XXII - Judgement

Grim-faced and somber, Kamon hurried through the hoverport to the subway. The Delphi had moved with stunning speed. And she was going to judge the case herself! A conclusion was virtually pre-ordained. Guilty! What was he to do?

Kamon sped down the stairs and jumped into a train. The doors closed behind him.

Perhaps he could have done more to keep Jasmine in Kefar. General Miscus had warned him......but no one could have foreseen this turn of events. And it was useless to dwell on the past. He could not recapture it.

He found a seat. Still clutched tightly in his right hand was the object given to him by Jasmine. Kamon opened his hand. He held a round medallion. It was a lustrous silver in color, about three inches or more in diameter. The round metal circumscribed a regular pentagon embossed on the face of the object. The corners of the five-sided figure reached to the edge of the circle. Inside the pentagon were other figures, embossed in superb detail. In the lower right, a tree. Its shape and form suggested the noble Minot tree. To its left, a stream or river flowing down from majestic mountains. And across the stream was a small bird flying in the direction of the tree. In the bird's mouth was a tiny branch.

Above the mountains were two gleaming gems set into the metal. On the left was a beautiful blue sapphire, while on the right was a sparkling ruby. The bland lights of the subway found the surface of the gems, the resulting trichroic colors blending and merging to produce a dazzling display of beauty and hue. In the case of the sapphire, soft blues, and the ruby, rich and elegant reds.

A thin silver chain was attached to the medal.

Kamon turned the medallion over to examine the backside. Smooth, shiny metal. Nothing more.

Kamon gingerly fingered the object. His face softened. Jasmine had given this to him. It was important to her. It was therefore important to him. He would treasure it always.

The fingers of Kamon's large right hand closed on the medallion. He sat silently, brooding. Jasmine was in grave trouble. He must protect her....whatever the cost.

Minutes after the train released him, Kamon stepped out of the elevator onto the fifth floor of the Capitol Building. Reporters lined the hallway. Upon sight of him, they came rushing at him. Microphones were suddenly thrust in his face.

Kamon bulled his way through the horde of reporters, shaking his head as he went. He didn't speak, not even a terse, 'No comment'. He saw the sign on Casio's office door -- GO AWAY!! -- and headed for it. It meant Casio was in. He managed to reach the door and slip in. The big man was flush, angry, and frustrated.

"Casio, what's going on in this town?!" Kamon exploded. "Two temple officers, on direct orders from the Delphi, just arrested Jasmine at the hoverport! She's being charged with the promotion of heathenism! The Delphi herself is going to sit in judgement!"

"I know, Hawk." Casio nodded soberly. "Grim city. Her Almightyness is apparently outraged by the turn of events in Kefar. She means to hold somebody responsible for bringing the Clemens into the government of Kefar. The peace lady's her target. She's going to try her and soon. She's wasting no time."

"Why didn't you tell me this on the phone before we left Kefar?!" Kamon shouted as he banged his fist on Casio's desk, rattling the articles on it. Several pens and a note pad fell to the floor. "I wouldn't have let her leave!"

"Nobody knew, Hawk," Casio explained. "She kept it to herself, didn't want anyone to know. I got an anonymous call about two hours ago; got me out of bed. I know who it was, but I can't say. I took off for the hoverport to try to warn you but the temple officers were already there. Told me if I didn't leave they'd arrest me; wanted to know what I knew about anything going on at the hoverport and who told me. I asked them who declared martial law, then I left. I never saw anything like it, Hawk. Bunch of thugs with guns and Limons is what they were. The Delphi must really be mad to send 'em off with orders like that. I figured you'd come straight here, so I've just been waiting."

"This is crazy!" Kamon exclaimed. "All Jasmine did was bring peace to a troubled state!"

"I'm afraid that's not the way the great and powerful Delphi sees it," Casio remarked, still maintaining his unusually somber mood. "She thinks your friend was instrumental in allowing the followers of a 'heathen faith' to join the government in Kefar. First General Miscus was on television identifying Jasmine as the mediator in the peace negotiations."

"I know," Kamon responded. "Miscus said it would be unavoidable."

"They say you saved the general's life. Is that true?"

"Yes."

"Wow!" Casio was amazed. "You didn't tell me that part on the phone. That's why those reporters outside want to talk to you. General Miscus is an important figure in the world. Saving her life is big news."

"I don't care about that right now." Kamon was understandably irritable.

"I know that," Casio said. "But you need to understand that they're going to keep chasing you."

