There is momentary surprise as Garia and Keren discover the interest the townspeople have in the trial of Trogan and his men - but considering their reign of terror that is not so unusual. Space for a court is quickly found and arrangements made to accommodate the crowd. Then the questioning begins. Will they learn anything more from the captured men?

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2011-2012 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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"What the..?"

Keren ground to a halt as he led the way into the common room of the Bell Inn. The place was crowded, unexpectedly so since their own party were the only ones lodging there.

"Ah, Highness, Milady, good morning."

"Mistress Yanda. What's all this?"

"I imagine they are all here for the trial, Highness. Do not worry, you shall be served breakfast, we would never leave our guests to go hungry. Your men have kept your usual table for you."

"Uh, thank you, Mistress Yanda."

Keren led the way to their regular table and the group took their usual seats. The others in the common room had bowed and curtseyed as they passed but this was no longer anything unexpected.

Funny how one adapts so quickly to the local customs, Garia thought. It even seems normal to have two of my armsmen stood against the wall.

Merizel leaned in and said in a low voice, "Are all these people here for the trials? I never expected this interest."

"We should not be surprised, Merry," Keren replied, "not in... so isolated a town. Naturally, any event like this is bound to be of interest to all, especially since Trogan and his men have affected so many."

"I can understand that," Garia said, thinking of small town politics back in the US. "What are we going to do, Keren? We can't hold the trial in the Claw if there are as many people outside as are waiting in here."

He smiled at her. "We'll have to be creative, then. You have taught me how to look at situations with a different eye, perhaps we can find some other place large enough."

"I don't think there is any, Keren. From what I remember of our walk through the town, the Ptuvil's Claw is the biggest building here." She thought. "This is a special circumstance, isn't it? There's no law which says we have to hold it in any particular place, is there?"

Keren shook his head. "Not that I am aware of." He considered. "Actually, what we are about to do is to hold a session of your baronial court in the town. The fact that it is only going to be for the trial of those we caught is incidental."

"My court? Yes... I guess you are right. I never thought of it that way. In Kansas, a court is where criminals go to be dealt with or for lawyers to argue out some dispute. I never thought about the origin of the word which must go right back to our own days when we had nobles and such."

Keren frowned. "I though you never had nobles?"

"Technically, no. My country, the whole thing, that is, not just the State of Kansas, started out as a number of colonies from another country way across the ocean. That country had a medieval past which ran, thinking about it, pretty much the way you do here." She nodded. "Funny how words get re-used."

"Interesting. You've told me a little of your history but it sounds even more interesting than I thought." He smiled again. "You'll have to tell me more when we have some free time."

Both Garia and Merizel snorted.

"Free time," chuckled Merizel. "I like that, Highness. Which year did you say that would be?"

Keren grinned back. "I forget, ladies. What was I thinking? Free time, indeed." He looked up. "Here is the pel, some fresh bread and bowls of porridge to sustain us through the morning. Perhaps afterward we can find Jaxen and see if he has any ideas."

"We might end up having it in the street," Garia said, reaching for a mug. "Assuming the weather holds out."

Breakfast over they made for the front door to find that Garia had been right. The street outside had far too many people innocently standing or strolling about to be considered normal. All stopped and bowed or curtseyed as they appeared. Keren decided that an announcement was necessary to keep everyone calm.

"People of Blackstone! If you will give us leave to go to the Ptuvil's Claw and consult, we shall make an announcement concerning the trial presently. We have had no chance to make any arrangement, we must do so now."

There was a murmuring and more bowing and scraping but everyone seemed content to let them carry on, so Keren led them across the street and in the front door of the Claw. The men who were still in the common room all jumped to their feet and saluted. Jaxen came forward and bowed.

"Highness, Milady, what are your wishes today?"

"We have to try those men we caught, Jaxen," Keren explained. "Unfortunately, everyone in town has invited themselves to view the proceedings. Are we right in assuming this is the biggest building in town?"

"Aye, Highness." Jaxen turned to survey the room. "I take it you had intended to use this room for your court?"

"Milady's court, you mean. Aye, we did. But this will not do. Have you seen the crowds outside? Unless we can find another place mayhap we will end up in the street."

Jaxen scratched his chin thoughtfully. "With so many who wish to view the proceedings - and I cannot blame any of them for wishing to do so - I fear you may have no option, Highness. Unless, perhaps..." Jaxen turned and stared at the rear entrance to the common room. "Have you considered our own courtyard, Highness? It may not fit all but it may satisfy most."

Keren nodded. "Let us look, it can do no harm."

They went out onto the covered walkway which ran around the front, right side and rear of the courtyard, the fourth side being the stables.

"It is big, isn't it?"

