The Necromancer's Wife
Chapter 5: The Sentence

“That woman is INSANE!” Emperor Peony shouted from his throne in the palace audience chamber. “I want her locked up in the asylum and the key thrown away!”

It had been exactly one week since the fiasco at the harbor tavern and the Imperial Council had gathered around the Emperor to decide upon Elizabeth’s fate. For the last seven days, a thorough inquiry of the incident had been conducted by the Military Police.  Now, at the end of the investigation, Peony, Jade, Chief-of-Staff Sesemenn and General Nordheim, had gathered to determine the appropriate actions that would be dealt to the female bounty hunter. Along side the council, two members of the Imperial Recorders Office stood silently behind the Emperor’s throne; taking note of all the proceedings for future reference. “Your Majesty,” Sesemenn began. “Please be reasonable in regards to The Witch Queen’s punishment.” Peony shot an angered glance at his councilman.

“That psychopath nearly killed me! And you want me to reasonable?!” He curled up in a fetal position in his seat. “I want her put away for good!” Sesemenn sighed.

“Yes, my Lord,” He began. “There is no question that LeFey deserves to be punished for her acts of aggression against your Royal person and the whole of the glorious Empire of Malkuth-!”

“Exactly!” Peony interrupted. “Make her pay for trying to harm my poor, defenseless “Royal Person”!” A frustrated sigh escaped Sesemenn’s lips.

“Sire, please remember that The Witch Queen did not act against you without provocation. Eyewitnesses testified that you yourself, though heavily inebriated and of compromised judgment, did engage her first. Testimony has proven that she rejected your advances and even warned you of possible retaliation.”

“All the more reason! I was drunk! I didn’t know what the hell I was doing! She should have realized that before she went ballistic on me! Why couldn’t she just walk away instead of trying to murder me?! You realize this falls under treason, don’t you?!”

“That is correct, Sire” Sesemenn began. “Malkuthian law does state that acts of physical, emotional or mental aggression against Her reigning sovereign counts as high treason. In this case, however, The Witch Queen’s actions do not fall under this category.” He smiled apologetically. “I am afraid that you, while slightly, are partially to blame for the situation’s outcome.” Peony rolled his eyes.

“Well, maybe I did act like a jerk and stepped outta line a little, but whatever! LeFey is still nuts! Anyway, she caused widespread damage to the city! Have you see it?! Grand Chokmah is a mess! It’ll take months and millions of gald to put things back the way the were!” His eyes narrowed at Sesemenn. “And don’t you dare tell me that’s not treason against Malkuth, too!” A collective sigh spread across the room.

“Not quite, Your Majesty.” Sesemenn replied. Peony plopped back down in his throne.

“You’re kidding. . .” The Chief-of-Staff frowned.

“No, I’m afraid I’m not.” He shifted on his feet nervously. “Elizabeth LeFey is only partially at fault for that as well.” Peony’s raised an eyebrow.

“And how is she partially at fault?”

“I think I can answer that for you, Sire.” General Nordheim began. “The Witch Queen did not destroy the city all by herself.” He cast a disapproving glance at Jade. “Colonel Curtiss also had a hand in it.”

There was a very long history of bad blood between the two of them. Ever since he joined the military, General Nordheim had had it in for Jade. Despite the general thoroughly outranking him, the Necromancer was the Emperor’s favorite. They were best friends; had grown up together. As a result, he gave the colonel more power and freedom than anyone else; even allowed him to give orders to those who stood above him.

The Emperor would probably even let the Necromancer get away with murder. .

As a result, General Nordheim became his biggest detractor; taking every opportunity to debase the colonel before Peony and anyone else of power. He wasn’t the only one in the military to dislike Jade either. General Glen McGovern of St. Binah also shared Nordheim’s intense hate and distrust of the Necromancer as well. In fact, a large portion of the House of Lords were opposed to Jade’s position and influence on the Emperor, and would take any chance to rid themselves of the colonel for good. . .

