Arc 9-41
I rarely visit the school twice in the same week since its construction, but it can’t be helped. The Cosmian is the best place to hold a meeting in the city, both for its plentiful space and its proximity to the individuals I need to speak with. With the lack of functioning carriages in the city, travel can become a serious complication.
Given the short notice, I’m not surprised to be the first one in the room and make myself comfortable, ankles crossed on the table. Rigorson is the first to answer the impromptu summons, dedicated headmaster that he is, greeting me politely as he takes a seat at the table. Others are quick to follow, the room filling up before the sun reaches its zenith.
I don’t recognize many faces but the CFQ members continue to distinguish themselves by tying cloth on their upper arms; some of them wear proper armbands and they’ve finally settled on a single color, red. There’s also a familiar figure from the remnants of the hunter; the rogue who never lowers her hood. Jane? Something like that. She might be easier to remember if she removes her hood, even once. I’ve never seen more than her soft chin and plump lips.
Here I have the three most influential groups in the city: the CFQ, the remnants of the guilds, and the scholars of more individual purpose. Between them, I’m sure my message will reach the right ears. Once Rigorson nods for a lanky man to close the doors and subtly lock them, I stand, giving the room person to openly stare at me.
I wonder if I’ll ever not feel out of my depth with so many eyes looking to me for direction. At least there is more than abject fear in their gazes. Nothing positive; if I had to guess, I’d label it begrudging acknowledgment of my superiority mixed with healthy caution.
“Thank all for gathering on short notice.” I may be the tyrant that violently ripped their homes from them, but there’s no need to be impolite. “I’m sure you’ve already guessed that I need something from you, but I don’t come with just orders. I have an opportunity for those brave enough, and capable enough, to grab it.” I pause, letting greed spark their ambition. “New Quest has arrested a criminal whose deeds can’t be waved away or handled with a fine. We’re not prepared, but justice won’t wait. New Quest will have its first trial.”
There’s a mix of reactions. I expect stern frowns and shifty nerves, but I’m gladdened that the dominant emotion of the audience is curiosity. It should take far more to shake them.
“The criminal is Callan Atkinson. He’s the leader of a group that dubbed themselves the Grand Summoners in a mockery of the legitimate institution. Under his leadership, this group has assaulted and kidnapped innocents, sacrificing them to an apathetic creature in exchange for body modifications. Some of the more worldly in your number might know of Aggro.” One person sucks in a sharp breath. Good. The crown likes to keep their embarrassing loss to the elemental quiet, but the Cosmian doesn’t care about reputations and the library grows more extensive by the week.
“He will be charged with assault, battery, murder, kidnapping, organizing a criminal element, leading a criminal element, profiteering, and committing crimes of consequence. For those who haven’t studied the criminal laws of the charter, he has not only hurt others, but he has also directly profited from his crimes and his actions will have lasting repercussions that one man’s life cannot possibly make restitution for. This is a trial where those involved will be asked to consider a sentence of execution. Something to keep in mind when considering my proposition.”
I spread my arms. “A trial requires a judge to preside, a jury to deliberate, and a team of reviewers to ascertain the laws were adhered to. To fill these roles, the Cosmian Law Certification exam will be held in two days, but it will have special conditions. Normally, anyone is allowed to take the exam but this time, it will be limited to documented students of the school.” This is going to be hard enough without having to test everyone in the city with big ideas.
“In addition, this will not count for the certification. Let me repeat that. Even if you get a perfect score, you will not receive a certificate that allows you to practice law.” A few can’t keep their dissatisfaction inside, their neighbors quickly shushing their whispered curses. I understand but I won’t budge. Geneva and I designed this program with clear intention. I don’t care how smart anyone is or how much of the charter they’ve memorized, they’ve got more to learn.
“However! There are plenty of rewards. First, you all get the chance to take the test. The questions won’t be the same, but you’ll have an idea of the information you’ll be tested on and the style of questions. Anyone who takes this test can still take the regularly scheduled exam at the end of the summer.” If they don’t realize the value of that, then my school has failed them.
“The highest scorer on the exam will be the judge, the next three will be the judicial review, and the next seven the jury. Ready for the second reward? Throughout the duration of Callan’s trial and all legal proceedings related to the Grand Summoners, those selected will be paid the wage of their temporary positions.”
Ah. There’s the excitement. It’s not a fortune, but it’s good money. The judge makes three gold crowns a week, enough to make sure no one can tempt them with wealth. In a recovering city lacking steady work, it’s quite the prize.
“And that isn’t it. Third, those who are chosen will receive preferential placement. I’m sure most of those interested in practicing law dream of being a judge. The city doesn’t need dozens of judges. Preferential placement reserves one of those very limited spots. If at the end of the summer, the city needs three judges, the top scorer of this expedited exam will have one of those places reserved for them.”
And the fires of ambition are lit. Good. I want to make sure the sharpest minds possible are the ones determining people’s fates. Callan’s fate may be as good as sealed, but things get tricky for his ignorant pawns. This is going to set precedent going forward; I want it to be the right one.
“The exam will be held here in three days. Don’t worry, headmaster. I’ll send along my servants to help you prepare.”
He has been struggling to hold back his growing dissatisfaction, no doubt anticipating sleepless nights organizing this mess. My words cause his wide shoulders to sag with relief. “Much appreciated, my lady.”