"Yeah." Kamon was thinking. The situation was horrible. "What do you think the Delphi's going to do, Casio?"

Casio hesitated.

Kamon noticed. "Be blunt," the big man ordered.

"It would only be a guess, Hawk."

"It's more than a guess or you wouldn't be afraid to tell me! Come on! I need to know!"

"She might hand down a death sentence," Casio said quietly. "But I don't know that!" he added hastily.

Kamon stood for a moment in stunned silence. Death!?! "That's insane." He looked at Casio, questioning.

"I agree but....well, she's apparently plenty mad. You saw those temple officers at the hoverport. I've never seen 'em keyed up like that before."

Death! He couldn't let that happen. He had to do something. "I need to see her," Kamon spoke. "Talk to her."

"I don't think that's likely," Casio stated flatly. "Jasmine'll be held in solitary confinement, Block Seven of the Temple Prison. The Delphi won't allow visitors."

"She might," Kamon said. "We won't know until I find out for sure. Then I need to find an advocate to represent her."

"I don't think you'll find one who is willing to take the case," Casio advised soberly. "This case is poison. Who wants to stand before the Delphi and argue a client's innocence? It's tantamount to blasphemy. Nobody'll do it."

"Well I can't just sit around doing nothing!" Kamon exploded. There was silence in the room for a moment. Not a sound could be heard. For the first time in their lives, these two men faced a problem that had no apparent solution. A cold, grim mask settled on the face of the big man. His jaw tightened. His eyes turned steely hard. "Nothing is going to happen to her, Casio! Do you hear me?! Nothing!!" He punctuated his declaration by fiercely slamming his fist down on Casio's desk. A hairline crack running the width of the desk was the result.

Kamon strode toward the door.

"Where're you going?" Casio shouted.

"To the Temple Prison!"

Kamon flung open the door. An army of reporters enveloped him.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

.........Kamon climbed the steep steps to Ingraham Memorial Temple Prison, surrounded by a horde of reporters. Many had trouble keeping up with him. He had temporarily eluded the media when leaving the Capitol Building. But they had soon found him again. It seemed he could go nowhere without being hounded.

Ingraham Memorial Temple Prison sat atop a hill in the middle of Positron. It was ringed by thick wooden pillars reaching fifteen feet into the air.

Kamon led the crowd of reporters to the front gate. A temple guard greeted him. "Is there something I can do for you, sir?" the uniformed woman asked.

Kamon read her name tag. "Yes, Temen. I am Councilman Kamon of the Province of Sparrow Hawk. I wish to speak with a prisoner named Jasmine. I believe she was brought here just hours ago."

"She is here, Councilman," Temen answered, "but you can't see her. No one can."

"Why not?" Kamon demanded.

"Because the Delphi has ordered that Jasmine is to have no visitors," Temen answered.

"But I am a state councilman," Kamon pressed.

"No one is to see her," Temen stated. "I'm sorry, Councilman. Those are our orders."

Cameras were clicking, video cameras were rolling, microphones were all around. Kamon intensely disliked the setting, but there seemed to be little he could do about it. "When will Jasmine be taken to see the Delphi?" Kamon asked.

"I can't tell you that, sir."

"Why not?!" Kamon demanded.

"Because I can't discuss the movement of prisoners."

Kamon quickly took Temen by the arm and whispered tersely in her ear. "Either let me talk to you a few minutes alone or I'll convene a Council subcommittee hearing within the hour and issue a subpoena for your appearance. I'll find a reason; you can bet on that."

Temen hesitated a moment, then nodded. "Would you please step inside with me, Councilman?"

Amid shouted questions from the reporters present, Temen quickly led Kamon through a security entrance adjacent to the tall wooden gates. Kamon found himself inside a small room. Its modern equipment stood out in contrast to the weathered wooden pillars surrounding the temple prison.

"Please stand in front of this monitor, Councilman," Temen said.

"Why?" Kamon asked, although he did as requested.

"I need a retinal scan," Temen answered. "Please lower your head a bit."

Kamon did so and a tiny beam of soft light was directed into his pupil. It was gone in an instant.

"I need a retinal scan on anyone who steps through the gate," Temen continued explaining. "I don't expect you'll be coming any farther, but technically, you have entered the temple prison. It's procedure. We use it to positively identify anyone who leaves."

"I need to know when Jasmine will be taken to see the Delphi." Kamon wasted no time in coming to the point.

"I told you, Councilman," Temen said, "that I am not supposed to discuss the movement of prisoners."

