Octavian's Trial

                                    

                                          
    Standing in front of the throne in his best tunic, Frank felt acutely uncomfortable in his body. Somehow giving testimony for Octavian's trial felt worse than when he'd been the one chained. Frank's dislike for the sallow-faced man had only grown in the past weeks, but he remembered the the damp floor of his prison cell and the cruel laughter of Bryce a little too well. He tried not to think of them now; he already spent his nights there. Why spend his days there too? 
     Octavian's fine garments had grown tattered from his time in prison. His pale blue eyes flickered like the hottest part of a flame. The heavy chains encircled around his wrists and ankles seemed more like jewelry than signs of submissions; Octavian was using the sovereign's own signs of power as his own. 
     Seating on his magnificent throne, Lord Dare looked every bit as fearsome as the last time Frank had seen him. His features held the same will and strength as Rachel's and while hers shown through as compassionate stubbornness, his conveyed the absolute confidence of someone who'd never once questioned their own authority. "Frank, tell all assembled how Octavian attempted to overthrow his God-appointed lord."
     Frank took a deep breath and began retelling the tale. He told of how Octavian had blackmailed and framed him. He told of Octavian's desire to become the lord of the manor and how he'd tried to kill Rachel to secure the position. When he'd concluded, his heart was beating rapidly as if he'd been pushing the millstone by hand for several minutes. Hazel was called to stand witness next. She told how Octavian harbored a grudge against her that led him to a life of sin. 
    Finally, Rachel spoke about the day at the market. Her words rang clearly through the throne room and though Frank had reconstructed the scene a thousand times in his head, he found himself doing it again. Rachel described the panic and chaos in the market and described the courage of Frank's mother. "Without Emily Zhang's quick thinking, I and many others would have been trampled to death. She put herself in danger, trying to calm down the livestock. She showed true courage and kindness, but she should never have had to. None of this would have happened if Octavian had not contrived this plot."
      Frank swallowed the lump that had swollen in his throat. For years he had blamed himself and even his mother — angry that she'd chosen to save strangers instead of stay with him, but now the anger melted. The pain remained — a coat of armor that he'd carry with him for the rest of his days, but it was more than mere weight: it was part of him now.
       Lord Dare's retinue grew more and more angry as each person spoke. Octavian, who had once been looked upon as a respectable man — if a bit of a climber — was now being given dirty looks even by the chamberlains and maidservants. Lord Dare cleared his throat to speak. "You have all heard how Octavian plotted, lied, and schemed to gain power. He is guilty not only of murder, but of high treason. For this crime, he is to be hung, drawn, and quartered."
   His words hung in the air. Frank dropped his gaze, afraid that his face would betray his horror. Lord Dare had chosen one of the most painful means of execution. His choice sent a clear message: defy me and you'll suffer. "The date of the execution is set for next Monday," Lord Dare continued.
     Maybe it was just from weeks rotting in his cell, but Octavian's face looked paler than ever. He had little of the swagger he'd exuded weeks ago — or even the languid confidence he'd had just early that day. The room was silent — quiet enough that Frank could hear his wife's breathes beside him. No one seemed to want to say anything and everyone was afraid of saying the wrong thing.
     It was Rachel who broke the silence, striding forward to curtsy before her father. "My Lord," she began, "while this criminal is certainly detestable, such a method of execution would be barbaric."
      "You dare call me barbaric?" Lord Dare asked, his voice battering against the stone walls like drive weapons. 
     "Father, I merely speak on behalf of the Church," Rachel said. "The Lord taught us to show mercy."

    Lord Dare's expression was rigid. "God gave me command over this manor and these people. I am only exercising my power."
     "You have a responsibility as a nobleman to act justly," Rachel argued.
     "Are my actions not just?" Lord Dare asked. "This man has tried to unseat me from my power. He has threatened the very stability of and security of the entire manor and parish. His attempt to kill you led to one death, but more could've occurred. It is my duty as lord of this manor to execute Octavian so that he shall not threaten another of my subjects."
      "I understand what you are saying, Father," Rachel began, "but—"
     "But what?" he interjected angrily.
     "If you would merely change your method of execution," Rachel put in.
     "No!" Lord Dare said, his voice as powerful as the stroke of a hammer. "There are laws in my fiefdom and they must be followed. Justice can seem harsh to the gentler sex, but it precisely this harshness which keeps society together."
    Rachel bowed her head, knowing the argument was lost. "Sir Michael," Lord Dare said. 
    The knight stepped forward. "Inform Bryce that the prisoner is to be executed soon. Tell the executioner to prepare the set and publish the news throughout the parish. I want good turnout."
      Frank's stomach roiled. They'd be expected to attend. Frank had sen a few executions throughout his life — the first being a thief hung for eating one of Lord Dare's sheep. The man had pleaded hunger and as he'd been led up to the scaffold, he burst out in tears. Frank had cried then and when he'd gotten home, he asked his parents if that would ever happen to him. 
     His father had said no one in their family would ever be in such a position. His mother had taken him into her arms and told him that he need not worry because she'd be there for him. Frank shivered as he watched the guards lead Octavian out of the throne room, knowing full well how close he had been to sharing the same fate.