King by R.J. Larson Read Free Book Online Page A

Lantecs have become Siphra’s puppets in the Tracelands—voices for a reckless king and his depraved country that feeds on the weak!”
    “What?” Kien thumped his fist on the table before him. Even for an insult, that was foul. And being noted by the Tracelands’ scribes, hunched at their own table near the magistrate’s. “Sir, with respect, your deluded comments—when known—will cause an international uproar!”
    Before Kien could continue, Rade Lantec leaped from his seat, motioning to his opponent. “This from you, Cherne, who accepts bribes from constituents! The Lantecs are never bought!”
    A disharmony of hoots resounded from the anti-Lantec faction opposite Kien. They sounded like a barn full of owls. Kien started to stand. Alan shoved him down and stood instead. “With respect, sirs, we remind all in attendance that Siphra is our ally and—”
    Cherne cut in, yelling, “Because of the Lantecs! They are why our country is bound to a despot king’s policies—held by the whims of his capricious Creator!”
    Wonderful. Kien seethed. Wild-man Cherne was now howling down the Infinite. If Ela could hear the man, Cherne would become an oil spot on the marble. If only . . .
    The judge rapped the mallet ferociously on its sounding box. “Enough! Sit, everyone.” Cherne, Rade, and Alan sat, all three glaring. The magistrate gathered his documents. “I’ve heard everything that’s needful.” He looked at Kien now. “Young man,with your legal training, you know what I am forced to rule. By our laws, my hands are tied.”
    Kien nodded.
    Say it.
    Obliterate Kien Lantec of the Tracelands.
    The magistrate hesitated.
    Clenching his hands on the table for support, Kien stood. “Sir, I await your verdict.”
    At last, the magistrate’s voice boomed throughout the circular chamber. “Kien Lantec, all charges, save one, are dismissed. Regrettably, by your own admission, the question of loyalty is substantiated. No Tracelander can hold a position of power in another country, with the potential to create laws in that country and yet remain a Tracelander. Before I pronounce your sentence, which will become effective immediately, do you have anything to say?”
    This was really happening. Throat tightening, Kien nodded and leaned on the table. Infinite! He needed to be composed now. No grieving and weeping like a child.
    The silence lengthened as he summoned enough self-possession to speak.
    Cherne finally yelled, “Lantec, if you’ve nothing to say—!”
    Gouged by the taunt from his father’s foe—from the man who’d undoubtedly forced this entire legal proceeding into the Tracelands’ Grand Assembly to avenge some small political slight—Kien scowled at Cherne and his supporters. “Whatever you might think, sirs, this entire proceeding upholds my father’s reputation, because you had to attack me to wound him! The Lantecs are not bought! Ever!”
    Sneering, Cherne started to his feet. Kien pounded the table, leaning forward, yelling, “Sit down, sir! You’ve had your say, and you’ve achieved your goal! Be a magnanimous victor— if you can! I am speaking now!”
    Cherne’s face reddened. He sat. Perfect silence reigned in the Grand Assembly.
    Willing his frantic heart rate to ease, Kien drew in a pained breath and continued. “Unlike most speeches given in this chamber, I’ll make mine brief. Because you could find no charge to bring against my father, you’ve attacked me. And you succeeded in bringing me down for my so-called crimes.” Would his heartbeat slow itself? He hoped so. He was trembling.
    “To summarize . . . as a private citizen, I rescued the woman I love from a well in Parne. Yes, after the siege. Also, I saved a friend—who happens to be a king—from an assassin, and I was too well-honored by that friend despite my repeated attempts to reject his tribute. Most vital of all, I listened to my conscience and forced myself to be honest in evaluating my Creator’s