by Tony Corden
“Not really. There’s still time, and I’d better warn you I’m likely to set a cat among the pigeons in a few minutes. The issue of the bet is going to rear its head again, and I’ve asked Ivan to let me deal with it.”
Sharon slowly shook her head and asked, “Why? Why do that? Ivan is a big boy. Let him deal with it. Why do you have to solve all the problems? I love you, you know that. What you did for Catherine puts me always in your debt, but you’re going to drive me crazy, putting out all the little bushfires.”
Leah laughed and said, “I don’t have to. I want to. I’m finding wheels within wheels. Everything is connected to everything else. Doing this isn’t only going to hurt Gottes_Krieger_10 but probably Merideath and her ilk as well.”
“Will you being a murder suspect come up?”
“I won’t raise it, but the threat was made that it would be raised if I didn’t let this go.”
“Stupid, stupid stupid. I’ve only known you a week, and I would swear I worked out on day one that the surest way to get you to do something was to tell you I would hurt you if you did. It isn’t that you’re a masochist, it’s just you’ve this inverted sense of self-preservation. I could scream. Who's the idiot who threatened you?”
“There were two of them, Eitan Malka and Herman Weismann.”
Sharon’s eyes went wide, and she muttered a word that Leah knew her mother would have slapped her for saying. Not that Leah hadn’t said it but she never, ever, would have said it around her mother. Sharon put her hand over her mouth and then in a whisper said, “Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. When you make enemies, you make big ones. Are you sure, I mean really sure, this is what you want to do?”
“Yep.”
“Then my advice is to do it big. Don’t equivocate or just try and do it small. If you’re going to make a scene, at least get some mileage from it.”
“Thanks. Now I can say I was just doing what was advised by my PR agent.”
They both laughed at that although Leah was pretty sure Sharon’s giggle was forced.
A bell rung and Eitan Malka’s voice rang out. He said, “If everyone could come to the main operations room, the judges and I would like to announce the eight contestants who will go into the third round.”
Leah and Sharon made their way closer to the main stage the Leah moved to stand with the other contestants. Finally, after a brief summary of the first two rounds, Eitan said, “The top eight contestants will go through to the next round. First will fight eighth, second will fight seventh, third will fight sixth and fourth will fight fifth. In the fourth round, the winner of the first fight will face the winner of the last, and then the other two winners will do battle. The winners of these two battles will duel for the honour of being crowned today’s champion. Each of the four contestants who make it into the fourth round will receive a gift from Dunyanin, and there are also separate prizes for those who come first and second.
“Now to the top eight. These placings are according to the rules and guidelines distributed to the contestants and are in accord with the guidelines of the Multiverse’s International Virtual Gaming Standards and Integrity Commission. In first place with two wins is Yuè_Fēi_Lóng.”
The room thundered with the cheers of the virtual audience. Yuè Fēi was one of the most respected players in the multiverse, and Leah even saw Merideath lightly applauding, although her smile looked a little forced.
“In second place is the games highest ranking player, also with two wins. Merideath.”
Once again, the room thundered to applause and cheers. The list continued “In third place with two wins. Delta_Knight_01.”
“In fourth place with one win and one loss. Боевой_молот.”
“In fifth place, also with one win and one loss. Мастер_Cмерти.”
“In sixth place, with one win and one loss. Princesa_Amazônica_23”
“In seventh place, with one win and one loss. Královna_Kouzel_666”
There was a pause after the announcement of Královna. The three contestants left had all lost twice. Leah had read the regulations and wasn’t that excited as she believed she was most likely to be the eighth-placed player. She’d done more damage and fought longer overall than either of the other two. Leah didn’t really want to fight Yuè_Fēi again and would just as readily come ninth, yet she knew this was the most opportune time for the Paladin to say something. The regulations allowed players to appeal the finding for various reasons. She hoped her plan worked when that happened. If not, then it was most possible the meeting would be adjourned while alternate judges would adjudicate the findings.