"Then I'll wait outside and let the press ask the question for me," Kamon said. "I'll call a press conference right here! I'll say something major will be happening very shortly, but that's all you would tell me! I'll make sure there's the biggest crowd outside you ever saw." Kamon abruptly softened his tone. "Please. I need a favor. I just want to know when Jasmine will be taken to see the Delphi. You can claim I bullied you, threatened you, but please," Kamon pleaded, "just tell me."

He was a councilman, an important figure in the state, and he was pleading with an ordinary guard. Temen was moved. "Okay," she said. "An hour after nightfall, Jasmine will be taken to the Delphi's complex for trial. That's all I know."

"That's enough," Kamon said gratefully. "I won't get forget this. Thanks."

With that, Kamon was gone. Though they surrounded him again, Kamon ignored the reporters and their questions. Nightfall! Events were moving with incredible speed! He must find an advocate for Jasmine...or be present himself......or both!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

A fading red hue lined the western sky. The sun had slipped beneath the horizon half an hour ago. Kamon lounged quietly on a bench in the park across the street from the Domus. He had arrived just a few minutes ago, choosing a bench in the shadows. It had taken much of the afternoon to elude the pack of reporters. He had barely spoken to them. They were as irritated with him as he was with them. They were probably grateful he had finally lost them.

His eyes were on the gate to the Domus. He did not want to miss anyone coming into the Delphi's complex.

Casio had been right. There wasn't an advocate in the city who would represent Jasmine. He had called dozens of them. They were all frightened. No Delphi had exercised this right to judge in decades. The Delphi was all powerful in this instance. No one would speak in opposition. It was, therefore, up to Kamon. So he waited.

There was an occasional pedestrian, but no one else. He hoped it stayed this way. He did not want a crowd, no attention.

Kamon rose and started across the street. The guard at the gate saw him coming. She was alert as she should be.

"Good evening," Kamon greeted her.

The guard did not immediately respond. She eyed him for a moment in the full light of the street lamp. Finally, "Good evening...Councilman." She was pretty sure it was Councilman Kamon. His was a fairly atypical figure.

"It's a nice night," Kamon commented.

"Yes," the guard named Xellam replied. "Were you here for a reason, Councilman?"

"Actually, yes," Kamon answered. "I want to be here when they bring Jasmine to see the Delphi." He didn't use the word 'judged'. He hated to think of it.

"Why would you think that would be tonight?" Xellam asked.

"That's what I heard," Kamon replied. "Why? Am I wrong?"

"We have strict orders not to discuss Jasmine's case," Xellam said.

"I didn't ask you to discuss the case," Kamon said. "I just asked if they would be bringing Jasmine tonight."

"I think that would be 'discussing' it," was Xellam's reply.

"Fine," Kamon said. "I'll just wait here."

A half hour passed. Kamon carried on a conversation with Xellam during this time, asking where she was from, if she had a family, how many children. He did not mention Jasmine during this time. There was no need to. Xellam would tell him no more.

A long dark automobile slowly approached at the end of the half hour.

"Officer Kauwon to Officer Xellam!" came crackling over Xellam's walkie-talkie. "We're here with the package!"

Kamon heard the communication. Xellam frowned and stepped back from the gate. She took the walkie-talkie from her hip. "Officer Xellam here," she spoke into the transmitter. "Approach so I can verify."

The automobile turned off the street toward the gate. Xellam eyed the license plate. The window rolled down. She waved at the driver - Officer Kauwon.

"Just a minute," Xellam said to Kauwon. She looked at Kamon. "You'll have to step back, Councilman. This vehicle needs to get through."

"Is Jasmine in there?" Kamon asked.

"I can't say."

"Is Jasmine 'the package'?" Kamon demanded.

"I'm sorry, Councilman," Xellam said. "You must step away."

Kamon stepped to the window of the automobile. "I'm Councilman Kamon of the province of Sparrow Hawk. Are you transporting Jasmine?!" He peered into the back of the vehicle through the partially opened window. It was dark; there was a shape that could be Jasmine, but he wasn't sure.

Kauwon did not answer Kamon's question. The gate was opening. She started to move the vehicle forward.

Kamon grabbed the door. He had to assume Jasmine was in the automobile. "I am Jasmine's advocate!" he barked. "I demand to be present when she sees the Delphi! It is her right! If you do not let me come with you, I will have you all personally charged with denial of advocacy in federal court tomorrow! I'll make the charge stick! I'll press for a prison sentence and I'll get it done!"

