42 The Trial

There is a fire that burns within us all, and no matter how dim it flickers it never truly dies while we yet live.

It is the gentlest and cruelest thing, it can lead to wealth, happiness, or ruin.

What do I speak of? Think for yourself, I no longer wish to simply tell and be heard.

-A campfire's Guest

Guppy awoke, not that she had been soundly asleep, but she was jarred out of her pseudo slumber by the clank and creak of her door being opened.

She ignored it and lay with her body and head turned away and buried under the covers.

"Get up." commanded the voice that had haunted her thoughts, causing both her muscles to stiffen and her heart to throb as a spike of adrenaline raced through her.

She kept still, hoping against hope that he would just give up and leave if she ignored him.

"I know you're awake miss Cooper. Yes that means you in bed there, your breathing patterns are not those of one asleep. Emily, would you kindly help our guest out of bed and make sure she is presentable. We have an appointment to keep, and I am never one for being late.

Guppy heard footsteps and felt a surprisingly gentle but nonetheless strong grasp that had her out of bed and blinking in the light as she was set on her feet.

He was there in the doorway outlined by the light that came from behind him. The Man in Black gave her a curt once over, clapped to turn on the cell's lights, sniffed disdainfully, and turning around sharply, left the room.

In a moment of self pity Guppy thought about just slumping to the floor and letting them drag her wherever they wanted to go, but the wretch, He had named her Emily, who held her upright allowed no such actions, her grip may have been soft, but it was bloody strong.

Her voice mirrored her grip and spoke out in a rich low timbre, soft, no longer disguised by her previous rough rasp.

"Come Guppy, you have an appointment with the King, and it's best not to keep such a one waiting lest they decide you are more trouble than you are worth.

Best to get used to being called Henrietta Cooper, your new identity will be a shield for you in ways you cannot currently comprehend. Now stop acting like frightened boola and stand up straight."

Guppy felt a sharp slap on her back and her muscles tensed in reflex, she straightened and landed solidly on her feet as she was dropped.

She felt hands straightening her clothes, smoothing them out and fastening them where she had previously left them hanging loose.

Guppy had to admit they were comfortable, and fairly high quality if the smoothness of the cotton was anything to go by. Before long the black robe had been adjusted for modesty and covered her from arm to ankle.

A comb was run through her hair and Guppy almost jumped in surprise, before wincing as the comb started tugging out the knots she had accumulated over the last few weeks of captivity.

Her silver hair might be lustrous and silky when cleaned but it seemed it was not totally immune to a girl's daily troubles.

Once the knots were out the comb was soothing as it polished her hair. It even turned out to be a magitech tool, as with a flick of Emily's wrist and a low hum it released a mild heat that slightly curled Guppy's hair as it ran through it.

Guppy blinked, her emotions of being enslaved at odds with the sudden good treatment.

All too soon the comb stopped and a clean damp cloth was being used to scrub her face and neck.

Two cloth shoes were retrieved from under the broken table and pressed into her hands. Guppy's groomer then poked her until Guppy put them on.

Emily then went on to clean her hands and nails quickly, then satisfied with her work the woman firmly pushed Guppy towards the door.

Guppy took a deep breath, and then another, and squaring her shoulders walked out the door of her cell.

There the man in Black stood waiting. He cast narrowed eyes over her while clasping his hands behind his back.

"It'll have to do," He remarked, "we must be off or we will be late for your sentencing, and I would hate to miss the look on my rivals faces as they watch Gupalagia Bright, the subject of their covetous plans be sentenced and executed."

Guppy kept her tongue, but stiffly followed as The Man in Black strode swiftly down the dimly lit stone corridor.

And so the walk began, Guppy followed him down several turns and corridors until the pathway straightened and they walked what must have been several miles.

Her footsteps were loud on the stone compared to her light footed companions, the only sound to break the silence between the trio.

Eventually the stone changed, becoming darker and grimer as they passed through several locked doors in succession. The passage narrowed then, and they climbed an iron ladder twice, turning round a dizzying array of curves until The Man in Black finally stopped and fumbled with the wall in front of them.

A click, and a whir of gears followed by a soft thump sounded, and a section of wall swung outwards, revealing a luxurious study to their view.

Guppy followed, and stepped into the room, feeling the warmth from the crackling fire and the soft rug squishing down under her soft shoes.

The smell of cheese, fruit, and some kind of wine teased her nose and caused her stomach to gurgle in answer to the tempting smells presented it.

Alas they did not linger in the obviously comfortable and inviting room but soon exited it. Not through the large prominent door to one side, but through a smaller one hidden by a bookshelf that slid aside when a red volume on legal dialogues was pulled outwards by Emily.