"Aye, Highness. I discovered we could easily turn the wagons when we arrived. If you set yourselves up there, perhaps," he pointed at the right-hand side, which held the inn-keeper's quarters downstairs and the women's sleeping quarters upstairs, "then some may even use the balcony over the stables yonder."

"Done. But how will we be seen? Have we time to erect a stage or some other platform?"

Jaxen grinned. "Leave that to me, Highness. We cannot use the kitchen wagon but we have three others to choose from. If we unload two completely there is a way to use them that is often done at fairs and country markets. Leave it to me and the boys."

"How long?" Garia asked.

Jaxen estimated. "It will not take long, milady. You should be able to convene your court at about the third bell."

"Excellent, Jaxen. Carry on. We will go and inform the townspeople and then perhaps, while we have time, we will have a talk with the man Sethan."

Jaxen bowed. "As you command, milady."

He strode away toward the stables, shouting orders which brought people running from all parts of the building. Garia stared in amazement as most of those who appeared seemed to be locals. Sukhana came out of the doorway of the kitchen, saw them and strode across.

"Highness, Milady, welcome." She curtseyed. "What is all this fuss? You have Jaxen running around like a fevered lab."

"Mistress Sukhana," Keren greeted her. "We intend to use the courtyard today for our trial since so many of the townspeople wish to see justice done."

Sukhana's eyes widened. "They are all coming in here? Maker! Shall they need food or drink? I cannot provide for so many, Highness."

Keren soothed her. "No, Sookie, I don't think you'll be feeding any of them, but I suggest you find a few fellows to stand guard at doorways and stairs you would rather keep them away from. Jaxen suggested that some of the crowd may see better from the balcony there," he pointed over the stables before adding, "How are you managing at your self-appointed task?"

Sukhana flushed. "I have made a start, Highness, Milady. I have had help from many in the town and we now have stable boys, chamber maids, waiting staff and even help in the kitchen. There have been donations of benches, chairs, tables and the means of eating and drinking but we still lack beds and bedchamber furniture. The bath house is now clean and working and I can report the water is wondrously hot and plentiful."

"That sounds like a good start," Garia said. "How soon are we expected to begin paying for any of this?"

"Paying for it, milady? The townspeople see this as their duty to their liege. I do not think they will accept coin from you, especially after you gifted them the treasure which Trogan stole."

Garia realized that her mouth was open. "What? I can't accept that, it isn't right. You must pay for the food you use, surely, and your staff will have families to look after at the very least."

Sukhana looked at Garia strangely but Keren intervened.

"Garia, this is how the system works in places like this. You are doing your part by looking after these people and they in turn will look after you and yours. Sookie, our way of life is completely unlike that which Milady Garia is used to in her home land of Kansas. She is finding some of our customs, especially those of the country, difficult to adjust to."

"As you say, Highness. If you will excuse me, Highness, Milady, I had best be making sure no-one disturbs anything while your court sits."

Sukhana bobbed and headed for the kitchen. Keren turned to Garia.

"I think I understand your difficulty, Garia. In your world, as I understand it, every man and woman works for coin and no reason else, is that so?"

"We call it compensation," Garia said. "This way seems so alien to me."

"Not so alien. The people here merely take their compensation in safety and security, Garia. You give them a safe, prosperous place to live and they in turn will ensure that you are free to keep it that way for them."

Garia shook her head. "I really don't understand, Keren. Perhaps I need to sit down and weigh up who gets what out of a contract like this before I make any judgements. Somehow this just seems wrong."

"Perhaps. Perhaps there is some injustice here we have overlooked. The running of a barony, after all, may be a complex business but not all nobles take sufficient care to ensure their people are justly provided for. That's not important now, we have not the time and we would be better out of Jaxen's way. Shall we go and speak with our villains?"

They walked along the covered way and out of the carriage entrance, meeting Brydas as they reached the street. The smith bowed to them.

"Master Brydas! You have a bigger voice than any of us, shall you inform your fellows that the trial will take place at the third bell, in the courtyard behind us?"

"With pleasure, Highness! And shall you require my assistance, or that of any others of the assembly? We are all nearby, that is, those of us who retain our health."

Keren smiled. "I might have known. Aye, if you will join us we will be glad to make use of your experience. We are already expecting to use the knowledge Master Jepp has gained during his days in Teldor."

Brydas bowed. "Of course, Highness. At the third bell? We shall be there." He raised an eyebrow. "If I am not delving in matters that may not concern me, you have an errand?"

"Aye. Perhaps you would care to join us, Brydas. Milady Garia wishes to interview the man Sethan."

"I will inform Jepp, who I see yonder, of the plan and join you at the watch office, Highness."

