The soft clop of combat boots on damp stone marked the start of a new day. It was the same each day, a soldier would come and replace the single dimming candles with a fresh one. The light that had long dimmed would be refreshed, given new life, and the slow countdown to darkness would begin anew. Or so Mellen Minoc thought. That was until a key slid noisily into the lock on his cell door and the loud click of the lock warned him the day he had anticipated was at hand. The door swung open on screaming hinges and a pair of soldiers appeared carrying an illum stone lantern. The direct light was bright and blinding compared to the soft glow that had been his companion through the small window. Mellen had to shield his eyes against its onslaught. In his blindness, he didn’t see the men approach and drag him to his feet. He squinted as they dragged him out of his cell. It felt like months had passed, but Mellen gauged it could only have been three or four weeks. He lost track of the exact number a while ago.

The soldiers placed him in manacles and led him down the dimly lit corridor and up the unremarkable staircases that led out of the dungeons and into the main fortress. The pains of hunger and discomfort dissipated as he moved shakily up the stairs, but his mind remained sharp, focused on the task to come. From the very first day of the arrest, it was inevitable that this day would come. But that didn’t make the journey any easier. As Mellen emerged into the first semblance of light, his thighs burned with the pain of disuse and his eyes refused to adjust to daylight. He looked down at himself for the first time and saw how much weight he’d lost. It made him look small, as if they had stolen his vigor. His heart beat heavily in his chest, whether from the nerves or the effort, he wasn’t sure. But Mellen made sure he held his head high as he walked forward into the room where his fate would be decided.

The doors to the chamber opened, and Mellen was paraded across the war room where seven of his once-closest comrades sat opposite the lonely chair reserved for the accused; his chair. He was led forward and was seated facing them; seven Patzau. The combined might of their small city sat across from him. They sat in an imposing semicircle; their eyes focused on him. Patzau Powanati, Patzau Hadashenta, and Patzau Adagizhi looked pleased; as if the spectacle they had organized was to be their entertainment. Yohati at least had the decency to look fretful. Patzau Murocil and Patzau Yanata both looked anxious for what was to come, while Patzau Onudar’s face remained neutral and stoic.

Without any chance to speak, the door opened again behind him and Mellen turned to see High Judge Madaral stride forward into the room. Mellen smiled at the man, and hoped the pleasant gesture would be off-putting to the barbarian. What kind of man could, with clean conscious, condemn hundreds of innocents to die by the headsman. If this is the justice I hope to appeal to, I am well and truly fucked.  

Madaral didn’t return the smile. The gaze he returned was cold. He took his place by a lectern on the far side of the room and cleared his throat so as to begin. “Mellen Minoc” he began, his voice rich with pompous self-importance, “you stand accused of treason, conspiracy to commit murder, supporting enemies of the guilds, aiding criminals and gang enterprises that now threaten the safety of our city, and directing guild-allocated funds into both your personal treasury as well as the aforementioned criminal enterprises. Do you wish, at this time, to make a statement in regards to these charges?”

Minoc took a deep breath and gathered what little strength he could muster, “I speak now to you specifically, Ada Murocil, Yanata Ashill, Boral Onudar, and even you Murak Adagizhi. These charges brought against me are baseless and false. I disagree with Hadashenta, Powanati, and Yohati on a number of issues but the reason I am here tonight is because I object to the consolidation of power their three guilds have accrued in recent years and months. These three men have made it their priority to remove me from this council by any means necessary, including by deception and lies. They believe that the criticisms I have raised against their actions, are worth my dying for. This title of Patzau–”

“Please spare us, Mellen” Patzau Powanati said, interrupting. “Wasting our time will only hurt your chances. Don’t make us regret watching you destroy yourself.”

Mellen ignored the interruption and continued louder, despite the pain the stemmed from his hoarse throat. “This title of Patzau was built upon the legacy of improving the lives of the people within this city. We exist to defend them from the tyranny of kings. I have always believed in this legacy, for all of our people, and I agree with them that this legacy is worth my dying for. Whatever evidence they bring forth, whomever appears to give testimony, I ask that you focus not of the fears they have preyed on to bring you here but instead the facts and reasons one might say or do anything mentioned.”