Finally, Eitan Malka said, “The eighth place was decided on points, and the judges have reviewed the six bouts, and we are all in agreement that the eighth place goes to Atherleah with Gottes_Krieger_10 in ninth and Seishin_no_kage_12 in tenth.”
Most people paid no attention to the ninth and tenth place as the crowd erupted into cheers when Atherleah was announced. Sharon’s face lit with a huge smile as she heard the level of support for her client. Leah may have done the fighting, but Sharon had put in hours of hard work promoting Leah.
Leah, on the other hand, stood silently. She was watching Herman Weismann. He applauded as loudly as anyone, but she saw his eyes flicker first to Merideath and then to Gottes_Krieger_10. As he looked at Gottes_Krieger_10, he gave an almost imperceptible nod.
The Paladin waited until the noise had died down, then said, “Judges, Commissioner. I acknowledge your skills but believe an error has been made. The regulations give various reasons for an appeal against any judgement. I would raise several of these. First, I believe the points are in error. Second, I have wagered some sizeable amount on this event and would like a second opinion. Thirdly, and to my mind, most importantly, I believe Dunyanin will be brought into disrepute by this decision. It is not something that suddenly disturbs me now because of the result, but rather it was raised by me earlier this morning, and at that time, it was dismissed out of hand. It was reported, in the news, that Atherleah is wanted for questioning with regards to assault and murder, that she is, in fact, the prime suspect for both. Even if the points are accurate, I would demand a review for the sake of Dunyanin and its reputation. I appeal to the judges to reconsider.”
There was silence as he finished. Everyone in the room waited for Leah to speak, as did the billions watching in their Pods. If Leah agreed, then the appeal was considered binding. If she disagreed, then the commission was expected to rule on the validity of each aspect of the appeal’s rationale. Leah was pretty sure from the nods and connections, that the fix was in, as they say. Leah nodded and said, “I don’t much mind if I come eight or ninth so recount the points if you wish. That being said, I’m pretty sure I’m better than Namus’ Paladin. If you doubt it, points or not then put me in the arena, and I’ll squish him like a bug. As to the wager, again, it has nothing to do with me. The amount isn’t really that much, and I know both Ivan and I can afford it. If Gottes_Krieger_10 needs the money, then I can lend him some.
“I suggest it’s easy to decide. Put him in a ring with Delta_Knight_01 or Yuè_Fēi_Lóng. If he lasts half as long as I did, then I’ll admit I was destroyed. If not, then he should pay up. More importantly though is his comments on reputation. I don’t think Dunyanin’s reputation would suffer because today has shown everyone just what a wondrous world it is. As for my reputation, I know who I am, and I know what I’ve done. I’m not concerned at all about Gottes_Krieger_10’s rather tattered reputation. The player placed tenth has a better reputation than he does in my book, regardless of whether they came ninth or tenth. In my estimation, Seishin_no_kage_12 played with honour and skill. Let’s face it, even if Gottes_Krieger_10 had come first, he’d still be nothing but a whiny loser.
“No, I am concerned on the reputation of another. Someone who is represented by the Paladin. With this in mind, I call upon the one whose honour and reputation is most at stake here. I call on Lord Namus, God of Purity, to judge b
etween his Paladin and me.”
40
Chapter 40
December 17, 2073 - MERKIZE CONTEST - Part 9
DUNYANIN - CONTEST
As Leah had been speaking the background noise had waxed and waned with each statement. This last one was met by silence, and then Eitan Malka yelled, “Ridiculous.”
His cry was cut off as Lord Namus appeared. Looking around, he saw Atherleah and said, “Empress, we meet again. This request of yours is indeed a serious one. Should I find in my Paladin’s favour then I shall, of necessity, seek justice in his name. Would you submit to my Hand of Judgement?”
“I will, Lord Namus. He has raised charges against me in full view of those assembled here and seeks to defame my name for his personal gain rather than for the sake of your purity. It matters not that I am called halfbreed, nor that he accuses me of murder, but he does so as your Paladin. If his charge is false, then you, Lord Namus, are the one brought low.”
