149 Witnesses (2/2)

”But a true verdict has already been decided,” said Li. ”And what does it matter what happens to Chevrette's assets? If I remember the law correctly, if he's condemned, doesn't the crown seize everything? Wouldn't that be to your benefit?”

”Justice does not seek monetary reward, though yes, you are correct in that regard,” said Meld. ”However, that is not a path I wish to truly go down. A full condemnation would strip the Chevrette name entirely from the records and cast the late lord's daughter into poverty and homelessness. But beyond that, it is a matter of principle.

This investigation must be settled through the proper channels, with proper witnesses and a proper trial where evidence is laid bare and considered thoroughly under the scrutiny of lawpseakers.”

”Even if that means, as you say, Chevrette's daughter will suffer?” said Li. He actually did understand where Meld was coming from. The law should be blind and enforced uniformly and at a rigid standard for everyone.

Too often, that did not happen in his past life, leading to so many corporations and authorities flouting any law when convenient. Li was not heartless either, and he would have Count Alexei take care of Ella Chevrette as no daughter should suffer from the sins of a father whose sins she knew nothing about. It was suffering enough that Ella would have her world turned upside down at the thought of a father she thought loving and caring be accused as one of the worst evils in the city.

At the same time, Li could not let her keep her family name and estate. Without condemning Chevrette and breaking up all his business ventures, the farmers would still be bound to their contracts, and settling that would take even more time.

”Justice cannot discriminate, unfortunately,” said Meld. ”Proper testimonies must be produced before court.”

”And the spirit's words aren't testimony enough?” said Li.

Meld put a gloved hand to her back, where splinters from the Howling Ursine's descent had embedded. The wounds had been cleaned and patched over with bandages, but the bandages themselves still stood as reminders of the incident.

”I certainly would not wish to anger the spirit, but alas, taking the word of but one spirit, a spirit of tenuous mention in any historical record, that we cannot even question would not prove beyond reasonable doubt Chevrette's guilt.”

”You'd be more comfortable with real live witnesses you can talk to is what you're saying?” said Li. ”Is that how you want to justify imprisoning these beastwomen?”

Meld was quick to respond. ”It is not imprisonment. Simply temporary detainment.”

”Don't smell a difference there,” said Azhar.

”I can guarantee their safety and release after we have questioned them enough,” said Meld.

”What about the language barrier?” asked Li. ”The logistics of securing all of them without having them suffer? The knights here can't handle their strength, either. You'd have to bring in more heroes or a much stronger force.”

”There are Arcana scholars that know the tongues of the north. I will send for one. And the divine magic that the beastfolk rely upon will be severely dampened in the presence of anti-magic material.”

”Only anti-magic stone walls I know are the ones in the dungeons,” snorted Azhar.

”And That could take days to arrange,” said Li. ”Maybe weeks considering travel. You want to keep them locked up that long? How are you even sure you can even get them to the cells in the first place? What if they do escape?”

Meld sighed. ”I agree the situation is not optimal, but I attempt to use what I have at hand. At the least, I can guarantee I will personally oversee their detainment such that no harm falls to them.”

Li stood up and walked behind Meld. ”How about we reach a compromise?”

”What would you propose?” said Meld.

”You need testimonies you can write down and produce in a court, right? Then how about I give you witnesses, human witnesses far easier to work with than beastwomen that will literally fight you tooth and nail every step of the way. Witnesses enough to land a guilty verdict on Chevrette beyond any doubt, and in exchange, you let these beastwomen go?

”I could order you to hand them over now by the authority vested within me through the crown,” said Meld.

”And I could refuse,” said Li simply, allowing her to determine what the consequences would be if she pushed her authority.

Meld thought for several seconds – the first time she had ever spent an extended period of time thinking before speaking. ”Very well. The night has been messy enough. Let us settle this smoothly.”

Li walked out the Flagon doors and, illuminated under the lantern light of the entrance, waved his hand – the signal for Alexei's men to come.