The Runesmith

“Any word from father?”

“I’m sorry my dear, your father is a busy man, I’m sure he would be here if he could but…”

“I understand…”

Two people were talking in front of a large chamber door. One was an older woman, who concealed her age beneath a layer of thick makeup. The other was a younger girl with similar features - her daughter, Lucienne. Not far behind them stood a lone man shrouded in mystery, his identity unknown to everyone except the daughter and her elder brother, whom they had all come for.

‘So, the old bastard never did show up in the end… but perhaps there is still some time for him to make an appearance, that is if all goes well with the plan…’

Roland looked at his stepmother and sister trembling in front of the chamber that led to the courtroom where Robert’s trial was about to commence. The air was thick with tension, and the stone walls of the building seemed to close in on them as they waited. Graham De Vere and Count Laurence were already inside and preparing for the hearing to start. Guards stood everywhere, waiting for Robert to be escorted in and for his trial to start.

“Can’t you at least take those off, my son is not a criminal!”

Francine Arden was the first one to call out as she spotted her sun moving slowly towards the courtroom, shackled in heavy chains. Robert's wrists and ankles were bound, and a small group of armed guards flanked him on both sides. The sight was a bitter one for Francine, whose fierce maternal instinct flared up at the indignity of seeing her son treated like a dangerous conflict. The guards, however, were unmoved by her protests. Their orders were clear: treat Robert Arden as a dangerous suspect until the trial concluded.

Roland watched silently from a distance, his face impassive beneath his helmet. Robert, his brother noticed his form close to one of the walls. If not for the helmet their eyes would be meeting at this moment and a nod would be exchanged. Close to three days earlier the two had a long talk and now was the time to put their plan into action.

Soon the gates swung open and his brother was escorted inside. The room was a grand, imposing space and surprisingly constructed in a mere three days. There was no official courtroom at the De Vere estate but just for this occasion they had prepared it. The courtroom was an intimidating sight, with high ceilings and stone walls that echoed with every step. The Count spared no expense, the room draped in dark banners displaying the De Vere family crest.

‘I think this was originally used as a ballroom. They really put some effort into it, even when no one will really witness it besides us.’

At the far end of the room, a raised dais held the seat for the presiding judge, who in this case was Count Laurence. Count Graham De Vere stood slightly to the side, his posture confident and his gaze focused on Robert. Just as they expected, his daughter was nowhere to be seen and would not be here to testify. Instead probably people that Graham personally prepared would be there to paint Robert in the worst possible light and get him convicted of a crime he never committed. 

As Robert was led into the grand courtroom, every eye was on him. The clanking of his chains echoed ominously in the high-ceilinged room and he was led to the center. Roland was his main defense and was in a position similar to a lawyer. Francine, surprisingly, had been easy to sway with a few well-chosen words from Lucienne. Mages were known for their intelligence and sharp wit, and this had been enough to secure her agreement. However, Robert was still uncertain about how she would react once she learned the full extent of their plan.

‘This is probably the last chance, are you sure you want to go through with this? We can try fighting it the normal way, we might even be able to bring it to the high-noble court where Graham has less power…’

‘I’m sure, he would never allow that to happen.’

Roland sent a hidden voice message to Robert under the nose of a few mages. He attempted to sway him one last time as what they were about to do was rather extreme and could end in disaster. But Robert's resolve was unwavering. He had spent three days contemplating every possible outcome, and in his mind, this was the only way to secure a future for both him and Lucille. He responded with a firm nod, signaling to Roland that he was ready.

‘Very well, then. Let’s begin.’

Roland muttered, more to himself than to anyone else. Count Laurence, acting as the judge, signaled for the proceedings to commence. The courtroom settled into a tense silence, with only the rustling of papers and the occasional cough disturbing the silence. 

"Robert Arden." 

Count Laurence began, his voice echoing through the grand chamber.

"You stand accused of attempting to abduct Lady Lucille De Vere, a serious crime that threatens the peace between noble families. The evidence against you is compelling, yet you maintain your innocence, is that correct?”

Robert was given the question and finally allowed to speak. The people within this courtroom were all paid actors with only Count Laurance belonging to a neutral party. Winning in a situation like this was a near-impossible task. Robert knew that the odds were heavily stacked against him, but he also knew that this was his last opportunity to take control of the situation.

"That is correct, your lordship. I maintain my innocence."