Jade flashed Nordheim a pleasant smile. “General Nordheim is absolutely correct, Sire.” He replied in his normal, cheerful tone. “I am the one who accepted The Witch Queen’s offer to battle. I am no less irresponsible for the condition of Grand Chokmah than she is.” He placed his hands in his pockets. “The blame between us is completely mutual.” Nordheim frowned at Jade deeply.

“Yes, and I must say on behalf of the entire Imperial Forces, that we are most disappointed by the lack of judgment on your part, Colonel Curtiss.” He replied. “And as a result, you shall face a formal court-martial.” Nordheim looked down his nose at Jade. “How disappointed His Majesty must be with you.”

“Lay off, Nordheim.” Peony yawned. “Jade was only following my orders. I told him to trash that redheaded maniac, and he did. He was acting on my command.” Sesemenn bowed his head shamefully.

“Your Majesty, must you say that out loud and in the presence of the recorders?” Now the Emperor had done it. By saying he ordered the Necromancer to fight The Witch Queen, he now placed the responsibility of damaging the city squarely on himself. Malkuthian law stated that one must carryout the orders and wishes of their Monarch, even if it meant killing innocents or destroying a city.

The Emperor’s will was absolute.

“Regardless,” Nordheim continued. “Colonel Curtiss allowed himself to be consumed by his need to prove himself better than the bounty hunter.” His eyes narrowed as he turned to Jade. “Do not think we have not heard of your desire to fight LeFey; and vice versa. Despite following His Majesty’s orders, you still allowed the situation to go grossly out of control.” He turned towards the Emperor. “The law states that at least the court proceedings take place, even if little chance of a conviction.” Peony rolled his eyes.

“You can’t be serious. . .” He turned to the Chief-of-Staff. “Can he?” Sesemenn nodded.

“I am afraid he’s right, Your Majesty. The proceedings must take place.”
General Nordheim’s lips curled in a satisfied grin. If he couldn’t rid the military of the Necromancer completely, he would be satisfied with socially and politically humiliating him before the House of Lords. Perhaps this would allow him the chance of rounding up the Necromancer’s enemies and have the colonel outested for good.

The Emperor shrugged. “Then I guess I have no choice.” He frowned at Jade. “Sorry, man.” Jade’s face remained cheerful.

“Not to worry, Your Majesty.” He replied, completely unfazed by the fact he was now formally court-martialed. “It will be most pleasant to spend a day in the midst of the House of Lords rather than in the humdrum of my stuffy little office.”

“Now that that, has been settled.” Sesemenn began. “Back to the matter at hand” The old man turned back towards the Emperor. “We must decide upon an appropriate punishment for Hunter LeFey.”

“Brigadier General Aslan Frings!”

Everyone turned to the voice of the guard that had spoken so suddenly. Standing in the double doors leading to the palace’s Grand Foyer, stood Frings, flanked by two soldiers. “General Frings,” Sesemenn smiled. “You have returned from Chesedonia?” Frings walked forward and bowed before Peony before addressing the Chief-of-Staff.

“Yes, Sir.” He replied. “I met with The Bounty Hunter’s Guild as well as the Malkuthian Ambassador, as per Imperial Order.”

The day after the incident, Frings was immediately sent to Chesedonia, to report to LeFey’s superiors of her “transgressions against the Empire”. But because of Chesedonia’s independence from both nations, he would have not been allowed audience with the Guild Master without being accompanied by the Malkuthian Ambassador. Sesemenn straightened.

“I trust your mother, our Honored Ambassador is well?” He asked politely. Sesemenn and Ambassador Frings had a long standing friendship than spanned over thirty years. Frings nodded happily.

“Yes, my mother is quite well and sends her wellwishes for your seventieth birthday.” Sesemenn’s smile widened.

“Fine, fine.” He chuckled heartily. “And what have you to report?” Frings’s smile faded and he took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry to say that, according to Chesedonian law; we cannot prosecute The Witch Queen for her crimes.” Peony raised an eyebrow.