As he finished, Mellen rubbed his throat and swallowed uncomfortably. They didn’t give me water this morning or last night, he realized. Spirits, they’ll do anything to put more wind in their sails.

“We have heard your statement” Madaral announced. “Now, we will hear from the witnesses.”

Mellen turned to watch a young man he was unfamiliar with walk through the door. His eyes were glazed and the soldiers had to practically carry him into the room. Mellen felt thin, but the man being hoisted in was no meat and all bones. He had bushy dark hair and when he finally looked up, it was clear he was one from the mountain tribes.

“Please state your name” Madaral said from Mellen’s opposite side.

The man looked up, as if surprised to be there, and then looked more surprised as he eyed the well-dressed faces in the semi-circle across from him. “I am… I… I am Tin” the man said shakily. He avoided eye contact with the Patzau.

“Tin was arrested during the initial Mudtown raid after the assassination attempt on Patzau Yohati. Tin was one of the men who had been hired to attack the convoy after the Auction House. Would you say that was correct?”

“Yes” Tin answered. “I was part of the group who attacked the convoy.”

“And what was your job during the attack?” Madaral asked.

“My job was… was to distract the guards and kill them if possible” Tin answered.

“What were you distracting from?” Madaral pressed.

“From the real target” Tin said softly. “It was an assassination; there was an arbalest on the roof.”

“And who was the target?” Madaral asked.

“I don’t know” Tin answered. “Wasn’t mine to know.”

“Do you know who paid you to take part in this plan?”

“I was paid by a gangbanger named Fix” Tin answered. “Fix was killed in the fighting. Killed by that foreign swordsman. But Fix said the job came from a Patzau. I didn’t really believe–”

“And which Patzau did Fix say paid for the job?” Madaral interrupted.

Tin hesitated for moment before answering, “Minoc.”

Mellen clenched his jaw, holding his composure. This was a lie. He had never met with any gangbangers, nor had he paid to assassinate anyone. But the words hung in the air like poison, and the Judge didn’t hesitate to accept them as truth. “This is absurd,” Minoc said, his voice firm, though his stomach churned. “This man is lying. What day did this nonsense supposedly occur? More over, the testimony this man provides is hearsay. He has just admitted that they’re not his own experiences.”

“Silence!” Madaral shouted. “You will have your turn, but I will not let you badger our witnesses. Bring out the next witness.”

“Then when will I get my turn?” Mellen asked, but Madaral ignored him. Tin was dragged from the room and a familiar face took his place–one of Mellen’s former colleagues. Hairo Bradel walked into the room with a confidence that signaled danger. He was well-dressed and his grey hair had been combed forward to appear more striking. Mellen watched Hairo stride in as if among peers, and then it clicked that Hairo soon would be.

“You look good, Hairo” Mellen said, trying to unnerve his longtime rival. “Your spineless greed will mesh nicely with Powanati and Hadashenta’s. Am I right gentlemen?” If Powanati’s eyes were daggers, Mellen would already be dead.   

“Good to see you too, Mellen” Hairo said, getting the words out before Madaral could protest. “I’d say the guild misses you but the overwhelming support I’ve received since your arrest would suggest otherwise.”

“I think it should be clear to the judge and jury that Hairo and I do not share much love for each other. I submit to the council that no testimony this man brings forth with come without bias nor without its own overexaggerations and lies. He has everything to gain by my dismissal.”

“He was a high-ranking member of your guild” Patzau Adagizhi questioned, “you claim now that you don’t trust or like him?”

“I have never trusted or liked Hairo” Mellen admitted, “but that is not a good enough reason to bar him or his fellows from opportunity and access to my guild. Destroying those who disagree with me is tyrannical.”

“No, instead you have us followed and employ spies in our homes instead” Hairo jeered.

“I have never employed spies–”

“This point is not one of the charges laid against you and so we will not spend time debating it here” Madaral said, interrupting.

“But this is a lie spread to defame me!” Mellen argued. “I–”

“If you continue to interrupt, I will have you gagged until the appropriate times in which you are permitted to speak. Do you understand?”