Brydas walked into the growing crowd as Keren, Garia, Merizel and Jenet continued toward the Watch Office. Garia still had difficulty trying not to refer to it as the 'Sheriff's Office'. The two guards standing outside bowed and opened the door for them. A third man, seated at the table in the front office, leapt to his feet and thumped his chest.

"Rest easy, Stott. We'll be putting these men on trial in the courtyard of the Ptuvil's Claw beginning from the third bell. Be prepared to move the prisoners out under escort when we call for them."

"Aye, Highness."

"One at a time, that will be," Garia amended.

"Pardon, Garia?"

"I think..." she lowered her voice, "I think I want to try them one at a time," she explained. "That way they won't be able to make up alibis by listening to each other. If we deal with the small fry first -"

"Small fry?"

"Uh, we're talking tiny fish here, Keren. Let's start with Sethan, then the other thugs and that will let us find out enough about Trogan to seal his fate." She glanced at Keren. "That's all right, isn't it? There's only four of them, it shouldn't take us too long to try them one by one."

Keren shrugged. "You may proceed any way you desire, Garia. This is your court, after all. I think I like your idea, though. Customarily all the criminals would be brought in together but, as you say, that allows them to agree a story. Let's try it your way today."

Sethan was brought out and his hands secured behind him with a leather strap. He looked frightened.

"Where shall we do this, Garia?" Keren asked. "This office is too public."

"I thought to use the messenger office."

"Good idea. Lead the way."

They walked along the sidewalk, Sethan in the middle of the group, with the crowd murmuring in the street beside them. Garia thought that they didn't sound too angry to see Sethan, which seemed to confirm an impression she had gained when they first encountered him. In the office Sethan was placed on the only chair and Keren and Garia leaned against the desk. Almost immediately Brydas joined them, shutting the door to keep the noise out.

"Sethan," Garia began. "When we first met you told us you would throw yourself on our mercy if you co-operated with us. I'll expect you to keep to your side of the bargain. Now, tell us, how did you meet Trogan?"

Sethan stared at Garia, his face pale. He licked his lips.

"Milady, is this the trial? Am I treating for my life in this place?"

"Not yet, Sethan," Keren said. "As you have seen by the crowds outside there is a fair amount of interest in the trial of you and your fellows. Regrettably for you you shall have to face those you committed crimes against. Before we properly begin the trial Milady Garia wished to find out what you knew. It may have a bearing on your fate, should you tell us all you know."

"As you say, Highness. Um, well, it's like this. Me and my cousin Narrin was sleeping in that camp-site along the road because we had nowhere else to go. See, we was farm laborers but we wasn't any good at anything much and we ended up going from farm to farm looking for somewhere to work. Only, I confess we sometimes had to feed ourselves from the farm stock without asking the farmer, if you know what I mean?"

Keren nodded, then remembered Garia was supposed to be asking the questions. He looked at her and she took over.

"You stole, is that what you mean?"

Sethan lowered his eyes. "Aye, milady. It were either that or go hungry, like, and you can only go hungry so many days before you aren't strong enough to work, see, so... We moved on and we moved on and pretty soon we couldn't stay anywhere around Tranidor so we thought to come out this way, thought maybe we could make a fresh start out here where nobody knew us. Only, neither of us can read so we didn't know where we were going, not really. We didn't know Blackstone was so far from Tranidor, neither, so we ended up at that campsite trying to forage food from the forest while we wondered if we would starve before we got to the next village or town. Then Master Trogan found us."

"He was traveling the road, I take it? Which way?"

"Toward Blackstone, milady."

"How many men did he have with him then?"

"Uh." Sethan looked confused. "I dunno, milady. I can't do numbers. Let's see. Um, Brakkis, Bildo, Vordan, Fret, uh, Kasmar, Bildo." He frowned with concentration. "Is that it? No, I forgot one. Juddas, milady. No! There was Pexen as well."

Garia looked at Merizel, who was writing down the names on a scrap of parchment, watched with interest by Brydas.

"I make that seven, Garia," she said. "He named Bildo twice."

"Is that right?" Garia asked the man. "There weren't two called Bildo, were there?"

"Uh, no, milady."

"So, with you and your cousin, together with Trogan, that makes ten, right?"

"If you say so, milady. As I said, I can't do numbers at all." He shrugged. "Not without using my fingers."

"We can do that for you, Sethan. So, what happened when Trogan came along?"

"Uh, his men were going to spit us with their swords but he stopped them, milady. Asked us what we were doing there and when we told him he said he could use a couple of extra men. Said he was a Tax Assessor and we'd be needed to make sure the people paid up, like. And he had all those frayen so he needed someone who knew how to look after them, so we agreed terms and joined him."

"All those frayen?" Keren asked, curious.

