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CHAPTER 30

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My head throbbing and I was laying a cold, hard surface that gave little comfort. Where was I? I cracked my eyes open, the attempt taking a little more effort than I had expected. I blinked repeatedly as I tried to clear the blurriness from my vision.

"You're awake!"

I looked towards the sound of the familiar voice. It was Kaldor, he was crouched down next to me.

"What happened?" I asked, attempting to get up but stopped as a distinctive metal clattered echoed around me.

Restraints were securely fastened around my wrists and ankles, connected together by chains. I was chained me up! More than that, I was in a cage!

"That's what we'd like to know." Kaldor said with a tone of sadness.

"Is he awake now?"

"Yes, he is." Kaldor replied to the disembodied voice.

Callidus strode into view, he was looking less than pleased. He gazed down at me with a piercing stare.

"I trust you can control yourself for the rest of the hearing?"

"I'm sorry..." I muttered.

I truly was sorry, suddenly remembering where I was. I only remember the rage. I don't know what had happened, I had just been so angry, I couldn't stop myself. It left a dark feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach.

"Now that you're concious again we can continue." Callidus all but snorted his annoyance. He turned, his fur cloak fluttering dramatically in has wake as he moved to retake his seat.

"What happened?" I asked. "Did I hurt anyone?"

"Only my pride." Kaldor chuckled grimly. "You threw me to the ground when I had tried to stop you."

"Sorry."

"It's okay." He assured me. "Jovani stopped you before you could hurt anyone."

"Jovani did?" I said incredulously.

I turned to stare at Jovani who was sitting in the stands nearby. He sat with a calm composure, a body of a seasoned warrior, but with a composure that made it feel like he wouldn't hurt a fly. But I had seen a slip in that composure once before, when I saw that veil of calm lift for a second when I had angered him. It had just been a second, but it had been enough for me to see that aggression that resides in any warrior, no matter how well concealed it may be.

"I don't know what happened, but three of the bands you were wearing broke, I heard them shatter just before you got out of paw."

"What?" I looked down and he was right. The two bands on my legs were still there, but the ones around my wrists and neck were gone.

"Don't worry about it, I shouldn't have mentioned it right now. We need to continue with the hearing, and it's time for you to tell your side of the story."

"Will they let me after what happened?"

"Yes, the point of the hearing is to hear all sides of the story." He explained. "They will insist you remain restrained... after what happened."

"Lord Anaris, are we ready to begin?" Callidus asked, now seated.

"Yes my Lords." Kaldor responded.

Four warriors moved towards the cage, they opened the door and allowed me to step out, my movements restricted from the chains that rattled with every move I made. The warriors were all armed with swords and spears. Apparently they weren't taking any chances with me this time. They flanked me and walked me up to the raised platform and positioned themselves around the platform.

"Well now Malakye..." Callidus began, sighing slightly before continuing to speak. "From your earlier outburst I think we can assume correctly that you disagree with the victims version of events?"

"Yes... my Lords." I added the honorific as an after thought, trying to remain polite given my earlier outburst.

"So... what did happen?" He asked. "Why did you attack these warriors?"

"I attacked them..." If I just told the truth this would all be over. "... in the defence of another. But I cannot say why my Lords."

"Why not?"

"I swore I would not tell." I replied bluntly.

"Who swore you to silence?"

"I cannot say my Lords."

"You are not being very forth coming." One of the nameless council members commented dryly.

"No... I'm sorry my Lords." I sighed. "But I cannot say."

"Very well... do you have anything else to add before we move on?"

"Only... that... I did what I had to do my Lords. I gave them every chance to stop... but I was forced to act."

"In defence of another." One of the council members spoke. "This 'other'... is that who swore you to secrecy?"

"Yes my Lord."

"Hmmph..." They snorted, leaning back in their seat. "So is there anything else you 'can' say in your defence?"

"I..."

I stopped to think, but what could I say? Anything I said would require proof, proof that I could not give. There would be no witnesses willing to speak the truth of the incident except Kassandra and she wasn't here! A knot in my gut started to grow, making me feel even more uncomfortable than I already was in this situation. There was nothing I could say...