“What?”

“According to The Guild; certain members are granted partial to full diplomatic and political immunity in any nation or state they are currently operating in. And by “certain”, I mean specifically Elizabeth LeFey.” Peony's eyes narrowed at the silver haired man.

“You must be joking!” Frings shook his head.

“I’m afraid not, Sir. Elizabeth LeFey is The Guild’s only Class 1 Operative. Her status makes her completely exempt from any type of legal proceedings in our nation or otherwise.” Peony threw his hands up in the air.

“That’s the stupidest thing I have ever heard!” He let out a loud huff. “How could a ridiculous clause like that make it’s way into the law?!” Frings felt a small drop of sweat run down his brow.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty; but if you think back to the incident six years ago; to the-!”

“The Chesedonian Ripper.” Jade finished for him. All eyes were on Jade now. “Elizabeth LeFey’s first capture.” The Necromancer’s gaze swept across the room. “Yes, it makes perfect sense.” He pushed his glasses up his nose. “Due to the success of that particular case, LeFey was probably granted her special “privileges” that would, for example, allow her to take action against traditionally protected circles; such as Royal Houses; so long as it was in the pursuit of justice.” He turned to Peony.

“And if you recall, Your Majesty,” Jade continued, “The Ripper was later identified as a distant cousin of yours. Before him, members of the Imperial Family and ruling classes were basically exempt from responsibility for any illegal activity, including murder. Ripper forced the laws to change; to prevent public outcry. But unfortunately, due to the Ripper’s status in society, he now eternally rots in Grand Chokmah Penitentiary, when he should have been executed.” Jade’s hands once again rested in his pockets. “It is no different than the liberties given to our own Marshals.” Peony let out a disgusted groan.

“So in other words; she’s above the law?”

“Not quite, Sire.” Frings replied. “She may be above our law, but she still falls under Chesedonian law.” Peony’s lips curled into a curious smile.

“Go on.” He came to sit on the edge of his seat. “I’m listening.”

“Elizabeth LeFey can only be punished under The Bounty Hunter’s Guild. Due to the severity of the charges filed against her, The Guild, not wanting to damage their ties with the Empire, has agreed, if His Majesty wishes, to consider possible penalties against Hunter LeFey; on the condition that we allow them to conduct their own investigation.” Sesemenn cast a smile at Peony.

“Your Majesty,” He began. “This is a most agreeable compromise.” Peony’s hand went to his chin.

“Well, “ He began. “I guess as long as that she-demon gets what’s coming to her; then I suppose that’s all right.” He sat back on his throne. “Fine. Tell the Guild we accept their terms.” He raised an eyebrow. “That’s it, isn’t it?” Frings bit his lower lip.

“But there is one last thing, Your Majesty.” He took another deep breath. “I’m afraid that under the terms of the agreement, we can no longer hold her in Grand Chokmah Penitentiary. The Guild made it quite clear that she is to be considered innocent until they have proven her guilty. Also, the Guild stated that it will be at least six weeks until they can start their investigation.”

“WHAT?!” Peony shouted. “Are they NUTS?!” He hung is head in his hands. “We’re supposed to let that monster roam the streets for the next SIX WEEKS?!”

As Peony ranted and raved, Jade’s mind began to wander. Elizabeth would be free from the confines of the prison? Then that meant they could spend time together in a more civilized and pleasant environment; not to dank hell of the prison interrogation rooms.

Since he last saw her, Elizabeth had not been very far from his mind. His head, at times, was still amass with the same “hormonally stimulating”, racy images as it had been, though not so much. In fact, he simply wanted to chat with her again.

Jade had found her a welcome delight. Most either feared or flattered him; and many a young woman simply fell nauseatingly head over heels for him. But the women never valued him for his intelligence; they only liked him for his looks, position in society and most of all. . .
His wealth.

