Shifting Stars by Gary Stringer (best fiction books of all time txt) 📗

of Tempestria, especially from the harmful effects of magic. The Black were mostly interested in the security and protection of magic, arguably from the harmful effects of people, which often manifested in the form of a lust for power. The Red were focussed on promoting the advancement of magical knowledge and encouraging diversity in magic.

Choosing one of the three magical colours was not compulsory, but it was highly recommended as it gave one a voice on the Council and support in cases like the one Cat was now facing.

*****

Renjaf, not being one to leave his tower unnecessarily, had already given the Council his full testimony that backed up his claim that Catriona Redfletching had attacked him, destroyed his home and stolen his property in the form of one book, namely Shifting Stars.

Cat now had the opportunity to give her side of the story. She told the truth, although she did omit anything to do with pretending to be a Trickster, because it wasn’t directly relevant, and Jacob’s help, to protect him from the consequences of her choices.

Throughout the proceedings, the Red robe leader used her magic to cause a pen to write out a complete record without her having to hold it. Every now and again she spared it a glance as if to check it was working correctly, but generally, she was able to leave it to its own devices. Cat hadn’t seen that kind of magic before and tried to distract herself from her own nerves by considering how it might work.

The reactions of the three leaders were in deep contrast to one another. Maia of the White was keen to focus on the ‘unprovoked attack’ on one of her order. Justaria of the Red argued that it was far from ‘unprovoked.’ As for Laethyn of the Black, he wasn’t remotely interested, saying, “If this young druid were a Black robe, we would have dismissed this Conclave and be calling for a counter-claim.”

“Counter-claim? On what grounds?” Maia demanded to know.

“For the obstruction of her growing magical power. As it is, I say we should throw the whole thing out. If we vote, I’m going to rule in her favour, and so are you, Justaria, we both know it, and your vote counts twice, so that’s three. It doesn’t matter how Maia votes, so let’s not waste any more time.”

“I appreciate your position,” Justaria said, smoothly, “but due process must be observed. You cannot presume to know how Maia or I will vote before we have considered all the facts.”

“Thank you, Justaria,” Maia said. “I am pleased to know you are taking this matter seriously.”

“I strive for balance in all things,” Justaria told her colleague. “Especially justice.”

Laethyn was incredulous. “You can’t be serious, Justaria! You won’t guarantee to support one of your own order?” He shook his head in disbelief. “There’s loyalty for you.”

“That’s rich, considering all the in-fighting among those of the Black order!” Maia remarked.

Laethyn ignored her. Instead, to Catriona, he offered, “Don’t forget, you have the right of Realignment.”

This referred to a mage changing their allegiance from one colour to another. It would not be allowed if this were a trial, but during a hearing like this, she did have that right. “I’ve already guaranteed my vote either way because I think this whole thing’s a farce, but if you switch to the Black, my vote will count double, making your worst possible outcome two for and two against.”

In that event, the case would become a trial, leading to a full Council debate. The majority of Black robes would share their leader’s view, so all Cat would need was a majority of Red robes on her side, and it wouldn’t matter what the White robes thought about it. Any punishment would be likely to be no more than a slap on the wrist.

“Thank you for your support, Master Laethyn,” Catriona replied respectfully, “but I’m afraid I am compelled to decline your offer of Realignment.”

“You would gain more power our way,” Laethyn pointed out.

“Power isn’t everything,” Catriona shrugged. “I am perfectly willing to place my confidence in the justice of this Conclave as a member of the Red robes of Balance.”

“Well said,” Justaria approved. “On the other hand, Maia,” she continued, addressing her White robe counterpart, “I think our Black robe colleague raises a valid point. I appreciate that you are seeking compensation for the physical damage done to Renjaf and his property. However, consider for a moment the emotional and spiritual damage done in reverse, and in fact, inflicted first, when all Catriona wanted was to borrow a single book. On that basis, I raise the counter-claim that Laethyn proposes.”

“What!” Maia exclaimed. “I thought you were on my side a moment ago!”

Justaria spread her hands. “Apologies if I gave you that impression; I am simply trying to achieve a balance. Laethyn,” she said to her Black robe colleague, “might I suggest you raise that counter-claim in pursuit of damages against Renjaf on behalf of Catriona?”

With a smile, Laethyn readily agreed, “Anything to poke holes in the White robes’ holier-than-thou attitude. Yes, I hereby officially raise that claim.”

“Noted for the record,” Justaria accepted, her pen scribbling the entry onto the page all by itself.

Turning back to Maia, Justaria said, “Do you want me to support your pursuit of damages against Catriona on behalf of Renjaf?”

“Yes, I do,” she affirmed.

“Very well. Now, as Laethyn says, I believe we all know which way both of you will vote in these claims, so that leaves my vote, and of course, in the case against Catriona I get two.”

That was one of the benefits of Council membership. In the case against Renjaf, Maia would be the one with two votes. It was a system intended to prevent collusion between any two leaders.

“Now, it is assumed in these cases that the member with two votes will vote the same way twice, but there is nothing in the rules of the Council that says that must be so. Therefore, I propose to split