Brandli frowned as he recognized Krassu’s voice. One is a headache enough, and now they are both here. Having taken in the same disciple, it’s hard to tell what would happen how their conflict would pan out for now, but if someone had hurt their disciple, I don’t think anyone could stop the two old men from killing him.
“We don’t know if someone wanted to kill Amy yet. But a man is dead, and we’re trying to find out what happened,” Brandli said to Krassu, not unkindly. He decided to stand his ground, and not to let the two legends affect his investigation.
Krassu walked in and glanced at Urien. “Then do what you have to do, but I’ll only believe Amy.”
“Me too,” said Urien in his hoarse voice. For once, he didn’t contradict Krassu.
Mag was grateful to Amy’s two masters—they were very influential—but even if they hadn’t shown up, he was confident he could get away clean.Brandli had to smile, blaming Gabriel for having put him in such a difficult position.
“Barzel, tell me what happened,” Brandli said.
Barzel told him exactly what Mag had told him.
When he was done, an expression of confusion appeared on Brandli’s face. If Mag was telling the truth, then why did they do it? What’s their motive? He turned to face Mag. “Do you have anything to add?”
“No,” Mag said. “But according to the law of the city, one can use force to protect oneself against unlawful use of force. We are closed today, so technically they were trespassing; according to the law, I can do anything to eject them.” He paused a moment. “A swordsman and a magic caster forced their way into my house. What would you have done if you had been in my shoes?”
The patrol men had thought he would use Krassu and Urien to pressure them into letting this go; instead, he was using the law to protect himself.
If what he just said is true, it won’t matter who killed Gabriel, Brandli thought.“By the look of the remains of the door, it was broken by sword and fire. I think he was telling the truth,” Barzel whispered to Brandli.
Brandli nodded. He looked very happy—he didn’t have to worry about the two old men defending Mag now that the latter had been proven innocent.
“Help us! They… they killed him!” Goodenia cried suddenly.
“The girl tried to kill us!” Devoe screamed.
