judicator. It wouldn't look good to have Tasman's new judicator killed by her own snake-besides the inconvenience." The search for an actress to play the part had been troublesome, especially since she'd had to learn a few of the laws to be convincing.

  As Alfred motioned to the guards, Narette flung the viper in Chaney's direction. Time seemed to stop as the creature arced through the air. He froze. Then time started again. He leaped out of his throne. The carved cat on the arm caught on his pants leg and he tripped. His heart raced as he fell to his knees and scrambled his way down the steps of the dais.

  He jumped to his feet and whirled around. The viper lay on the seat of his throne. "Get it." He pointed to the creature. Why were the guards just standing there? It slid off, and disappeared behind the platform.

  "Find it and kill it, you fools." Chaney backed away until his back pressed against the wall. The damned woman would pay for this.

  The guards inched toward the throne, swords drawn. They searched the entire room but could not locate the viper.

  "Your Grace, the viper is nowhere in the room," the captain of the guard said with a slight quiver in his voice.

  Narette smiled. "I hope you enjoy the God Naga's envoy as your castle's guest. You will find him sociable. He loves warm bodies." Alfred grabbed her by the arm and yanked her in the direction of the doors.

  "I hope you enjoy the years of abuse I am going to heap on you," Chaney said. He clenched his hands into fists to stop their shaking.

  * * *

  That night, Chaney sat in his private office, a flagon of wine at his elbow. He held up a hand. It was finally steady as the fifth glass of wine began to settle his nerves. Her viper had come close to killing him, but worse, she'd embarrassed him in front of his soldiers and minister. He had been terrified and they knew it. Perhaps he should have them all executed before the story got out. He stroked his chin. No, killing the soldiers and his minister would be worse than the retelling of the incident. After all, who wouldn't have scrambled away from the viper after what had happened to Lord Dunsam. And the story probably had already gotten out. He took another sip of the wine and waited for his new judicator to arrive.

  A few minutes later, Alfred opened the door to announce that Shalea awaited his convenience. She entered and knelt.

  "Well, my dear, you look stunning in your official robes of office. Moreover, your viper looks authentic. What kind of snake is it, Mistress Shalea?" Chaney snickered as he raised her to her feet. He flinched as he reached toward the snake. He forced himself to touch it before caressing her neck.

  "Thank you, Your Grace. It's some kind of rat snake. It was a reddish-brown, but your painter came up with this dye. I think it looks very realistic."

  Chaney nodded with satisfaction at the color of the snake and the feel of her racing pulse as he stroked her neck. "Yes, you have done well, and will be appropriately rewarded." He savored the quiver that went through her. His little mouse was terrified, as she should be.

  "We found that if we drug the snake, it moves just enough to show it's alive, but makes no attempt to get away. Besides, I think it likes me." Shalea smiled.

  "Yes, you will do as long as you understand that your life depends upon your loyalty, and on a convincing performance. The commoners must believe you are a real judicator, even if they don't like your decisions." Chaney tightened his grip on her neck. "You do not want to disappoint me."

  * * *

  Chaney screamed with rage when he discovered that the viper had struck one of the young nobles while he slept. How dare they fail him in finding the creature?

  Two nights later, a guard closed the door behind Chaney as he entered his mistress's bedchamber. "Get up and pour me some wine. I need to relax. These fools... "

  She lay unmoving on her bed. He touched her cold hand. Two trickles of blood had leaked from the fang marks on her arm. He jerked back. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his heart pounded. He backed toward the door and then stopped. The thing might be between him and the door. Where was it? In her bed? Under the bed by his feet? Under a table or chair by the door? In his wardrobe? It could be anywhere. He fought for control as the sweat rolled down his face.

  He frantically scanned the floor as he inched toward the door. When he was within reach of it, he grabbed the handle and yanked it open. "Guard!" He slammed it closed behind him.

  Several hours and several flagons of wine later, Chaney demanded that the captain of the castle guard report to him in his office.

  The captain arrived within minutes, still panting from running through the castle. He went straight to his knees.