“I’m assuming the rest of you have questions. Take a moment to organize yourselves, I don’t mind.”
I retake my seat and make myself comfortable. They pause for a breath, testing my nonchalance; I sink into a deeper slouch. Reassured, they turn to each other, having a rapid discussion. I close my eyes and try to ignore the barrage of voices. I’m ready for a long wait, but it can’t be more than five minutes when the Rogue calls me to attention.
“We’re ready, Lady Tome.”
I wave for her to continue.
“First, we want to thank you for honoring the terms of your charter. It gives us hope for the future of New Quest.”
“Mm.” And now that the obligatory ass-kissing is done…
“We’re concerned about the…involvement of yourself in the trial.”
My involvement? “I’m a witness, but beyond that, it’s entirely up to you.”
Really wish I could see her eyes, they’re so much easier to read. “Lady Tome is a summoner and a supporter of the practice. This trial will cast a harsh light on it. We’re wondering if the details of the trial will be…downplayed.” She clears her throat nervously. “To preserve reputations.”
Pretty daring to question my intentions like that; I suppose that’s why the chose the woman who faces down monsters to ask.
“Don’t worry. I want every gory detail to come out and be made record. People should know how dangerous it is. Those of weak will have no business getting involved with forces they can’t understand.”
“According to the charter, a criminal trial can be used as justification for new laws regarding public safety. Will you intervene if future judiciary councils use the trial to draft laws that restrict or outright prohibit summoning?”
Immediate anger. The Rogue recognizes it from the way she flinches, but I purposely hold myself still; it’s just an immediate reaction. The question has merit. Unfortunately, I’ll never react calmly to anyone targeting my art. Not calmly, but I can still manage logically.
“I won’t stand in the way,” I reluctantly concede. “You wouldn’t be the first; the crown has already sanctioned the presence of several elementals. I even agree with some of the list. I would only warn you not to make the mistake the crown has made. There is no benefit in making a law you cannot enforce. Such as outlawing summoning in a city owned by a summoner.”
The Rogue nods stiffly. Saints damn it, that sounds too much like a threat.
“This won’t be a possibility for quite some time. If the idea survives a few months of examination, then I suggest you talk to experts. The summoners of the Hall are knowledgeable. There is also the option of submitting any proposals to me before voting on them. Good way to ensure I don’t overturn them.”
“And if you’re not here?”
“Is that not why couriers exist? Or don’t wait for me. This is your city. Take its fate in your hands…but that means you have to accept the consequences.”
Her lips are pressed tightly as she nods. “I see. Thank you, my lady. I’m sure we all have a lot to discuss.” She looks over her shoulder, starting conversations with her eyes.
Hah! I think that was an attempt at a polite dismissal.
Ah, well. I don’t mind. Nothing more for me to do here besides getting in the way.
“I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing the best of New Quest rise to the occasion.”
The small crowd practically jumps aside to make way to the door, eager to be rid of me. That’s why it’s a surprise when someone calls out.
“One moment, Lady Tome!”
I pause at the end of the hall, brow furrowed as I try to place the face of the young woman chasing after me. The brown hair and tan skin are too common in a city that used to be known for adventure. She’s pretty in a plain way, her lean body and vibrant skin more attractive than her features. Her dark eyes have a particular gleam to them, something more than the light.
Weird. I never forget a pretty face.
She grins as she stops in front of me. “Didn’t think we’d meet so soon, huh?”
Saints, this is awkward.
“Nope. Funny that.”
“Heh. You don’t remember.”
“…no.”
“Don’t worry. Bet I’m hard to recognize out of the dirt and rags.”
Annoyingly, the clue doesn’t spark a memory. “A name might help.”
“Mm. Nah.”
“What? Why not?”
“Told you before, don’t want to introduce myself.” Her smile gains an edge; it reminds me of Kierra, though only a shadow of the elf’s bloodthirsty grin. “I want you to learn it. To go looking for it.”
Is she insane? “Did you have a reason for stopping me?”
“Just wanted to tell you not to get too comfortable with them.” She hooks a thumb over her shoulder. “We thought you would definitely shoot down any ideas about restricting summoning. You giving them permission is giving a few idiots ideas. They’re mistaking your apathy for hesitation and they’re thinking about testing your patience.”
That’s a worryingly accurate reading of my generous façade. I hope it’s not so obvious to everyone. “Like I said, it wouldn’t be smart to create a law they can’t enforce. If they step out of line, I’ll haul them back.”
“Good, good. Hopefully, it doesn’t come to that. I wanted you to know the rational ones are working on corralling those idiots. Don’t need the city leveled twice.”
“Oh? These rational people are in charge?”
She laughs. “When are they ever? But we will be. Soon as people realize that grumbling about everyone’s mistakes and fighting you isn’t going to improve their lives. There are people who see what you’re doing. People positioning themselves to take full advantage of that. All the grudges in the world can’t compete with resources and opportunity.”
“That’s…good.” I hope.
“Very good.” She slaps me on my shoulder like we’re old friends. “Keep up the good work, my lady. I’m looking forward to playing my part in this grand experiment.”
I watch the strange woman walk back toward the meeting room, bewildered; I’m not sure if I should be concerned. If she is an example of the people my system is producing and nurturing, well. At least she seems competent.
Shaking my head, I put the stranger out of mind, eager to be home.