I’m sure if I listened closely enough, I’d be able to hear Sarad Nukpana laughing.

“By the way, you’re listed as an accessory,” Justinius told Mychael. “They claim your actions in Mermeia were outside of your legal jurisdiction as paladin.”

At least I’d have company when I was hung out to dry. Last week Mychael had come to my home city of Mermeia to enlist my services as a seeker, but mostly as Eamaliel Anguis’s daughter, to help him and his Guardians find the Saghred before Sarad Nukpana could get his hands on it. Both Mychael and Sarad Nukpana suspected the Saghred was in Mermeia. They were both right. I found the Saghred, and the Saghred promptly attached itself to me like a psychic leech. I’d definitely gotten the raw end of that deal.

Like father, like daughter.

“I’m not hanging either one of you out to dry,” Justinius told me point-blank.

Further confirmation that the old man could read my mind.

“In terms of legal strength, you may not have any choice, sir,” Mychael told him.

“The hell I don’t.”

“The Seat of Twelve will have to be convened, and you only have two votes to their twelve. Given that enough of them vote in our favor, the situation won’t escalate any further.”

The Seat of Twelve was the name given to the twelve mages who made up the governing Conclave council. In terms of firepower, they ranked right up there with Justinius Valerian.

“And if you’re not too popular right now?” I didn’t want to ask, but I had to.

“The goblin government could begin extradition proceedings,” Mychael said. “If they prove just cause with the elven embassy, they could begin the same against you.”

I wondered just how fast Phaelan could set sail.

“They would have to prove that you had malice of intent on all counts,” Justinius told us both. “And I don’t think anyone who knows—or knew—Sarad Nukpana would call any treatment he received at your hands unprovoked.”