Scales Of Justice

by C. R. Daems

  "Are you feeling any better?" Regina asked.

  "Yes, Your Highness. I'm sorry about this morning, but the issue is more important than Duke Waller. I'm still young and have only limited experience. I needed time to resolve my own feelings. These judgments aren't the normal criminal cases we judicators try. I'll be ready tomorrow." Jola hoped Regina understood.

  "I don't envy you the responsibility. Who is your young friend?" Regina asked, surveying the waif of a child who was using both her hands to pick up her food and stuff it into her mouth.

  "I'm taking her to the monastery, Princess." Jola too watched the girl.

  "Through a war?"

  "She's used to war. It's food and a warm bed she isn't used to." Again, she reflected on her own early days on the streets. Deep in thought, Jola didn't hear Regina' s quiet "good night."

  * * *

  Jola sat on the platform, with Duke Waller in front of her.

  "That was rude yesterday," Waller said with a sense of satisfaction.

  "Yes, Duke Waller, it was rude. However, it's more important that I be fair with you and the other nobles than that I be polite." Jola paused for Waller's response.

  "Yes, Mistress. We've done nothing wrong."

  "That was my dilemma yesterday. When does something become a crime, and when is it only wishful thinking? When is bad behavior a crime, and when is it only ignorance? I've decided to let you decide for me," Jola said, to a buzz of whispers around the room. She could actually sense Regina's and Kambiri's confusion, and Greer's humor.

  "Yes, that would be fair!"

  Jola felt his exaltation. "Duke Waller, was it your intention, through your actions and lack of actions, to help others break the Seven Provinces' Treaty?" Jola said into the silence.

  "No!" Waller took a step toward the side of the platform and threw himself to his knees in front of the princess. "Your Highness, I beg forgiveness. I did nothing wrong."

  Jola stood. "Let it be known to all citizens of Pyxus that Judicator Jola has resolved beyond any man's right to question the issue before her, involving Duke Waller's complicity in treason by attempting to break the Seven Provinces' Treaty. I decree the following:

  "First, Duke Waller is guilty of condoning treason, although he took no overt acts against the king.

  "Second, he is stripped of his titles, lands, and property, which revert to Princess Regina, who is the king's direct representative, to distribute as she sees fit.

  "Third, he's to be permitted to keep one hundred silvers and one horse for each family member, including himself.

  "So say the Judicators of Pyxus."

  Jola smiled at Kit, who stood holding the captain's hand and eating a piece of bread. "Captain, call the next name."

  Five hours later, Jola had passed judgment on the last of the nobles. Of the forty she'd judged, she'd pronounced five guilty, and stripped them of their titles and land. She stood and walked to the bottom of the platform steps, followed by Princess Regina. Kit came flying across the room to attach herself to Jola's leg.

  "Has she been a good girl, Captain?" Jola asked with a smile.

  "Yes, Mistress, she's been very good."

  "Can I've something to eat, Mistress?" Kit asked, squeezing Jola's leg tighter. "Please."

  "We'll stop by the kitchen and see what they've lying around." She laid a hand on Kit's head as a commoners' delegation started in her direction.

  "I think they want to talk with you, Mistress Jola," Regina said from behind her.

  "Mistress, may we talk with you, please," a stooped, white-haired man asked.

  "Of course. It's important that you're well informed. There will be enough rumors afterward." Jola reached down and picked up Kit.

  "The vipers!" the elderly man said, eyes wide.

  "They know she's my ward, and won't harm her." Jola smiled at Kit.

  The man took a deep breath and seemed to gather his thoughts. "Mistress Jola, we would like to know why you only found five of the nobles guilty. We've heard what they've said about you and the king. It was wrong. We've even heard that one of them insulted you in the streets yesterday."

  "Excellent question, Merchant. The king hasn't sent the princess to purge the nobles from Sattah, Tasman, or Essam. He's sent us to enforce the laws of Pyxus."

