The Ambassador's Mission: Book One of th - By Trudi Canavan Page 0,173
them. But we also acknowledge that there was no time, upon discovery of the crime taking place, for deliberation. Tyvara acted in order to ensure the wishes of the queen were met, and to prevent a situation that might lead to a threat to Sanctuary and increased danger to our people in Sachaka.” She paused and looked at the Speakers. “Should Tyvara be executed for the murder of Riva?”
Of the six women sitting behind the table, two held their hands up. The rest held their hands out, palm facing downward. Lorkin assumed that since Kalia had her hand up, that signal was for the affirmative.
“Four against, two for,” Riaya said. She looked at the audience. To Lorkin’s surprise, they were making one or the other gesture. “The majority against,” Riaya declared. She looked to the queen, who now held out her hand, palm down. “The answer is ‘no’.”
“The death of a fellow Traitor is a serious matter,” she continued. “And no matter the reason for it, penalties must be applied. Tyvara must remain in Sanctuary for the next three years, after which she may take a position as scout or watcher and work to regain the responsibilities she had before. During those three years she is to dedicate one day of each six to the benefit of Riva’s family.” Riaya’s gaze returned to Tyvara. “Do you accept this judgement?”
“Yes.”
“Then it is decided. You are free to go. This trial is concluded and the laws of Sanctuary upheld. May the stones keep singing.”
“May the stones keep singing,” the audience replied.
The room filled with movement as all rose to their feet. Lorkin watched Tyvara. She was looking at the floor. She gave a little shake of her head, then looked up at Savara. The older woman smiled with approval. Then one of her eyebrows rose in query and her gaze shifted to Lorkin. He blinked, then saw Tyvara roll her eyes, turn and stride to the door at the far side of the room. He could see Chari standing there. The young woman was grinning. She looked across to him and winked.
Someone tugged at his sleeve. The guide smiled at him.
“I’m to take you to your quarters next.” Her smile widened. “Your new quarters.”
He felt his heart, in the process of sinking, lighten. “It wouldn’t happen to have a window, would it?”
She gestured for him to follow her. “No. But you’ll have some company, and you’re free to come and go as you please – so long as you don’t leave Sanctuary, of course. I’m Vytra, by the way.”
“Pleased to meet you, Vytra.”
She chuckled. “You Kyralians have funny ways,” she said. “So polite.”
“I can be rude if you want.”
She laughed. “That would be a shame. Now, on the way I should give you a few tips on how to get along with people here.”
Listening carefully, Lorkin followed the woman out into the city.
Cery watched his daughter thoughtfully. She wasn’t doing well in her lessons today, but then Gol had also made some uncharacteristic blunders. Both were still too wound up from their morning visit to the Guild to focus fully on the training session.
They shouldn’t be letting that affect their concentration, he thought. I guess I’m going to have to make sure I can protect myself, if my bodyguards are ever treated to a glimpse of the life of the rich and powerful again.
A knock at the door drew everyone’s attention. They were back at the Grinder Bolhouse, and Cery’s people had been sent out to inform those who had requested a meeting with him that they could see him now.
At a nod from Cery, Gol strode to the door and opened it a crack, before pulling it open. The man standing in the corridor outside had the same awed look on his face that Anyi and Gol had worn for hours after their visit to the Guild.
“Black Magician Sonea, Lord Regin, two women and two children to see you,” he said.
“Send them up.”
The man nodded and hurried away. Anyi and Gol stood and grinned at each other.
“Well, come on. Take your places,” Cery ordered.
They hurried over to stand on either side of his chair. Gol struck a pose that looked more ridiculous than imposing. Anyi flexed her fingers as she always did when nervous. Shaking his head, Cery sighed and waited.
The sound of footsteps grew louder, then the room seemed to fill with magicians’ robes. Sonea’s black ones first, then Regin’s red. Following the pair