The White Dragon by Salvador Mercer Read Free Book Online

you a few questions regarding your associate, if you don’t mind?”
    “The Master Diamedes?” Lucius asked, raising a brow and leaning in for a closer look at the small man dressed in a simple robe.
    “Is there another?” Diamedes asked.
    “I presume not, but what would the greatest historian Agon has ever known be doing in a backwater town like this?”
    “You don’t approve of your hometown?”
    “I tolerate it,” Lucius said, allowing the venom in his words to come out. “Now, even less so, but we all can’t make a living in the civilized parts of the world. Someone has to do the dirty work.”
    “While this is not the same as the central realms, or even the heartland of Ulatha itself, I can assure you that you are still a far ways away from uncivilized,” Diamedes said.
    “Pardon my rudeness, but don’t lecture me, historian. I’ve been to the savage lands and know what’s out there. I think current events have soured me on this place.” Lucius softened his tone immediately, realizing with whom he was just insulting. The long lived were favored by wisdom, and Lucius was no different from any other man.
    Diamedes held up a hand to calm the man. “No offense taken. In fact, I wanted to assist you if I could.”
    Lucius narrowed his eyes now. The offer of assistance wasn’t expected, and there could only be ulterior motives at play. “Go on,” he said.
    “What is the main issue with your colleague?” Diamedes asked.
    “You mean as in why these charges are being brought against him in the first place?” Diamedes nodded, and Lucius continued. “Well, he has had something of a rivalry with the magistrate, as he has brought in more wanted criminals and thieves than the local authorities. That achieved his dream of having his mercenary group recognized by the nobles, at the cost of not a little bit of jealousy by other groups and the local arm of the law.”
    “I see,” Diamedes said. “So do you have counsel for your partner?”
    “No.” Lucius sighed. “The only counsel of any note is used to defend drunks and petty thieves. He has no experience with something of this magnitude, and indeed, the entire town hasn’t had a good trial in decades and at least a few good years since they witnessed an execution of note. No, too many people are looking forward to this, and I seriously doubt anyone else can be convinced to take the case. Why, are you interested?”
    Diamedes shook his head. “No, I don’t interfere in history. I simply record the facts. However, I can assist where facts are involved. That is part of my duties as defined by the crown. Is it true that he consorted with the Kesh?”
    Lucius rolled his eyes. “No, they brought him here as if he were an old friend, saw to it that he was cared for, and then left just as abruptly as they arrived.”
    “So he has never worked with them before?”
    Lucius paused for a moment, pondering the question before answering. “Not really.”
    “That doesn’t sound convincing. You best discuss this with him before noon tomorrow. The justiciar will want to know about his past when assessing his actions. Is he all right? I heard he was injured.”
    “Yes, he is fine now. A bit banged up, but he was healed and is recuperating. He’ll be able to speak on his own behalf.”
    “Very well,” Diamedes said. “During the trial tomorrow, I’ll be sitting nearby. If I motion for you, call for a recess, but be careful. You will only have three the entire trial, so don’t waste them.”
    “What do you have planned?” Lucius asked, eyes narrowing again.
    “That depends on what your colleague says,” Diamedes responded.
    “You worry me, historian,” Lucius said honestly.
    Diamedes nodded in approval. “If your friend’s life has any worth to you, then you should be worried.”

Chapter 4
 

 
 
 
Trial
     
    The next day dawned early with the customary chill in the higher mountain air. The town was up late the night prior, discussing the case,