  "Captain, that cursed viper is still slithering about my castle. Why have you stopped searching?" He was terrified to walk anywhere in the castle, never mind going to bed. He kept imagining the viper behind every door and piece of furniture. "Are you too busy to protect your Lord?"

  "No, Your Grace. We searched the entire castle. We couldn't find any sign of it. We assumed it had escaped outside the castle walls."

  "Two days from now, you or that viper will be dead. Get out and tell my minister to attend me." Chaney pointed to the door for the captain to leave. He tapped his fingers on the desk as he waited, until Alfred entered and bowed.

  "You wished to see me, Your Grace?"

  "Alfred, we will travel to my castle in Corvus. Make me two lists, those loyal and dedicated to me and my rule and those who are loyal to our good king. I will review them with you as soon as you have finished. Those who are loyal will accompany us. The rest will stay to entertain the viper." Chaney laughed at the message it would send to both groups. The move would give him an opportunity to build additional support in Sattah Province for his plans. If he could build an alliance with Essam and Sattah provinces, he would have an army big enough to secede from the Seven Provinces' Treaty and declare himself king of the independent provinces.

  Commoners needed harsh rules to keep them obedient. It would not take long to convince the other province rulers to revolt against the weakling who ruled them. He'd end the pusillanimous catering to commoners, who just needed to be beaten into line. King Chaney. It had a nice ring to it.

  "Let the nobles of Sattah know that I'm temporarily moving to Corvus, and I wish to speak with their leaders. We leave tomorrow. Have Captain Fedor report to me immediately." Chaney settled back in his overstuffed chair. He ran his fingers over the smooth leather binding of the book he had laid aside earlier. He had general support in the southern Essam and western Sattah towns close to the border with his province. That support would grow if he could show the advantages of having a noble-friendly judicator. Shalea would be instrumental in achieving that. However, real judicators had to be discouraged from interfering.

  "Your Grace, Captain Fedor is here," Alfred announced.

  "Send him in, Alfred," Chaney said.

  A very dangerous man,Chaney reflected as he scrutinized the captain, as Alfred closed the door behind h
im. Fedor was a thin, wiry man with a narrow, clean-shaven and scarred face, his eyes a penetrating black.

  "Your Grace," Fedor said as he went down on one knee.

  "Rise, Captain. I'm leaving tonight for Corvus and giving you responsibility for guarding my new judicator. She is your superior so long as she is serving my best interest. If not, use your judgment. You are to take twenty-five soldiers with you. I would not want anything to happen to her." He had gone to too much trouble with this judicator to take chances with her safety. Chaney waited until the captain nodded. "Alfred has prepared a proclamation, signed by me, declaring that Tasman has a permanent judicator assigned-Judicator Shalea. Send out troopers to post this proclamation in every town in Tasman and the border towns of Warring in Essam and Southport in Sattah. And as you visit each town with Shalea, let the nobles know they can support me by keeping other judicators from entering their towns."

  "I will see to it, Your Grace."

  Chaney tossed two bags of gold. Fedor snatched them out of the air like a hawk snagging a bird on the wing.

  Chaney had instructed Shalea to begin her grand tour in the town of Warring, which was on the border of Essam and Tasman. The nobles in southern Essam were friendly to him and supported his plan of eliminating the king's judicators. He watched from his office window the next morning as she left Tarquay castle with Captain Fedor and an escort of twenty-five mounted soldiers.

  * * *

  Everywhere Shalea stopped during the two eightdays' trip to Warring, the crowds greeted her with smiles and the respect due a judicator. Unlike a normal judicator, Shalea always took the best accommodations and ate at the best inns. Warring was no exception. Shalea took three days to rest before agreeing to hear her first case.

  She reveled in the attention, in the way people deferred to her, and in the personal guard who did her fetching and carrying. The first time she walked onto the judicator's raised platform and took her place in the high-backed, carved chair, she could barely contain her excitement. The crowd was large, and Shalea intended this to be her greatest performance.