Mellen bit his tongue and chewed angrily on his lip hoping the pain would distract from the anger.

“Now, Hairo” Madaral started, “Please share the information you were able to collect with the council as discussed.”

“Of course, High Judge” Hairo said with a bow, “Council. As you are aware, Patzau Minoc and his wife Mira controlled the Artisan’s Guild with a heavy hand. After Mellen’s arrest, it was difficult to wrestle access to the guild’s information away from Mira’s grubby hands and I submit that she too is a conspirator to be investigated.”

Mellen leapt forward out of his chair. He wished nothing more than to reach Hairo and to crush the liar’s neck with his bare hands. The chains held and he barely made it an arm’s length from where he had been seated. Patzau Adagizhi and Patzau Murocil both jumped in surprise at the sudden ferocity as Mellen trashed against his shackles. “Don’t you fucking dare! You fucking liar!” Mellen seethes. “I know you hate me but leave my family out of this, you filthy scoundrel.”

“And this man led my guild and represented this council” Hairo commented with disdain. “Tsk tsk.”

“Hairo, I hope the spirits damn your soul for this” Mellen cursed. He spat in Hairo’s direction. Soldiers pulled Mellen back into the chair and an arm found its way under his neck and began to squeeze, cutting the air from his throat. Mellen struggled until he couldn’t any longer and relaxed as the arm came loose and fresh air entered his lungs. He coughed and then continued coughing until Patzau Ashill shouted at the soldiers to bring him some water.

“I’m only just getting started. As I was saying,” Hairo continued, “I was able to obtain messages sent from foreign dignitaries and emissaries that bypass the existing channels and ignore Patzau Murocil and her guild’s jurisdiction. Beyond that, there are correspondences will all manner of people from across this island including persons who we believe are anti-guild in alignment.”

“You have evidence that he was communicating with rebellious factions?” Yohati asked.

“It appears that way” Hairo affirmed. “These communications included the addition of one young Aginjigaade from the far side of the island to his staff.”

“I took her away from them” Mellen wheezed. “She could have been a threat, dangerous to us; this council, this city. She’s powerful and I ensured she would grow up here, with our ideals. As an ally, not our enemy.”

“And who asked you to do that?” Madaral asked.

Mellen ignored him, “And I tried so hard to ensure she was seen as one of us. And you, Adagizhi gave her every fucking reason to hate us. You made her your enemy, you fool.”

“She’s a jungle rat” Adagizhi said dismissively. “Nothing our own Aginjigaade couldn’t handle.”

“You have no idea how powerful she is” Mellen said.

“And why is it that you yourself did not share with this council that Kuta was as powerful as you say she is?” Powanati asked.

“Because she’s a child” Mellen urged. “She’s barely older than my own daughter. She’s young and shy and afraid like so many little girls, and she has no one. And by showing her that we fear her, we push her away. If she thinks we see her as a tool or a weapon to be used, she’ll fear and resent us in turn. If she becomes one of us, she’s of no threat.”

Adagizhi spoke next, “She’s also no threat if she’s dead. And in not informing the rest of the council, it can only appear to us like you wished to control her yourself, Mellen.”

“And in ordering my death, it can only appear as if you wish to control this council yourself, Murak” Mellen mocked. “I am yet to hear any real evidence that I have committed any crimes.”

“Please” Judge Madaral interrupted, “We are getting off track. Hairo, please continue.”

“Lastly, I was able to identify payments made from the Guild treasury to unknown recipients across the island. It appears there were hundreds of payments made to people in remote villages in the mountains. I worked with members of Patzau Powanati’s guild and our investigation shows these payments were made to bribe and pay for information including to sources less than reputable.”

“Less than reputable?” Madaral said, “please be more specific.”

“Rebels and criminal gangs” Hairo answered.

“I’d like to hear Mellen explain these payments” Patzau Murocil said, adjusting her seat. “I would also like to hear how unknown recipients suddenly become rebels and criminal gangs? Care to explain how you made this connection, Hairo?”

“Of course, Patzau Murocil” Hairo said. “Um, none of these payments made were to known or reputable sources within each village. They were made to individuals on a person-by-person basis and in territories where known rebellious activity occurs.”