The car stopped. Kauwon turned her head. "Commander?" She was seeking guidance from someone in the rear of the vehicle. Kamon's outburst had had an effect.

"Jasmine has no advocate," a voice from the rear of the vehicle said.

Jasmine must be in there! No one had denied it! "I am her advocate!" Kamon claimed again.

"I have not heard this from Jasmine," the voice from the back replied.

"Jasmine!" Kamon exclaimed. "Tell them I am your advocate!"

Silence. It cut like a knife through Kamon.

"Well, Councilman," the commander's dark form spoke, "it seems that Jasmine does not agree with you. Kauwon. Drive--"

"Jasmine, please!!" Kamon cut in, imploring frantically. "I stood by you in Kefar! If that means anything to you, tell them I am your advocate!!"

"Drive on, Kauwon!" the commander ordered from the rear of the car.

The vehicle moved forward.

"Councilman Kamon is my advocate!" Jasmine's voice sounded suddenly from the rear of the automobile.

Kamon hung on to the door. "You heard her! Her claim has been made! Honor it or I promise I will press charges!"

"Stop the car!" the commander's voice could be heard. There was a pause. Then, "Unlock the door for him, Kauwon." There was an audible click. "Get in please, Councilman."

Kamon was quick to open the door and slide in next to Jasmine.

"Now, let's go!" the commander ordered. They had drawn attention by this time. This was the Delphi's complex. Any delay or incident such as this one was certain to create interest, no matter what time of night. The word would be out now. Jasmine had been brought to be judged by the Delphi. Second Commander Divan was not pleased.

The car slipped into the Domus grounds. The gate closed quickly behind them.

"I do not like to be threatened," Commander Divan said levelly. "Not even by a member of the council."

Jasmine was sandwiched between Commander Divan and Kamon. The back of the vehicle was shrouded in darkness, except for a couple of dim lights on each side near their feet.

"I'm sorry, Commander," Kamon was reserved now. "I just needed to be sure that I joined you."

"I do not recall that you are an advocate," Divan said.

"I have enough hours from the upper academy," Kamon answered. "I just never practiced nor do I list it in my Council biography."

"You may wish you had never mentioned it this evening," Commander Divan commented soberly.

It was indeed a thought to ponder. The Delphi did not like him. How could his presence help Jasmine? Still, he was certain that he must be there. He could not let this drama unfold without being present. Surely, he would think of something to help Jasmine.

Jasmine and Kamon did not speak to one another inside the car. For his part, Kamon did not know what to say. The intimacy of Kefar had become a distant memory. A barrier now stood between them.

The automobile stopped at the front entrance to the Domus. They got out. Second Commander Divan escorted Kamon and Jasmine inside.

The Delphi's chief of staff, Xanthan Gwen, was there to greet them. "Councilman?!" Gwen acknowledged Kamon. "I'm surprised to see you here."

"I'm Jasmine's advocate," Kamon said.

"I wasn't aware she had one," Gwen responded.

"She does," Kamon answered.

"Nor was I aware that you are an advocate," Gwen stated.

"I am," Kamon replied. "Few people know it, but I do have standing. You can check it out if you'd like."

"There's no need for that," Xanthan Gwen said. "I wasn't doubting you; I was just surprised." She hesitated, then resumed. "Councilman, I do not wish to be rude, but I don't think the Delphi wishes you to accompany Jasmine."

"I'm her advocate," Kamon insisted. "I go where she goes."

Gwen nodded. She did not wish to argue with a member of the Council. "Very well. But be advised, I did warn you."

Xanthan Gwen led them along the same path that Kamon had followed only weeks ago. Much had happened since that time. Up the spiral staircase, through the long hallway, and into the large room where the Delphi sat.

The Delphi's surprise at seeing Kamon was evident. She eyed him coldly. "Kamon, I did not request your presence at this trial."

"That is true, your excellency," he responded, "but I am Jasmine's advocate."

"You are not an advocate?!" the Delphi scoffed.

"Yes I am, your excellency," Kamon answered. "I had enough credits at the upper academy. I have standing in court. I have simply never chosen to exercise it."

"Regardless," the Delphi said, "this is not a court, and an advocate will be of no use to Jasmine."

Kamon was attempting to be respectful. "It is a hearing at which Jasmine will be judged, however. I therefore wish to be here. It is Jasmine's right."

"And it is my right," the Delphi said with narrowed eyes, "to charge an advocate with blasphemy if I so wish."

