Treason.

The word hung in the air for a long, painful few seconds. Each of them staring at Graham standing in the middle of the path, his face pale.

Vivienne was being accused of betraying the very people she was trying to help. Yet as angry as Hump was, it was worry that overwhelmed him. No wizard wanted to end up a prisoner of the Pantheon, and especially not for this.

“Tell me what happened from the beginning,” Countess Daston said. “Start with your time in the prison, Dylan. Every detail.”

Dylan pressed a hand to his head and wiped his face. He paced back and forth, crossing his arms and clasping his hands as if he didn’t know what to do with himself.

“It was as usual,” he began. “We arrived this morning and met with the various members of the Pantheon and Inquisitors. The Temple Guard always do a thorough search of our possessions, and they allowed us both through without issue. General Bennet was already in the prison—I think he had been speaking to the warlocks beforehand. He left soon after we arrived. Sir Roderick remained though, and he observed for most of my master’s session.”

“Most of the session,” Countess Daston said. “Was she alone for any time?”

“There was always someone there,” Dylan said. “Always at least two Temple Guard in the cell with us, and more observing. Vivienne conducted her research, made notes, and then packed up the black stone to leave. She spoke briefly with Sir Roderick, Eliana, and Abraxus, reporting on her progress, and then we returned to the lab. It was only a few minutes after that when the Temple Guard came for her.”

“They arrived with Sir Caelan,” Graham added. “Wizard Vivienne didn’t resist.”

Countess Daston massaged her forehead. “And you’re certain she wasn’t alone? No breaks? No quick moments where you left the room?”

Dylan shook his head. “None. I was there every second.”

Countess Daston let out a breath, putting a hand on her hip. “Imira guide me. It never ends. Did they say how the prisoners died?”

“They told us nothing,” Dylan all but snarled the words. “She didn’t do this, Countess. I know my master better than anyone, and I can tell you with absolute certainty.”

“If I may, Countess,” Hump said.

Countess Daston turned to them, seemingly only just realising that they had arrived to listen in. “What?”

“Dylan’s right,” Hump said. “All of us can vouch for Vivienne’s character. She’s innocent. Whatever’s happened, it’s either coincidence, or someone’s set her up.”

Hump leant toward the latter. It was too much of a coincidence that just as she was making progress with the black stones, this would happen.

“It must be Inquisitor Abraxus,” Dylan said. “He’s always had a grudge against her. Something must be done!”

“I am perfectly capable of judging one’s character myself,” Countess Daston said. “And this will not turn into another warlock hunt. We have enough of that already. You are right though—something must be done.”

She looked up at the sky, thinking. There was a presence to her that made all of them silent. Eventually, she turned to her butler. “Greg, prepare my carriage. And send instruction to Lord Hark and Starick; I want them to meet me at the House of Stone as soon as possible.”

“Should I request Sir Ricard’s presence too?” Greg asked.

“Yes, do that. Thank you.”

“Countess, please take me with you,” Dylan said.

She looked back to Dylan. “I cannot take you with me, however the House of Stone is a public building. If you happen to find your own way there… well, it would be out of my hands.”

Dylan frowned, but he gave his agreement.

“Let’s get our things,” Hump said quietly to the others. “I think that’s probably the end of today’s training.”

“I’m coming too,” Marcela said. “I’m sorry about your friend, Hump.”

Hump gave her a slight smile. “As am I. But she’s a wizard, this will be far from the first time she’s faced such prejudice.”

While the others collected their gear, Hump went to stand with Dylan. He stood with his hands clenched into fists, a quiet rage in his eyes that left Hump unsettled. He didn’t like seeing his friend like this. It didn’t fit him.

“We’ll get her out of this,” Hump said.

“It’s not fair. It’s not right! Everything she did, she did to help this city. How could this happen?”

Hump sighed. “I don’t know, but with Countess Daston’s help, I’m sure we’ll find out.”

“I hope so. I don’t know what I’ll do if we can’t.”

It would be a while before Countess Daston departed, so Hump and the others had plenty of time to reach the House of Stone before she arrived. When she did, it was a spectacle. Hump hadn’t quite realised how much attention a carriage could bring, but decorated in gold and marked with the sigils and flags of House Daston, it drew every eye in reach.

Only, Hump didn’t understand why. She was making a statement, announcing to the entire city that she had come here in person. Hump knew that there was a power struggle now that General Bennet had arrived on Duke Malar’s orders, but what purpose would a display like this serve?

Her entourage of lords were waiting for her when she descended the steps of her carriage, adorned in full battle gear, though—like her daughter—that meant light, cloth garments that allowed for speed and manoeuvrability over defence, and a large curved blade at her hip. She had the aura of a commander, and those around her simply fell in line, climbing the steps to the House of Stone. Her entourage of lords were already waiting for her, Sir Ricard amongst them, seemingly recovered from his injuries in Stonebark Forest. Hump felt essence stir around the group, and they spoke within, whatever they discussed concealed by some blessing or power that he could barely detect.

