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

my vote in the grievance against Catriona, while voting in her favour in the counter-claim.”

That meant there would be two votes ‘for’ and two ‘against’ both claims.

“But that will send both claims out to full Council!” Maia objected.

Justaria nodded her agreement. “Which would be a sad indictment on the three of us if we can’t resolve this simple dispute which has, to my mind, already resolved itself.”

“Agreed,” Laethyn said.

“I don’t believe it’s right to throw out either claim, because I firmly believe there was indeed damage on both sides, but there is a way we could avoid this deadlock.”

“I’m listening,” said Maia.

Justaria explained that she was willing to vote twice to support Renjaf’s claim against Catriona, if Maia would split her vote, instead. Thereby supporting the counterclaim as well.

“As for sentencing,” Justaria continued, “I suggest the following: For destroying Renjaf’s tower, Catriona Redfletching will pay damages by rebuilding it. Which she’s already done.”

The other two nodded their agreement.

“Now, I believe her magical attack on Renjaf was largely in self-defence since he struck first, but his reaction was understandable since she’d just demolished his home. Therefore, she will pay damages in the form of no less than ten days of community service tending his grounds.”

“Which she’s already done,” Maia said, seeing her colleague’s line of thought.

“Finally, in the case of the counter-claim, for extreme emotional distress and failing to provide all reasonable assistance to someone in need, as per White robe policy, I suggest Renjaf pay compensation in the form of precisely one book: the aforementioned Shifting Stars.”

“Which she’s already got,” Laethyn said.

Justaria nodded. “This way, we acknowledge the culpability of both sides, we avoid needlessly wasting the Council’s time and quite frankly,” she added, shooting the others a conspiratorial glance, “we look like we know what we’re doing!”

The other two agreed to her terms, the Triumvirate formally cast their votes, and the sentences were passed. Catriona stood and bowed, respectfully as Maia and Laethyn left the Council chamber, but Justaria remained behind.

“Catriona, please sit,” she said and sat down beside her. “There is one other matter I need to discuss with you, but it needn’t involve the others because it’s a matter of internal Red order discipline. Your druid magic is interesting to me, and I am happy to see you exploring the potential of your abilities, as it is perfectly in line with our desire for diversity in magic. As you so succinctly put it, ‘Power isn’t everything.’ However, with any new magic, there must be rules, and while you haven’t broken the letter of any of them, because they haven’t been written yet, I think you know you broke the spirit of their intent.”

Catriona nodded. She’d been thinking about this, herself, in the cold light of day and reached the same conclusion. “Shapeshifting into the form of another person: Jacob. Essentially impersonating him. It’s identity theft.”

“Yes, it is,” Justaria agreed. “and I’m glad you see that. Now, I’m not going to be too harsh on this occasion, because I suspect you did it with his consent…”

Cat opened her mouth to object – she didn’t want any of this falling on Jacob, it wasn’t fair – but Justaria cut her off.

“Don’t worry about confirming or denying that. This isn’t a hearing; we’re just having a chat, and that was pure speculation on my part. The point is, what you did was a misuse of new magical knowledge and could be seen as a violation of the terms of your membership of our order.”

A tearful Catriona offered no excuse or defence. She didn’t want to lose her membership, nor her voice on the Council. She believed in what the institution stood for and wanted to be a part of that, but Mistress Justaria was right.

“Knowledge is neutral; its application is not,” Cat quoted from the Code of Balance.

“I’m pleased to see you take that lesson to heart,” Justaria said, kindly reaching out and resting a gentle, reassuring hand on Cat’s arm. “As I said, I’m not going to be too harsh with you. You made a mistake, and I can see that you know it. I’m not going to warn you to never do it again, because I’m quite sure you won’t. Therefore, I will not revoke your membership of the Red Robes of Balance…” Catriona’s relief was palpable, but Justaria wasn’t finished. “…but I will be recommending you be expelled from the College of Magic and banned from using its resources in any way. Do you understand?”

Catriona assured her that she did, so Justaria allowed her to leave. Before she reached the exit door, however, Justaria called out her name.

“Officially, this is a punishment,” she said. “Unofficially I believe I’m doing you a favour. I don’t think the College has a clue how to teach you – there's never been a mage like you before – and I also believe you will never find the knowledge you seek without severing your ties to that institution. Their ways are not your ways. Let your instincts and your research guide you, free yourself to follow where they lead, and I predict an exciting future for you, Catriona Redfletching.”

Stunned by this, the only words Cat could find to express herself were, “Thank you!”

They seemed inadequate, but they would have to do.

One day, gentle reader, both would realise just how prophetic Justaria’s words had been.

*****

As you may have gathered, I can use Temporal projection magic to see possible future paths, but I have no need of that to foresee my own Conclave. If that surprises you, it shouldn’t. The Guardians and I may operate outside Time, but that does not mean we can operate outside the law without the modern-day Council having something to say about it. When that moment comes, I pray I will be as strong as my mother, prepared to accept whatever their decision might be.

And I can only hope for an equally favourable result.

Chapter 12

Having spent so much time on Catriona and introduced Aunt Mandalee, gentle reader, I