A short walk through another narrow corridor brought them to a shadowed alcove high above a pillared hall filled with people in wealthy clothes and ringed with armed and armoured guards, all watching a trial take place.

A soft voice sounded in her ear, startling her from her awe.

"Welcome Miss Cooper, to the trial and sentencing of Miss Gupalagia Bright, heinous criminal, rebel, and soon to be deceased." declared The Man in Black with a small mocking bow.

Guppy felt a hand on her shoulder but shrugged it off. There was nothing right or comforting about what was happening down there, and Emily's hypocritical support was unwelcome..

Guppy's eyes swept across the crowd to the front of the audience chamber where a small figure knelt on a wooden podium. She was clothed in torn finery and had long brown hair covering her face. Her shoulders were slumped while the crowd booed, hissed, and snickered as a member of the King's guard read off a list of crimes the accused had committed.

Guppy almost laughed as she heard the crimes called aloud, she'd not thought half of them even possible. And 'Tax Evasion'? That was just insulting after the charges of rebel, traitor and assassin were thrown out.

"Who is she?" Guppy asked. "Who is dying in my place?"

"No one," The Man in Black answered, "A convenient body that will soon part with this unkind world, leaving her the better for it. Do not feel bad miss Cooper, for her death buys your life."

"But not my freedom." Guppy bitterly remarked.

"No, but it was an illusion to begin with miss Cooper. You were never really free, the great philosopher Kyne once stated thus, 'We are all of us enslaved.' Truer words I have never heard spoken. Your chains are just more obvious than some. You should be grateful for them. Your cage will be gilded, as befits a precious bird. Cry not for illusions lost. Instead sing, serve well and you will have far greater freedoms than you once had. But quiet now, listen as your doom is pronounced. Mine was just as entertaining once."

Guppy's eyes followed his outstretched finger. The King had raised his hands and the noise in the hall died down as he stood and spoke.

His voice boomed throughout the hall, the artificial volume no doubt due to some magic or device upon his person, yet still compelling for, or in spite of it.

"We have gathered one and all for good reason and grim purpose. Today we bear witness to the capture and punishment of one of the most terrible of criminals of this country. A person who colluded with our enemies and sought to destabilize our economy through terrible drugs, murder and false coinage! As the King of this nation it saddens me that one among us would attempt to ruin us all. It is with a heavy heart that I declare this traitor to be hung until dead, then have her corpse thrown to the beasts as carrion. May the twelve Divines have mercy on her soul."

The nobles clapped and smiled with false cheer as the King nodded and waved, before walking off behind the throne and disappearing from view. Guppy felt sick as people exclaimed in disgust and glee, watching as two guardsmen lifted the girl between them and dragged her out through the crowd.

She turned and faced The Man in Black.

"Why show me this? What was the point?" Guppy whispered as her stomach threatened to empty itself.

"The point? The point miss Cooper, is that we own you, and you can either fight it and make things exceedingly difficult on yourself, or, you can choose to be a productive member of society and reap the benefits. The sooner you realise this the better for you, and the less effort I have to expend in order to- Break. You."

A gleaming smile plastered itself on The Man in Black's face as he spoke, and Guppy almost clobbered him then and there, she certainly tried to, but her arm was caught mid air and held there by Emily.

"Emily, would you kindly inform miss Cooper on the military ranking within our country" The Man in Black requested, his eyes locked with Guppy's.

Emily spoke softly but swiftly as she held Guppy firmly.

"The King is the Grand Marshall, He has final say in all military matters; below him are the three Dukes of Darish who serve as Generals; under them are seven Count's who serve as Colonel's; beneath them are nineteen Viscounts who serve as Majors; down from them are Barons who serve as Captains; Baronets who serve as Lieutenants; and finally Commoners who can hold military ranks from Sergeant to Privates. An individual of Baronet class and upwards can be knighted, and knights hold a superior position within any rank they hold.

Emily finished and closed her mouth once more just as the Man in Black opened his.

"Now my dear, I am known as the Raven of Darish, and hold the position of Duke," stated The Man in Black, "And did you just try hit me a moment ago?"

Guppy felt a searing heat on her head flare up and yelped in surprise, even as she backpedaled and landed on her rear.

And it was too much, the burning and sudden dizziness followed by a sudden impact pushed Guppy over her tipping point. Her stomach's contents noisily splattered on the stone tiled floor.

The Man in Black, The Duke, looked upon her with mild distaste as he continued.

"You see my dear, if you try to rebel against your three commands, all that awaits you is the stick. By serving me you serve our country. Now do stand. We have an appointment to keep.

