Page 117 of I Ran Away to Evil 3
Thomas looked like he was going to argue, but then, he was under the full weight ofLorthar’saura. It was brutal enough to make Thomas flinch. Even if the wizard wasn’t one of the highest-level elite on the continent, Lorthar was the largest exporter of magical ingredients in Valaria, and held a treasure trove large enough to rival a dragon’s. Anyone who didn’t pay him respect could only live with regret.
Thomas cursed and picked up his chair. He sat and glared at me.
If looks could unalive.
Lorthar turned his attention to everyone in the room. “I think now would be anexcellenttime for everyone to review their rights and responsibilities as an elite of Valaria. As such, before the next meeting, I expect each country to send a copy of the relevant documents toallregistered elite;The Garen Grim Treaty,Feliwyn’s Oath,Lysander’s Legacy, andThe Treaty of the Gods.”
“Well said,” Their Royal Highness broke the awkward silence that had followed Wizard Lorthar’s declaration. Rowen was in the guise of an old man with black skin and gray hair pulled back at the nape of their neck. The fox turned a smile on me. “Miss Gerda, to answer your question, it is polite to return the bodies to a guild if you are able, but not necessary. Many do not.”
“Thank you,” I said, bowing. “Then that is all I have to say.”
“Members of the Continental Council,” Grand Duchess Calisto spoke at that moment. As host, she was the officiant of the meeting. “As you are aware, Miss Gerda is Madame Potts. She is standing before us today as an elite oracle, one who has dedicated her craft to preventing tragedy and giving free warnings from the shadows. She has done so by Crystal Cast without a permit, the penalty for which is fifty gold coins per infraction to each affected nation.”
King Keith groaned. As an elite of the Dark Enchanted Forest, he wastechnicallyresponsible for managing me and my misdemeanors. He’d also neglected toprovide me with the appropriate paperwork after my elite registration—a point for Wizard Lorthar—and could easily be forced to pay all of my fines in the event I was unable to.
“How many times have you shared a Madame Potts’s Cast?” Keith sounded like his soul was fleeing his body as he asked.
“I haven’t kept track of every Cast—” I began.
Their Royal Highness cut me off. “I have.”
The fox summoned a parchment that rolled over the table, across the floor, and all the way to my feet. “It wasn’t consistent; sometimes once a month, and other times twice a week. I’ve kept a complete record of every single Cast and what was saidexactly. There are two hundred and seven Casts so far.”
“Two hundred—” Keith pushed up his glasses to rub the bridge of his nose.
“I would say it is unlike you to prepare this much, Rowen,” Witch Agatha said dryly, knowing the fox. “But why am I not surprised?”
“You don’t appreciate me,” Rowen replied, snapping the roll of parchment. It rolled up again, and he passed it over to Duchess Calisto.
“Two hundred and seven Casts at fifty gold per infraction on seven countries—that is, not including Nilheim—” Calisto started, though Rowen put up a hand to stop her.
“Peldeep chooses to waive our portion of the fee,” Rowen offered, “because we are not a bunch of ungrateful—”
“Now, Rowen, I was going to ask who wanted to waive their chargesafterI explained,” Duchess Calisto cut them off. Which was unfortunate, because I would’velovedto hear what insults the fox came up with. “North Sumbria is also abstaining. Anyone else?”
Calisto looked at those representing Servalt, Sumbria, Drendil, Baldorin and the Empire of Sands. When no one spoke, she continued. “Then, the fine at five countries is fifty-one thousand seven hundred and fifty gold pieces.”
King Keith dropped his head into his hands. “Is that all?”
“Servalt and Sumbria have levied charges of defamation and unregistered international espionage against the troll.” Calisto summoned two documents and put them on the table. “Servalt is asking for fifty gold coins and the immediate capture and restraint of Miss Gerda Jones. Sumbria is asking for five hundred gold and her execution or deliverance into their hands for just punishment.”
No one spoke, though Their Royal Highness shot Master Thomasa look. It wasn’t a nice look. I remained silent.
“All in favor of Servalt’s request?”
Master Thomas and one other person put up their hands. It was an angry-looking elf sitting to the left of Thomas.
“All opposed?” Everyone else raised their hand. Calisto nodded. “All in favor of the fine?”
Everyone’s hands rose again.
Master Thomas frowned. “You can’t tell me the council is releasing the bridge troll? She’s a menace to society!”
“Weallare.” Witch Agatha leaned back in her chair, smiling. “Why do you think this council exists?”
“The updated fine is fifty-one thousand eight hundred gold.” Calisto put down one parchment and waved the second. “Now, for Sumbria. All in favor of execution?”
Only Thomas and the elf from earlier raised their hand. Everyone else opposed.