“May I?” Mellen asked, speaking to Judge Madaral.

“No, not right now” The High Judge said.

“I believe Patzau Murocil requested I speak to these payments” Mellen urged.

“I told you to wait your turn” Madaral sneered.

“Is that all the evidence you have, Hairo?” Patzau Murocil asked.

“Actually” Patzau Yohati chimed in, “I have more information that may be beneficial to this very topic. Powanati and I have been working together to track the movement of currency into and out of the city and we have seen an uptick in illegal weapons being smuggled into several mountain territories. These remote towns and villages appear to have more money and resources than ever before, despite our efforts to supress these regions. This could be one way in which funds leave our city and find their way into the hands of gangs and criminals.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Mellen contended. Judge Madaral whirled on him but Mellen ignored the man and spoke over him. “Hairo! Hairo, tell us all… Tell the Patzau how much money was spent. Show us the receipts that you’ve claimed as evidence.”

“Mellen, you have been warned!” Madaral screamed.

Mellen ignored him, “The invoices are for small art pieces that we buy from remote places and upsell at the Auction House. This program you claim is illegal funding or weapons smuggling or whatever bullshit will have Patzau Hadashenta’s name on it too. He’s the one funding that project, you avaricious snake! Rake, tell them…”

But when Mellen looked over at Patzau Hadashenta, his face fell. Hadashenta’s eye were downcast. He looked ashamed as he spoke up, “I don’t recall any such project.”

“Oh, fuck this” Mellen scoffed, “I want counter-witnesses to all claims. This is bullshit.”

Madaral waved a dismissive hand, his lips curling into a sneer. “The court will not entertain your request for counter-witnesses. We are dealing with facts; not witnesses you can bribe.”

“Are you calling Patzau Hadashenta a liar, Mellen?” Powanati asked.

Mellen sighed, recognizing the trap. “I think that Patzau Hadashenta is misremembering. But I know that we submitted financial logs to your guild, Powanati, that should have records of payments made from the Auction House to my guild for the purpose of purchasing said art. All dealings are audited by your bankers, so it seems reasonable to suggest that all funds were properly allocated. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Powanati’s smile turned fake. “I will have to check our records.”

“You should check your records before you bring them forward as criminal evidence. And before you tamper with them, remember that my guild also has copies you should tamper with to ensure both sets match” Mellen taunted. “Oh wait, I’m forgetting that real evidence hasn’t once made an appearance in this trial so that shouldn’t matter. Silly me. Never mind.”

“Mellen” Yohati said raising his voice condescendingly. “That’s enough.”

“Fuck you, Yohati” Mellen spat venomously, “After this you get to go home to your wife and daughter and sleep happy and rich in your estate entirely separated from the reality of this world and I’ll get fucking thrown back in a cell. I’ll speak to you like the bastard you are if its going to be that last thing I ever do.”

Yohati gave a subtle signal and Judge Madaral ordered the gag. Mellen struggled against it, but it did no good. He could only watch in painful silence as the witnesses continued, each testimony more fabricated than the last. He could hear the manipulation at play, the tactful sails of the defamatory outrigger flapping in the wind. Each time a new witness appeared, Madaral allowed their lies to land like daggers in the cloth. There were so many holes in their stories, but it didn’t matter so long as Mellen’s ship never sailed again. The rest of the council were complicit in the spectacle, either out of fear, ambition, or sheer apathy.

Minoc’s body felt heavy with frustration and exhaustion. His only chance of escaping the persecution was through the unlikely coalition of Adagizhi, Onudar, Ashill, and Murocil in combined vote for his innocence. It only took one of the four to vote alongside the core three to condemn him. With each new witness, Mellen felt his chances of leaving alive slip through his fingers. He glanced at Patzau Ashill and Patzau Onudar. Both regarded him with tense looks and conflicted faces. Murocil’s gaze met his and he could at least see the anger and disdain in her eyes. Not for him, but for what she was being subject to. She was the only one asking questions, the only one who still had his back and he wished now that she would simply give up lest she too be buried in his grave. But he knew, when Murak Adagizhi finally met his gaze, that guilty was the only verdict he was ever going to hear. In the end Mellen closed his eyes and ignored his own trial.

