Flame of War (Binding Words Book 5), page 38
part #5 of Binding Words Series
“Oh my!” Lady Sharpeyes said, feigning shock. “Dear husband, your appointment to high magistrate has been tarnished by the very specter of corruption. I think it would be foolish to let him rise until it is clearly proven that he is innocent.”
Lord Sharpeyes was glaring at his wife. “Who would you appoint in his stead?”
“Like I said earlier, one who has shown that the city is his foremost concern. Magistrate Jasper would make an ideal high magistrate.”
Amerut snarled at Jasper, then turned to speak to Lady Sharpeyes, “Lady Sharpeyes, you might not have looked into Jasper hard enough. I believe he has been receiving bribes, as well.”
Jasper shook his head. “Amerut, why do you always try to bring others down to your level? I have reported every single thing I’ve ever received from another, as we are supposed to. I did not look into becoming a high magistrate. All of our peers know my views on that position.”
“What views are those?” Lord Sharpeyes asked.
Jasper took a deep breath and glanced at Lady Sharpeyes. “Before I say them, I ask to be forgiven for my opinions. There is a reason I don’t speak them out loud.”
“I exonerate you for your views,” Lady Sharpeyes said with humor. “Tell us.”
“The high magistrates are a bunch of coddled idiots who only serve to further the goals of the nobility. Instead of helping with the cases that we have to push through every day, they only see nobles and those who can pay enough to have their cases placed before them. I’d rather stay as a magistrate and serve the city as a whole by helping everyone equally.”
Many angry voices rose up at his words, but they cut off when Lady Sharpeyes stepped toward Jasper. All of them were eager to see her slap the man down for his rudeness.
Stopping a few feet from Jasper, Lady Sharpeyes bowed her head. “I agree with your assessment. It’s exactly why I want you to take up the mantle. You can start the trend of what a high magistrate should be.”
Shocked silence filled the room and Jasper sighed. “I’d rather stay a magistrate, Lady. But one must do what is best for the city. If it is your will, I will take up the mantle and do my very best to live up to my own views.”
“Preposterous!” Lord Sharpeyes snapped. “After such blatant disrespect—!”
“Magistrate Jasper is my suggestion for the high magistrate,” Lady Sharpeyes cut him off. “It seems we have a difference of opinion, dear husband.”
Lord Sharpeyes nodded. “We shall have to either come to terms, or…” A smile came back to him as he trailed off. “We can settle this with a duel of champions.”
Lady Sharpeyes bowed her head. “It is the oldest way to settle this matter. Very well, shall we give them a few moments to find their champions among the guests?”
Lord Sharpeyes stared at her for a long moment. “Yes. Who will stand as champion for these two magistrates?”
“I shall back Magistrate Amerut,” Evan Sharpeyes said, stepping forward. “He is a man who understands his place in the city and how that pertains to those of us in power.”
Jasper closed his eyes as he knew few people would stand against the Lord’s son.
Sean was about to open his mouth when Knight Bloodheart beat him to it. “A man who would place the city above himself and strive only for the betterment of the city is the better choice. I shall champion Magistrate Jasper.”
All eyes went to Bloodheart, who stood there staring back at them.
“The duel shall be to yield,” Lord Sharpeyes said. “Healers, be ready to assist afterward. The loss of either Knight would be tragic.”
“Thank you, Father,” Evan smirked. “Where is your blade, Bloodheart?”
Bloodheart looked grim as he turned to Commander Babbitt. “Commander, might I borrow your blade for the fight?”
“I will need it if I am to moderate the fight,” Babbitt said.
“Knight Solanice will moderate this duel,” Lord Sharpeyes told Babbitt. “Your blade shall be needed later.”
Babbitt’s eyebrow rose, but he drew his sword and handed it to Bloodheart. “For the good of the city, Knight Bloodheart.”
“The good of the city, Commander.”
Evan snickered as he drew his sword. “So confident, Bloodheart. When was the last time you hefted a blade in a duel?”
“A number of years ago,” Bloodheart replied. Taking a couple of experimental swings with the borrowed sword, he nodded. “I haven’t lost one in even longer. How did your last duel go?”
Evan’s face paled before it flushed red. “You’ll pay for that, Bloodheart...”
“Can’t even see where the blade kissed your face,” Bloodheart said as he took up a position in the middle of the floor. “Bested before you got into range to attack is what I heard.”
Mutterings began as people all began to ask if anyone knew what Bloodheart was talking about. A number of the younger Dames and Knights glared at Ryann, who smiled back at them.
“It wouldn’t have happened if the duel had been anything other than first blood,” Evan snapped.
“He’s right,” Sean said loudly as Knight Solanice advanced to moderate the duel. “He’d have had at least a dozen cuts, instead.”
“Quiet!” Lord Sharpeyes snapped, and everyone shut up. “Enough of trying to distract the fighters. Guards, a barrier when Knight Solanice asks for it.”
