Read Tantras for Free Online Page A

seized by another coughing fit. Mourngrym drummed his fingers nervously on the lectern.
    “I’m all right,” Thurbal said, and he drew a breath before continuing. “Now, where was Elminster throughout the battle for Shadowdale?”
    “At the Temple of Lathander,” Mourngrym replied.
    “Why?” Thurbal asked. “Why was he not at the front lines using his magic to help repel Bane?”
    Mourngrym shook his head. He had no answer.
    “Didn’t Elminster tell you repeatedly that the true battle would take place in the Temple of Lathander?” Thurbal asked.
    “Aye, but he never explained what he meant by that statement,” Mourngrym said. “Perhaps he had foreseen the danger to the prisoners and wished to draw them away from the true battle -“
    Thurbal held up his hand. “I suggest that the true battle was at the temple, that Bane went there, and it was he who murdered Elminster the sage.”
    Storm stood up and threw her arms over her head. “All this is complete speculation. There isn’t a bit of evidence to suggest Bane was at the Temple of Lathander.”
    Thurbal grimaced and turned to Mourngrym. “Before you can convict the prisoners, you must show a motive for their actions. Storm Silverhand claims they were agents of Bane. Yet there is no proof to support such allegations. I spoke to the prisoner, Midnight, before the trial, and she claims -“
    Mourngrym raised his fist. “I don’t care what she claims!” he snapped. “She is a powerful mage, powerful enough to slay Elminster. My orders were explicit: She was not to be allowed to speak to anyone!”
    “Then how is she to defend herself?” Thurbal yelled.
    “How do any of us know that she did not ensorcel you when you spoke, bending your will to hers?” Storm asked. “You are hopelessly trusting, my friend, and for your own sake, you should be removed as counsel.”
    “You cannot!” Thurbal yelped and moved to Mourngrym’s side.
    “You’re wrong. I cannot let you be injured again by Bane’s servants.” Mourngrym gestured to a pair of guards. “See that Thurbal is well provided for. He is obviously fighting off the effects of powerful magic. Whatever guards were present when Midnight spoke should be relieved of duty, pending my later judgment. Take him away.”
    Thurbal cried out in protest, but he was too weak to stave off the guards that dragged him away.
    Addressing the court, Mourngrym stepped out from behind the lectern. “I have seen all that I need to,” Mourngrym said. “Elminster the sage was our friend and our loyal defender to the death. It was his blind trust in others that led to his demise. Yet we of this court are not blind. Our eyes are open wide, and we can see the truth.
    “Lord Bane was a coward. He ran from the battle in fear when our forces overwhelmed his army. That is why we cannot account for his whereabouts. If Elminster were alive, he would appear before us now. But that cannot happen. There is nothing we can do to bring Elminster back, but we can put his tortured soul to rest by punishing his murderers.”
    The audience chamber had grown completely silent again. Mourngrym paused a moment and looked back at the noblemen seated behind the dais. Like the rest of the room, the nobles were staring at the dalelord, waiting for his verdict.
    “I decree that at dawn tomorrow, in the courtyard of the Twisted Tower, Midnight of Deepingdale and Adon of Sune will be put to death for the murder of Elminster the sage. Guards, remove the prisoners.” Mourngrym stood back, and guards grabbed Midnight and Adon and pulled them to their feet. The crowd erupted in a roar of cheering.
    At first Cyric was swallowed up by the crowd, but the thief fought his way through the blood-crazed villagers in time to see Midnight and Adon exit the courtroom under heavy guard.
    Justice will be served, Mourngrym had said. The words of Shadowdale’s ruler echoed in Cyric’s thoughts as he maneuvered past the remaining guards standing in Mourngrym’s