Page 43 of Steel & Thunder
“He is saying that we are about to begin, as well as Councilman Bloodfield’s full title.” Ironstorm leans over to translate for me. “Then he will read out your friends’ names as well as the crimes they are accused of.”
I listen and watch as the guard orc does just that. It’s funny hearing him try to pronounce “Elisabeth” and “Nathaniel,” not to mention everyone’s last names. I keep that to myself though. No smiles here. Just serious face. The orc turns to exchange a few words with the judge before taking his own seat. I know, he’s a “councilman” over here, not a judge, but you know what I mean.
Next up is Mr. Redwish. “Councilman Bloodfield, would you permit to conduct today’s proceedings in the Common language so that the people I represent may understand?” That will be handy.
“I see no problem with that, Advocate Redwish.” The judge nods in understanding.
“Thank you.” He takes a deep breath before continuing. “Three days ago, a group of five humans with no knowledge of our city or customs made the mistake of intruding onto our land. They entered the ruins of the Temple of Zeus intent on exploring, and when the rangers patrolling the area responded to the magical wards on the entrance being breached, they erred further in attacking them. Though I can say with confidence that what transpired that day was the result of a misunderstanding, they nonetheless understand the severity of their actions and do not fight the accusations.”
“Hmm.” Bloodfield sorts through some papers in front of him. “What were they doing in the temple? ‘Exploring’?”
“From what I understand, there are humans in Holbrooke still sharing news of the temple’s uncovering as if it were a more recent development.” Remind me to send those dicks a postcard. “They were acting on outdated information.”
“Even if it were recent, they would still be coming onto our lands uninvited, still attacking our citizens.” Uh oh. “How many rangers were injured?”
“Four, sir. Two with minor burns and two others with more serious injuries.” It’s said with a sigh. He lays it on good—I’ll give him that. “Three of the accused were also injured, two serious enough to require the services of a healer while the third was knocked unconscious. After an examination, he was placed in holding with the unharmed members of their group.” I don’t remember any of that.
“Glad we still give as good as we get.” He flips through a few more papers. “I want to speak with one of them. Advocate Redwish, please retrieve Mr. Adam Bauer.”
I watch Redwish and the guard walk a path on the other side of the benches to the cage. I see the guard place his wrist above the handle on the door, opening it a second later. I remember that wrist thing from the jail. Adam is already waiting on the other side, hands in shackles, and walks back side by side with Redwish to stand in front of the judge.
“Mr. Bauer, I understand you hail from Lutheria.” Bloodfield leans forward. “I have not been there myself, but is this how I would be expected to act if I were to visit?”
“No, your honor.” See? Adam thinks he’s a judge too. “I am very sorry. We are very sorry. We didn’t know the temple belonged to you, and I swear we did not come here with the intention of hurting anyone.”
“And yet you did.” Okay, we’re fucked. “How exactly did that happen, Mr. Bauer?”
“We became...defensive at the sudden appearance of the rangers.” Adam has always been pretty good at choosing his words carefully. “In a panic, one of our group acted before he should have. However, as the leader, I accept full responsibility for my team.”
“A noble and honorable intention.” His voice softens a little. “But nobility and honor do not heal injuries. Someone could have been killed—on either side of the battle.”
“We understand that, sir.” Adam’s voice remains steady and contrite. “We will accept whatever consequences you feel we deserve.”
“I understand there was a fifth in your group who undertook the Nagul Uzu’gor and lost.” I go still in my seat.
“...Yes, sir.” Adam sounds like he doesn’t know half of what was just said. I hope I can keep it that way.
“Captain Ironstorm, are you in attendance today?” Of course he is.
“Attention.” The order is whispered to me a split second before he stands.
For two long seconds, my mind goes blank, but then I remember his words to me earlier. If I want to help my friends, I need this guy to like me. So I stand up straight, hoping I’m slipping my feet and arms into position casually enough for Adam to not notice. Because he is of course staring right at me.
“Councilman Bloodfield.” Captain Ironstorm gives a small salute that I think about copying, but since that’s not something he’s told me to do, I keep my head up and wait for what’s next.
“How has your new charge been adjusting?” Bloodfield is looking at me too.
“It has been a challenge at times, sir, but nothing I cannot handle.” I can hear the smirk. Glad my fists are already clenched. “Given the circumstances, he has been doing quite well.”
“Knowing him for a few days now, how do you feel about these other humans, his companions?” He gestures to the three caged in the back. “It was your men they injured.”
“I think they are travelers who made a very unfortunate mistake, Councilman.” It sounds like he’s trying to talk us up at least. “I hold no grudges against them nor do my men. I believe they are willing to learn from and accept responsibility for their actions. David certainly is.”
I think that was a compliment. The room is silent other than the judge rifling through more papers. So much rifling. Everyone not green is holding their breath. After what feels like an eternity, Bloodfield faces Adam once more.
“Though your crimes are great, I understand the confusion and anxiety that comes with being in an unknown place so far from your home.” Maybe he does like us a little. “While you are here, I suggest you reflect on the idea that we are not the monsters your people make us out to be. The four of you are to spend two months in the Yash’ak Cr’hol Labor Camp, to begin tomorrow.”
I can see Adam’s mouth hanging open, but he’s at a loss for words. So am I. Labor camp? Redwish walks over and starts talking to him while the guard returns him to the cell with the others. Bloodfield remains seated, but most of the other orcs in the room stand up and make their exit. The two of us are still standing, and I turn to Ironstorm, a question already on my lips.
