***********
CHAPTER 9 – Verdict
"Yes, my Lord," Abaddon replied, his cracked voice resounding in the room.
"Fine, you may speak."
"My Lord has well heard and has given his decree, but my father has spoken and for that I am grateful. I know am not deserving of all this but believe one thing, I would never bite the finger that fed me. Search my heart and see. My love for you is true and I would never do anything to hurt you."
"I wish that were true. We have witnesses. And they have spoken," Calogero, chipped in.
"Fine. There are witnesses. People were given the chance to ruin my name but I wasn't given the chance to clear my name and defend myself. So be it. I would accept whatever punishment comes my way in good faith. I believe that the mighty Demon Lord never makes a mistake. Just the way you saw a small boy and took him in, that was no mistake. I trust your judgment. No hard feelings."
Kaan did not speak after that. Deep within him, he did not want to believe that his own son would wish him ill but the pieces of evidence were just so much that if he doesn't do anything now, his kingdom is bound to shake and his people would no longer believe in him.
So right now, it was his son or his throne and people.
He took a deep breath, then leaned forward. "I have well heard, and I would give my verdict Abaddon Gadreel, you have been found wanting for the crime of treason and would be dealt with according to our laws, however, due to your numerous, previous, merited achievements and selfless, sacrifices for this kingdom, I have chosen to give you a chance at redemption."
"WHAT!"
"NO."
"My Lord."
"YES."
"It cannot be. What would the people say?"
Kaan Vortigern did not pay heed to them. Rather he raised his right hand to silence them up and everywhere instantly became calm again. Although on their faces, could be seen clearly, their displeasure.
"I have decided and no one can change it. True, you were not given a chance to prove your innocence. I will give you that chance. A chance at life again but, it would not come easy."
"As you wish my lord, your wish is my command."
"Very well then. You are hereby banished from the Aisle of doom."
GBAHGHANN!
0_0
Carmilla's eyes popped open. Did she hear correctly? She wondered within her.
This was a joke. How was he going to clear his name if things were like this... She was tempted to protest but when she looked at Abaddon and saw him giving her a sign not to do anything stupid, she calmed down.
But it was plain as day on her face that she was very, very much displeased with him.
However, not only Carmilla did the news displease. Even Abaddon's enemies that wanted his demise so much were angry.
"As I said, Abaddon Gadreel, you are hereby banished from the Aisle of Doom and stripped of all your ranks. You have only one chance at redemption and that would be, to bring the souls of all the freeborn mages to hell within a period of six months. Failure to do so, you shall lose your demon powers and be subjected to a life of a mere mortal, to get old and die, never to be reborn in this lifetime or in another."
"My Lord!" He raised his hand again, silencing Carmilla.
"You have six months. Find the freeborn mages and take their souls. Their souls shall be your ticket to appeasing me and your chance to return and investigate in order to clear your name. For this reason, your powers would not be stripped off in order to carry out your assignment, but I would not be lenient if you fail. That is my verdict and my law."
"Thank you, my Lord."
"Your majesty," Calogero protested.
"Yes? Speak."
"Thanks. We know your judgment is pure and your words are true but you can't set him free."
"You have a problem with that, Calogero?"
"No. I mean yes, but not really. Do not forget you have subordinates. Many of them would think you are soft and they can do anything and scot-free. You need to set an example first so that…"
SWOOSH!
BANG!
THUD!
It happened so fast, confusing and stunning everyone but for some selected few, could see and grasp what had happened. One second Calogero was talking and the next, they felt a strong force suddenly push him back till he hit the wall and fell down on the ground on his knees.
"Anybody else has an opinion to air? Anyone wants to challenge my decisions and call me weak? Please be sure to signify by lifting their hands all too well let me visit my wrath and you all."
Kaan waited for like two minutes as his eyes darted to and fro, looking intently at everyone. He waited, giving them the opportunity to try themselves since they felt they could control him now that he was sick.
"I thought as much. Release him this instant. He leaves at first light."
With that, Kaan stood up from his throne, released his hand, freeing Calogero from his hold and allowing him to fall face forward to the ground.
He cast one look at Abaddon and then exited the throne room, leaving Abaddon to his fate and ignoring the angry stares from the others.
If there was anything, he was glad he gave him an opportunity.
It was now left to him to get everything done and redeem himself, else if his powers were taken away from him, he would be left with nothing and then his enemies could prey on him and kill him without there being any repercussion.
"Your majesty!" They all echoed after him before the others started taking their leave one after the other.
Even after that, Carmilla did not still leave him alone with those demons who sought after his life. She waited to ensure nothing happened to him in the absence of the Demon Lord.