"No.... my Lord." I sighed, looking down at my foot-paws in despair.

"I think we have heard enough." Callidus spoke.

With a motion of his paw I was dismissed, the four warriors moving to flank me once again and escorted me back to the cage. Once I was securely behind bars the warriors moved away, but stood to attention nearby.

"We have heard from the victims and accused." Callidus declared. "If there are any more witnesses willing to make a statement, now is the time to make it. Once all statements have been heard the council will make it's verdict. Any witnesses willing to come forward?"

"None have made themselves known my Lords." General Ortavia declared.

"Very well... we shall..."

"MY LORDS!" A voice bellowed, interrupting Callidus.

I turned to see who had spoken, it was Kassius. He was standing and approaching the raised platform. Everyone was silent, waiting for Kassius to take his place atop the platform before speaking.

"Warlord Loki?" Callidus smiled. It was strange hearing him called that, it must have been his official title. "What does the council owe the pleasure?"

"I wish to make a statement."

"I can only assume that this is a statement in relation to this hearing." Callidus replied, it was not a question and he seemed less than amused.

"Yes my Lords."

"Did you witness the event?" Another council member asked him.

"I did my Lords." Kassius's statement caused a murmur of confusion among the council and everyone in the room.

Kassius had seen what happened? My heart thudded in my chest. But how?

"Why have you not come forward as a witness before now?" Callidus asked, his question silencing the murmurs from everyone else in the room.

"Because my Lords, I had hoped the situation would resolve itself." Kassius answered. "I witnessed the event but did not intervene at the time. I was merely a spectator."

"That is most unusual Warlord Loki." Callidus commented. "Why would you not intervene?"

"If I may give my account my Lord?"

"Very well, but you are aware what this looks like?"

"I am my Lords."

"Very well... make your statement."

"My Lords." Kassius bowed. "Shortly before the event, I spoke to Malakye after witnessing him spar with the adept Cairn. We spoke briefly and then parted ways. I went on to complete my duties before having to attend to the training of the young dragons as I do each day." Kassius paused a moment before continuing. "Shortly after parting, I came across the scene where Malakye was in the middle of fighting with the three warriors."

Kassius pointed in their direction, indicating that it was them that he had seen.

"So you witnessed the fight?" One of the council members asked.

"Yes my Lord. Malakye was impressive, as I'm sure many of you have heard the rumours of him, and he lives up to that reputation."

"This is not helping Warlord Loki. Please continue with your account of the events." Callidus snapped impatiently.

"Malakye fought with the warriors, and after a short time it became obvious that he was the stronger fighter, even when he was attacked by another dragon with a knife."

"There was another warrior there?" One of the council members asked.

"No not a warrior my lord." Kassius responded. He was talking about Baroc, Laguna's brother. He really had seen what had happened! I realised, my heart thudding in my chest at the revelation. "I would like to point out my Lords, that other than the three warriors there were roughly a dozen other dragon present at the time."

"Really!?" Visnar exclaimed, several members of the council moved to stare at the three warriors who were becoming increasingly nervous. They had stated that there had not been anyone else there at the time of the attack. "So who were these other dragons Warlord Loki?"

"I would prefer, at this points my Lords, not to mention any names. But I swear to you on my honour that they were there."

"Strange... unusual... peculiar..." Visnar huffed, his confusion evident in his expression.

"But for the moment we shall allow it." Callidus stated. "Please continue."

"The reason, I believe Malakye broke the warriors arm, was not to hurt him but to protect himself."

"Explain."

"As I said there were around a dozen other dragons there, and as the fight turned to Malakye's favour they became restless and it appeared as if they would enter the fight themselves. Malakye broke his arm in order to intimidate the other dragons."

"And this tactic worked?"

"Yes my Lords." Kassius replied. "That in combination with a display of fire bending was enough to make them flee the scene."

"The accused said he fought in order to protect another from harm." Another council member who I didn't know the name of asked. "Can you elaborate on this?"

