The first light at dawn didn't full dawn the sky before a carriage pulled by the fastest and strongest horse of the kaelon Manor set course for the magic association union.
Inside the carriage escorted by more than ten rank five knights sat William with a stoic expression on his face, adjacent to him is Arthur sitting in a meditation mood
Not a single word has been said since they board the carriage, William felt awkward at the moment. He didn't know if he should just cancel the trip and trust his son or follow his gut.
Re-stilling his heart, he set its mind on the latter and continued his course. By mid day they arrived at the magic association union at the capital.
The exact same place Arthur had taken his test yesterday, skipping courtesy of having the Lord of a town coming personally to the union
William request for trail of truth quickly passed the drill, and immediately a mage came to usher him and Arthur in for the trial
They soon arrived at the section of the union used for the trial of truth, William bow to the three mage overseeing the trail.
"William, I heard you requested for the trial of truth be held for you, might I know which of the Baron's you intend to sue to this trial?" The leading mage spoke
"Lord viscount, I'm suing no Baron to stand trial, rather I'm putting my son through the trial" William answer with a rather awkward tone, it sounds crazy to sue one's own son to stand trial of truth.
"You do know the consequences of the trial of truth once found guilty," viscount David spoke a bit harsh, he had no time overseeing useless trial
"I understand my Lord, I'll pay the required fee if he also be found innocent"
Dav scoff at William words, it's good own son you're setting for trail, what sort of fine would he charge you if para venture he is innocent.
On the other hand, found guilty isn't a simple case, death might even be a possible option if care isn't taken.
Seeing William was still adamant on taking the trail, DAV didn't bother with him anymore. "Where is your son now" he question impatiently.
He didn't have to wait for long as the mage that had usher them in called Arthur over, William had a serious look on his face as Arthur walked in.
"Arthur kaelon, do you abide by the rules of the magic association union and thereby agree to take this trial or you forfeit and this moment agree to accept the allegation level on you?"
Arthur remained calm, "I do abide by the rules and stand to prove my innocence"
"You know if found guilty, death is not far behind depending on the level of the crime found guilty off" DAV spoke with stern tone.
"I know Lord viscount"
Dav looked at Arthur for a while and nodded before slouching in on his sit, giving the signal for William to present his case.
"Lord viscount, just yesterday my son Arthur attended the awakening ceremony and was confirm to walk the path of a mage"
Dav nodded, this is already a known fact. Immediately the test ended, the information of the results has already been sent to the empire and every authority concern in the empire.
"I got the message of my son and was excited but..." When he got to this point he didn't know how to faction the tale anymore.
Dav frown, tapping his finger on the table waiting rather impatiently for William to get to his point. Noticing the displeasure of Dav
William grit his teeth and continued, "but a terrible accident happened before Arthur could return home to me, I notice his life bead shattered"
This time dav raised his brow as he scanned Arthur one more time, then shift his gaze back to William in a questioning manner.
"I know it sounds strange but when I rushed to trace what must have happened to my son, I found his carriage had been attacked at the path between the city capital and my town
All his escort assassinated, including himself. I was devastated and confused not knowing who the assassilant is"
"Cut to the case already William, this story is so unbelievable. Isn't that your son standing beside you?"
The other two mage nodded in agreement, howbeit, they were also having a contemplating look on their faces.
"That's my point exactly Lord viscount, Arthur died in every way I can put it through to you but late last night while I was sobering, my handmaid rushed in to tell me he had returned from the dead"
All three mage had a conflicted look, more importantly they took a defensive posture as if ready for any mishaps.
Only DAV was more relaxed, "should I call you little one or an expert" DAV turn to Arthur, his tone icy and warning aura pouring of his figure
The aura pressed down on him, forcing him to his kneels as he cough out a mouthful of blood.
"I.....'m Arthur kae....lon" Arthur struggle to reply, trying to stop himself from falling face flat.
"Good" DAV nod, "bring in the orb of truth and the soul restriction vine"
The attending mage hurried I with the crystalline orb and a strange looking vine rope
Under the observation of the mage present and his father, Arthur was bind with the vine, stricting his soul and the orb was place in his hands.
"Now answer the question your are asked honestly, if you lie the orb would tell and the vine would eat up a portion of your soul if you try anything to woodwick the truth"
Arthur gave an agreed nodded, indicating they proceed with the trial.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Arthur kaelon, son of William kaelon and heir to the kaelon heritage"
Everyone looked on at the crystal orb which gave no reaction, indicating the person didn't lie. Nor were there any pain expression on his face showing him trying to use magic to woodwick the result.
More questions were asked and just like the first, everything seems to be the truth since the orb showed no reaction.
"Do you have any personal questions you would love to asked William?" One of the mage asked seeing they no longer have any questions to ask Arthur.
"Did an expert help really brought you back to life" William asked having no other question to asked other than the information Arthur told him last night
Arthur took a moment to deliberate the answer to this question, at the same time the other lean over closely waiting for his answer.
"I was indeed brought to life by the help of an expert"
"Do you happen to know this expert" DAV hurriedly asked only for his hope to be dashed against a rock when Arthur responded with a negative answer.
The others felt DAV pain, meeting an expert that could give away life preserving items isn't a simple fortune in this world
First cultivation for mage isn't easy, it requires resources, time and commitment. But the big bone is the resources, there are myriad kind of magical abilities in this world.
Each has its up and down, but those with this powerful kind of ability to restore the dead back to life are truly rare.
"With every evidence and results before us, we ascertain Arthur kaelon to be the original and not an imposter" one of the other two mage aside DAV spoke
William breath out in relief as his eyes also became watery again starring at the indifferent Arthur standing at the trail box.
"According to the law, Arthur's innocence has been confirmed and the accusal is hereby to adhere to the demand of the accused for the troubles he had put him through"
The other mage picked up from where the last one stop, all turning to William to make his demands which would be meant with as custom demands it
Arthur looked at the mages before turning to his father William and with an indifferent look spat his demands which almost made William collapse on the spot.
The other two mage had a sorry and pitiful look at William as the huge knight suddenly lost many years from his age
"Is that your final wish Arthur" DAV asked with a cold voice, seemly disapproving of his choice.
"Yes, unless my father give me a reason to change my mind, my wish will remain the same"
Hearing this, life seems to return to William weak frame, he hurriedly spoke up. "I beg the council to stay their final verdict for a while and give me a chance to make amends
If I still can't make any significant changes before the time given is exhausted, I'll gladly take the verdict of the council as the final judgement"
Dav and the others agreed, if they were in Williams shoes, they wouldn't fail to take this honey branch laid before then and go all out to make amends.
"Then the council give you one month to make amends, if Arthur still insists it isn't enough to change his mind, the union would grant his wish".
Before he could finish his appreciation, Arthur had strode out of the room and out of the magic association union. He felt no obligation to remain.