Pol had a sudden strong suspicion that Master Thacri had probably lost several years off his age and that the number of his dependents had at least doubled in hopes of wringing that much more in fines. But the real difficulty had yet to be stated. Weary of flying in circles, Pol broached the subject himself.
“The Sunrunner, of course, owns nothing. All that she originally possessed is now the property of Goddess Keep.”
“I am pleased to discover that your grace is conversant with the facts.” Barig inclined his head. “The Sunrunner in question was accepted for training at Goddess Keep in 717, before Lord Andry canceled the practice of dowries.”
So Andry was in for it, Pol thought. Cabar, doubtless supported by Velden and Miyon, would assess a staggering fine that Andry would in honor have to pay. And wouldn’t appreciate at all.
But it appeared from Barig’s next words that Andry had no intention of paying a single gold piece.
“The case has, of course, been presented to Lord Andry. He has replied, your grace, that a Sunrunner’s transgression is a matter for Sunrunners to deal with, not princes or lords or anyone else.”
This time he could not keep reaction from his face or his voice. “He what!”
Barig and the lawyers looked indecently pleased with themselves for a fraction of an instant before the courtiers’ masks settled back in place. The second lawyer spoke for them.
“It is my very great regret to inform your grace that the Lord of Goddess Keep appears to consider that there is one law for Sunrunners and another for the rest of us. One can only hope that your grace and your grace’s father, the High Prince, can persuade him differently.”
“Let me get this straight,” Pol said, abandoning the royal plural in his worry. “The Sunrunner made a mistake, and a man died. Now there’s disagreement about who has jurisdiction over punishment. Tell me, is it Lord Andry’s position that the Sunrunner was acting as a Sunrunner, and thus should be disciplined by Sunrunners?”
Barig nodded. “Precisely, your grace.”
“And Prince Cabar says that she was acting as a physician, not using her faradhi gifts but instead skills available to anyone who cares to do some reading?”
“Your grace has summarized the essentials.”
My grace is madder than hell at Andry for this! How dare he make a mockery of Father’s laws? He had control of his expression again, however, and merely nodded. Life would be interesting indeed at the Rialla this year.
“Where is the Sunrunner now?” he asked.
“She is being held in close but comfortable confinement, your grace,” the first lawyer replied. “And treated–with every courtesy.”
Pol had a sudden insight. “Except that of the sun.”
Barig stiffened. “Prince Cabar felt that—”
“I’m sure he did,” Pol interrupted, not wishing to hear excuses for the deliberate cruelty of shutting a Sunrunner away from the light. “But I believe it to be unnecessary. I will speak to your court faradhi and ask that this woman be placed in a room where she can feel the sun.” As Barig opened his mouth to protest, Pol snapped, “Her punishment will be decided, but until that time it would not be in keeping with his grace’s reputation for mercy to—sweet Goddess, my lord, do you think she could weave herself gone?”
“As your grace wishes. May I assume that your grace will also consult with the High Prince on this matter?”
Pol correctly interpreted this to mean, Take our side and we’ll take the wretched woman out of the dungeon. He did not respond well to being coerced. “We will certainly communicate with his grace through our mother the High Princess at the proper time.”
But his lordship was not so easily put off. “This matter has naturally been of great interest at other courts, all of which desire a clarification and speedy resolution as much as your grace does.”
Now Pol knew why he had mentioned Swalekeep. Chiana must have chortled all afternoon. Fixing Barig with a cool stare, he said, “No doubt. And the High Prince will be most interested to hear of that, too.”
Bang got the message, even if the lawyers did not. One of them started to speak, only to receive a quelling look from his lordship.
Pol stood. The other three rose also and Edrel, still hovering at the door, took his cue and opened it. “We thank you for making the long and difficult journey from Medawari. Please make yourselves comfortable while we consider the matter brought to our attention.”
“Your grace,” Bang said, bowing again.
The outer wall of the corridor was a gentle inward curve, following the line of the building, its windows overlooking the water garden. Sunlight spilled across the hall and into the chamber in irregular rectangles bordered by dark lines of wood frames. Rainbows danced here and there on the white stone floor, flung by the beveled edges of glass windows open to the warm afternoon breeze. Pol had taken but three steps into the light when he felt his mother’s brilliant colors swirl all around him. He smiled and concentrated on the familiar tender touch.
Goddess greeting, my son! What have you been up to all this time?
Goddess greeting, Mama, he replied, giving her the childhood name he never used aloud anymore. I was just about to weave my way to Stronghold. But how did you know where I’d be within the palace?
If I said it was a lucky guess, you’d never believe me. I tried earlier and couldn’t locate you, but then I saw the pennant on the roof indicating a Giladan presence. You always receive emissaries in that particular chamber, so it was only a matter of waiting for you to finish. Child’s play.
He was aware of the Giladans behind him, struck dumb at the sight of a Sunrunner at work. The complete stillness of total concentration while standing in sunlight was unmistakable. But they had almost surely seen it before, he thought. His mother’s quiet laughter rippled through his mind.
Of course they’ve seen Sunrunners at work. But never a Sunrunner who is also a prince. No wonder they’re startled. But it won’t do them any harm to be reminded exactly who you are. What news from them, Pol?
It can wait while you tell me what brings you here. He sensed her colors darken subtly, and frowned. When she had finished telling him about Sorin and Riyan’s discovery of a dying dragon, he was seething with fury.
That’s two dragons slain, Pol. And your father says it’s undoubtedly a deliberate provocation.
But why? Who’d kill a dragon to flout the law, or even for sport? The stipulated penalty—
—is severe. But whoever has done this doesn’t care. He probably wants to be found. Sorin and Riyan will search for him. I expect to hear more tonight, and if I don’t, then I’m going to contact Riyan myself.
I’ve been discussing penalties, too. He gave her a brief summary of the talk just concluded, finishing with, Andry’s arrogance is beyond belief!
Yes, his mother responded thoughtfully. But it’s exactly what Andrade would have done. Tell the Giladans that your father will consider the matter very carefully—and get that Sunrunner out of the dark if you possibly can. There was a quiver of emotion along his mother’s shining colors, a thrill of fear that he did not understand. Before he could ask any anxious questions, it was gone.