As a member of the famous Curtiss Military Family, Jade was the sole heir to their estate and fortune; seconded only to the Emperor. He owned a sprawling manor in the wealthiest section of Grand Chokmah. Yes, they wanted his money. . . but then the ladies would quickly change their minds when they found out he was the infamous “Necromancer”.
Which was perfectly fine with him.

Peony finally calmed enough to sit back down in his throne while the rest of the council tried to think of a possible solution to the problem at hand. Offer your help, Jade. . . The Necromancer stiffened as he once again heard the mysterious voice in the back of his mind.

“What if we just send her back to Chesedonia until the Guild’s investigation?” Frings mused. “Let them deal with Hunter LeFey. Would keep her out of our hair.”

No, no! The voice huffed. That would never work. She would just run. You want to be close to her, don’t you? Close to the object of your desire? She’ll give you everything you’ve hungered for.  . . Elizabeth the is the gateway to the one thing you’ve dreamed of so long. . . Keep her near, Jade. . .
Keep her at Curtiss Manor!

“No,” Jade began, taking the initiative proposed by his “conscience”. “Sending her back to Chesedonia poses too great a risk.” His ruby eyes closed. “The Empire does not hold an extradition agreement with Chesedonia. They have no legal obligation to prosecute her. If we release her to the Guild, who knows if they would even go through with their part of the bargain.”

“But,” He continued. “If we hold The Witch Queen here, the Guild would have no choice but to come and fetch her. Once they are on our soil, their agreement with us must be made whole.” He opened his eyes. “We can still hold her under house arrest pending further investigation, despite her impunity.”

“Yeah, that’s right.” Peony smiled, then frowned. “But where could we hold her? The law says we can’t keep that freak in the prison.” Jade smiled his trademark grin.

“The answer is completely simple.” He paused. “We shall commit her to house arrest at Curtiss Manor.”

Upon hearing the Necromancer’s solution, the room fell dead silent; until Peony fell out of his throne and onto the floor below it. “What the hell is wrong with you?!” He shouted, standing back up. “Have you completely lost your mind?!”

“Not at all.” Jade replied innocently. “It is the most convenient solution. My home is large and relatively out of the way; with plenty of room for an adequate military presence; guards stationed everywhere. And if you haven’t noticed, the whole of Grand Chokmah is still walking on eggshells after the incident a week ago. Not to mention that many are quite afraid of her. If that fear persists, and our citizens cautious about leaving the safety of their homes, our economy would plummet.” He turned to Peony. “And we all know the Empire cannot afford that, Your Majesty; in regards to your frequent dips into the National Treasury.” His smile widened. “Plus, due to my own somewhat negative reputation, Curtiss Manor is virtually devoid of outside interaction; a place where no one would care to visit unnecessarily.”

Peony’s jaw dropped, before turning back to Chief-of-Staff Sesemenn. “You know what?! Forget the deal with the Guild; let’s just behead her instead!” He shouted. “Cut her head off and I’ll deal with the repercussions later.” Sesemenn’s eyes narrowed.

“Your Majesty!” He scolded. “Control yourself! Colonel Curtiss is graciously accepting Hunter LeFey into his home, for the good of the Empire and for you!”

“I am merely trying to make amends for some of the trouble I caused last week with LeFey.” Jade elaborated. “Please allow me to make right the wrongs I have done to you, Sire, as well as the nation.” Peony raised a hand to his forehead.

“But that woman is completely off her rocker and you want to bring her into your house?!”

“I agree with Colonel Curtiss.” General Nordheim broke in. “I think sending Elizabeth LeFey to Curtiss Manor is an excellent idea.” The older man eyed Jade evilly. He knew The Witch Queen hated the Necromancer. Perhaps she’d do Malkuth a huge favor and kill Jade in his sleep. Then, he’d finally be rid of the colonel forever.

Peony stared at Jade for a long while and shook his head. “Fine.” He conceded. “Send her to Curtiss Manor for all I care.” The Emperor walked towards the doors to the foyer, stopping before he left the Audience Chamber. He turned to Jade.

“But remember, it’s your ass.”