"I'm aware of that," Kamon responded tersely.

"Jasmine," the Delphi said, "is the Councilman your advocate?"

There was a moment of silence which pained Kamon. Then Jasmine answered. "He is."

"Very well," the Delphi sighed; she glared at Kamon. "But you are not here to argue her case. You are not to address me while I question her. You are here to listen, no more! Is that understood?"

"Yes, your excellency."

Apparently satisfied with his answer, the Delphi turned her attention to Jasmine. "I will begin by asking you a series of formal questions for the record. Your name is Jasmine, is that correct?"

"Yes."

The Delphi glared at her for a few seconds. Jasmine had yet to display proper respect in addressing the Delphi. Jasmine should have ended her answer with 'your excellency'. Even Kamon had done as much.

"Jasmine," the Delphi said, "you are being charged with the promotion of heathenism. How do you plead?"

"I preach peace, not heathenism," Jasmine replied calmly.

The Delphi stood up. Her chair sat on a small dais. "I shall take that as a plea of 'Not guilty'." The Delphi began pacing a bit, deciding how best to proceed. She stopped and faced Jasmine. "Do you deny that you aided the Clemens rebels in becoming a part of the legitimate Fraus government in the state of Kefar?"

"No."

"Then you admit to the charge of heathenism which has been brought against you?" the Delphi concluded.

"I admit only to the promotion of peace," Jasmine stated. "You may interpret the events in Kefar as you wish."

Anger crept into the Delphi's voice. "I have the power to order your execution if I decide that you are guilty of this charge! I suggest that you show more concern as to how I interpret the events in Kefar!"

"I cannot alter the truth to please you," Jasmine calmly replied, "nor can I control how you view what has happened in Kefar."

"You had a hand in bringing the Clemens into the Fraus government?" the Delphi asked.

"I have already indicated as much."

"Then you could help in seeing that this is undone," the Delphi suggested quickly. "You could atone for your sin. First General Venon Miscus called me today. She interceded on your behalf. You two have apparently established a friendship. You could convince General Miscus that what has happened is folly."

"If I have a sin for which I should do penance," Jasmine replied, "this is not one of them. I applaud what has happened in Kefar and I would do anything in my power to maintain the newly forged peace agreement."

"You would refuse a direct request from your Delphi?!" the Delphi asked in the third person.

"If it meant tampering with the peace agreement in Kefar, I would," Jasmine answered.

"How could you bring the followers of a heathen faith into the government of Kefar?!" The Delphi was exasperated. "A government which fully supports the one true religion, the Fraus, with the Delphi as the head of the Fraus temple?"

"If a country is to exist in peace, all its people must share in the government equally," Jasmine replied placidly. "Inequality produces hate, hate produces conflict, conflict brings death and destruction. The people of Kefar have taken a giant step forward in eliminating inequality. They have broken the chain which must inevitably lead to death and destruction. Surely, you see the benefit in this."

"I see only that you have sanctioned a heathen religion!" the Delphi shot back angrily. "You have displeased Nome!"

"Would not Nome be pleased to see that the streets and hills of Kefar will no longer be stained with the blood of her children?" Jasmine probed.

"Nome does not wish to see her children harmed nor killed on this world," the Delphi retorted, "but it does them no good to live out their pitiful lives here if they are denied eternal salvation. And eternal salvation can only be achieved through strict adherence to the Fraus faith!"

"Then you would have preferred that the leaders of Kefar continue to suppress the Clemens people through use of force and violence?" Jasmine suggested. "Violence that has produced a death toll in the tens of thousands in the past two decades. Violence that produced many more times wounded and crippled. Violence that promised the people of Kefar an eternity of suffering. Are you telling me that Nome would have preferred this? Is this what you really believe?"

"I believe that you are unrepentant for the sins you have committed!" The Delphi was outraged by Jasmine's impudence. "Nome will protect the followers of the one true religion! She will destroy only those heathens who refuse to believe! How can you stand here and say these things and still ask for mercy from me?!"

"I am not asking you for anything," Jasmine calmly replied. "You requested my presence tonight."

"So that you could defend yourself in the eyes of Nome!" the Delphi snapped.

"I do not see Nome here," Jasmine said.

"I am the head of the temple," the Delphi spoke furiously. "Therefore, I speak for Nome on this planet!"

"Who chose you for this position?" Jasmine asked.

"Nome!" the Delphi shouted at the unflappable woman. "Through her priestesses!"