"Aye, Highness. Each man rode a frayen and there were five extras. Three had packs but two had saddles. I thought they must be remounts though usually you move the saddle when you have remounts, don't you? I didn't know, I thought maybe a Tax Assessor could afford extra saddles."

"As you say," Garia took up the questioning. "So, what happened when you arrived at Blackstone?"

"We stayed at the Bell Inn one night then Master Trogan somehow had us all invited to sleep in the Steward's house. I don't know what he said but it was something like he had to go through the accounts or something. After a few days he started going round the town asking for tax money. Then he sent us out in fours to get taxes out of the nearer farms. Then... how much more do you want, milady?"

"How did Trogan end up imprisoning people?"

"I'm not sure, milady. Me and Narrin were out the back feeding the frayen when there was a furious row inside the house one morning. Later at lunch he told us he'd found something wrong with the steward's accounts and had to hold him until the Lord Gilbanar came to sort it out. Next it was the Messenger Agent who wouldn't hand over any of the steward's letters, milady. Anyone knows you can't touch the mail but I thought that only applied while it was being carried. If he had taken over the steward's job, like, he'd have to read the mail, wouldn't he?"

Garia and Keren both nodded. She said, "I'm beginning to understand what happened now. Did you or your cousin personally abuse anybody when you demanded taxes from them?"

"Well, not exactly, milady. We was told to look like we knew what we was doing but we had to remember we was supposed to be collecting legal tax so we couldn't act like robbers. We just used to look menacing and put our hands on our sword hilts."

"Did any of the others offer violence, do you know?" Keren asked.

Sethan looked away. "Aye, Highness. I was with a collection party and they beat up one of the carpenter's journeymen because he wouldn't pay up. I wasn't proud of that."

"What about the two girls?" Garia asked. "Did you know what happened to them?"

"Master Trogan had shut up the owner of the Bell Inn because he kept complaining the master was taking too much tax and the inn-keeper's wife Mistress Yanda just took up in his place, so Master Trogan shut his daughter up as well to keep her quiet. He did the same with the smith's daughter, begging your pardon, Master Brydas, because the town assembly was beginning to be concerned with the way things were going."

"But... did you know that both girls had been repeatedly raped once they were kept in the cells?"

Sethan looked up sharply, shock and horror in his eyes.

"Milady, I swear, I did not. I don't think Narrin would have known either. Despite we was doing his work, Master Trogan and his men treated us as outsiders or mere servants. If they did such a thing we had no word of it."

Keren pressed him. "You're sure? Your life may depend on your answer."

"Highness I shall swear by whatever you desire me to, but if you should believe me, I cannot say."

Keren nodded, frustrated. "As you say. Garia, have you heard enough?"

"Almost, I think. Who was with you in the Ptuvil's Claw, who got away with your frayen?"

"Uh, that would be Vordan and Kasmar, milady. I never liked Vordan and I don't think he liked me or my cousin. Uh, milady, what happened to Narrin? Did he run away as well?"

"I don't know, Sethan. You have told us the names of the only two we know escaped, and there are three others in the cells with you. There are four dead, three were killed in the fight when we arrived and the last fell off a roof about the time we captured you."

"Ah, would that last have been at the top of town, beyond where the smith lives, milady?"

Brydas stirred. "Aye, Sethan, it was. He was your cousin then?"

"He'd gone out to find the saddler the day before, get a strap fixed." He shrugged, as much as he could with his hands tied. "Stupid way to die." He looked up at Garia. "Milady, what happens now?"

"Why, we take you with us and try you," she said. "If you have truly told us what happened, and those in the crowd confirm your story, I do not think you need fear death. Keren?"

Garia turned to Keren for confirmation.

"I wouldn't condemn a man over what he has told us so far, Garia. Sethan, your life is safe, I think, providing you have told us the truth, but you must needs pay something of the bill."

"Highness, I know it. I am at your mercy."

It was necessary to keep Sethan separate so they found a guard who could remain with him in the Messenger Office. The rest went back out onto the street where they found that the crowd had lessened since their original walk. This was because most were now waiting patiently to file through the carriage entrance of the Claw to get into the courtyard.

"Jenet, what time is it?"

"I know not, milady. I do not know the bells of Blackstone."

"It is but a half between two bells and three, milady," Brydas said. "Opposite the camp site is a Town Clock, minded by a family who have done so for generations. They wind up the weights, attend the pendulum and mark the time by ringing a bell. The sound is not the same as that of other bells I have heard, it takes a week or two for the ear to become accustomed."

"As you say. Keren, looks like we'll have to go around the crowd and in the front door."

Inside the common room Garia found that the recently-added furniture had all been stripped out. As they came out the rear entrance the reason became evident. Most of the courtyard had been set out with benches and tables, most from the Claw but so many that she thought the Bell might have been stripped out as well.

