When Twins War: Book I

Chapter Twenty

Ay refused to give Tarkanyon any answers. With no patience left, Tarkanyon arranged for Ay to stand a public trial in the courtyard of Raud the next day. Tarkanyon conducted the trial and was expecting Altana to protest but instead he simply agreed to it.

After the families and people of the villages heard of Ay's arrest, the family of the first and second kidnapped children came forth to testify. Ay refused to explain the meaning of the kidnappings and Tarkanyon addressed him in the presence of them all.

"These are the charges brought against you," he said, "and this is unjust, Ay. Now you have seen and heard the evidence brought against you. Tell us the meaning of your actions, or risk the king's judgement."

"This is done for the protection of us all," Ay rasped in reply. "But that is all I can say – no more, and now no less. I plead the justice of this trial, Outlander, for it is based upon ignorance and not true knowledge."

"Liar!" cried someone from the crowd.

Tarkanyon held out his hand, silencing the escalating crowd. "How am I supposed to have true knowledge of the events if you refuse to enlighten us? I personally have been trying to get answers from you, but you refuse to explain. So then, tell us now how this all means protection for these people."

Before Ay could continue, Altana stepped in to the centre of the courtyard.

"Tarkanyon," he began. "As I have spoken with you: this is a royal servant of the king, he ought to be put in proper respect and tried correctly. We cannot have the peasants revolt against the king's own servant as they are doing today. We came to ensure the revolts would stop, not escalate and continue."

Tarkanyon looked at him in disbelief. "You have not protested this trial until now, and I gave you ample time--"

"I protest it now. Let us not continue."

"He has committed crimes against these people – crimes your own laws will not permit, even for the king!" Tarkanyon replied. "The trial here is to decide if he should be tried at the king's court!"

"Let him go!" cried a woman from the crowd. "He is good to us!" She tried to break through some of the Foré soldiers and Outlanders but to no avail.

Tarkanyon was perplexed. What was Altana doing? He seemed delighted earlier on about a trial for the Earl and seemed to despise the man. What was he looking to achieve now?

He became aware of the Earl's support now. More of the villagers called for his release. Altana took his chance immediately. "See!" he cried, for all to hear. "The people ask for his release. It would be an injustice to them to take their only lord - and protection - from them!"

"It is an injustice to the parents of these children for Ay not to be tried for his actions!" said Tarkanyon, snorting with anger. He saw Altana nod to some of his men and the crowd began to become more louder.

"We are going to have a mob here – for the sake of peace, then, let him go!" Altana cried. The crowd began to grow more violent, shouting and swearing at the Outlanders.

"I have no idea what you are attempting to do," Tarkanyon said to Altana, competing with the noisy crowd. "But I do not like it and justice must prevail. It is right for him to be tried by the king. If he is innocent, the king will let him go. Now stop inciting the--"

"No," said Altana loudly. "It is my country, not yours. I decide what's best for this country – not you! Who are you to think you can decide what is best?"

The mayor, Jowel, was standing close by and overheard the conversation. "It is my country too, Altana," he said. "And I believe he is to be tried at the court. The king himself asked for the Outlanders to come."