"Perhaps," Jasmine suggested, "you are confusing the power granted you by a select group of women on Arnot with the power which Nome reserves only for herself --- the power to choose who will live --- and who will die."

"Silence!" the Delphi erupted. "Enough! You are not only a promoter of heathenism, but a blasphemer as well!"

"Your excellency," Kamon quickly intervened. Jasmine had clearly infuriated an already irritable Delphi. He had wanted to interrupt earlier, to stop Jasmine, but he had feared the consequences. But now he must. Jasmine's situation was grave. He must defuse the tension somehow. "I'm sure Jasmine is tired and not herself. She only returned from Kefar this morning. The change in times zones can be..."

"Silence, Kamon!" the Delphi cut him off. "Did I not instruct you when you came in that you would not be allowed to speak?!"

"Yes, you did, your excellency," Kamon answered meekly. "It's just that I felt compelled to point out Jasmine's delicate condition at the moment. I hope that you will understand."

"You will be quiet, Kamon!" the Delphi ordered sternly. "Is that understood?!"

"Yes, your excellency." Kamon had done his best...but he feared it would not be enough.

The Delphi directed her gaze at the prisoner once more. "Jasmine, I find you guilty of not only the promotion of heathenism but blasphemy as well! For these gross offenses, your penalty can be nothing less than death! Your execution will be carried out in one week! You have that long to prepare for your final judgement by Nome! Commander Divan! Take the prisoner away!"

Second Commander Divan moved crisply to carry out the order. Jasmine was ushered from the room.

The blood drained from Kamon's face. He felt weak, numb. His worst fears had been realized. "Your excellency. Please." His legs felt rubbery. He was light-headed, faint. "Do not have this woman put to death. She has done only what she claims -- save lives."

"She has blasphemed the one true religion, Kamon." Her anger had still not subsided. "She has brought death upon herself. It is out of my hands now."

"With all due respects, your excellency," Kamon pressed on, "it is not out of your hands. You can change your mind. The bodies of my parents, I will move them immediately. You can cut down every Minot tree that stands on my property, but please..." Kamon fell to his knees, his hands pressed together. "...spare this woman. I implore you." There were tears in his eyes.

Kamon's homage deflated the Delphi's anger...but she was not persuaded to change her mind. "Her crime is too great, Kamon. An example must be made of her. I regret what will obviously be a deep personal loss for you, but I have no choice. It is Nome's will."

"Please, your excellency!" Kamon begged. "I implore you!"

"I cannot Kamon," she answered. "Judgement has been rendered. It cannot be reversed. May Nome have mercy on her soul."

Kamon came to his feet and backed away. It was finished here. There was nothing he could do. His highly uncharacteristic weakness and distress would soon be replaced by rage. He must leave. It would do no good to argue with the Delphi. He would gain nothing. He stumbled from the room.

By the time Kamon stepped outside, the car bearing Jasmine was already moving down the drive. She was gone! He could not get to her! What was he to do?!

Kamon ran toward the gate. He watched it open and close as the automobile left. He could not let Jasmine die! He must do something!

Brooding and deeply disturbed, Kamon slipped through the gate. Under the gloomy light of the street lamps, a horde of reporters surrounded him.

----"Councilman! Did Jasmine appear before the Delphi?!"

----"Was Jasmine in the car that just left, Councilman!?"

----"Why were you at the Domus, Councilman?!"

----"Have you seen the Delphi tonight, Councilman?!"

----"Were you present at a hearing of Jasmine before the Delphi?!"

----"Councilman! What was the Delphi's verdict?!"

Kamon pushed through the crowd of reporters, shaking his head. He wanted to get away as fast as he could. To answer one question, would simply invite more. There were other people present in the crowd, however.

"Were you at the trial of Jasmine before the Delphi?!" a small man shoved against Kamon asked.

"Did Nome send a sign to the Delphi during Jasmine's trial?!" asked a short woman squeezed tightly against the small man.

Kamon looked down. "Sign?"

"Yes!" the small man chose to speak. "A sign that the Delphi should look kindly on the daughter of Nome!"

"What are you talking about?" Kamon asked.

"Jasmine is the daughter of Nome!" the short woman spoke up. "Surely, Nome will send a sign!"

Kamon resumed his push through the crowd. Strange people; he had no time for them.

"Nome will save her daughter!" the small man shouted after him.

Kamon finally slipped out of the crowd. Reporters were still shouting questions at him. He broke into a run, quickly leaving everyone behind. The darkness swallowed him up.

END OF CHAPTER