To their right two wagons were placed back to back. Both had been completely stripped down to the bare boards, the contents presumably piled somewhere within the stables out of the way. The two tailboards had been dropped horizontal and supported by spars lashed between the two wagons, making a continuous platform. The sides facing the crowd had been dropped completely while those facing the building were still fixed in place, providing protection for those who would stand on the wagon beds. Where the tailboards projected between the wagons the portable steps which usually leaned against the backs of the wagons allowed people to climb up from the walkway alongside the courtyard.

The crowd had begun taking seats although most preferred to stand at the rear. Some had gone upstairs to take places on the balcony in front of the servants' quarters to get a better view. Garia noticed that the composition of the crowd was different today than yesterday. When they had appeared on the front balcony of the Claw the crowd had been entirely mixed with men, women and children in reasonably balanced proportions. Today there were roughly twice as many men as women and there were no children at all.

Jepp saw them and joined them.

"Highness, Milady. I trust this is satisfactory?"

"I have no complaint, Master Jepp," Keren replied. "Milady Garia desires to try each of the men by themselves in order to ensure the trials are fair. Thus, each may not influence what another may say. Shall you guide us through the procedure?"

"A worthy decision, milady, though it may mean the trial will continue into the afternoon. This is acceptable?"

"I guess, Master Jepp," Garia said. "How long do you think this will all take? I mean, how long does a trial usually take?"

Jepp shrugged. "It depends on the crimes, milady. To account all that Trogan has committed may take considerable time." He turned to Merizel. "Milady Merizel, might you share the task of recording the court with me? I would be honored if you could be of assistance."

"Garia?"

"Of course, Merry. Writing all this down could be the slowest part of the proceedings so anything that will help speed it up is a good idea. Yes, go with Jepp and figure out what you both need."

Merizel left with Jepp and the others stood waiting as the courtyard filled with townspeople. Jaxen came in from a rear entrance to the court, saw the group and hurried over.

"Highness, Milady, you see our preparations. The wagons have been unloaded into the stables, and I have placed men at all doorways and stairs. The frayen I have taken from the stables and sent to one of the town paddocks since I felt the noise of the crowd may disturb them too much. Oh, and that includes the six frayen that were kept behind the Steward's house." He grinned. "Mistress Sukhana complains about the extra noise and fuss the court makes but she would complain when the sun rose if she could."

"Six frayen?" Garia said thoughtfully. "I had forgotten those." She smiled. "It so happens at least three of those have lost their riders and I suspect the other three won't have riders either by the time we have finished. Suppose we gift one of them to Sookie? Would that improve her mood?"

Jaxen grinned broadly. "I didn't think of that, milady. Aye, I think she will be much improved by your suggestion. I'll go and tell her now."

Jaxen bowed to them and made off across the court, skirting the chairs and benches to reach the kitchen and disappear within. Eventually all who could squeeze in had done so and the murmur of small talk gradually died away. Finally a bell could be heard in the distance and the whole court became silent, waiting for the proceedings to start.

This is a test! All my fine talk on the balcony yesterday was one thing but this is me, me, actually doing my job. This is where they find out if I can cut the mustard.

And I have very little clue how this trial works. I just hope everybody allows me a goof or two along the way.

"Milady, it is time for us to begin." That was Brydas, gesturing to the ladder behind the wagons. "If you would permit me, as leader of the town assembly, to announce you."

"You know how these things are supposed to work, Master Brydas. Go ahead."

Brydas climbed onto the platform and faced the crowd.

"This is the court of Milady Garia, Baroness of Blackstone, and the first she holds in her own demesne. Rise and show respect for your liege."

The whole crowd stood and bowed or curtseyed. While they remained standing Brydas beckoned.

"Highness, Milady, take your places."

Keren climbed up first, followed by Garia, then Jepp, Merizel and finally Jenet. Jepp and Merizel took positions on one of the wagoneers' benches, each carried a satchel. Jepp began putting the contents of his satchel out on the bench between them. Brydas indicated a bench to one side to Keren and Garia. Garia sat while Keren remained standing. He spoke to the crowd.

"People of Blackstone, please sit if you are able." Once those with seats had sat down again he continued, "This is Milady Garia's court, not mine. My business here is to offer advice and support since Milady Garia is unfamiliar with the customs of court as she explained to you yesterday. Our purpose here today is to try those who we have captured in accordance with the laws of Palarand. Each man will be tried separately, in order to give every man a fair trial untainted by the words of his fellows. This means that the trials may take all day and possibly longer. I ask your patience during the proceedings. We may call for those among you who these men have wronged to come and testify." He turned to Garia. "Milady, we are at your command."

Garia spoke to Brydas. "Master Smith, bring the first of the accused."