Namus turned to Gottes_Krieger_10 and said, “Has Atherleah, Empress and Counsellor to the Gods spoken truth, my knight? Have you made accusations such as these against her, here, before this gathering?”
Gottes_Krieger_10 went to his knees and said, “My Lord Namus, this matter between us does not concern your person, it is between myself and Atherleah.”
“Do these witnesses know you as my Paladin?”
“They do, Lord Namus.”
“Then it is right that I judge between you and the Empress.”
Namus waved his hand, and a white marble throne appeared in the centre of the room. Namus sat down and said, “My Knight. Lay forth your charge.”
Before Gottes_Krieger_10 could move, Eitan Malka’s walked in front of Lord Namus and said, “Wait a minute. This doesn’t concern you. This has nothing to do with the Gods of Dunyanin. It is for the appointed judges.”
As he said the last, he waved at himself and the other judges.
Namus said, “Counsellor Atherleah, who is this man?”
“He was appointed by the creators to judge between the ten warriors you see assembled and to determine who is the best warrior.”
“Is that what he and the other three have been doing with their numbers all day? I think perhaps that Lord Mantic might be a good choice to assist me.”
Lord Mantic appeared next to Lord Namus and said, “I was hoping you would pick me. I’ve been watching those ‘so-called’ judges all day. They use numbers for everything and yet do not apply logic to their calculations.”
Before Namus could respond Erol Kartel, the CEO of Dunyanin appeared in the room. Leah was amused that he had an avatar that made him shine like one the gods. Emil was beside him and looked over at Atherleah while trying not to smile. Erol said, “Lord Namus, Lord Mantic, I beg your indulgence, but this is a matter for the creators, not for the gods of Dunyanin.”
Lord Namus bowed slightly and said, “Creator Kartel, it has been long since you graced the halls of heaven. I respectfully submit that as this disagreement is between two travellers and as we are in Dunyanin that it is indeed our business. Do the Creators want to change the covenant? I call on Lady Kanun, please attend and advise.”
A third god arrived. This was Lady Kanun, God of Law. She went to stand by Lord Namus’ left hand and said, “Creator Kartel, the gods have watched today’s competition with some disquiet. Billions of sentients have been given access to the world without meeting an advocate nor agreeing to the laws which govern Dunyanin. Even though this contravened our covenant, we did not intervene because they remained isolated in this secluded realm. We, the gods, know of and administer Merkize. We see the potential in allowing travellers to access it. We agreed to the changes in the covenant which brought forth this Odyssey and have played our part in preparing clues and quests for all involved. The covenant is clear that behaviour relating to Dunyanin, which does not contravene the regulations, is ours to judge. Lord Namus is correct to assume jurisdiction. Which part of the covenant gives the creators oversight?”
Erol bowed slightly then said, “As these two are travellers, it is our wish to bring resolution according to the laws of the travellers.”
Lord Mantic said, “Why this event? Why these travellers? Your traveller laws set conditions and consequences upon every sentient’s death. In Dunyanin travellers kill multiple Dunyanin citizens every day, sometimes simply for pleasure. Travellers also kill other travellers every day, sometimes after much planning and premeditation. In those cases, you gladly walk away and leave the consequences to be carried out according to the laws of Dunyanin. In those cases, you leave their punishment to the gods. What makes this situation different?”
Erol was looking flustered. It was obvious he wanted to shut things down and reboot, but billions were watching. Leah needed his goodwill, so she said, “Lord Namus, might I offer a solution which satisfies both the gods and the creators?”
Erol glared at her. He wanted her to be quiet. On the other hand, Lord Mantic said, “Lord Namus, let the Empress speak. I’ve been impressed with her logic so far, and if we are one day to see her rule all Vatan, I want to make sure she can find truth in a mess like this.”
Leah smiled and said, “Truth Lord Mantic? I thought your way had many answers. Are you sure you are not the Lady Utsal in disguise?”