Guppy felt the odd compulsion in his words, it was a whispered persuasion that had her on her feet and following before she could think twice.

And somehow that scared her more than the noose her double now walked too.

........................

Guppy was led back to the luxurious sitting room, where they collectively stood and waited.

It could not have been but a few minutes, but time stretched as Guppy fought the panic in her chest. She did not know what to think. Were her thoughts still her own? Or was she just a puppet now? Dancing to another tune while thinking the steps were their own.

Was she even human anymore? Did she still have a soul? She had never been particularly religious, but even she had heard priests preaching at festivals or on holy days.

Was she a beast then? Something to be bought and sold?

A pet?

Guppys self examination was interrupted as the main door swung open and a large figure swept in, her eyes gravitated to the tall figure clothed in magnificent splendor.

He bore the signature golden locks and piercing blue eyes that the royal line was so well known for. his figure was large, but what had once been muscle and strong features were now sculpted by fat, softening his facial features and granting him a protruding belly.

The figure, no the King walked to the plush armchair by the crackling fire and plopped himself down, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Ahhh, that hall is bloody drafty, and winter's chills have come early this year. One of these days I'll have that stupidly uncomfortable iron throne melted down for scap. My Great grandfather must have been out of his mind when he commissioned it!"

The King dismissively nodded in their direction and proceeded to demolish the platter of fruits, crackers and assorted cheeses that lay to his left.

It was a messy affair, and one which Guppy looked enviously upon, her stomach had settled somewhat from its earlier upset and informed her that it was very, very empty.

But the meal ended as it had begun, abruptly. After a few seconds of poking around the King sighed and turned towards the waiting trio.

"So this is her then my Raven?" he asked, gesturing to Guppy with a wave of his hand. "She looks like she belongs in a Pink house, is she really 'The' omni point? Or did you bring her instead to warm my bed?"

Guppy bristled at the man's dismissive words and tone, but was at the same time glad of her currently drab clothing as the man's eyes dragged across her with a predatory gaze.

This man was her King? He was a lecherous slob, for all he dressed in satin and velvet beset with glittering gems.

"This is her sire, please observe," The Man in Black ignored his lieges disbelieving gaze and withdrew a testing crystal from his robes, handing it to Guppy. "Miss Cooper, if you would."

Guppy was tempted to throw the twelve pointed crystal in his face, or the King's. Her logical, self preservationist self triumphed over her emotional one. Barely.

So instead she let out a little sigh and pushed a thread of her mana through her hand and into the crystal, lighting up each of the twelve points with a different color.

The King leant forward, "Zarak's Teeth! I thought you were pulling my leg when I got the message- this crystal has been checked for accuracy has it not?"

"Of course my King. Emily, if you please." replied the Man in Black.

Emily took the pointed crystal from Guppy's open palm, her gloves did not seem to hinder her as two opposing points of the crystal lit up with light and shadow respectively.

The King stared in silence at the crystal for a full minute while the trio waited for his words.

At last he shakily spoke up once more. "What does this mean my Raven? When was the last omni affinity recorded?"

The Man in Black paused and considered his words before he spoke once more.

"I have looked through the records, and while they are not complete, there has never been known a case where an individual has all twelve affinities. Grand Archmage Feroaran was known to have six affinities during his reign two millennia ago. While I cannot say that one such as her has never existed, they have never been publicly known. I have already taken precautionary measures and bound her to you, and this kingdom using Queen Neferrishia's Choker. I believe with the right training and control she will greatly boost this nation's strength."

The King turned and stared into the cracking fire then, conflicting emotions marching across his profiled face.

Eventually he turned back towards his audience.

"Very well then, I shall not take her as a concubine, yet. Send her to the royal college and make sure she grows her powers. Then when she is ready I shall claim her to serve me personally. You said she has been collared with the Choker correct?"

The King received a nod from The Man in Black then turned his focus to Guppy.

"Well then first command: You will fall madly in love with me and fulfill my every whim."

Guppy shivered as she heard the words, she felt her glyph warm slightly, but no force or compulsion descended so she peered up, curiosity writ upon her face.

The Man in Black coughed politely into the awkward silence.

"My King, you may compel action, and over time even train someone's natural reactions with this choker, but the magic does not extend to control one's heart, that you shall have to earn on your own."

Guppy felt a relief of the tension that had gripped her with the king's words. This choker's curse had holes then, she would find them, and by the goddess Chrolia's breath, she would exploit them.

The King frowned at her, then after a moment opened his mouth once more.

"Here then is my command: You will study hard and learn to control your power at the royal academy of magic. You will graduate in two years time and then serve me at my side as my protector, enforcer, and concubine.

