None of this will be as easy as Zogar is making it sound, but my heart fills with hope that, even if it’s difficult, it is going to happen.
CHAPTER 68
Tynan
“Let the manticore speak!” Zogar shouts at Vanora. His deep voice rumbles through the room like an earthquake, and shouts of agreement rise from the assembled crowd.
We all agreed it was best to let the public remain in the temple to witness this initial inquiry. The manticore’s name is Othrix Grymper, but he’s told us he’d prefer to be called Grymper going forward.
Vanora scowls but stops interrupting. She’s still wrapped in the copper chains that inhibit her use of magic, and she looks exhausted, older than she did earlier, as if the copper is also reversing some of the magic that’s kept her perpetually young.
Grymper trembles as he stands facing Zogar, Rosomon and Saxon in the center of the altar. “Thank you for my freedom, Your Majesty.”
“No need for formal titles,” Zogar says. “At this moment, every office and title in the Light is in question.”
“But—” The manticore shakes his head and his mane ripples, looking cleaner and lusher already. One of the workers brought him some food and drink. It’s clear that Vanora was giving him just enough to keep him alive.
“For all we know,” Zogar says, “I should be calling you King of the Manticores.”
“A King ruling over none,” Grymper says softly.
Zogar nods. We’ve yet to determine whether or not the family he mentioned are still alive. I still can’t believe that manticores exist, not to mention some of the other creatures Rosomon told me she saw in the Darkness.
Rosomon sits next to Zogar, and Saxon’s standing behind her. I’ve remained to the side, observing. I’m not yet officially a king. Not until my father’s deposed, whereas Zogar’s royal title is unaffected by this turmoil. He has the authority to lead this inquiry, no matter what he just said.
After the chaos, most of the guards and other workers in the temple immediately began to cooperate. Xendus and Surath, after helping me free the Wives of Othrix, and locking the klericks away in their place, are now searching the temple to see if there are others trapped here.
Zogar claims he has no authority to rule, but he’s leading this first step, of what I’m sure will be many, to right all the wrongs.
“Thank you for your testimony,” Zogar says to the manticore. “Do you have anything else to add regarding your treatment while in captivity?”
Grymper already told us how Vanora bled him daily, draining him at times within an inch of his life. And how she kept his tail shackled and chained.
“What can you tell us regarding the entrapment of the dragons?” Rosomon asks him. “Did Vanora use you to help trick the dragons?”
The manticore casts his gaze down. His trembling increases and he shakes his head.
“You helped her!” Zogar says loudly, and Grymper jumps, shuffling back.
Many in the crowd shuffle back from the altar, too, clearly as afraid of Zogar as they were of what they believed was Othrix.
“He more than helped,” Vanora interjects. “Trapping you behind the veil washisidea.”
Zogar shoots to his feet, looking as if he doesn’t know whether to kill Vanora or Grymper first, but Rosomon takes his hand and his tension visibly dissolves.
Xendus and Surath return to the altar and join Saxon, standing behind Rosomon and Zogar.
“Grymper,” Rosomon says as Zogar retakes his seat. “I’d very much like to hear your side of events.” She glances toward Zogar, and he nods. “Just tell us everything that happened.”
“Vanora is not entirely wrong.” His voice is shaking. “But she’s twisting the truth.” His paws shake and he clasps them together.
“Please continue,” Rosomon says. “No one is seeking vengeance today.” Her gaze flicks toward Zogar. “The most important thing is learning the truth.”
Zogar glances at Rosomon with clear admiration in his eyes.
“I did strike a bargain with a group of basic mages,” Grymper’s gaze flicks toward Vanora. “We shared a mutual resentment of…” he shakes his head then raises his gaze toward Zogar. “We both resented you.”
Zogar shifts in his chair, but Rosomon strokes his palm with her thumb, and he contains his anger.