"Yes my Lords. The group of dragons were currently engaged in an act of rape."

The word rape sent a ripple of discomfort throughout the room. Spectators and council members alike were visibly disturbed at the prospect. I was relieved, a weight lifted from my shoulders now that the truth was out there. I only hoped that Kassandra would believe that I hadn't said a word.

"Rape you say!?" Callidus asked, as if confirming it. His gaze shifting back to the three warriors who were now looking absolutely petrified.

I noted with a hint of pleasure that even General Ortavia was giving them a look of suspicion. Currently locked in his own battle of belief between them and Kassius.

"Yes my Lords." Kassius confirmed.

"And who was the victim?"

"Seeing as Malakye has been willing to suffer the consequences of remaining silent to their identity, I do not wish to reveal their identity, unless the council commands it to be done."

"The council will consider your request, if required we shall discuss the matter later." Callidus replied. "Just to be clear. You witnessed Malakye engage in combat with three... four individuals, three of which are seated over there?" Callidus asked pointing at the three warriors.

"Yes my Lord."

"He engaged in them in combat in order to prevent, or rather stop, the rape of an unidentified individual who you wish not to name at this point?"

"Yes my Lord."

"I have a question regarding your statement Warlord Loki, for I do not doubt your honour but this makes little sense to me unless I ask. Why did you not intervene, make your presence known at any point during the conflict? And why did you not report it, let alone make yourself known as a witness until now?"

That's what I wanted to know! Had he squeezed this information out of one of the dragons that had taken part in the rape? If not then where had he been that he could see all this happen?

There had been no one there except.... except... a shadow. There had been someone else there! Someone I had sensed but hadn't seen! Standing at the edge of my nen bubble! Kassius could sense my nen bubble! He would have been able to sense it well enough not to step inside it! Kassius Had been there! I nearly sobbed with relief that there was actually hope for me!

"My Lord... I did not intervene... initially because I was curious." Kassius replied.

"Curious as to what?"

"My first instinct was to make my presence known, to stop the fight, but I wished to see what Malakye was truly capable of. As his teacher, he has constantly surprised me at his skill and diligence. When I saw that he was in fact in control of the fight I stopped to watch, willing to step in if the situation changed."

"Interesting..." Callidus mused. "So why did you not report it?"

"The situation, as I saw it, had been resolved. Neither Malakye nor the rape victim was in any foreseeable danger. Before I departed I heard the victim swear Malakye to secrecy. I did not wish to bring any more distress to the victim than they had already suffered." Kassius answered. "If I had reported the crime the General would have insisted on knowing the identity of the victim."

"Of course I would!" General Ortavia blurted out. "Kassius if this is all true..."

"It is General." Kassius assured him.

"What of the other... rapists." One of the council members asked, saying the word with noticeable disgust. "Who are they?"

"My Lord... unless you command me otherwise, I do not wish to identify them."

"Why not?"

"For the simple reason that they will get what's coming to them my Lords."

"That sounds ominous." One of the council members muttered.

"It sounds like a crime." Another said.

"The victim, and I can say this wish some certainty, will not simply let this go without any repercussions for the ones responsible for the act."

"I do not agree with vigilantism." Callidus commented.

"I am aware my Lord, and I will ensure that they do not step over any bounds beyond the acceptable terms of retribution that are allowed by the law."

"You will take this responsibility?"

"Yes my Lords. I assure you."

"Very well. Thank you Warlord Loki." Callidus nodded.

Kassius gave a curt bow before returning to his seat, leaving a heavy, and yet for me hopeful, silence in his wake.

Kassius was amazing. He had said everything that needed to be said without giving too much away. Suddenly I felt like every thing was going to be okay... it felt good, like a weight off my shoulders. But this wasn't over yet, there was still the chance that the council wouldn't believe Kassius, that he had said all that for my benefit.

"Since there are no more statements to be made, the council shall now vote." Callidus declared. "Council, how do you find the accused?"

The dragon to the far left spoke first, rising from his seat to speak.