Hump and the others followed. It was Hump’s first time in the headquarters of the Temple Guard, and it more than surpassed his expectations of what a guardhouse could be. It was a three-story building situated on the outskirts of the Temple District, built off the main paths, and surrounded by enough guards outside that it was impossible to think of it as anything other than a military building, even if they attempted to hide it behind fine statues and holy markings. Stepping through the doors though, Hump could be convinced he’d stepped into a grand estate. Only, he felt every eye in the building on them in that moment.

The Temple Guard watched on with fear, taken aback by the countess’ sudden arrival. Likely not sure whether to stop her or welcome her. It didn’t matter, she strode past them as if they weren’t there.

The floor of the reception hall was of dark grey stone, and the furniture polished wood and luxurious fabrics. Down the halls, Hump saw what appeared to be offices, filled with cabinets and desk workers. There was a reception desk at the centre where two clerks sat. A stairway curved up to the second floor on either side, and from the balcony above, more guards and workers were watching them. Hump wondered where the warlocks would have been imprisoned, and where Vivienne was likely confined now.

“That’s General Bennet,” Dylan said, nodding toward the balcony.

It was easy to pick the man out. He had the presence of a powerful man, in both strength and status. He was older than Hump expected, with thin grey hair—something very rare amongst powerful Chosen—which meant he must truly be old. With him were Sir Roderick, Inquisitor Abraxus, Eliana, Randall’s father Lord Ferrand, and a number of other familiar faces that Hump couldn’t put a name to, though he was sure he’d seen many of them at the council meeting before going to Stonebark Forest. They talked quietly amongst themselves, a tension in the group that made Hump want to smile.

“It is good of you to come so quickly, Justine,” General Bennet said, a smile on his face. “I’m looking forward to consulting you on the matter of our new prisoner. I know having this traitor in our midst must have come as even more of a shock to you than any of us.”

Hump didn’t miss the arrogant smirk on Inquisitor Abraxus’ face beside him. This whole situation felt odd. This wasn’t the kind of thing you’d announce in public, unless he intended for this information to be spread. Hump frowned. Was he trying to pin the blame of this on Countess Daston?

“Quite a shock indeed,” Countess Daston said, anger seeping into her voice. “And a surprise too, for you to make such accusations public before a thorough investigation has taken place. I believe we have much to discuss, General, though I suggest a more private venue than the welcome halls of my House of Stone.”

The man’s smile slipped, a stern look overcoming his face. “Of course. I’m sure you will find the evidence quite conclusive. If you would like to join me up here, I’d be more than happy to present the details to you.”

“Wait here,” Countess Daston instructed the rest of them.

“Countess—” Dylan started.

“I’ll do everything I can for Wizard Vivienne,” she said quietly. “In the meantime, wait down here.” She pointed at one of the clerks at the reception counter. “You, ensure that my people are given a room to themselves.”

The man stood to attention and nodded. “Of course, your highness.”

She and the rest of her entourage went up to a private room above. Hump found the entire thing surreal. These people were amongst the most powerful in the kingdom. They were commanders of armies and cities, people that led defences in the Fallen Lands, legends in their own right. And they were all in Sheercliff.

Things must be even worse than they thought.

Beside him, Dylan stared up at the balcony as if he could peer through walls. It was going to be a long wait. All eyes were on them still, and they didn’t inspire much good will.

The clerk directed them to a large office on the ground floor where they were left alone.

“She’ll be alright,” Emilia said. “Sit down and try to relax.”

Dylan slumped into his chair and stared at the table. “You didn’t see what they did in there. It’s not mind magic—it’s more like soul attacks. It reminded me of…” he paused, seemingly remembering Marcela was there. “It doesn’t matter.”

Hump swallowed. If it was anything like what happened to him, he wouldn’t wish it upon his worst enemy.

“That sounds dangerously close to the powers of a warlock,” Bud said.

“I’ve told you before,” Hump said. “It’s a term that fits the context of a situation however the Pantheon see best. They’re all hypocrites. They only care that it suits them.”

“They wouldn’t dare harm her,” Marcela said. “There may be difficulties in Sheercliff right now, but she is under my family’s protection. Duke Malar may have sent Bennet here to take command of the defence of Sheercliff, and he may think he holds authority, but he may be in for a rude awakening. Nothing happens without my mother’s permission.”

They spent almost two hours in the room, waiting anxiously. When Countess Daston did return, she appeared calm. Dylan stood as she stepped inside. She was alone now, the other lords she’d invited gone.

