Gabel lead Elara through the double doors into the Earls Council room.
It was a large room with a long wood table in the center.
Seated at one end was the Earl of Loverne who Elara had seen many times before.
He had a curious look on his face as he rested his elbows on the table.
Across from him at the other end of the table was who she assumed to be Riftan Calypse. He sat stiff in his chair and watched as Gabel led guided her over to a seat.
Once she sat down Gabel pulled a chair out and sat beside her.
The Earl rubbed his fingers through his beard and arched an eyebrow as he spoke, "I am told a crime has been committed."
Gabel eyed the Earl, "That's right. The commander of your knights, Philip Weston has broken his knightly oath! He threatened and assaulted this woman, as well as the family she resided with."
The Earl's eyes widened upon hearing this.
Elara nervously glanced over at Gabel.
"This woman is also a mage protected by the World Tower. What he has done is enough to strip Loverne of ever being able to occupy another mage again."
Elara took notice to Count Calypse's face. His expression was one that appeared to find familiarity with Gabel's statement.
The Earl rubbed his head, "When did this assault take place?"
Sensing all eyes to her, Elara nervously placed her hands on the table.
"It happened several times. The most recent being the day before last."
"I see," the Earl clasped his hands together then shouted, "Bring me Weston immediately!"
The two guards standing by the door rushed out to fulfill their lords command.
"You look familiar, pray where about in Loverne do you reside?"
Elara swallowed, "The farm on the outskirts of the village. Perhaps I look familiar becuase I was once the mage for your knights."
The Earl squinted his eyes at her for a moment while studying her face. He then nodded his head, "Ah yes. That is where I have seen you before."
A minute later the doors to the council room opened and the two guards reappeared with Philip Weston behind.
Elara felt Gabel's hand brush against her arm.
The Earl furrowed his brows and rose his chin while speaking, "There has been a report of a crime. Did you threaten and assault this woman and her family?"
Philip let out a short laugh and glanced at Elara before turning back to the Earl to respond.
"My lord, this woman practically begged me to save her from her hard life. She even tried to get me to take on her bastard child. She is a wanton woman my Lord, nothing more!"
"You dare!"
Gabel lurched forward in his chair but was brought back down by his Commanders large arm.
"Calm down Lachzion."
The Earl looked back to Elara and spoke, "Well, what happened woman? Speak."
"This man came to where I resided and threaten to burn it down with my family inside if I did not go with him and...." for a moment she lost her words.
Heat rose to her face.
Why did she feel humiliated by what this monster of a man had done?
The Earl snapped her out of her thoughts by shouting, "And? Speak freely woman!"
"And he raped me. Several times. He also promised to have my son killed if I ever spoke of it to anyone."
Philip turned his piercing gaze to her, "You lying Bitch!"