“Thank you,” Solanice said as he moved to Evan first. “Let me check your blade, Knight Sharpeyes.”
“Of course,” Evan said, handing the sword to the other noble.
“It is fine,” Solanice gave it back to him. “Best luck to you in the duel.”
“I won’t need luck,” Evan replied.
“Let me check your borrowed blade,” Solanice said to Bloodheart.
Bloodheart handed it over in silence and took it back when it was returned to him. “I’m ready.”
“As am I,” Evan said.
Solanice moved to stand between them, then stepped back. “Guards, a barrier.” When the dome appeared around the three of them, Solanice nodded. “Fight!”
Evan advanced quickly, attacking with hard strikes, forcing Bloodheart onto the defensive. Sean watched the fight with interest. Each attack and parry was analyzed as the fight went on. Frowning, Sean wondered about Bloodheart’s lack of ripostes.
Why hasn’t he taken the opening? Is he not seeing them or is he waiting for a decisive attack? Sean thought right before he saw the first hint of blood appearing on Bloodheart’s right arm. Damn, that’s going to hinder him.
After another couple of exchanges, Bloodheart and Evan locked up, inches from each other. Evan was sneering at Bloodheart, but Bloodheart wore a simple smile.
“Why are you smiling? Do you enjoy being so outclassed?” Evan taunted his opponent.
“Not at all. It has just been years since I’ve had a real duel and I am loath to end it quickly.”
“End it quickly?” Evan laughed as he pushed them apart. “Other than losing, how do you propose to do that?”
Bloodheart laughed as he switched the sword to his left hand. “Have you practiced against a sinister individual before? I find it adds an exciting element to a duel.”
Evan frowned. “Nobles don’t fight with their offhand.”
“Incorrect,” Bloodheart said. “Most never bother to learn. I had Darragh Axehand teach me years before his Shame, and I have kept in practice ever since. Shall we end this now?”
Evan snarled as he came forward again. Bloodheart met him this time, and Sean grinned as he watched the exchange. Evan’s eyes widened when Bloodheart nicked his cheek.
“Don’t worry, the healer can fix it much like they did last time,” Bloodheart said.
Evan backed away and touched his bloody cheek. “You did that intentionally!”
“Yes.”
Evan snarled as he rushed forward. Bloodheart was waiting with a pleasant smile on his face, but that smile vanished when a bright light blinded him momentarily. Wincing against the light, he tried to defend, but Evan’s blade cut deeply into his left arm.
Bloodheart hissed as he kicked and managed to hit Evan. Evan stumbled away, giving Bloodheart the chance to switch back to his right hand.
“Kicking is not normally a noble tactic in a duel,” Solanice said idly.
Bloodheart glanced as his freely bleeding arm. “Fine, I won’t kick him again. I need to end this quickly.”
“You can yield,” Solanice said.
“And let that weasel in as a high magistrate? I’d rather die.”
“Fine by me,” Evan said as he attacked again.
There was another flash of light just before Evan reached Bloodheart. Bloodheart had been expecting it and timed it right. His eyes snapped shut for an instant to stop from being blinded, so he was able to reacquire Evan before the blade could land.
Evan screamed and his sword hit the ground a second later. Bloodheart spun his borrowed sword, coming around swiftly only to miss as Solanice dragged Evan out of the way.
“The duel has ended,” Solanice said flatly. “Was that a killing stroke, Bloodheart?”
“It should have been,” Bloodheart replied. “I trained it enough that it’s instinctive. I’m glad you were there to stop me.”
The barrier was dropped and three healers rushed to Evan. His right arm was cut deep and wide, blood pumping from the wound with each beat of his heart. A single healer tended to Bloodheart.
“It seems that Jasper shall be the next high magistrate,” Lady Sharpeyes said.
“Yes,” Lord Sharpeyes said through gritted teeth. “Knight Bloodheart, you nearly killed my son.”
“Duels can be unpredictable, Lord. I wouldn’t have struck as I had if he hadn’t blinded me twice. Luckily, Knight Solanice saved him,” Bloodheart replied.
“Now that we have a high magistrate appointed, dear husband, you may continue with your inquiry. I am looking forward to what else you have to entertain us,” Lady Sharpeyes smiled as she moved back.
Waiting for the healers to finish with Evan, Lord Sharpeyes stood there with a stony expression. When Evan was healed, he cleared the floor but was glaring at Bloodheart the entire time.
Bloodheart came to a stop before Mageeyes. “Mageeyes, I hope this helps you.”
Mageeyes met his eyes. “It was rash, foolish, and dangerous. What did you hope to gain from it?”
“A smile from you. Nothing more.”
Exhaling, Mageeyes closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, she met his gaze again and a smile touched her lips. “You are trying for the impossible, Toivo.”
Bloodheart’s face lit up with a broad smile. “A smile and my given name? Much more than I had hoped for, Amedee. I might have agreed with you before, but considering how things are changing, I will keep to my namesake.”