Count Laurance nodded but Count Graham wasn’t having it as he slammed his hand down on a nearby table in protest. 

"Even now, this hoodlum denies it. Bah, Count Laurence! The evidence is irrefutable. My daughter nearly lost her life to this vile criminal, and he dares to claim innocence in the face of such overwhelming proof?"

The chubby count was taken aback by the sudden crack produced by Graham’s voice. Roland could tell that the man was good at acting as the delivery was almost perfect. He could even see the man tear up as if what Lucille told him a few days ago never happened. Luckily, this wasn’t Laurence’s first case so he managed to quiet him down.

"Calm yourself, Count Graham. The trial has just begun. We must allow the accused his chance to present his case. Justice must be served impartially."

Count Graham was fuming, but when called, he simply nodded curtly, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Robert. The courtroom was filled with guards, estate workers, and various other witnesses from the city and beyond. Among them, Robert even spotted an old classmate, likely bribed by the Count to tarnish his reputation. This wasn't a high noble court, so truth potions or spells that compelled honesty couldn't be used - at least not yet. They would need to present their case convincingly before such measures could be employed. Graham knew this well and was prepared to use every resource at his disposal to influence the trial's outcome.

“My apologies, Count Lawrance, my emotions got the best of me…”

Roland remained composed as the trial began, knowing that every word spoken and every gesture made would be scrutinized by Count Laurence, who sat in judgment, as well as by the many onlookers present. It was not lost on him that the room was filled with people sympathetic to Count Graham, and that he and Robert were vastly outnumbered in both influence and support. Nevertheless, Roland, none of this mattered as before the trial could start it would already be over.

“Now then, why don’t we…”

Before Laurence could finish the sentence, Robert finally raised his head up and shouted and his words instantly silenced the entire courtroom. 

“I wish to invoke the Right of Trial by Noble’s combat.”

A needle could be heard as Robert shouted so that everyone could hear it. He invoked an old rule where noble-born could free themselves by ways of combat. This look was an ancient one from the chaotic times of the kingdom and was now rarely used as it was very unfavorable towards the defending side. 

“... You wish to do what!? Young man, I’m not sure you understand the gravity of that law, please reconsider, we haven’t even started…”

The declaration sent a wave of shock through the room. Even Count Laurence, who had remained composed throughout, seemed taken aback. Count Graham's face flushed with disbelief then anger but eventually settled on glee. To him, this didn’t change much as his opponent was setting himself up to failure. The law only favored people of unmatched strength and Robert was not one of those, any one of his knights would be enough to end this farce. 

Roland remained silent, letting the weight of Robert's words sink into the room. This was the law he had been referring to during their secret conversations. It was a gamble, but it was also their best chance. The Right of Trial by Combat allowed the accused to challenge their accuser to a duel, with the outcome determining their guilt or innocence. It was risky, but it bypassed the need for a trial that was heavily stacked against them.

“You wish to invoke that old law? I didn’t know you were this ignorant.”

Just like Roland expected, Count Graham didn’t see a problem in using this law. From his perspective, this was an easy win. This law had one large flaw, it allowed people of higher levels and even tiers to take part in the duel. Robert was not yet a tier 3 class holder and by the rules, a fresh tier 3 knight would be allowed to face him. There was no reason to believe that he could win and even with his help, their chances of victory were low. Luckily, the person of the lower level was able to use enchanted weapons, something he took into account when making this outlandish plan. 

"Young Arden." 

Count Graham sneered.

"Do you really think you can win a trial by combat? Against one of my knights? You're either braver than I gave you credit for, or more foolish."

Count Laurence, the presiding judge, was duty-bound to uphold the law, no matter how ancient or seemingly out of place it might be in modern times. He hesitated, clearly troubled by the request, but in the end, he could not deny Robert his right.

"As per the law, the accused may invoke the Right of Trial by Combat…”

“Wait, Lord Laurance, please wait!”

Before the judge could allow the verdict, Francine Arden who had been hearing this from the side shouted in protest. She knew this law as well and knew that it was suicide. Count Laurence turned his gaze towards Francine Arden, who stood with visible distress. He raised an eyebrow, signaling for her to continue.

“Lord Laurence, you can’t allow this! My son isn’t equipped to face one of those knights. It’s not fair, and it’s not justice!”

Count Graham interjected with a cold, dismissive tone. 

“Count Laurence, there’s no need for hesitation. The law is the law. If the accused wishes to invoke it, then he must face the consequences.”

