Lesson of the Fire by Eric Zawadzki

Author:Eric Zawadzki
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: magic, fire, swamp, epic fantasy, wizard, mundane, fantasy about a wizard, stand alone, fantasy about magic, magocracy, magocrat, mapmaker
Publisher: Eric Zawadzki

Chapter 26

“When one wizard kills another, the local dux receives the power of life or death over the wizard. If the crime took place beyond the borders of the duxy, however, the only compensation a dux may demand is a weregild, which is monetary compensation paid by the murderer for the loss of a vassal, the maximum value of which is directly proportional to the rank of the deceased magocrat.”

— Nightfire Tradition,

Vangard’s Rules in Practice

The living area of Brand’s home had been converted from a schoolroom to a courtroom. Nightfire’s lined face looked grave as Sven entered with Katla. He was sitting in a rocking chair, which spoiled this effect somewhat. The ancient red with the gold and silver ring sat on a three-legged stool to Nightfire’s left, leaning heavily on his gnarled cane. Dux Volund Feiglin stood next to the stool, leaning against the wall near the hearth where a fire burned too much peat and the remnants of … is that a broken crib?

There was no sign of Erbark or Erika — or anyone else, for that matter.

They think I am alone, but I am never truly alone.

“Weard Takraf, stand before us,” Nightfire addressed him.

Sven obeyed without hesitation.

“You have been accused of very serious crimes, including capital offenses. Do you understand?” Nightfire asked, voice deadly serious.

Sven nodded. “I accept any trial to which the gods subject me, master.” He raised his hand in salute. “By the Oathbinder and my patrons, I will be worthy of this trial.”

Nightfire rocked back slightly, frowning. By the fire, Volund failed to suppress a small, satisfied smile. His shadow from the fireplace flickered against the wall. The ancient red leaning on his cane remained utterly neutral and utterly still, as if made of stone. Who is he?

Suddenly, Katla was at Sven’s side. “Weard Takraf cannot defend himself in his present condition.”

“Who will represent him then?” the ancient red asked.

Even in his dazed state, Sven recognized the rhetorical question. Only a wizard could represent a wizard, and all but one was already involved here. Did Nightfire choose to bring my sister, or did my patrons? He wasn’t sure there was any difference.

Nightfire spoke. “Weard Katla Duxpite, you will speak for Weard Takraf. Dux Volund Feiglin brings these accusations. Master Brack will speak for Dinah and Domin. As Master Nightfire, I will speak for Seruvus and the Law.”

That’s Brack — the dark wizard who commands the Mass?

Katla saluted. “By the Oathbinder I swear to defend the accused as best I can.”

“Dux Feiglin, bring your accusations against Weard Takraf,” Nightfire said.

Volund stood up but didn’t move away from the fire. “Weard Takraf has broken Bera’s Unwritten Laws. He has broken his oath of fealty to the Duxy of Flasten. He has broken the Morden Accords by setting himself up as a dux on the Morden Moors.” The dux took a sharp breath and said nothing for a long while. When he spoke again, his voice and hands shook with rage, and he had to lean against the wall for support.

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