  Jola looked back to Regina, and then at the people around her one by one. "I can't punish a man because he isn't a nice person, or because he has evil thoughts. I can only punish a man if he's broken the law. The five nobles I punished committed treasonous acts; the others didn't. There are many bad people in Pyxus. I know of no way of making them good. I can only judge whether what someone does violates our laws."

  One of the noblemen who Jola recognized from the streets the day before stepped toward her. "Mistress Jola is right. I came here expecting to be judged guilty for what I said. I have said stupid things. But I've broken no laws. I'm just stupid."

  He looked down at his feet for a few seconds before he continued. "I want to apologize for the rude and stupid things I said to you yesterday. You were thrice right. Your soldiers would have killed me at your nod; you would have killed me in a sword fight; and you could have taken my titles and sent me to the iron mines and no one would have questioned you. I'd like to make amends."

  Jola nodded. "If you'll share what you've learned over the past two days with your friends, you'll have paid me back a hundred-fold. There are many ignorant people in Pyxus. What keeps Pyxus stable is that there are also many wise people to offset them. Be one of the wise ones." Jola smiled at the young man.

  "Yes, Mistress, you can count on me and my support if you ever want or need it," the young man said, and then bowed and left.

  "Kit, let's see what we can find in the kitchen," Jola said as she tousled Kit's hair.

  "Yes, Mistress, I'm hungry."

  * * *

  "Mistress, when can I've my own horse?" Kit asked as she rode in front of Jola in the saddle, on the third day out of Cape Storm.

  "You'll learn to ride at the monastery. When you're older, you'll be given a horse," Jola said, and had to smile. Kit had become very talkative in the previous two days, which provided Jola with an active time in the saddle.

  "Nine?" Kit asked, looking back at Jola.

  "When the sisters think you're ready," Jola replied with a laugh.

  "Good morning, Mistress Jola; I see your ward has found her voice," Duke Kontar said as he and Duke Greer pulled their horses alongside hers.

  "Good morning, Your Graces. Yes, it's a small sign of trust, since nothing bad has happened in over an eightday and the food keeps coming." She laughed. She understood Kit and knew that total trust would be years in coming, but she seemed slowly to be adjusting to life with Jola.

  "We haven't had much of a chance to talk since Princess Regina elevated me from Marquess of Candia to Duke of Sattah. Like Duke Greer, I've been impressed with your judgments, and the insights that you shared with the commoners' delegation. That was good advice for nobles as well as commoners," Kontar said, and smiled at Kit. "She's a lucky girl to be adopted by you. However, isn't a campaign like this a dangerous place for her?"

  "On the streets, her chances of living to ten would be negligible. Here, she has a thousand troops to protect her," Jola said with a wave of her hand. "'Safe' is a relative term. I believe she's safer here than on the streets of Sattah."

  "Point taken. I tend to view life from my experience, which admittedly has been sheltered and privileged." Kontar lapsed into thought. "Being with you is going to be very interesting."

  * * *

  When they entered Hygorge, a middle-aged but energetic-looking woman with streaks of graying hair greeted them. "Welcome to Hygorge, Your Highness. I am Countess Ruxandra. I would be honored for you to stay at my estate; however, it is small and I doubt it would hold even a small number of your party," the countess said, and bowed. She then pointed in the direction of a large inn. "We can make room for you at the Laughing Man Inn. It isn't luxurious, but it
's comfortable."

  "Thank you, Countess Ruxandra. Where, may I ask, is Marquess Gustel?" Princess Regina said.

  "He and many of the local nobles left for Southgate, along with their retainers-about a hundred or more."

  "Very good. Since Gustel has forfeited his title and land to me, let us retire to his former castle and make ourselves comfortable. Would you lead the way?"

  "Yes, Princess," Ruxandra said.

  "Also, send messengers to inform the nobles who've stayed that they are to be present two days hence, at the castle. I would like you to accompany us and oversee the castle's preparations. For now we will visit the inn for refreshments and an opportunity to talk with the locals," Regina said, turning her horse in the direction of the Laughing Man.

