Vonner runs into Romorith in the hallway outside the court. She’s on her way there with the notarized paperwork detailing the agreement with Wymark. She notices an almost manic determination in her boss’s grin, but does not have time to stop and ask about it.

When Vonner arrives in the courtroom, Judge Nobakht and Nepe were already waiting for her there. When Vonner takes her place at the rail, guards bring in Wymark. Wymark, for his part, looks somewhat hopeful.

“People’s Advocate Vonner, Advocate Nepe, Hendry Wymark.” Judge Nobakht addresses each party with his intense gaze. “Have you come to an agreement to the terms of your plea?”

“We have.” Vonner and Nepe speak in unison.

“What are your terms?” the judge asks Nepe.

“In exchange for pleading guilty to the charge of misuse of class five magical item,” Nepe answers, “the accused, Hendry Wymark, will testify to the details of his actions in relation to the case against Adrien Bellemare in the unlawful turning of Marion Durandal into a vampire as unwilling Spawn.”

“Mr. Wymark, please explain your guilt to the court.” Judge Nobakht accepts the set of legal documents from Vonner.

“On Sunday night,” Wymark begins, taking a much more professional tone, “I had drinks at the Thirsty Pilgrim, and that is where I met Marion Durandal. She and I flirted and agreed to go with me to have sex elsewhere. We left the bar together at about the third bell.

“Outside behind the Thirsty Pilgrim we argued about where to go to have sex. She insisted on going to a crypt in the necropolis district. I wanted to go anywhere else. In the course of the disagreement, she revealed herself as a vampire and attacked me.

“I defended myself using the sword I owned. I confess that this sword is a class five magic weapon under the law. It was irresponsible of me to carry it while I was drinking. In the fight against the vampire Marion Durandal the magic on the weapon activated, and she was beheaded.

“I was afraid, so I left the scene at that time.” When telling the story without profanity it’s significantly shorter.

“Can you describe how you acquired this weapon?” The judge asks, concerned.

Wymark is not prepared for the question.

“I, um,” he pauses and sputters, “um?” Wymark looks to his lawyer, nervously.

“I have to counsel you to be honest.” Nepe gives her client an even stare. “This truth cannot hurt you.”

“Okay.” Wymark still sounds unsure. “When the tortugatant military attacked and the capital was abandoned, I found myself with the job of guarding the national armory. The rest of the military was retreating, so I helped myself to some of the things inside instead of leaving them for the turts. I think the sword might be a holdover from the Chosen, because it was way in the back in a fancy looking old chest. I picked it because the first few I grabbed all had rust on them, and it was easier to carry while running than the heavy pike I was issued.”

“This is a reasonable explanation.” Nobakht folds his hands in front of him. “We offer Our sincere condolences for the loss of your home, and are truly glad that you did prevent the tortugantants from adding such a powerful magical item to their own arsenal.

“How were you certain that Marion Durandal was a vampire at the time you claim that she attacked?”

“I saw her fangs,” Wymark answered, this one he did expect. “When she swiped at me, I saw her claws. Both vanished when she fell into the drainage canal.”

“When did she fall into the canal?”

“After she was beheaded.” Wymark nods. “I know that running water also harms vampires, but it was an accident that she fell into the water.”

“Are the details that the accused has described adequate to fit the requirements of your agreement?” The judge reviews the documents in front of him.

“They are,” Vonner agrees.

“What are the terms you chose?”

“We have agreed to drop the charge of failure to report destruction of uncontrolled mindless undead, and to recommend that the sentence for misuse of a class five magical item be the minimum allowed.” Vonner repeats what is on the document that Nobakht holds. The records require both written and oral confirmation of all detail.

“We find this agreement fair.” Nobakht signs the forms with a signature formed by ancient pictograms from an older form of written High Draconic. “Hendry Wymark, formerly of the Lantern States, We find you guilty of misuse of a class five magical item and sentence you to a fine not exceeding half the value of that item. Deliver your fine to the court in no less than five days or you will be required to pay the fine by spending a year working in the Two Rivers granary instead.

“Do you fully understand your sentence?”

“I do.” Wymark sounds immensely relieved.

“Advocates Vonner, Nepe, the court thanks you for your work in bringing this case to a speedy and fair conclusion. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by this court, and you should be commended for your achievement.” The judge brings the case to a close.

Vonner and Nepe shake hands before they leave the courtroom. A guard lets Wymark out of the gated area where the accused sit through the trial. He and Vonner leave to arrange the payment for the sword. They see the unnerving procession of the wizard with the force cage delivering Bellemare to the court while on their way out.