“What should have been done earlier, Thestyr,” Nordain replied, giving Thealos a sharp look. Thealos jerked free again of his father’s grasp and started pacing. “He’s a headstrong lad. Too headstrong. But he’s also a victim of high station. You’ve spoiled him horribly, Thestyr.”
Thealos saw the venomous look that Correl gave the Council Elder. “I think I’ve spoiled you too much, Nordain. You never would have become Council Elder without me. And you’re not going to get away with this. Do you know how many votes in the Sunedrion you’ll need to condemn him? I’ll have Corbund and Val-Mestro make sure it never reaches the general audience…”
“You’re getting old to be playing favors with the council…” Nordain said with a chuckle. “There is nothing you can do. He condemned himself in a hall full of witnesses! Trinton is hardly as pious as a gosling, but he heard heresy tonight. I assure you, your son will be under arrest before the night is over.” He gave Thealos an arch look. “You do well to look so fearful, Thealos. You should be afraid. I doubt the Sunedrion will cry for your blood, but you won’t be a free man when you come of age tomorrow morning.”
“It’s not fear,” Thealos said through clenched teeth. He was furious.
“You’re in enough trouble as it is, Thealos!” Correl snapped. “For once, be silent!” He fixed the Council Elder with his finger. “I know what you’re doing, Nordain. I may be old, but I am not blind. How much do you want?”
“What?” Nordain laughed.
“You caused this dilemma. What will it cost me to repair it?”
“Save your purse for the morrow, Thestyr. I’m doing this for the sake of the people. We don’t need the Kinslayer Wars to start again. Thealos will stand trial for speaking sedition. It’s the only way to save your family’s honor. Wouldn’t you rather he die as a traitor than knifed in some back-street alley in Dos-Aralon?”
“You did this on purpose,” Thealos said. “The summons…the witnesses…”
“I did it for your soul, lad,” Nordain replied smugly, his eyes shining. “I gave you ample opportunity to cease this foolishness. You refused. Did you think we would let you walk away in shame? What, a Kilshae? The son of Thestyr Quickfellow? You’ve always been a very passionate lad. But it is only a matter of time before someone tries to use that.”
“You son of Pitan,” Correl swore, shaking his head.
“Be careful,” Nordain said. “There will be many who will say he learned this sedition from you.”
When he saw Correl flinch at the accusation, Thealos longed to strangle the Council Elder.
“You know I didn’t…” Correl stammered.
“Ahh, that is the true issue, Thestyr. What do I know? And how much, exactly, is my good opinion worth to you? As I said, we’ll discuss those terms on the morrow.” Nordain stepped around to a soft-stuffed couch and seated himself. He gave Correl a hard look. “You may go. I must take the boy’s confession tonight so we can proceed with the formal charges tomorrow. And I’m sure the palace will be interested in hearing this right away.”
Thealos looked pleadingly at Correl. “Don’t let him take me.”
The Council Elder raised his eyebrows insistently.
“Let me bring my son home with me,” Thestyr asked after swallowing.
“Impossible. I said you may go.”
“He hasn’t been put under arrest yet! For the love of Shenalle, give him one last night at home with his family!” Nordain scowled at the suggestion. “Whatever it costs me,” Correl sighed at last. “Whatever the cost to us, I don’t care. Let us make our peace with him before he goes to the Sunedrion.”
Thealos was galled with Nordain, at the power he wielded over the Quickfellow family. At last the Council Elder sighed, bored. “He’s under your wardship then, Thestyr. But I tell you, if he’s not here tomorrow at dawn, I’ll have the Council Elder of Keasorn send the Crimson Wolfsmen to find him. Do you understand what that means? If I must send them, he’s as good as guilty.”
“Upon my word,” Thestyr Quickfellow said, nodding vigorously.
“Very well.” He gave Thealos a measured stare. “If I have my way, lad, you’ll spend your calling in prison instead of roaming the valley like a drunkard. It could have been different, but remember your obstinacy prevailed in the end. Hopefully, you will become a good lesson to others.”
I hope so, Thealos was about to retort, but Thestyr grabbed his arm and directed him to the door.
“Use my private retreat,” Nordain insisted, motioning to a fluted screenwork across the chamber. “My last piece of generosity for the evening. And Thestyr – the cost.” He tapped his mouth thoughtfully. “I could use twelve reams of satin-cloth and damask. I particularly like the pattern with the yellow primroses.” He took a deep sip of spiced wine. “Have it delivered to my attendant in the morning.”
“Very well, Council Elder,” Thestyr Quickfellow replied tonelessly, hauling Thealos out of the Shae High Council and into the gardens beyond.
*