  That evening, the princess, Jola, and the nobles accompanying them moved into Gustel's former castle. It was small, but adequate for their party. The security units crammed into the barracks or set up cover in the courtyard. The commoners' delegation stayed at the inn.

  * * *

  Two days later, Jola stood on an elevated platform in Gustel's old reception hall, along with the princess, the two dukes, and the duchess. Before sitting, she surveyed the crammed hall. It appeared that the entire town had assembled to see the princess and to hear the judgments. The merchants and commoners had been abused under Gustel's rule, and they wanted justice. The princess stepped forward and raised her hands for silence.

  "We are here today to enforce the Seven Provinces' Treaty, not to seek revenge. All nobles present will be judged, those found guilty will be punished, and those who do not answer the roll will lose their titles and lands." That invoked whispering and mild applause. "Mistress Jola, you may begin."

  "In the name of King Nicolas, I, Judicator Jola, do hereby call this judgment in session. Captain, read the roll." Jola seated herself.

  "Countess Ruxandra." The countess stepped forward. "I'm Countess Ruxandra."

  "Do you support the Seven Provinces' Treaty?" Jola asked.

  "Yes, Mistress."

  "Will you enforce the laws of Pyxus in a fair and just manner, consistent with the king's edicts?"

  Ruxandra hesitated for a moment. Jola knew it was an odd question to ask a countess with little authority outside her own lands. Jola sensed confusion rather than doubt. It was a strange question, but one the princess had requested that Jola ask. "Yes, Mistress."

  "I decree that you are innocent of treason. So say the Judicators of Pyxus." Jola turned and nodded to the princess, who stood.

  "Countess Ruxandra, you are elevated to the rank of Marchioness, and are given the lands previously belonging to Gustel by my order as the representative of King Nicolas."

  The new marchioness hesitated a moment, and then bowed and withdrew. The next six nobles were judged loyal, and the captain moved on to the eighth name on the list.

  "Lord Nahor." As his name was called, a young noble stepped forward. As he did, Jola felt an overwhelming sense of hate, anger, and righteousness. Why is he here? she wondered. He had to know he would not only lose his title, and his right to inherit, but would be imprisoned or worse. His eyes passed over her, settling on the princess.

  "Guards, to the princess!" Jola shouted. At the same time, she drew her dagger and threw it at him as hard as she could, just as the young noble produced a knife and drew it back. She knew her attack was unlikely to kill or even harm him, and it didn't. It did, however, distract him, and his dagger flew high of his mark. The guard who dashed in front of Regina took the noble's second knife to his chest just as the assassin was hacked down by the other guards.

  Regina suspended the judgments for the day and retired to her room with Jola.

  "How did you know?" Regina asked. Her face was pale and her hands clenched. The first knife had passed over her head, but the second knife would have struck her chest had her guard not dived in front of her.

  "Having two vipers seems to have increased my sensitivity, Princess."

  "It is a strange set of circumstances that has bound us together and kept us alive. The gods, perhaps?"

  "Perhaps, Your Highness. Perhaps." Jola reflected back to her deathbed encounter with Naga. Would she have died without His intervention? Would the judicators be facing extinction? Would the entire kingdom be engulfed in civil war? Maybe the God does care, and did intervene. Only Naga knows, and he isn't saying.

  The rest of their stay proved uneventful. Jola found no guilty nobles during her remaining judgments. However, thirty-three nobles failed to show for judgment and were designated as outlaws, forfeiting their lands and titles, subject to execution on sight. There was speculation that they had taken their soldiers and gone to Tasman to join Chaney.

  Two days later, the army departed Hygorge for Southgate.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Tasman Province

  Jola, Kit in the saddle with her, rode beside the princess as they left Hygorge, lost in her own thoughts. Everything seemed to remind her of Tenzen. She reached up to touch her sister's viper, which helped to relieve the lump in her chest. Maybe it contained a bit of her sister, who had been more like a mother. Jola had been on this road twice with Tenzen, once running for their lives and once heading toward an encounter with Chaney's thugs. She hugged Kit, who munched on something she had charmed from someone. Tenzen would have loved Kit as she did.

