Page 84 of Bitten Vampire
“I thank the Vampirical Council and the Court,” I say, my words riding the ambient magic. I bow once more. I recall the vision in which I pleaded not guilty to every charge—a tactic that ended matters swiftly.
They cut my throat.
“On Count One, the unlicensed turning, I plead guilty—on paper—but I will show extenuating circumstances.”
The ward blocks all sound, yet I watch the vampires in the gallery shift in their seats; some even lean forward, eyes gleaming with glee. They think I have just signed my own death warrant.
“On Count Two, the alleged unlawful feeding, I plead not guilty. The donor wasn’t a registered thrall at the time, and I never fed.”
Crystal was only a human blood donor, and although that makes no difference to me—since taking blood unwillingly is evil—to the Court, it means everything.
“On Count Three, trespass, I plead guilty, with mitigation: I crossed to save a human life. On Count Four, so-called murder, I claim immunity underAccord Code 765.375: Right of Self-Defence. Every act of violence was in response to an attempt on my life.”
The Herald’s eyes gleam with interest at my responses.
Vision me must have died a score of times before stumbling upon his office and the cache of Accord law books and articles I needed—conveniently open on his desk with notes for today’s trial. In this court, every defendant is set up to fail. Yet, no one can claim the Herald does not do extensive case preparation.
I have never been so grateful that the memories from my visions come with near-perfect recall.
“The Court records your pleas as tendered: guilt with mitigation reserved, trespass admitted, assault denied, and self-defence invoked under Accord Code 765.375. So entered. The Council will confer under seal. Raise the Veil.”
The staff strikes, and a sheet of noise-cancellingwarding rises from the floor, encircling him and the Council. He steps back into their midst, and they begin to confer.
The Grand Master argues with the Vampirical Council. The vampires are told the Council is impartial; they are not. Each has an agenda.
I have stood on the other side of that ward, listening to their deliberations, gaining valuable information, and today I have planned my words, chosen my targets—the ones who might listen. I practised my plea, honing the phrases that carry weight: clear, concise, honest speech. Begging never works on them, but precision often does.
Even so, it may not be enough. I may have misjudged them—misread the moments. Hope is a dangerous thing.
In the visions it was easier, events unfolding out of sync with reality. Now there are no second chances, no redos, no margin for error. I am here now. And I pray I have judged correctly.
I can see into the future—but I cannot go back.
After a somewhat silent but lively debate, the ward drops and the Herald moves to the lectern. “The trial shall proceed.” He turns a page with ceremonial precision. “You claim justification for your turning?”
“Yes.”
“Let the Silence record: the Council will dispose of the ancillary counts first. On the allegation arising from the so-called assassination incident, the Council has reviewed the evidentiary bundle submitted by Clan Nocturna, together with the defence materials. Civic CCTV confirm that the accused extracted and conveyed a human donor who, at the material time, was not a registered thrall within themeaning of Accord Code 302.1; no compact had been signed or sealed.”
He glares at the Nocturna delegation. “Clan Nocturna’s submission is therefore defective in law and in fact. The count is dismissed with prejudice; judgment is entered in Winifred Crowsdale’s favour.”
A ripple moves through the room.
“On Charge Three: Trespass,” the Herald continues, “let the Silence record:the Council finds the accused newly turned and non-indoctrinated, a mitigating factor recognised under Accord Code 402.3, of Novitiate Leniency. The evidence shows her incursion into Clan Nocturna’s demesne was in aid of a human life and not in interference with clan prerogatives, thus falling within the humanitarian carve-out of Accord Code 211.9c,Territorial Integrity and Wayleave—Good-Faith Rescue.
“Ordinarily, a compensatory levy would issue; however, Clan Nocturna acted in bad faith, instigating unlawful force and subsequently escalating to a daylight assault upon Clan Blóðvakt, in breach of Accord Codes 118.2 and 703.4.
“Accordingly, no further action shall be taken against Winifred Crowsdale. Clan Nocturna, be formally censured: cease and desist. A second violation will trigger sanctions under Accord Code 910.1.”
The Herald waits for the gallery of vampires to settle, then turns back to me. “On Charge One: Unauthorised Turning—in contravention of Accord Codes 101.1 and 203.7. You have entered a plea of guilty with mitigation.Let the Silence record it so.The Council will now hear your justification. Speak it plain, and let the record hold you.”
Nowfor the hard part.
“I was assaulted and killed. I am an unwilling product of the turning. The vampire who fed on me did not intend to sire me, he believed I was dead and discarded. I rose alone—unregistered, untrained, and without guidance.”
“Assertion noted,” the Herald’s tone edged with scepticism. “The Court does not sit on sentiment nor accept naked allegation. Accord Code 214.2bars hearsay without substrate. What proof do you tender?”
“Test my blood and memory. They will name my sire and show the turning lacked intent. I exist only by mistake.”
