A Way of Honor (Champions of the Crystal Book 2)

Chapter 2: The Accused

The detention area was in the military section of Palace Royal, which was mostly underground. Everything below ground was modern and utilitarian, a stark contrast to the crumbling grandeur above. Mukryilla strode down the bright corridors, receiving respectful nods and salutes from passers-by, while Sabrina hurried to keep up in her heavy skirt.

"You have been in combat?" Mukryilla asked abruptly.

"Yes," Sabrina said. "But not because I wanted to be. It just...happened."

"You fought Xoentrols."

"Yes, and androids, and Stanosians, and a great big psychic cloud called the Souleater," Sabrina said.

"And the Tirqwin fought with you?"

"Yes. Subcommander, I know he didn't do this."

"Being in combat with someone shows you what they are like as nothing else does," Mukryilla mused.

"I've fought beside him. I've watched him confront things that looked unbeatable, and I've listened to him when he needed to make sense of his own thoughts. He didn't do it. He couldn't have done it. I'd stake my life on it."

Mukryilla looked at her. "I believe you. That you believe in his innocence, I mean. And yet there is the evidence. It is very strange."

"You can say that again," Sabrina sighed.

"If he is innocent, why does he not refute the charges, instead of refusing to answer?" Mukryilla wondered.

"Because he's a stubborn old Tirqwin who needs some sense knocked into him," Sabrina muttered under her breath.

Mukryilla's lips quirked into a faint grin, which she instantly erased. "Here we are," she said, stopping in front of a blank door panel. "You may go in. Remember that your conversation will be recorded. When you finish, someone will escort you to your apartments."

"Thank you, Subcommander." Sabrina gave her a brief smile, then turned to the door and squared her shoulders.

Tirqwin was standing with his back to the door. Sabrina waited until it closed behind her before saying, "Well, this is a fine mess."

He turned, grinning wryly and spreading his hands. "It seems I am to get my death-wish. Congratulate me, Sabrina!"

Sabrina's hands clenched into fists. "You selfish bastard!" she said. "You are not going to just sit here and let them execute you for a murder you didn't commit!"

"And why not?" he asked. "It seems a comprehensive, if rather unfair, answer to my dilemma."

"It's not just your dilemma," she reminded him.

"Yes, but I'm the only one with the power to resolve it."

"And what does Khediva think of this 'noble' solution of yours?"

Tirqwin gave a snort. "She makes your reaction seem positively enthusiastic."

"As well she should! What do you suppose is going to happen to her if you're executed?"

"She had nothing to do with it."

"No, how could she, when you had nothing to do with it? Where were you really while we were on Allyria?"

"Checking up on me, Sabrina? Perhaps you doubt me."

"Did I ask you whether you killed anybody? No! I don't ask questions I know the answers to!"

"And what if I tell you that yes, I came here to Praxatillus and, on a sudden inspiration, assassinated the King?"

"Then I'll call you a liar as well as a fool."