Laurence’s face betrayed a moment of inner conflict but before he could speak up, Roland stepped forward to make his case. He raised his hand and after confirmation from the judge, he began to speak. 

“Dear Judge, Robert Arden wishes to partake in the duel, however. His body is still weak due to the treatment he received. The methods I used to heal him will not allow him to participate at his full strength unless he rests.”

“He is still injured?”

“Hah, you think that’s an excuse? He was the one that invoked the duel, are you trying to go back on your decision?”

“No, I just wish to postpone the duel until he is better and more able to defend himself. To make it a fair fight, we must ensure that Robert Arden is in a condition that allows him a reasonable chance of victory.”

Count Graham was not having any of it as from his perspective, Robert was trying to weasel himself out of taking the duel. He assumed Roland wished to take Robert out of the estate and make a run for it, something that he would not allow to happen. 

Count Laurence, struggling to keep the proceedings orderly, glanced between Graham and Roland. The old Count’s demeanor was far from approving, but he had no choice but to follow the law and consider Roland's request. If the person was injured, then the judge had to postpone the fight. It was a clause created to give a person time to prepare and considering that Robert had been tortured, Laurance thought that there was merit to this proposition. 

“Your request is not unreasonable, given the circumstances, did you have a date in mind?" 

“Yes, how about a month?”

“A month? Are you sane?”

Once Graham heard the words uttered by Roland he started getting mad. The idea of delaying the duel for an entire month was absurd to him, and he made no effort to hide his disdain.

"Tomorrow is more than enough time for him to recover from whatever minor injuries he has, this is nothing more than a stalling tactic!"

Graham was right, Roland needed to stall this as much as possible. His plan hinged on having enough time to prepare Robert’s runic gear to topple a tier 3 class holder. He was sure that he wouldn’t get a full month but it was always better to start bartering from the top. 

"Count Graham, with all due respect, you must understand that Sir Robert was not just injured; he was subjected to severe mistreatment. I merely seek a fair trial by ensuring that he is in a condition to defend himself properly. His wounds run deeper than his flesh, he needs more time to recover for it to be fair."

Count Laurence, who had been listening to the exchange with a thoughtful expression, finally intervened. 

"Enough. Both of you make valid points. However, as the presiding judge, it is my duty to ensure that justice is served, and that includes ensuring the accused is given a fair chance."

He paused, his gaze shifting from Roland to Graham. 

"Given the circumstances, I will allow a delay, but not a month. The duel will take place in one week. This will give Robert Arden sufficient time to recover and prepare, but not so much time as to unfairly prolong these proceedings."

Graham's lips thinned into a displeased line, but he did not object further. He did not want The week delay, but it was better than a month. Roland, on the other hand, shook his head in disapproval. He knew that he was not getting a month out of it but a week wasn’t optimal either. 

“Judge Laurance, could you reconsider, a week might not be enough time for Sir Robert to recover and prepare for the bout of his life…”

Graham was even more displeased at the attempt to prolong it further than a week but he remained silent.

“Very well, ten days and not a day longer!”

"Thank you, Count Laurence, Ten days will be enough. I hope you will also allow us to prepare a larger holding room for Sir Robert so that he can prepare for the duel and rest.”

Count Laurence took a moment to consider Roland’s request. He knew the intricacies of the law well, and while his instincts told him that Roland was stalling for time, the request was within reasonable limits. A larger holding room would ensure that Robert could recuperate and also help him get back into fighting form.

"Very well, Robert Arden will be moved to a more suitable chamber where he can rest and prepare for the trial by combat. However, he will remain under heavy guard at all times. I will not tolerate any attempts to flee or tamper with the proceedings."

Roland bowed his head respectfully. 

"Thank you, Count Laurence. We appreciate your fairness in these matters."

Count Graham, still fuming but unable to voice any more objections, simply grunted. 

“Hmph, I’m not sure what you are planning but… you made a terrible mistake, my knight will make short work of this criminal.”

As the session was adjourned, the room slowly began to empty. Count Graham and his allies exchanged whispered words as they exited, no doubt planning their next moves. Roland, however, remained behind with Robert as the guards prepared to escort him to his new chamber.

“Ten days… in ten days, I’ll have to make you a power suit to beat a tier 3 class holder, should I call it that, a power suit? Well… I guess I’ll think it through later but now, I need to get to work…”