“It’s not all bad news,” she said, addressing Dylan. “The brief summary is that they will not release Vivienne, but I have spoken to her directly. She is unharmed and in a good state of mind. I assure you, Dylan, no harm will befall her.”

Dylan sighed. “You can’t get her out though?”

Countess Daston shook her head. “Their evidence is weak, but suspicion alone is enough for them to hold her.”

“So, this is about politics,” Hump said.

Marcela sat up. “They’re trying to take over.”

“No, but General Bennet is under pressure from the duke and he needs to show results. His efforts at defeating the Telvar Mines Dungeon failed. If news got out that he’d let our only two leads die under his watch, it would certainly reflect poorly on him.”

“So he’s pinning this on my master,” Dylan said. “This is ridiculous!”

“Can you not overrule him?” Marcela asked.

“Not without good reason,” Countess Daston said. “And not without stirring up trouble with the various factions in the city. I must approach this through official channels. That begins with a thorough investigation. Until it’s concluded, Wizard Vivienne will remain imprisoned here.”

“What constitutes good reason?” Dylan scowled. “It’s all lies! She’s innocent!”

His anger shocked Hump. He was normally the calm one, but now he was pushing boundaries with the countess that might be dangerous.

“Dylan,” Celaine said, cautioning him.

“I’m sorry,” Dylan said. “I… I hate feeling so powerless.”

“What evidence do they have?” Hump asked. “Do they know how the warlocks died?”

“Soul’s Bane,” Countess Daston said. “It’s a poison administered orally, that targets one’s soul directly. It’s believed that the warlocks took it voluntarily, and that Vivienne was the one that gave it to them.”

“Why?” Dylan asked.

“Timing. This happened only a few minutes after you both left.”

“She’s being set up,” Dylan said. “My master was closer than anyone to finding the warlocks. Someone’s set her up.”

“Enough,” Countess Daston said, nodding toward the wall. “Those are strong accusations to be made in here. I have told you what I can. Until the investigation is concluded, I’ll maintain regular visits to ensure she is well. Graham, she asked me to give you these.” She placed a black stone and a notebook on the table. “She believes you are close to making it work. These are her notes from today.”

Graham took them. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“I want to speak with her,” Dylan said.

Countess Daston gave him a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry, but you cannot.”

“Please. I need to know she’s okay.”

“You are all under suspicion with this,” Countess Daston said. “Inquisitor Abraxus wanted to question you too, Dylan, but your Status as a Chosen was enough to hold him back for now. Nothing more will come of this today. I suggest you return home and try to get some rest.” She looked at Marcela. “Will you be joining me?”

“I’ll stay for a bit, if that’s okay.”

Countess Daston nodded. “I’ll see you when you’re back at home.”

She left after that, and soon the rest of them followed. As they were leaving though, someone called out behind them.

“Dylan!”

Hump turned to see Eliana hurrying down the stairs.

She approached them. “I wanted to speak with you before you left. I want you to know that I’ll make sure Vivi is okay. We’ll get through this.”

“I appreciate that,” Dylan said. “It’s Inquisitor Abraxus that caused this though. You must know she’s innocent.”

She gave him a sad smile. “I’ll do all I can for her. Abraxus is bull-headed, but he’s also a great man. Let the investigation play out, and we’ll see how things stand then. That’s not the reason I’m here though. Vivienne wanted me to tell you that she’s fine, and not to do anything reckless. I think she’s more concerned about you than herself.”

No, Hump thought. She’s telling me not to use the stone.

“Don’t worry,” Dylan said. “I’ll be alright.” He gestured to Hump and the others. “I’ve got my party to keep me in check.”

“Good. I’ll be in touch when I have news. If anything comes up in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’ll do what I can to help.”

The sky was darkening as they stepped outside, and Hump breathed in the cool winter air. He felt Dylan’s hand around his arm and turned.

“You can fix this,” Dylan said. “You can complete her research, and prove she was working in the city’s best interests.”

Hump looked around nervously, then whispered. “She told me not to. You heard her! If I’m caught, it could get her in even more trouble, and it could get me killed.”

“Like the risks ever stopped you,” Dylan growled. “We were wrong. We should have left this damned city from the start. Get my master out, and we’ll all leave together. Please, Hump. Someone’s set her up already. What if she’s the next one to be killed?”

Hump met Dylan’s eyes, gritting his teeth as he tried to think of a solution. In truth, he’d been thinking along the same lines since he’d spoken to Vivienne about this the other day. It was time to take matters into his own hands. Marcela told him he could count on her. That she owed him. It was time to call in the favour.

“I’ll try,” Hump said, grimacing even as he said the words. He really didn’t want to end up in jail—or worse—dead. He had to be smart about it. Unfortunately, no matter what angle he considered it, this seemed like a dangerous idea.