Fire Dragon - Katharine Kerr [177]
Rhodry found the dragon curled up on the roof of the ruined temple. In the rising dawn her scales gleamed like polished gems. When he climbed up, she opened one eye.
“Good morrow,” Rhodry said. “I hope you didn't sleep out in the rain.”
“I didn't.” Arzosah opened the other eye, then paused for a massive yawn. “Not far from here there's a mountain with a cave—a bit small, but I slept well enough. I came back here when the rain stopped.” She rose, stretching like a cat, one front paw at a time. “I think it's going to clear today, the sky I mean.”
“Good. I want to talk the town council into trying Raena out of doors, so you can testify.”
“Splendid idea. I'm still mulling over what you told me last night, that all they plan to do is exile her. We'll have to hunt her down if they do. I can always eat her.”
“Not if it brings a Horsekin army down on the town.”
“Oh, what do we care about this stinking town? Don't look so grim, Rori. I know it matters to you, but Raena—”
“We may be able to kill Raena with this town's laws for a weapon. That's why your testimony's important.”
“Aha! You've been thinking again.”
“I have. Now sit down and listen carefully.”
Normally in Cerr Cawnen the Council of Five sat as a panel of judges whenever someone broke the laws, but Admi for obvious reasons had to exclude Verrarc. To ensure an odd number, he had asked Zatcheka, whose town had similar customs, to sit as the fifth judge. Just past noon, after a fresh wind had broken up the storm clouds and taken them off to the east, the court convened. The five judges sat at a long table placed just outside the Council House. Guarded by five members of the town watch, Niffa's brother among them, Raena sat on a bench to their left. Dallandra noticed a big blotch of dried blood on her dress, from the dog bites, she assumed. Rakzan Kral and two of his men stood as near to Raena as the guards would allow. Prince Daralanteriel, representing Carra as the injured party, sat to their right with Rhodry next to him. Carra herself and the child had stayed back at the elven camp, out of harm's way.
In front, filling the plaza, stood a good-sized crowd of townsfolk. Dera and her family had found a good place in front, but Verrarc had chosen to stay away, apparently—all for the best, Dallandra thought. The most surprising witness of all, however, came waddling along just as the trial was about to begin: Arzosah, who managed to find enough room for her massive self behind Rhodry. The crowd of townsfolk flowed back to give her plenty of space. Once she got herself settled, Admi stood up. His ceremonial red cloak rippled in the wind.
“There will be silence in the gathering,” he called out. “We do assemble here to adjudge a grave matter this day. It is alleged that Raena, daughter of Marga, did last night at the conclusion of the Deciding attack Carramaena, Princess of the Westlands, and her infant child.” He waved his arm in Dar's direction. “Her husband has come to so attest and charge.”
Solemn-faced, Dar stood up, bowed to him, bowed to the crowd, then sat again. Admi motioned to one of the guards, who came forward with a wood tray. On it glittered a silver dagger.
“This be the weapon that the witness do claim the miscreant did use,” Admi said. “We do lay it here in evidence.”
The guard laid the tray on the table, then returned to his post by the prisoner. Cradling her injured wrist, Raena sat calmly, her lips twisted, her eyes narrow with contempt.
Admi turned to her. “Prisoner, how do you plead?”
“Guilty, of course.” Raena stood up to face him. “Half the town did see, Chief Speaker. Why do you parade fine words and give yourself such pompous airs? Do spare us all, that I may ride out of this stinking town