Lady Utsal arrived and went to stand near Leah. In a whisper heard around the room and broadcast to billions she spoke to Leah and said, “Atherleah, I was bored just watching this. I’m so glad you invited me. Don’t tease Lord Mantic too much, his sense of humour has faded over the eons.”
Lord Namus said, “Please, Lady Utsal, behave. Empress, what is your suggestion?”
“Might we not be subject to both courts Lord Namus? As I have asked for your judgement, then let me judged by you. Your Paladin has asked for the Creator’s judgement. Let them judge as he requests. I am willing to submit to both courts.”
Lord Namus turned to Gottes_Krieger_10 and said, “My Knight, are you also willing to submit to both courts? Will you avail yourself of my hand of justice as well as the hands of these others, or do you reject my hand and wish to know only their judgement?”
As Gottes_Krieger_10 pondered his answer, Gèng said, “Are you sure about this? Once he says what you think he will, then you can’t back out.”
Leah just nodded and waited. Finally, Gottes_Krieger_10 looked up and looking at Namus, he said, “I am willing to submit my case before any court where justice might be found. Indeed, might I suggest that there is an answer which is suitable to both courts?”
He paused for effect and continued, “Both jurisdictions allow for a ‘Trial by combat’. Thus, I declare Leah to be unworthy, impure, and not suitable to receive honour in this competition. Let us be judged for all to see, on the field of battle.”
Namus said, “Empress Atherleah, are you willing to let your honour be decided in combat? We have watched, and you are not at full health. You are injured.”
Leah saw Yuè Fēi look over at her with concern, but she ignored him and said, “No Lord Namus. My honour is my own, no accusation or battle can decide it or take it from me. I am, however, willing to let the resolution of this situation be decided by combat. I am willing for you and everyone who stands as a witness to see me as dishonourable should you so choose. I will submit to the stated consequences of each set of laws.”
Lord Namus looked across at Erol and said, “Creator Kartel, will you agree to this solution put forward by my knight and agreed to by Empress Atherleah?”
Erol bowed and said, “Indeed Lord Namus. My only concern lies with those appointed to adjudicate this competition. According to the Laws of the Creators, they must have a voice.”
Lord Namus turned to Eitan Malka and said, “Well, what of it? Speak up.”
Lady Utsal said, “Lord Namus, a courtesy. Please do not lower yourself to his base and disagreeable behaviour.”
Turning to Eitan Malka, Lady Utsal said, “Please be kind enough to answer Lord Namus. Lady Olme is g
etting testy. She’s petitioning that she gets you. One of her followers is in the room, so be careful.”
Eitan said, “It is acceptable according to regulations to accept a voluntary duel between two players to decide primacy. We will agree to this.”
Lord Namus said, “Good. It is decided. Empress, should you be found guilty by losing this fight you shall be declared unworthy and a bounty placed on your head. All those who follow me shall seek your death.”
Turning to Gottes_Krieger_10, he said, “Hubert, should you fail to prove Empress Atherleah’s unworthiness to be a contestant in this competition then you shall be removed from among my clerics and called ‘Anathema’. All those who follow me shall seek your death.”
Turning to Erol, he said, “Creator Kartel, perhaps I might impose upon your servants to prepare a suitable venue that the gods might watch the trial in comfort. If they need help with the coding, I dare say some of the gods would love to help.”
Erol looked stunned for a moment then nodded briefly, and the gods disappeared. Looking around, Erol said, “The trial will begin in fifteen minutes.”
Turning to Leah, he said, “Might I have a word in private?”
Leah smiled and said, “Of course, Erol, you know I’m always happy to talk things through.”
Erol disappeared, and moments later, Leah also faded from view. She reappeared in the room set aside for her. A table had been added, and Erol was just taking his seat. Both Dunyanin’s Chief Counsel Hakan Batur and Leah’s lawyer Stephen Riley were present. Leah raised her eyebrows and said, “Private?”
Erol sat and said, “This is as private as I ever get. After today I doubt your minders will let you out without three or four people.”