"Given the circumstances, and that I trust Warlord Loki as a friend and as respected officer, I find the accused innocent of the crime of assault without provocation." I couldn't help but smile, and I heard my friends happy mutterings behind me.

The next dragon spoke.

"Despite the suspicious lateness of his coming forward, Kassius has put forward a compelling story. But without further proof, or names given, I must find that the accused is guilty." I felt my heart sink, that was not what I was hoping for. "However, should more names be presented in the future, for further investigation, I am willing to reconsider my verdict."

"Understood." Callidus replied, as the next dragon stood to give his verdict.

"I find the accused... not guilty."

The Dragon to Callidus's immediate right stood to speak.

"I also find the accused not guilty."

The next dragon stood.

"What is undeniable is that the accused did assault the supposed victims, but whether there was provocation... is unclear. But I am not entirely convinced of his guilt." I felt a coldness grip my heart. "Due to lack of evidence I must find the accused guilty."

"That's three votes to two." Kaldor muttered, obviously for me to hear. "If the vote is tied then Callidus gets the deciding vote."

I think the fact Callidus having the vote scared me more, Callidus hadn't seemed happy about my staying in Zangar from the start, despite a couple of friendly encounters. Even though he was my fathers best friend, I couldn't be sure he'd vote my way out of kindness to my father, of if he would be completely impartial and vote on the evidence presented. If three of the other council members could find me guilty, then so could Callidus.

Visnar, the final council member other than Callidus, rose to give his judgement. He remained silent, sparing me a passing glance before speaking.

"The evidence has been... conflicting to say the least." Visnar commented. "I am less than pleased at the fact that lies have been spoken, directed to this very council. But as to who is lying... that remains unclear. Putting aside my own personal feelings towards any of those that have given evidence here today, and given the nature of some of the evidence... I must..." He paused for a long moment, almost as if he was considering his answer even now. "I must find the accused not guilty."

"That's four votes!" Kaldor said with restrained glee, his arms raised.

"Very well. With a majority vote, the council finds the accused, not guilty." Callidus announced. "Guards."

On his command a warrior immediately moved to unlock my cell and then my restraints. I stepped out of the cage, now free other than the last two remaining bands around my legs. A cry of celebration echoed through the room as my friends ran over to us. I hugged my father and then my friends. Our celebration was interrupted when Callidus began to speak again.

"Given the evidence presented during this hearing, I must insist that the council vote once more." He commanded. "Saljor Marman, Kilmaj Marman and Ralteer Jormal." All three warriors, the ones who had spoken against me, stood to attention as Callidus practically growled their names. "Given the evidence, presented by Warlord Kassius Loki, it has come into question whether you have lied to this council! I must ask the council to vote as to whether they find you guilty of said crime!"

After a couple of moments the dragon on the far left seat rose.

"I find the accused... on the charge of false statements given to the council, and falsely accusing Malakye Anaris of misdeeds... guilty."

The second dragon rose from his seat.

"Given the dubious nature of evidence, and is my right, I withhold my verdict to the secondary vote."

"What?" I whispered.

"Any member of the council may call on a secondary vote, for a crime brought up during the trial, be it against the accused or anyone participating within the trial. In regards to the secondary vote, any of the council members are allowed to withhold their vote if they are uncomfortable to give one. " Kaldor explained.

"I find them guilty." The third dragon declared.

The fourth rose.

"I find the accused guilty of said crime."

The fifth rose.

"I withhold my verdict."

Visnar rose once more to give his verdict, and again he paused, calmly observing the three warriors as he had me before voting.

"Since Callidus called for the vote, he can not vote himself. But he needs a majority vote to sentence them here. If half the council withhold from voting and the other half find them guilty then a new hearing must be held. If he votes not guilty then no further action will be taken against them." Kaldor whispered, not taking his eyes off Visnar.

"As I said, the evidence has been conflicting..." He paused as if gathering his thoughts. "The very fact that any would dare lie during these proceedings is a serious offence. It is clear that someone has lied..." He paused to ponder his thoughts.

"Lord Visnar, I must ask for your verdict." Callidus insisted politely.

