"I remember, I will always remember, the victim's mother went mad in court," Mr. Srimone said absently, "but what could she do? She was just a widowed farmer who had been alone for years and couldn't even afford the bond for a second appeal."
"Grand Inquisitor Brennan, that impartial and stern judge," Thales, who had been silent up to that point, spoke up, "didn't he say anything during the trial?"
Mr. Srimone shook his head.
"I was lucky that Brennan was not assigned to that trial," the defense attorney said with a bitter smile, "but even if he had been, what would it have mattered? He understands the law, while we, we understand legal codes—and the rule of law in Emerald City is unparalleled under the Starlight."
Thales remained silent, wordless.
"What happened to that farmer later?" Sherryl pressed on.
Mr. Srimone shook his head blankly:
"I don't know, I didn't go... I didn't dare to ask."
He rubbed his face:
