Chapter 5

Hi, Cayda here. Anori says it's my turn now. Wow, I am so sore. Betni was right about doing it again helping a bunch. It didn't hurt anything like the first time. He spent a bunch of time in the bath making sure we were both clean. I think it was just an excuse though, he's just wanted to touch us. Betni and I finally had to put a stop to it, we were going to be late.

Today was Daryan's first day taking an active part in running the kingdom. As far back as our histories go, the king has been the final arbiter of justice. And for nearly as long, it's been seen as an excellent tool for training the next generation, to have him (or her, it has happened a few times) decide many of the day to day disputes. I think the idea is to make sure the Prince understands the issues that effect the lives of the ordinary people of the kingdom. While the final decision in these cases (as long as the King doesn't step in) remains with Daryan at some point it became customary that at least one woman hears each grievance. Of course she must be a woman that he can trust completely, so that limits the choices.

Our history tells us that many men complained when this practice was started, but the forward looking Prince stuck with it. In time, the people saw that a woman was more likely to see there was truth in the claims of each party, and it became far better accepted. I like it for the simple reason that it means I have an important function other than being Daryan's play toy (though that is a lot of fun too, don't get me wrong.)

Judgment is also the exception that proves the rule. We have to show our faces, it's considered a right of the parties involved... But Momma (she's his clerk/assistant for this job) is completely veiled. It's all so backward from the usual arrangement. We've all had many lessons in protocol though, so we know what to do. I feel so lucky getting to do this with Daryan on his first day. I hope to be able to write out the events between cases, I've been told there is usually a reasonable gap between them.

Wow, the King was there, I guess to watch and make sure his son performed his duties properly. Such a handsome man, proud and straight. I've seen images of him of course, meetings with the heads of neighboring countries and other such, but this was the first time I had been in the same room. And he was there to watch ME. Okay, okay, I know he was really there to watch Daryan, but I was there too and was part of what Daryan was doing.

The King sat off to the side, a veiled woman with him while Daryan and I took our seats front and center. We didn't use a high bench like you see in the movies, just a couple comfortable chairs and a table. We each had a small notepad and a couple pens. While we would retire and speak after the hearing before Daryan rendered his decision, it was deemed inappropriate to confer while the parties were before us. Passing a note though was fine.

Momma stood, she was facing the King, at a right angle to both the gallery and Daryan and myself. She read from the paper held, "His Highness, The Prince Daryan sits in Judgment assisted by his trusted concubine Cayda. May the many Gods grant them Wisdom that our country remain sound and healthy."

I shivered as she read the formal statement. I, still a child though I am considered a woman, was about to render near inviolate verdicts. The prospect was daunting. I had been prepared of course, tutored and lectured and examined many times over the years, but the reality of the moment was still enormous. Momma told me later that it was an enormous thing even for her, and her main job was to read the formal announcements and call the parties before us.

The first case was a lot more than I was expecting on this first day.

Daryan nodded toward Momma and she went to the next item "The Acolytes of Festus and the Priests of Bomatea have been causing public disturbances in their efforts to win converts in the other's ranks. Numerous third party complaints have been filed against both sides Your Highness."

I wasn't aware of the specific beliefs of either sect, but knew each to be fairly minor and often very vocal. Rather like a small dog I suppose having to make up for a lack of bite with a lot of bark.

"Bring them forward."

Two men came forward and were allowed to pass the low gate between the gallery and the heart of the audience chamber. They could hardly have been more different and still both been priests. The Acolyte of Festus was tall and lean, dressed in a course (though clean) brown robe. He reminded me very strongly of what a priest should be. The other was short and heavy, his face greasy, his white robes were immaculate, an embroidered image of the sun rising above the mountains adorning the front. I disliked him immediately.

The two eyed each other, their wills clashing in unblinking gaze, each daring the other to back down. They must have been near equals, both turned toward us at nearly the same moment and said "They started it", each pointing at the other.

Daryan sigh and pointed at the fat one, "you go first. What is your answer to the complaints of your order disturbing the peace and purposefully seeking out those who follow Festus for harassment?"

"Your Highness, I am not proud of the feud I find myself in. Bomatea teaches us that what we give returns to us ten-fold, or even greater. In a moment of weakness I ordered that we return the harassment we had been experiencing from the temple of Festus."

Daryan turned to the tall Acolyte, "and what's your story?"

"I am ashamed, Your Highness, to say that in my zeal I allowed things to get out of hand. Festus tells us that open displays of wealth are immoral and that those grounds are the most fertile for our message. I saw the riches that the Priests of Bomatea flaunt and was driven senseless by their excesses." While his words sounded right, something was worrisome in his demeanor, the veins on his neck were throbbing as if he were barely controlling rage.