Traitor's Moon

waiting in the great chamber when they arrived. For the first time, Thero took the seat of honor in the circle, marooned in silence. Those around him spoke in low tones or behind their hands, casting occasional glances in his direction.
    Ulan í Sathil was there but appeared uninterested in the whole affair. A great crowd of Haman had accompanied Nazien, and Thero recognized a good many of Emiel’s companions among them. They looked to be out for blood.
    Adzriel entered last with a contingent of twenty, taking her place in the circle with her husband at her side.
    There was no ceremony or ringing of chimes today; this was a private matter between Skala and Haman. The others had gathered only to witness.
    Nazien í Hari stepped forward as soon as the last of the khirnari had taken their seats, and to his credit displayed little satisfaction as he announced, “Before this body, I claim teth’sag against Seregil the Exile, formerly Seregil of Bôkthersa, and against all those who aid and abet him. He has violated vows given for his return and I claim the vengeance that is Haman’s right.”
    â€œHow convenient for you,” sneered Iriel ä Kasrai of Bry’kha. “Seregil might have found proof of your nephew’s guilt if he’d stayed around a bit longer.”
    â€œSilence!” snapped Brythir. “It is as Nazien í Hari says. The Iia’sidra itself could not deny them this right. Seregil knew this. He has made his choice and his former clan must make good their vow of atui.”
    â€œThe guilt or innocence of Emiel í Moranthi has no bearing on this,” Nazien proclaimed. “As khirnari of Haman, and as the grandfather of the man the Exile murdered, I have no choice. I demand that the Bôkthersans administer justice under the law.”
    Adzriel stood, pale but unbowed. “Justice shall be yours, Khirnari.” Mydri and Säaban remained stoic, but behind them, Kheeta and several others covered their faces.
    The Silmai turned next to him. “Now, Thero í Procepios, I demand that you explain Seregil’s disappearance. Why did he leave, and who helped him?”
    â€œI regret that I can tell you nothing,” Thero said again, and took his seat amid the expected outcry.
    A lone figure detached itself from the shadows near the door and entered the circle. Here was Nyal at last.
    â€œI think you will find it was Alec í Amasa and the Skalan captain who accompanied Seregil,” he announced, not looking in Thero’s direction.
    You skulking cur!
the wizard thought, sick with rage. So that was how the Haman had gotten word so quickly.
    Ulan í Sathil rose, and a hush fell over the chamber. Tarnished as his honor might be, he still commanded respect. “Perhaps the more immediate question we should be asking is why he left,” he said. “This sudden and inexplicable flight makes no sense. Though I have no great love for the man, even I must admit that the Exile has acquitted himself well since his arrival here. He has won the respect, perhaps even the support, of many and enjoyed the company of his former kin. Why then, in the midst of his own investigations against my clan and the Haman, should he suddenly commit so gross an act of disloyalty?” He paused, then added, “Why, indeed, unless he or the Skalans have something to hide?”
    â€œWhat are you implying?” demanded Adzriel.
    Ulan spread his hands. “I merely speculate. Perhaps Seregil knows of something that takes precedence over the outcome of his current mission here.”
    For an instant, Thero forgot to breathe. Had Ulan’s Plenimaran spies found out so soon of Korathan’s ill-timed attack, or had Nyal somehow managed to betray them in this, as well? Rising, he said, “I can assure you, Khirnari, nothing is more important to Seregil or any of us than the success of our labors here.” Even in his own ears, this scrap of truth sounded far less convincing than any lie he’d told so far.
    â€œI do not mean to impugn Thero í Procepios’s honor when I point out that we have only his word for that,” Ulan said smoothly. “Nor when I also point out that it was Seregil himself, a proven traitor and murderer, who possesses the greatest knowledge of the device he claims was used to poison Klia. It was he himself who so easily andfortuitously found the ring in my house, thereby discrediting Skala’s