‘Well…yes. But she was good. By which I mean she was wild. Deranged, possibly. There was no reasoning with her.’

‘Did you

try

to reason with her? Or did you simply order her aside so you could get at the non-combatants? Isn’t it possible that-’

‘Objection, my lord!’ Laffon was up again. ‘It seems the accused is trying to imply a justification of self-defence for this terrible event. And if he is, isn’t that as good as admitting that he was present?’

‘I’m inclined to agree,’ the judge replied. ‘Also, the exact circumstances of the incident are secondary to the fact that three law-keepers were killed. There can be no justification for that, and anyone present, in whatever capacity, must be seen as an accessory. This line of questioning will cease. Does the accused have any more questions?’

Kinsel wearily shook his head and sank back onto his chair.

The harbour watchman was dismissed. Then the judge instructed Laffon to deliver his final arguments.

‘Your Honour, I do not propose wasting the court’s precious time on a lengthy summation of the prosecution’s case. The facts speak for themselves. We have heard from the two highest officials of the esteemed paladin clans, and they left us in no doubt of their conviction that Kinsel Rukanis is a dangerous and manipulative individual. In respect of the evidence of Aido Brendall, the court was presented with the testimony of a dedicated and courageous public servant who related how the accused was involved in a vicious act of violence. And you will have noted, Your Honour, that Rukanis did not deny being present at the docks the night murder and mayhem were doled out. My lord, the fact that Kinsel Rukanis is a man of some notoriety makes his crimes all the worse, for such as he should always set a law-abiding and patriotic example. One element of the accused’s personality has not been mentioned in court today, but is well known. I refer to his espousal of pacifism. This, too, has a bearing on the issue of patriotism. For how can a man be called a patriot if he does not believe in fighting for his country, and who, indeed, encourages others to embrace his skewed doctrine? What distorted view of the world is it that sees cowardice and contempt for one’s homeland as virtues to be championed? For such a philosophy, if it can be dignified with so noble a title, and for the evidence we have heard today, there can be only one verdict.’

‘The accused may speak in his defence,’ the judge directed.

Kinsel turned weary eyes upon the judge. ‘Is there any point?’

‘The people must be satisfied that the due process of law has been observed. I won’t have it said that a defendant in my court was not allowed to put his case.’

‘My lord, I’m sure that’s what the people say already. The difference between me and all here is that I regard my fellow citizens as possessing the intelligence to decide between true

justice and a sham. And I believe, passionately, that genuine justice is the birthright of every man and woman, whatever their walk of life, and however their hopes and aspirations are seen by their rulers. I didn’t expect a fair trial. I wasn’t disappointed in that.’

‘A pretty speech, and one not designed to wring sympathy from this court. The scribe will strike that portion of the proceedings from the record, and say only that the accused turned down the opportunity to speak on his own behalf.’

The scribe gave him a small bow and scored through what he had written.

‘I see no need to retire and contemplate the evidence presented here,’ the judge declared. ‘The facts seem clear cut to me. However, as no direct evidence has been presented that portrays you as an actual participant in violence, I am minded to be lenient.’

A tiny spark of hope was ignited in Kinsel’s breast.

‘Nevertheless, the charges

are

grave, and a law lord must always be aware that the punishments he hands down should act as a deterrent to others. Kinsel Rukanis, I find you guilty as charged. By virtue of the powers invested in me by the constitution of Gath Tampoor and its protectorates, I sentence you to be delivered into the custody of the naval branch of the correctional system. You will serve an indefinite term of hard labour as part of a galley crew. And may the gods show you mercy for the wrongs you have committed.’

It was a false hope. Being condemned to work as a galley slave was as final as a direct death sentence. The only difference was that working the galleys meant a death more lingering, more prolonged than one by the rope or block.

‘It is the wish of this court that the sentence be carried out without delay. Take the prisoner away.’

All Kinsel could think of as they manhandled him from

the dock was Tanalvah and the children. And of the child she carried, that he would never see.

As he was led past the Bastorrans and Laffon, he saw that they were in good spirits.

‘We’re all taking a hell of a risk,’ Caldason whispered.

‘It’s for Tan,’ Serrah told him. ‘This is probably going to be the last glimpse she’ll have of him. How could we begrudge her that?’

The street was lined with people. Not packed six deep as they would be for an eminent visiting dignitary or a festival day, but a substantial turnout nevertheless, especially during an hour when most should be working. Enough of a crowd for those who didn’t want to attract attention to hide themselves in.

Reeth and Serrah, hooded and soberly dressed, stood on the kerbside. Tanalvah and Kutch were situated nearby. Around them, mingling in the press, were a score or so Resistance members who had volunteered to act as bodyguards if the need arose.

‘Shouldn’t be long now,’ Serrah reckoned. ‘But I still can’t see why we couldn’t have planned some kind of ambush.’

‘Look around. Not only are there a

lot

of uniforms about, you can bet there are as many plainclothes agents on duty. And the way these people work, they’ll have somebody in

the wagon with Kinsel ready to cut his throat at the first sign of trouble.’

‘The bastards would do it too, wouldn’t they? I feel so

helpless

, Reeth.’

‘That must be the least Tanalvah’s going through. Maybe you should go to her.’

‘Yes, I was just thinking that. I’ll swap with Kutch.’

He nodded and she slipped away.

Once Serrah had sidled up to Tanalvah, she said, ‘Kutch, why don’t you go and stand with Reeth now?’

‘I’m all right here, Serrah.’

‘Kutch.’

‘Oh. Right. See you later, Tanalvah.’

She gave him a soft smile and he wriggled into the crowd.

‘Silly question, Tan, but how are you?’ Serrah asked in an undertone.

‘It’s funny, but I’ve kind of gone beyond rage and despair and all the rest of it. I just feel numb.’

‘You’re still in shock. So perhaps being here isn’t the greatest idea in the world.’

‘No, I want to be here. I need to be. You understand that, don’t you? You wouldn’t make me leave?’

‘Of

course

not. It’s why we’re all here with you.’

‘You know, I’m really proud of Kinsel.’

‘Naturally you are. I know that.’

‘I meant especially proud of him because he didn’t crack under…torture.’ There was a tiny catch in her voice when she came out with the word.

‘We don’t know that he was tortured, Tan.’

‘Please, Serrah; I’m not naive. It’s good of you to try to protect me, but I know what these people are capable of. I had enough experience of their sort when I was a whore back in Rintarah.’

‘Sorry.’

‘But the important thing is that Kinsel didn’t give any names. Nobody suffered because of him.’

‘He’s a very courageous man.’

‘Yes. But not everybody believed that, did they? They said he’d break down and put lots of people in danger.’