A thick scroll landed on Charlie’s desk with an unceremonious thunk. Max stopped pacing to stare at the High Priest, who accepted the scroll with a raised eyebrow. His solemn expression gave Max pause.
“I have a feeling I know what caused the livid brow on your face.”
Max said nothing while Charlie perused the scroll, then set it aside.
“Confirmed.”
“If Ronald Torkelson makes one move toward Isadora, Charlie, you will not be able to stop me. That scroll details exactly what he said to me a week ago. I took the notes immediately after our discussion.”
“To what end?”
“Evidence. We haven’t had a chance to meet in private until now, and I didn’t want anything missed.”
Charlie stood, set his hands on the back of his chair. His gaze tapered on the scroll for an assessing moment. Instead of the ridiculous outfits he used to wear as Charles, the idiot High Priest, he’d phased into normal attire. A vest, long-sleeved shirt, and plum jacket covered him today.
“It’s too late, Max.”
“Excuse me?”
Three pieces of parchment popped off the table, wheeled closer. Max scrutinized them, frowning.
“What is this?”
“The League of Free Borders has announced an official inquest into the happenings in the Southern Network before the formation of the Mansfeld Pact. What you are reading now is your official document. There’s one for me, Felicity, and yourself.”
“Felicity? He involved the new High Priestess?”
“As Moderator of the Discussion.”
A growing pit of dread formed in Max’s stomach as he read.
The League of Free Borders is announcing a formal inquiry involving and regarding the Network-compensated witches present at the meetings in the Southern Network that initially led to the formation of the Mansfeld Pact.
Such inquisition shall eventually be presented first before the moderator and those involved, then before the Council, as agreed upon under ESMELDA LAW Article 4, subsection 19, point a.
Initial assignment shall begin within seven days.
“Network-compensated witches?” he breathed.
“You and me. Not Isadora.”
“Why not?”
“The Network didn’t pay her to be there, so he can’t force an inquest on her.”
Max flung the official declaration of inquest into the fire and began to pace. “If they truly dive into that night and discover how powerful Isadora is, she won’t be safe.”
“I know.”
“If word spreads about her abilities, and Torkelson is able to incite enough fear into witches, none of us will be safe.”
Charlie sighed. “I know.”
Max halted. “So what are you going to do about it, Advocate?”
A warning glare slowed Max’s ire.
“Ronald has the right to inquest it, and the League of Free Borders grows in popularity every day. There are witches who want to be heard, and they demand answers. They’re turning to the League of Free Borders because it’s the first organized place for them to do so. I think the witches deserve both a place to be heard and answers, so I’m going to let the inquest happen without opposition. We’ll take this one step at a time.”
“That’s not enough.”
“Isadora will be safe. I swear it, Max. You know that I won’t let it go that far.”
“You may not be able to stop it. Witches are frightened after what happened in the South. There are unknowns around isolationism that we are still puzzling through. Pressure has been rising. This might be the outlet that the populace needs in order to act. I don’t want Isadora to become the figure the Network blames for this political decision. That’s exactly what Ronald is setting her up to be. A social sacrifice.”
Charlie leaned against his desk, legs crossed at the ankles, but tension tightened his features.
“It might be his motivation, it might not. He might be that concerned about the Network and economy. As a business witch, it’s not outside his realm of concern. Max, think logically, not with your heart.”
“I’m not,” he snapped.
Charlie rolled his eyes. “Sure you aren’t. Rash, angry decisions are purely born of fact all the time. Think of it this way: maybe the results of this inquest will eventually usher in a new period of peace for Watchers and Defenders?”
“Impossible.”
“We don’t know, Max. You can search the paths all you want.”
“I already have.”
“And?”
Max scowled. “Inconclusive.”
Wisely, Charlie let that go. “Our official interview will come next—I’m not sure when. Under the Esmelda scrolls, Ronald must request the inquest first by scroll, then in person, with the moderator and those to be questioned upfront. These can take years to really study, Max. It’s bureaucratic. Ronald will probably try to speak to witches in other Networks, and that will take ages to confirm and approve under the Mansfeld Pact. As Ambassador, you’ll be part of it!”
“Fine. But he can’t appeal to Isadora.”
“Not yet, as she wasn’t compensated by the Network. Eventually, he can. I’m doubtful the Southern and Eastern Networks will even reply to his appeals.”
With a final glower, Max turned to the door. Charlie called to him halfway there.
“Oh, and Max?”
He paused, hand on the doorknob.
“As a command from the High Priest, don’t tell Isadora just yet. No reason to concern her, nor put the pressure of silence on her. Until we have reason for this inquest to be in the Chatterer, I don’t want it known. This could take awhile.”