Read The River Wall for Free Online Page B

different kind of slavery, or into death.”
    This time, the family reacted. Heads turned and a whispering sound rose from the seated people.
    “For endangering the neutrality of the Fa’aldu, I offer no apology,” Veron said, defiance ringing in his strident voice. “My views in that area are well known. I ask to be judged”—his voice faltered—“for allowing those views to endanger the lives of others.”
    “Judgment cannot rest merely on the result and not on the act itself,” Charol said, speaking with a careful formality. “Judgment cannot touch you at all, if you alone seek it. Who of the family will confirm your lawbreaking?”
    “I acted alone,” Veron said, “but many knew, and kept silent because they approved. I required their word-bond to continue silent, lest they, too, be called to judgment. There are two here who
can
speak, however. They are outside our laws, but honored by the family. I ask that the Fa’aldu accept the voices of Rikardon and Tarani as our own.”
    Heads turned toward us, and the family waited expectantly. Nobody—except us—seemed very surprised.
    Now what the hell do I say?
I wondered.
I don’t want to wind up convicting this kid, but he’s right—with all good intentions, he channeled slaves toward their deaths. Good intentions
, I repeated to myself.
Not what happened, but what he wanted to happen. He worked for what he thought was right, and nobody is going to convince me that can ever be a crime.
    I climbed to my feet. Beside me, Tarani rose in the graceful single movement I admired but could never quite master.
    “When Harredon proposed the establishment of the Refreshment Houses,” I said, letting some of my anger show, “the Fa’aldu chose to be loyal to the Kingdom. In spite of what your law says, that marked the end, not the beginning, of Fa’aldu neutrality.” A shocked gasp swept through the crowd. Even Veron gaped at me. Only Charol maintained an aloof composure.
    “The raiders and scavengers and barbarians who hoarded their water,” I continued, “
they
were truly neutral because they cared for no one but themselves. The Fa’aldu who abandoned that life in favor of peace and service made a commitment to the value of the individual—a commitment reflected in Veron’s opposition to Eddartan slavery.”
    It took a moment for everyone to realize I was finished. Then attention shifted to the woman standing beside me.
    “I will speak,” Tarani said, “to the results which have tormented our friend into asking judgment. It is true that the house in Chizan which Veron believed to be a safe place, the beginning of new life for the slaves he helped, was in the hands of a roguelord who enslaved them again or killed them. Compared to the promise of freedom, that is a bitter fate. But compare it to continued service in the copper mines, and it seems again to be relief. Who is to say that the former slaves were not still grateful to Veron, even in Chizan?
    “I ask you to remember, as well, that Veron’s system worked in both directions. Had the way out of Eddarta not been so carefully organized, Veron would have been unable to help us when we wanted to enter Eddarta in secret. He acted as blindly with us as with the slaves, wanting only to help and having no knowledge or control over the result. If you argue that Veron caused the slaves to die, then you must also grant that Veron caused me to be High Lord. As High Lord, I have set in motion the end of Eddarta slavery.
    “Weigh the lives he has destroyed—indirectly—against those he has saved—indirectly—and I believe you will find Veron more worthy of honor than of condemnation.”
    There was a shocked silence after Tarani finished, then Charol stirred. I forestalled whatever he had planned to say.
    “You invited us to help you judge one of your own for breaking the law,” I said. “Instead, we ask you to judge the Tightness of his actions and the reality of the law. We make this request not