Sethan was brought in by two guardsmen in palace colors and helped up the steps onto the platform. He was made to sit on the bench on the other side with a guardsman each side of him.

"This man is named Sethan. He is associated with the principal accused named Trogan," Brydas announced. "Who here accuses this man?"

There was a murmur in the crowd, people looking at one another in confusion. Finally four people near the front stood up. Brydas questioned them briefly and received answers based on appropriation of food accompanied by threats. He turned to Garia and shrugged.

Garia said, "This will not work, Master Brydas. I suggest we will learn more by asking Sethan to tell his story."

"As you command, milady."

Sethan was made to go through his story again as he had told it before, with additional questioning by Brydas, Garia and Jepp. The muttering in the crowd grew as they realized that Sethan and his cousin had been only bit players in what had happened. Finally Garia called a halt to the questions.

"I have heard enough to convince me here. Does anybody in the court wish to make some other accusation against Sethan? From what he has said he only did what he was told by someone who he believed had authority to order him so."

There was silence from the crowd.

She continued, "Master Jepp has stated that Sethan has broken some minor laws and that he is also liable for certain crimes he has admitted committing elsewhere. He has admitted his guilt to these crimes. Master Jepp, what penalty should he pay?"

"Milady, I suggest he should be branded criminal in the usual way and made to serve a year's labor for the benefit of the town. As his crimes are not such that he would anger the townspeople by remaining here I would not suggest he requires transportation to some other place."

Garia was surprised. "This is the customary sentence for what he has done?"

"Aye, milady."

"Then... it is so ordered."

Sethan stood, surprising his guards, turning to Garia before awkwardly kneeling and bowing his head.

"Milady, I thank you for your clemency."

"Rise, Sethan, and let us hope that the rest of your life will turn out better than what has happened to you so far."

He was helped down the steps by the guards. Garia, Keren and Brydas held a hurried discussion about what to do with him before deciding to put him, with a guard, in one of the upstairs rooms of the Claw, away from sight and sound of the courtyard. The guards were ordered to bring out the next prisoner. While they were waiting Garia had another thought and went into a quick huddle with Keren, Jepp and Brydas.

"Master Brydas," she said, "We may have a problem. The bad treatment of your daughter and that of Fedren is bound to come out during the trials. Will she be required to testify? That's not the way we would treat a rape victim in Kansas. She'd be kept away and her testimony taken as written evidence or she may be hidden behind a screen or something."

"Milady, that is not our custom in Palarand but I thank you for considering her feelings," Brydas replied. "We have talked about a likely trial and she is prepared to speak against these men if she must. I know that she must needs relive her ordeal and that Trogan, in particular, may attempt to influence her because of that. However, out here in front of all the town he will find that difficult. You control the court, milady, and you may permit or deny any words or actions you desire. He shall not prevail here." He paused, thinking. "Of Fedren's daughter Kasinna I do not know. She may yet be too frail to face your court."

"He speaks rightly, milady," Jepp agreed. "We all know that women of any age may be abused or used by men since they are weaker... excuse me, milady. I know that there may be exceptions. I would be interested to speak with you about other ways in which we can assist women in cases such as these and knowledge of the customs of your birthplace may be of help. But for today we must allow the accused to face the accuser. It has always been so."

"I could argue that," Garia said. "What about a murderer? You can hardly ask a corpse to testify."

Jepp gave a faint smile. "You speak like a legal man, milady. Aye, you are right. But, for today and for these two young ladies, they must appear before the court in order to face the accused."

"Very well. Let's take our places then, because I can see our next accused coming now."

The next man was brought to the steps and hauled roughly up onto the wagons, struggling against the guards all the way. They thumped him down onto the bench and held him there by main force.

"This man is named Juddas," stated Brydas. "Who here accuses him?"

About half the men in the crowd stood up, startling Garia. She stood and joined Brydas.

"All right," she told the crowd. "If we take all your names we shall still be here tomorrow and there are two more to judge. Let's do a quick survey and find out what you are all accusing this man of."

This procedure seemed novel to the crowd but they didn't take long to understand her intent. By asking questions and getting them to raise hands, she found out that Juddas had demanded money with violence, confiscated food, drink, goods and animals without proper authority, committed actual violence against many, damaged property and finally was accused of raping five women including the two girls. Garia took sample statements from several of the crowd to be entered in the record with the names of other victims and numbers of similar offences set against them.

The rape offences were treated differently. In one case nobody had known that one young woman had been attacked since she lived away from the town and hadn't realized that anyone else had been affected. She was prepared to give evidence, though, in front of the crowd.

"You have no proof that I did anything of the kind!" Juddas protested. "You are merely claiming what these others claim, in order to blacken my name."

