The Mask Wearer by Bryan Perro Read Free Book Online

gray beard. A long scar went from his right eye down to his upper lip. His armor was the color of gold. Two white wings adorned the sides of his helmet, and around his neck he wore a long chain with a big skull-shaped pendant. The skull was carved out of a green stone, with two eyes that seemed to be huge diamonds. Yaune was an imposing ruler, and his solemn expression commanded respect.
    The crowd was agitated, milling and feverish. The gates of Bratel-la-Grande had been closed for the night, and all the knights were present. Under a thunderous round of applause, Yaune the Purifier started to speak.
    “We are gathered here so that the light will triumph once more. Dear citizens of Bratel-la-Grande, the boy that you see before you in this cage is a sorcerer. Several knights witnessed his transformation into a beast. A knight never lies, and the word of my men cannot be doubted. The magic of this sorcerer is powerful, and just like the others we’ve caught, he will be condemned to the purifying fire so that our realm can be saved. That is, of course, unless the game of truth proves his innocence. Only if we eliminate all forms of witchcraft will we overcome the curse that is upon us. Truth and light are our guides and until now our intuitions have been just and our actions courageous. If any among you doubts the guilt of the young sorcerer, let him be heard now or forever be silent!”
    A deep silence fell over the crowd.
    “I would like to be heard,” Amos shouted as he raised his hand. His shaky voice betrayed his nervousness. “I know that you are mistaken!”
    The eyes of the crowd were immediately upon him, a boy who dared to question the word of the Knights of Light and Yaune the Purifier.
    “Quiet, young man!” ordered Yaune. “Your youth and lack of experience are the excuse for your impertinence. Now withdraw your words or you’ll pay dearly for them!”
    “I maintain what I just said, sir,” Amos answered as he regained some confidence. “This boy is called Beorf and he’s my friend. He belongs to the race of humanimals. He’s not a sorcerer and does not turn people into statues. I believe that if you burn this boy, you will never understand what is happening in your realm. He is the only one who has seen the creatures who threaten your safety. He’s innocent of the crimes you accuse him of!”
    For the first time during his rule, Yaune the Purifier was being challenged.
    “Do you think, little weasel, that you are wiser than the lord of Bratel-la-Grande?” Yaune demanded to know. “For nearly forty years I have fought the occult forces of this world. I have given my blood for the truth. I have lost men, even whole armies. I have sacrificed a great deal to see man’s light prevail over the world of darkness. Approach the dais so I can see you better.”
    Amos came closer, with dignity and in silence. Yaune smiled at the boy with the long braid, the torn leather armor, and the trident over his shoulder. Barthelemy intervened.
    “Excuse him, great lord,” the knight said, kneeling in front of Yaune. “I know this boy. He is foolish and doesn’t know what he’s doing. He lives with his parents at my mother’s inn. They’re travelers who recently arrived here. His father and his mother know nothing of his behavior. Forgive him and I will vouch for him.”
    Yaune looked down at his knight. “Very well, valiant Barthelemy. Your father saved my life several times and I owe you the same respect that I had for him. Take this boy away and make sure that I don’t see him again at Bratel-la-Grande.”
    A man stepped out of the crowd. “Lord, my name is Urban Daragon. I know my son better than anyone else. I can assure you that if Amos says that your prisoner is innocent, he’s right. Barthelemy is a good man, and I understand his desire to protect travelers whom he has befriended. The Daragon family thanks him with all their hearts, but I have always taught my son to act according to his convictions.