You will only obey commands from myself and Raven here until I countermand this instruction."

Guppy felt the command descend upon her, her branded glyph heating up as she fought it. It burned into her head until her sight blurred and she fell to her knees.

But her struggle was for naught, Guppy's mind twisted, and she found herself standing and bowing to the king as her will gave in.

"Yes, my King." the words left her mouth and it was done.

It. Was. Law.

Panicking and in a cold sweat Guppy turned inwards.

Guppy whispered to the recesses of her mind.

{Go away girl} came the sullen response.

For a second, for a minute, for an eternity there was silence in her head.

Then came a response, quiet at first, but growing in timbre and strength as it went.

{I have lost more than I can even remember. There is a gaping loss within me, and I fear I might never be whole again.

I am- scared little one. I fear the unknown, I fear I might continue to forget and fade until I am a whisper and a dream. I fear leaving this world with no one to witness that I lived. I fear I have failed my duty, and. I. do. not. know. what or who I have failed…

But I will try to help, if nothing else your death would be my oblivion. These last few days I have almost sought such, but a small mote has kept alight and driven me from that path.

I can feel it through our link, I taste it in your emotions. I hear it from your thoughts, and I see it through your actions.}

As Guppy listened to the dragon's words she felt a draw. She reached inwards towards it, and her surroundings grew dim. She followed the dragon's voice as it beckoned deeper and deeper, until she saw and approached a glimmering speck of light.

As she drew near, Guppy recognised the light for what it was.

An ember that lay smouldering, covered in ash. Blanketed by grey and bound by thin steel wires that dripped with hissing blood. The wires twisted too and fro to wrap the ember in a small spherical cage of rigid inky darkness that rotated slowly slowly around it. The gaps in the ball's construction gave short glimpses of the treasure within as the sphere moved and light escaped.

The light was faint. But it still BURNED.

Guppy drew near, then leant forward and blew upon the living cinder.

Light flared as ash fluttered away, and a golden fire roared forth through the gaps.

Yet the waves of rippling fire did not hurt her, instead it felt warm and as gentle as her mamwe's embrace even as it surrounded and caressed her.

Guppy smiled, and then feeling a presence looked up.

A Dragon looked back, it's head and body illuminated in the flaring light.

Guppy asked the beast as she looked past the fiery orb in front of her.

{Hope,} answered Batty, {Unreasonable, illogical, and defiant hope. Tempered with a promise of a reckoning. A balancing of the scales to come}

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Guppy gazed upon the massive scaled form in front of her, but felt no terror.

Batty looked much the worse for wear even as a spirit. His form was fuzzy, his body other than his head tembled and scattered into mist only to reform slowly, and scatter once more.

Guppy said,

Batty regarded her silently, his form towering over her in the gloom. He lowered his head until it was but inches from hers, then snorted out a breath that blew Guppy's hair back before answering her plee.

{Perhaps we do. A chance, a gamble of sorts exists. I remember one magic, one final piece of knowledge I have clung to. If you can find a piece of my former body I can create a new vessel for my soul, and with time I should be able to relearn my magics that were forged within. With those I might, might be able to undo what has been done to you. Find something of what I was Gupalagia, that I might be reborn.}

Guppy smiled and reached out, cradling the bound ember to her chest with both hands as she rested her head on Batty's.

Guppy left the space within and returned to herself.

The conversation in the cozy room had continued without her. Guppy had listened to none of it, but it seemed it was done as she was pulled to her feet and guided back into the passageway once more.

As she walked Guppy thought back to the words the crimson witch had whispered to her as the woman had bent over her in the moonlit alleyway.

All of a sudden they no longer seemed quite as insane or terrifying as she remembered, if anything they brought a sliver of hope to her. Kill the King and all his line? She might not be able to do it directly, but maybe her commands and restrictions could be bent, or circumvented.

With effort, skill and luck she might be able to use this blood curse to her advantage. And the witch could be the blade that brought her freedom.

Guppy smiled at the floor as she walked through secret tunnels towards her new identity and life. If she focused on certain perspectives things were looking up.

Guppy was to be taught how to use her powers, how to use magic by the best teachers of the realm. Magi was something she had wanted since she watched the royal airships sail across the sky as a child. Magic was something she had craved for years, and been denied by a cruel reality.

And now she had magic. Now she would truly learn how to use it as she trained with the elites of the Kingdom.

She would find and make allies, crush her oppressors and any obstacles between herself, freedom, and her family.

There would be a reckoning for what she had suffered. And when it arrived... She would be ready.

End of Act 2