Mellen awoke suddenly, his body shaken awake by a soldier and judge Madaral shouting his name. Mellen sat up and saw the council staring back at him. To his chagrin, Yohati, Powanati, Adagizhi, and Hadashenta looked angry with his lack of decorum. Ashill’s smile made it clear that she understood the significance of the gesture, where as Onudar appeared annoyed by it. Only Ada Murocil stood out from the rest as anger stewed within her.

High Judge Madaral spoke, “As I was saying, before the accused so rudely interrupted with his disrespectful gesture, I will now hear final statements from any of the council who wish to give them.”

“I wish to speak” Patzau Murocil said, looking to ensure she was permitted to do so.

“Please” Judge Madaral said, “The floor is yours.” Mellen perked up.

“I will leave this room today and regret my part in this sham of a trial for the rest of my life. This wasn’t justice. And yet, I know from everything I just witnessed today that a man you once considered your friend will die to satiate your hungers for wealth and power. This was cowardice at its finest. I expected better from you all. I expected better from us.”

“How can you listen to all of those testimonies and not understand that Minoc is a traitor?” Adagizhi shouted. “His own Aginjigaade, his right hand, was spotted in Mudtown. She was seen with suspected criminals just days ago. There’s a story circulating that she’s a murderer. Minoc had been spying on us and collecting our secrets for years!

“We cannot convict a man based on hearsay!” Ada shouted. “Perhaps these people are telling the truth, I would like to see the evidence they so readily claim to have and then so repeatedly fail to produce. You made your mind up long before hearing any of this bullshit.”

Patzau Yohati spoke next, his voice dripping with disdain. “I have seen the evidence, Ada. I understand you and he are close friends, but we cannot continue to allow Mellen to damage our city through corruption and treason. Are you truly so set on ignoring the plethora of evidence shown today. Are you so blind to his misdeeds?”

Patzau Murocil’s face flushed with anger, but to her credit, she didn’t back down. “I will not be part of this farce. This trial is a mockery of justice, and you know it.”

High Judge Madaral’s voice boomed, silencing the room. “Enough! If you will not take this seriously, you are free to leave.” His eyes flickered with fury as he fixed his gaze on Patzau Murocil.

Patzau Murocil stood abruptly, “I will not be complicit,” she spat. “If you are to destroy him, then you do so without my consent. I vote innocent.” She turned and stormed across the room and out through the exit. Mellen smiled. Then he saw Patzau Ashill’s face and watched her mouth the words I’m sorry and the brief moment of joy disappeared. His mind raced with the injustice of it all. He knew, as he sat in the center of the courtroom, that the outcome was inevitable.

The council cast their votes, and Minoc predicted the result. Yohati, Hadashenta, Powanati, Onudar, and Adagizhi raised their hands high. Patzau Ashill followed suit and as angry as he felt, he knew she had done it to protect herself. Only Ada had voted for his innocence. The die was cast.

Mellen was made to kneel before the council as the sentence was read. High Judge Madaral made a point of standing directly over him as he addressed the six remaining Patzau. “Mellen Minoc, you are hereby convicted by the jury of your fellow Patzau for the crimes with which you were tried. Yours is a stark reminder of how treachery and deceitfulness can corrupt anyone, even those intended to guide and protect our great city. It is our duty as citizens to root out this evil whenever possible. The punishment for your many crimes will be death. Your death will be public, to ensure all within our city understand the severity of your crimes. But also, to ensure that all know and understand that to betray this city is to invite death, no matter one’s status. Your sentence will be carried out in one week’s time. Do you have any final words to conclude the sentencing?”

Only muffled grunts escaped as Mellen struggled against the gag that remained in his mouth. Powanati snickered as Mellen yelled in silence. He prayed that even if they couldn’t hear the venom of his words, they understood the hatred in his soul. He struggled until the council grew tired of it and the soldiers came to take him away. As they led him out of the room, Mellen gave each remaining member of the council one last dirty look. Then held his head high as they marched him out of the room and back down to the dungeons.