The Eye of Divinity

"What do you know of responsibility, Kealin?" said Taris. "If Lannon is banished, I cannot train him, correct?"

Kealin nodded. "Yes, the Scriptures state that."

"Yet he must be trained to use the Eye," said Taris. "Now that he has unlocked it, he must learn to control it. Only I am knowledgeable enough in the ancient magical arts to administer that kind of training. If he is not shown how to properly use his gift, the Goblin Puzzle will remain unsolved, and Dremlock will fall."

"We cannot violate the Laws for any reason," said Kealin. "It is as simple as that. If we do, then Dremlock has already fallen and is not worthy of defending. And again, I say this Eye of Divinity is not the answer."

Furlus shook his head. His skin had reddened, his breath growing raspy. "I've heard enough of this, Kealin! The Divine Essence healed that boy, saving him from certain death. Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

"Yes, it does," said Kealin, calmly. "It means our god is merciful, even to the unjust. And that is all it means. This is not an excuse to violate the Sacred Laws, which must be adhered to at all costs. At all costs!"

Moten nodded, his grey eyes fixed on Furlus. "What kind of Olrog are you, Furlus Goblincrusher? You would go against everything that we stand for as Knights and side with criminals? What happened to your honor? Grey Dwarves don't act in such a manner as this. I am ashamed to belong to the same race as you."

Furlus shook with rage. "How dare you speak to me of honor, Moten. I know what you've been up to, heaving dealings with the dark-"

"Furlus!" Cordus growled. "Hold your tongue."

Reluctantly, Furlus fell silent, but did not take his eyes off Moten. Furlus' face was like stone, his hands clenched into meaty fists.

"The rest of you watch what you say as well," said Cordus. "We shall maintain order at this trial and not forget our purpose here."

Moten stared back at Furlus, a smug look on his face. A hint of a smile was at the corners of his mouth.

Lannon and the other Squires couldn't believe what they were seeing. Furlus had just all but accused Moten of having dealings with the Deep Shadow, and Moten's only response was to stare smugly back. Lannon wanted badly to say something, but Vorden beat him to it.

"Who should be on trial here?" said Vorden. "Us, or those-"

"Be quiet!" Cordus interrupted him. "Do not speak without permission. I better not have to tell you this again, Vorden Flameblade."

"The lad is arrogant to speak out thus," said Moten. "Dremlock doesn't need such brazenness, such blatant defiance of our Laws. I think we can see what kind of Squires we're dealing with here."

"I understand his desire to speak," said Taris. "Why should he not be allowed to state his case? The rule is not fair."

"Regardless," said Moten, "it is a rule and should be obeyed."

"This discussion is pointless," said Kealin. "The trial has just begun, yet already it has degenerated into a verbal brawl. And to what end? I say the final vote is all that matters. So let us waste no more time with this foolishness."

Cordus glanced around the table. "And the rest of you? How do you feel about this matter? Should the Squires-including Lannon-be banished?"

The Squires glanced at each other. Among them, only Vorden continued to show confidence, leading Lannon to wonder if he held some knowledge that might get them out of this mess. If anyone could think of a way to save their careers at Dremlock, Vorden was the one.

"I do not think Lannon should be banished," said Vesselin Hopebringer, "regardless of what happens to the other Squires." He folded his wrinkled, trembling hands before him. "I've been Lord of the White Knights for over one hundred and twenty years, and I've always longed for peace. Yet I know that peace can never exist in Silverland until the Goblins are completely vanquished. The other kingdoms won't help us. We must defend Silverland on our own. My dream is to see peace come to our land before my passing, yet my time in this realm grows short. Lannon Sunshield, and his Eye of Divinity, could make that dream a reality."

"I think they should all be banished," said Carn Pureheart, Lord of the Blue Knights. "I believe the Divine Essence does not want us to break its Laws. I believe this is a test, and if we fail it and take the easy route, Dremlock will fall."

"Beautifully said!" exclaimed Kealin. "I fully agree with you."

"As do I," said Moten. "This is indeed a test of our Knightly virtues."

The remaining Council member, a Birlote woman named Krissana Windsword, spoke up. "I have to agree with those in favor of banishment. This does appear to be a divine test, which we cannot afford to fail."

"I think all but Lannon and Aldreya should be banished," said Taris.

"I agree with Taris," said Furlus, "concerning Lannon."

"Then everyone has spoken," said Kealin. "It is time to vote."

"And none of you will change your minds?" said Cordus, his eyes searching theirs for any hint of doubt. "About Lannon, I mean."

They shook their heads.

"Our minds shall not be changed so easily!" said Kealin. "We are firm in our moral convictions, Lord Knight."

"Very well," said Cordus, sighing.

Lannon's heart went into a flutter. Jerret and Timlin were staring at the tabletop, obviously unable to watch at this point. Aldreya's eyes were closed, her hands clasped before her as if in prayer. Vorden, however, still maintained his relaxed pose, only now there seemed something fake about it-as if it were all show and no substance. He seemed frozen in that position.

Cordus spoke sternly: "Anyone in favor of banishing Vorden Flameblade forever from Dremlock Kingdom, raise your hand."

All of the Council members raised hands. Vorden's confident look disintegrated into one of shock, his mouth dropping open. "You can't do this!" he cried. "This kingdom needs us."

"Vorden Flameblade," Cordus continued coldly, "you are hereby cast out of Dremlock until the end of your days. And if you speak again, you shall spend some time in the dungeon."

The Lord Knight then went on, "Anyone in favor of banishing Timlin Woodmaster, raise your hand."

Again, all the Council members agreed that Timlin should be banished forever. The scrawny lad began to weep.

Cordus ignored him and continued. "Anyone in favor of banishing Jerret Dragonsbane, raise your hand."

Again, there was the same result. Jerret put his head in his hands, his eyes sullen. He mumbled something no one could quite understand.

Aldreya's turn was next. And when the vote called for her banishment, she leapt up. "You can't do this!" she cried, glowering at those who had spoken against her. "I was sent here from Borenthia. My father will very displeased with this decision. You're making a big mistake."

"We stand by our decision," said Kealin. "Whether or not we lose favor with the Birlotes is something we cannot be held responsible for."

"Nevertheless," said Taris. "She is right. As I've already officially stated, this could potentially ruin our ancient relationship with the Elder Family. Dremlock will suffer greatly because of this decision to banish the girl."

"She deserves no special treatment," said Carn. "She violated the Laws and must be punished like the others. The Elder Family, I hope, will understand why we had to take this course of action."

Her face red with fury, Aldreya slumped back in her chair. "You're all going to regret this!" she muttered one last time.

"And now," said Cordus, "anyone in favor of banishing Lannon Sunshield-anyone who would ignore the potential of the Eye of Divinity to save our kingdom-think carefully and make your decision."