"I find the accused... guilty of giving false statements!"

Callidus rose to address the three warriors, who now were being surrounded by the same warriors who had escorted me to the stand earlier. They were visibly, and understandably terrified.

"My Lords..." The warrior with the broken arms said pleadingly, dropping to his knees. "Have mercy."

"Mercy?" Callidus snorted. "Did we offer you not that? At Lord Anaris's request did the council not agree to offer you leniency? Leniency for any lies or falsehoods you may have accused Malakye Anaris, son of Kaldor Anaris, the heir to the Anaris household?"

"Yes my Lord!" The warrior sobbed.

"Then the time for mercy has already passed!" Callidus said with a tone of disgust. "Saljor Marman, Kilmaj Marman and Ralteer Jormal!" Each warrior visibly flinched as Callidus barked out their names, the remaining two also falling to their knees. "You have been found guilty of lying to this council, your superior officers and the attempt of smearing the honour of a member of the Anaris household! This cannot and will not be tolerated!"

"Whoa... he's a bad ass mutha..." Jason mutter quietly, being silenced by an elbow from Michael.

But I had to agree with Jason. Callidus was intimidating right now, and his ire wasn't even being directed at me. I could only imagine how the warriors were feeling, and a small part of me felt sorry for them, but a larger part of me knew that they deserved everything they were about to get.

"All of you are to be stripped of your position, never again to be allowed to join Zangars militia. Further more, you shall spend a time of no less than eight seasons in the Zangar mines! During your time there, you shall reside within the Zangar dungeons while you complete your time in the mines."

The warriors sobbed, muttering almost silent pleas of mercy as Callidus rained down their sentence upon them.

"And if he so desires, Malakye Anaris may request his right to Kinyar* against you! That is the final word of this council. Take them away!"

Everyone watched in silence as the three warriors were escorted out of the hall. The silence was heavy, but I could do nothing but smile. Relieved that this whole tiresome event was over. I was only aware of General Ortavia when he was standing right next to me. His head hung low.

"Malakye... I wish to offer you an apology." He said humbly. "I'm big enough to admit when I was wrong... and I apologise for my behaviour in treating you as a criminal."

"I understand." I said, and I truly did. He was just doing his duty, despite being heavy pawed about the whole thing. "I'll accept your apology... just don't expect much more than that."

"I appreciate your honesty." He sighed. "I will send someone to remove the bands as soon as possible."

"I will take care of that." Kaldor declared.

"Of course my Lord. If you will excuse me... I have some prisoners to attend to." There was a noticeable growl at the end of his statement that told me he was going to deal with the prisoners personally, and possibly give them a little further punishment.

"Of course." Kaldor replied and with a bow of his head Ortavia turned to follow the warriors who were undoubtedly being led to the dungeons. "I almost feel sorry for them... almost." Kaldor grinned.

"Are the mines that bad?"

"Not so much... it's hard labour but we make sure the miners are well paid and cared for." He explained. "The mines are the life blood of Zangar. But since they have been sentenced to the mines they will receive only a portion of the wage that the other miners get, the rest will go towards the cost of feeding them and towards the pay of the guards that will be guarding them. Anything left will undoubtedly go to their families, but it won't be much. I feel sorry for their families more than anything."

"Oh..." Was all I could say. Now I was starting to feel bad, for their families if nothing else.

"At least, when their sentence is over, they will know the mining trade, and will probably continue doing it. Then at least they will make a decent wage."

"How good is the wage?" Jason asked, only to get a stern glare from Michael. "What!? I was just asking! We gotta make some coin to live!"

"He has a point." Cody muttered.

"Yeah, I'm sure you and me would have no trouble with a little mining work love." Jason grinned, wrapping his arms round Michael.

"If you want to work I won't stop you." Kaldor said. "I'll even put in a good word for you."

"See!" Jason grinned.

"Thank you Kaldor. I... 'we', will think about it." Michael said, giving Jason a look that needed no words. "But in the mean time, how about we celebrate a little?"

"I'm up for that!" I grinned. A stiff drink was sounding real good about now.