The Warlock Senator (Book 2) Read Free

armed sentries came through the doorway. They pushed the other guard into the room, toward the bed. Lokton’s guard reflexively pulled his sword half way out of its scabbard and Braun went for the axe at his belt. “I see your help has no problems committing treason,” Senator Bracken growled.
    “Braun, stay your hand,” Trenton said, though he made sure his own sword was loose in its scabbard. “What is the meaning of this, Senator Bracken?”
    “By order of the senate, you are under arrest for high treason, Lord Lokton. Your two guards here might be able to help you escape, but I promise there are more than enough men on their way to subdue your entire household, if that is what you would prefer.”
    “I am no traitor,” Trenton replied.
    “Oh no?” Senator Bracken sneered. “I have more than enough evidence to convict you. It’s simple really. You knew that the knife you found and sent me wasn’t enough evidence to prove Lord Cedreau’s involvement in the magistrate’s murder, so you tried to enact your own brand of justice.”
    “That’s a lie!” Trenton growled.
    “Is it?” The two sentries pulled massive swords free from harnesses on their backs and flanked the senator. “The knife was taken from Eldrik Cedreau by Master Orres at Kuldiga Academy. The boy could not have used it to kill the magistrate. But, because you were quick to judge, you sent your men to slip into Cedreau Manor and kill Timon, Lord Cedreau’s youngest boy.”
    “I did no such thing!” Trenton shouted.
    “Do you expect me to believe you?” Senator Bracken growled. “You stand before me with an injury obviously received today during your massacre of House Cedreau’s men. Lord Cedreau is dead, and many of his knights lie in the dirt as well. How can you justify this?”
    “They attacked me,” Trenton replied through clenched teeth.
    “Because you murdered Timon,” Senator Bracken replied. He steeled his gaze. “You slew Lord Cedreau ignobly during parlay. Your depravity knows no bounds.”
    “I’ll not hear another word of this,” Braun said as he stepped forward. “Command me, and their heads will roll.”
    “Is that the wise thing to do?” Senator Bracken asked. “If you attack a senator, here and now, you will only prove your guilt. I will be forced to seize your manor. Your son and wife will be shunned from society and your house will be razed to the ground.”
    “Braun, hold your hand, and your tongue,” Trenton commanded. Then he turned to the other guard. “Put your weapon away boy.” The guard did as he was told. Braun slowly set his axe on the bed next to him, but his eyes threw daggers at the senator. “Senator Bracken,” Trenton began as coolly as possible. “I have not sent anyone to murder any member of House Cedreau. I am afraid that you are mistaken in this.”
    “You may tell that to the senate. They will assemble one week after we return to Drakai Glazei.”
    “You have no proof of these accusations,” Trenton said. “You cannot arrest me.”
    “Proof?” Senator Bracken quipped. “I have a pair of letters from two men in your service, announcing that you have falsely imprisoned one of your own men after the death of the magistrate. I also have the witness of all of today’s survivors that say Lord Cedreau was slain during parlay. I have Lord Cedreau’s own letter claiming that his youngest son was slain by your men. I have an arrow that bears the signature of your fletcher, Master Himmal, and I have a report from Kuldiga Academy that supports Eldrik Cedreau’s claim that his knife had been taken from him. Apparently Master Orres took the knife from the boy only a few weeks ago. So, as you can see, there is more than enough to bring you in before the senate.”
    “None of these prove anything,” Trenton said.
    “Perhaps not decisively,” Senator Bracken said. “But, they will be of importance to the senate, I assure you. I should also warn you, that if I happen to find Sir