"I may not have any proof, Juddas," she replied evenly, "yet. But when my child is born, and begins to grow, we shall see if he or she resembles his or her father."

That shook Juddas but he continued blustering until Kasinna appeared beside Fedren. One look at the young girl and he turned his head away, refusing to look at her. Kasinna, in her turn, looked steadfastly at Juddas as she told the crowd exactly how the two girls had been treated once they had been locked up. The crowd had grown silent, now, as they realized the full extent of the nightmare Trogan and his men had brought to Blackstone.

"Do you admit these offences?" Garia asked when Kasinna had finished.

"I cannot deny them," Juddas said, hanging his head.

"Let Kasinna's evidence be admitted to the record against the next two accused as well," she directed. "I will not have her go through that ordeal again."

"As you desire, milady," Jepp said.

Garia turned to Brydas. "What about your daughter, Master Brydas? Do you want her to testify?"

Brydas shook his head. "It is not necessary, milady. We have enough evidence from these others to prove the case. Since Kasinna has spoken, perhaps we should leave Senidet to confront one of the other accused."

Jepp looked up from his documents. "We cannot record any offence by Juddas against Senidet if she does not testify."

"I understand, Master Scribe. Since he must pay the penalty in any event, there is little point."

"Milady?"

"Just make a note, Master Jepp," Garia decided. "We must move on. Juddas, I want to ask you some questions. Where and when did you first meet Trogan?"

"I dunno," the man answered roughly. "It was a long time ago."

"Fair enough," said Garia, who was beginning to have an idea of the limitations of each man by now. "Will you tell me now for the record if Trogan is, in fact, an appointed official?"

Juddas shook, as if with laughter. "No, milady, that he ain't. Not that I ever heard of."

"So, how is it he came to be in Blackstone pretending to be a Tax Assessor, then?"

The demeanor of Juddas changed in an instant. His face stiffened and he looked at the wagon floor.

"I don't rightly know that I can tell you that, milady. You'll have to ask him yourself."

"But you knew, when you all came here, that he was not what he told the townspeople he was."

Juddas only nodded.

"Impersonating a legally-appointed official," Jepp noted. "I'm not sure that's a crime that happens very often in Palarand. I don't think I know the penalty, although I can make a guess. But this man is not guilty of that crime."

"As you say, Master Jepp," Garia agreed. She turned to Juddas. "Can you read, Juddas?"

"No, milady. I can just about make my sign on a document, that's all. I don't know my letters."

"So, if I was to tell you that Trogan will be accused of intercepting and opening letters not addressed to him, would you think he was guilty of that? Did you ever see him open any such letters?"

Juddas sighed. "Aye, milady, I have, though I knew not who they were addressed to. Once he put the Agent in the cells it was clear enough what he was doing."

Keren interrupted. "If I may, milady. Juddas, you have all been in Blackstone some months. When we were traveling here an owner of a roadhouse along the route gave us mails for Blackstone, saying the bags were collected on occasion. Were you ever party to those collection journeys?"

"Aye, Highness. From time to time two or three of us rode into Tranidor for various reasons. We took mail to that road house and collected it from there."

"Because you couldn't take them all the way to Tranidor, or collect them from there, where questions would be asked?"

"You have the right of it, Highness."

"You know the penalty for transporting mails without a letter of authority?"

Juddas sighed again. "Aye, Highness, I do."

Keren turned to Garia. "Milady, this man has confessed to transporting mails without a letter of authority. Your duty is clear."

Bang! Here it is. It has to be my decision, my own voice, that condemns a man to death.

"The laws concerning the Messenger Service are very strict, milady," Jepp added.

I have no choice, do I? This is justice, raw in tooth and claw. Killing somebody in the heat of a fight is one thing, this is sentencing a helpless man to death.

Then she glanced at the front of the crowd where Fedren and Kasinna sat. She realized that carrying a few bags between Tranidor and Blackstone was only a tiny fraction of the evil that this man had committed against these people. Her people. Time to begin putting things right.

"Master Jepp, what is the prescribed penalty for this offense?"

"Death, milady. He is to be hung immediately." Jepp paused, thinking. "In this case, where you will judge others for the same crime, they might all be executed at the same time."

"So be it. Take him away, hold him somewhere safe while we try the others." Garia turned to Brydas. "Have we time before lunch to try another one? I'll leave Trogan until last."

"Aye, milady, we have time, if the next takes no longer than Juddas. If necessary we may delay our meal slightly. Shall he be brought?"

"Yes, please. I want this finished today."

The next man gave no fight to the guards. His right shoulder was swathed in a bandage which had a large, dried bloodstain on it. Garia remembered that one had been brought down by a knife thrown by one of the wagoneers. The man looked pale and uncomfortable.