  "You're quiet," Regina said, which interrupted Jola's pensive thoughts.

  "It's hard not to brood, Princess. Sister Tenzen and I traveled this road twice. It brings back memories of her."

  "I'm sorry. I know you loved her. She had been a friend to me since I was a young girl. She was an exceptional woman who has left each of us a better person for having known her."

  After the exchange, Jola and Regina rode in silence.

  As the days passed, Jola would have brooded more if it weren't for Kit and her incessant questions. Everything and everyone interested her, especially food. As a child of the street, her diet had been limited to mostly the rotten or spoiled leavings of commoners. Now, she experienced foods she had never seen or tasted, and to everyone's surprise except Jola's, loved everything she ate and ate everything.

  On the fifth day, they entered Southgate, a picturesque city situated between two snowcapped mountain ranges. The town's center lay on level ground, but most of the houses perched in the surrounding foothills. The marquess's compound abutted a cliff, and looked impregnable because of the steep approach to the compound's walls. An eerie quiet pervaded the town as the army made its way through the streets. They were deserted except for a few people at the market, who looked in a hurry to leave. It seemed that everyone knew trouble was coming. Jola could feel their fear like sandpaper grating her skin. They couldn't fight and they couldn't run. All they could do was to try to remain inconspicuous and hope that by some miracle it would bypass them.

  "Besnik, find out who occupies the marquess's compound," Regina said. Besnik rode back in the column, and before long six Horse units were riding toward the compound. Regina walked her horse into the market area, followed by Jola and their combined security. Everyone dismounted when Regina did, and their security formed around them.

  "It looks like it's a slow day today, Merchant," Regina said as she surveyed the fruits, grains, and nuts laid out on the table.

  "Yes, Mistress... everyone is afraid... Mistress. Armies come and go everyday... Mistress." The merchant stepped back from his cart, his eyes darting back and forth as he took in Regina, Jola, and the hundred soldiers that surrounded them.

  "I'm Princess Regina and this is Judicator Jola. You have nothing to fear from us. We are here to ensure your rights."

  "Mistress... Highness," the man mumbled as he knelt.

  "Rise, please. What can you tell me about what has happened in Southgate?" While she spoke, several people moved closer and Regina waved to her captain to let them. Reluctantly, the captain complied.

  "Several eightdays ago, bands of nobles with soldiers on warhorses began ar
riving from Sattah. Most of the soldiers stayed at the local inns; the nobles stayed at Marquess Pirmin's compound. They ran wild for the two eightdays they were here. No one was safe on the streets or in his home. An eightday ago, Marquess Pirmin led them out on the road to Tasman."

  While they were talking, Besnik returned. "Only a few guards and servants, Your Highness."

  "Leave a couple of Horse units in town to keep order. Any nobles are to be taken into custody. The main force will camp away from the town. The town's people are rightfully afraid of soldiers right now. My command staff will retire to Pirmin's compound." With that, Regina thanked the merchant, mounted and left the market with her security.

  * * *

  Three days later, the dukes and duchess, Regina, Jola, and her ward sat eating breakfast in Marquess Pirmin's dining room. It comfortably sat thirty. The table and chairs were carved with a variety of mythical creatures. The silverware was heavy, with elaborate designs on each handle. The chairs were upholstered in a red silk with a yellow floral pattern. The castle was small, but beautifully furnished. Handwoven rugs adorned every room, tapestries depicting each of the four provinces that bordered Southgate hung in the reception hall, and detailed works of art in marble were everywhere. Jola couldn't help but shudder at the excessive wealth this man had, while children like Kit starved in the alleys of this and other cities. Her thoughts were interrupted when Besnik entered the room.

  "Highness, five Rador soldiers and three Kasava warriors have just arrived. Their captain says he has a message from Prince Aquila."

  "Show him in and collect your commanders. I think the captain's information will determine our next move." Besnik signaled, and four guards accompanied a tall Rador captain into the room. Jola thought he looked dirty and tired but would be a handsome man, washed and in a clean uniform. He looked to be in good physical condition.