“Now that the floor is clear again and we have a new high magistrate,” Lord Sharpeyes started, “we shall continue with the inquiry.”
Babbitt cleaned his sword and sheathed it. “If you wish it, Lord.”
“Good. We shall delve more into the fire. High Magistrate Jasper, you are to do your duty.”
“As the City Lord commands,” Jasper said. “I require a desk, some paper, ink, and a gavel.”
“Stewards, bring all of his needs,” Lady Sharpeyes said.
“While we wait, we shall press on,” Lord Sharpeyes said. “Commander, did anything out of the ordinary happen during the fire?”
“The crowd was larger than normal for a fire, but considering the size of the blaze and that it was after normal work hours, I wouldn’t call it too surprising.”
“I’m not asking about the crowd,” Lord Sharpeyes said firmly.
“A citizen did aid us in dousing the fire and in retrieving the dead, Lord.”
“Ah, yes. How did this person help with dousing the fire?”
“They summoned a great stream of water, from what my men told me. I was not there personally, Lord. If you wish, I can summon the sergeant who was on the scene.”
“I doubt it will be needed. We have a guard who was there last night at hand.”
“I didn’t realize any of my men had been summoned, Lord,” Babbitt said stiffly.
“You had other tasks to complete, Commander,” Sharpeyes replied. “Now, let Guard Wolen come forward.”
A man in uniform stepped out of the crowd. He looked to Babbitt before turning to Sharpeyes. Taking a knee in front of Sharpeyes, the man spoke with his head bowed, “Lord, how might I serve you?”
“You were on the scene of the fire last night?”
“I was, Lord.”
“Did you see the person who was ‘helping’ douse the fire?”
“Yes, Lord.”
“Is that person here?”
“He’s right there, Lord. MacDougal is that person.”
“Tell us what happened.”
“We were trying to douse the flames, but weren’t doing any good. The command to switch to the nearby homes came so the fire wouldn’t spread. As I turned my attention to do so, MacDougal went past me. I turned to stop him, but he extended his hand and a rush of water came out of it. The steam drove a number of us back from the building. Then, he walked right into the inferno like it wasn’t bothering him.”
“Interesting. Watercaller, your family consists of the most accomplished users of water magic and runes in the city. Could any of you do that?”
Ryan frowned, but replied, “No. None of my family has the depth of energy nor the spell to do so.”
“Then isn’t it odd that a man who isn’t known to have magic over water can do so?”
“I don’t doubt what Sean can do,” Ryan said stiffly. “If you told me he walked on the surface of the reservoir, I’d accept it.”
Lord Sharpeyes snorted. “Of course you would.” Turning back to the guard, Sharpeyes prompted him, “Tell us what else transpired.”
“We had just started to brave the flames again when that woman,” Wolen pointed to Ryann, “ran into the building, too. She was at least hunched against the flames and had her shirt pulled up over her mouth, unlike MacDougal.”
“So the two of them entered the building?”
“Yes, Lord.”
“What then?”
“It took a bit, but they came back out,” Wolen said. “She was carrying a body, and he had two. His clothing was liberally coated in blood, and she had a good amount of it on her, too.”
“They went into the fire and brought out three bodies. Why do you say bodies and not people?”
“Because they were dead, Lord. The man had his arm mostly severed. Both women…” Wolen paused, clearly repulsed by what he was going to say. “This isn’t polite discussion, so I beg your pardon.”
“Just say it,” Sharpeyes said.
“They’d had their throats cut clear across, from ear to ear. But the worst part was that they’d both been assaulted… sexually.”
Gasps went up from the crowd, and Sharpeyes nodded. “So MacDougal rushed in, followed by his wife. After some time, they came back out with bodies, covered in blood?”
“Yes, Lord.”
Sean was stone-faced, but his anger was rising fast. Ryann was glaring at the guard.
“Did you inspect the wounds?”
“Yes, Lord. They’d been killed by a small sharp blade, Lord.”
“Small blade? Very good. You are dismissed.”
“Ryann MacDougal, step forward.”
Babbitt caught Wolen as he started to leave, and Ryann stepped forward, clearly pissed off.
“What weapon do you favor, Mrs. MacDougal?”
“Knives,” Ryann said stiffly.
“Knives? Would you say they are small, sharp blades?”
“A dull knife ain’t any good, is it?” Ryann spat.
“I am the Lord of this city,” Sharpeyes said firmly. “You will answer respectfully.”
The stewards came rushing in with the items Jasper asked for, interrupting them. Once Jasper took his seat, he sighed and beat his gavel. “Order. This inquiry is now being overseen by me. Ryann MacDougal, you will answer with respect to my court.”
Ryann took a deep breath, looking away from Sharpeyes to Jasper. “High Magistrate, I do respect your court.”
“Thank you. Lord Sharpeyes, what is the point of your questioning?”
