Chapter 160: A Fighting Chance (1/2)

In all of his 84 years, Farin had only felt such an overwhelming hatred once before, on the day his dreams were crushed by his sister's sin. Now that he'd finally managed to claw his way back to something resembling his former influence, she'd appeared a second time.

[She is a demon in elven form. Banishment and enslavement were too good for her. I obviously need to make sure this never happens again.]

It took all of his will to not throw himself on the miserable cretin, and tear her apart with his bare hands. Well, that and her human protector. The strange golden-eyed youth had set off warning bells in the back of his head. Ones that he was having trouble dismissing.

Stepping back once the princess had gotten involved was actually something of a relief. However, every time he caught sight of his sister's abominably emotionless face, the old anger resurfaced.

”I am sure you are well aware that Pact Magic, while frowned upon, is not illegal in the Kingdom of Almir.” Princess Andrea was explaining, her posture signaling anxiety, even if her face remained calm. It was laughable the way these humans thought they could conceal their emotions from his practiced gaze.

Sneering, he delivered his most withering stare. ”A fact that has long been a point of contrition between our nations. However, it matters not. This creature,” He growled while pointing at the abomination, a small part of him was thrilled to see her twitch in response, ”is a citizen of Nirethial, and as such, is subject to our laws. She committed a mortal sin, and I would be well within my rights to slay her right here and now.”

A chill suddenly crept up Farin's spine as ice cold words split the air. ”Try it and you will be dead before you take your first step.”

Turindinal, the Eternal Blade who had been assigned as Farin's guard during the mission stepped in front of him, blade part of the way out of his sheathe.

”I would recommend you stop making this matter more difficult.” The princess commented coolly to the golden-eyed youth who'd issued the threat. Turning towards Farin, she continued. ”While she may be beholden to your laws, at the moment she is still a guest of our family and kingdom, and as such is afforded the same rights and protections of one of our citizens.”

It was a stretch, legalistically speaking. The only thing that might give credence to the princess's words was the Almiran traditions concerning guest rights. Taken loosely, the Duke had an obligation to protect those that sought shelter under his roof, and so protecting the abomination could be seen as an honorable duty. However, Farin had spent most of the last thirty years studying the culture and tradition of Nirethial's trading partners. He was quite aware that such an obligation only extended to those without an established allegiance, and therefore, didn't fully protect his exiled sister.

However, forcing the issue would require the authority of the Ambassador. Farin was hesitant to involve his superiors, at least at this junction. He'd spent decades rebuilding his reputation, he would like to avoid reminding them of his family's crime if he could avoid it. The wise move would be to simply bide his time, and have her taken care of quietly. Yet his pride wouldn't allow it.

She was supposed to have died already, or at the very least been subjected to torments and horrors that would have made her wish she was dead. The slaver he'd sold her to had assured him as much. At the time, it had seemed like a worthy punishment. Yet, here she stood, in good health as the guest of a Duke.

This couldn't be allowed.

Luckily, there was one more path available to him.

”You do your country credit, Princess, to honor your obligations even to one as abominable as this thing. However, I cannot bear to see that monster continue to draw breath after what she has done. She must be made to pay for her crimes. As such, I invoke the Blood Right.”

Andrea was taken aback, likely not expecting him to even know of the ancient custom. ”To do so, you must have a valid claim in the eyes of Almiran tradition and law. Simply being a Pact Mage is insufficient.”

”The source of her dark powers is but a trifle against her true crimes.” Drawing himself up to his full height, Farin prepared to give his declaration. ”I Farin Ulithindiel Lorethenica accuse Talitha Valikenateil Lorethenica of the most heinous of crimes.” He paused for dramatic effect.

”Matricide.”

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Mike glanced back at Tal in shock. Admittedly, he didn't know much about the elf, but he didn't think her capable of killing her own mother. However, tears were streaming down her otherwise emotionless face, eyes staring in a manner that suggested a horrified realization.

Andrea's mouth moved a few times, before she realized that she needed to continue in her current role. ”That's…that's a strong claim. Do you have sufficient evidence to justify it?”

The haughty elf grinned maliciously, ”I offer my own account. That monster's actions, the sins she committed, directly led to her mother's death. I am justified in making this accusation because the victim is also my mother. I swear as such, as an appointed Envoy of Nirethial.”

Andrea, looking a little sick turned towards Mike and Tal. ”I'm afraid his claims are valid. As such, it is within his rights to demand a trial by blood.”

”What does that mean exactly?” Mike growled. It was taking every ounce of his willpower to not simply incinerate the offending elf, regardless of his kinship to Tal. He could almost feel events aligning in another clichéd scenario, only this time it was directed at someone he cared about.

He couldn't recall ever being this furious before.

Andrea hesitated, ”A fight between the disputed parties, until one side yields, is no longer able to continue, or perishes.”

Mike glanced back at his distraught companion. Judging from her still vacant expression, she was in no state for a life and death battle. Turning back towards the princess, ”I assume there is some procedure for a stand-in to fight for the accused, right?”

”That is correct. Are you wishing to serve as her champion?”

”Yes.” Mike answered simplt.

”Is that acceptable to you?” Andrea asked Tal.

For a second the room held its breath, as the elf looked at Mike with guilt ridden eyes. He mouthed, 'it's alright, just nod” in an effort to bring this to conclusion. Finally, her head bobbed in acquiescence.

”Very well, the accused party is prepared. Accuser, will you be taking part yourself, or selecting a champion?”

Mike took a second to use Appraise on the envoy.

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Farin Ulithindiel Lorethenica

Age: 84