Brydas announced, "This man is named Brakkis. Who here accuses him?"

A significant number of the crowd, now familiar with the process, raised their hands.

"A moment before we get down to business," Garia said, standing. "What's wrong with him?"

"Milady," one of the guards explained, "he has a shoulder wound from the fight in the street. The wound has become infected."

He's unlikely to live long enough for it to become an issue, she thought.

"Very well. Brakkis," she asked him, "can you answer the questions we wish to put to you? Are you well enough?"

"Aye, milady. I can manage," he replied, his voice shaky.

Garia turned to the crowd and, with the benefit of the questions already asked of Juddas, made up a list of offenses which Jepp wrote down with the names and numbers of accusers. After this it was Senidet, with the assistance of her father, who detailed the several occasions on which most of the men of Trogan's band had shared the two young girls amongst themselves. Then Garia asked some further questions.

"When did you discover that Blackstone had been made a barony?"

"Uh, Master Trogan showed me a letter he had with the proclamation," Brakkis said without thinking. "I didn't see what difference it would make, since the taxes wasn't going anywhere."

"So you can read, then. The letter Trogan showed you, who was it addressed to?"

"The steward, milady. Since the steward had been arrested Master Trogan said that he was the most senior official in the town so he should read those letters addressed to the steward."

"But he wasn't the most senior official in the town, was he? In fact, he isn't an official at all, is he? What happened to the real Tax Assessor, Brakkis? Did you murder him somewhere along the route, perhaps?"

There was a gasp from the crowd as many of them hadn't understood that Trogan had been bogus. There was much muttering and Brydas had to call for silence before Brakkis could reply.

"I cannot answer you, milady."

"You acknowledge that I am, in fact, the real Baroness Blackstone? You can read, I can show you my charter if you like."

"With respect, milady, anyone can have a document saying whatever they wish. Doesn't mean that the person holding the document matches the person named in it."

"So, you admit that the man you call Trogan has a document describing someone with that name as a Tax Assessor. And you further admit that the man you call Trogan is not the named man."

Brakkis stared at Garia, realizing that his weakened state had made him admit that 'Trogan' was bogus. Finally he nodded, lowering his eyes.

"Aye, milady. All that you say is true."

"Jepp?"

"Unconventional, milady, but he has admitted the truth of your statement and that is enough. Do you need more?"

"I don't think so. You accompanied Juddas, I believe, on journeys to and from Tranidor, collecting mail bags from the roadhouse as you did so?"

"Aye, milady. We all took turns fetching supplies..." he stopped.

"Or getting rid of your loot in Tranidor?"

Brakkis looked at the floor. "Aye, milady," he said in a low voice.

"The verdict is clear," she said. "Interference with the Messenger Service means death by hanging, as soon as possible. For the rapes I would impose the same sentence. There is a strong possibility that along with the man we know as Trogan you murdered an official of Duke Gilbanar's court," she remembered the five frayen Sethan had mentioned, "along with others, possibly his servants. Do you now wish to confess to that crime?"

"Milady," Brakkis said, not meeting her eyes, "I cannot say."

"It doesn't matter. Take him away."

Garia let out her breath slowly and forced herself to relax. Fighting someone to save your own life was one thing but coldly sending men to the scaffold was entirely another and the stress was beginning to tell.

Oh, how I wish Feteran was here now. I could do with some of his strength and experience. He knew what would happen after I made my first kill, he'd know what to say now.

She looked at the crowd and realized that they were all still seated waiting for her to direct the proceedings. Brydas was now down in the courtyard with his daughter Senidet, standing beside Fedren and Kasinna. That made her consider the situation and come to a decision. Reaching down with one hand, she lightly dropped from the wagon bed to the courtyard, causing gasps from some of the crowd.

"Master Fedren, I believe you might have a problem."

There followed an intense discussion with the two men, resulting in Brydas climbing onto the stage to make an announcement.

"In order to seat you all we have taken all the chairs, benches and tables from this place and from the Bell Inn amongst others. That means that those of you who would seek your food from the Inn will not be able to eat it there. Milady Garia and Master Fedren have consented that you may purchase your food there and bring your plates and eating tools to the courtyard to eat your food. There will also be sufficient space for those who brought their own lunches to remain here as well. We shall rearrange the chairs and tables so that you may eat in some comfort. His Highness and Milady Garia, as they both presently reside in the Bell Inn, will be collecting their own lunch and eating it in this courtyard among you. Regrettably, although Mistress Sukhana is now in charge here at the Ptuvil's Claw, she is not yet able to supply anyone food from her kitchen.

"This court shall reassemble at the half between the sixth and seventh bells in this place to try the man know to us as Trogan. The expected sentences will be carried out at the flat beside the river bridge immediately afterwards. So it has been decreed."