AIMEE' Chapter IX ~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ "Master Darynn, please be brought forward.AIMEE' Chapter IX ~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ "Master Darynn, please be brought forward." Darynn rose to his feet and allowed his to colleagues to lead him into the moon-shaped circle that was the petition floor for the main council of Mages. Around him sat his thirteen peers, each of whom had heard testimony from himself, Bethsany, and Aimee', as well as additional testimony from several of Bethsany's girls and two of Teltirray's servants. Still, he had to admit, the council saw things differently from most people and he didn't know what their decision would ultimately be. From the center of the council, Talen Silisto leaned over and looked down at him. "Master Darynn, the court has reviewed its findings and considered your testimony. While it would normally be outrageous for a mage of your standing to defy the wishes of a fellow mage and teach that mage's student something other than what was requested, we find in your case that you taught Aimee' precisely according to the wishes of Teltirray as best as you, yourself, could interpret. If Aimee' sought additional learning from you and your library, as long as her demanded studies did not suffer in the process, that is the mark of a good student, and you, sir, are to be rewarded as a good nurturer of that student." Master Silisto smiled, and Darynn grinned back. "This court finds you innocent of any wrongdoing. Would you please be returned to your chair?" "I would, sir." "Aimee', please be brought forward." Aimee stood and, like Darynn before, allowed herself to be led to the center of the circle. Darynn watched the hold of her head and found himself admiring the strength she was showing, as well as the nervousness locked into her shoulders. She looked up at Mage Silisto, the hood of her cloak thrown back. Mage Silisto examined her carefully. "Apprentice Aimee', the court has examined your conduct and your testimony, as well as that of your teachers and those who know you, and we can find no evidence of wrongdoing. As a mage, Teltirray had few peers, and in his speciality he had none. As a man, however, Teltirray was more monster than human being, and with your revelations and those contained in his journals, we hereby remove his name from our ranks as an honored member. |