The arguments in the courtroom grew increasingly heated, and Baron Trent's face had flushed red.
"I demand that, in accordance with tradition, the former period of public service be restored on the Trent Family's lands, so that this unruly mob can return to farming! They have shirked and evaded their duties for far too long. This has directly harmed my interests and the harvests of my territory, and it will ultimately damage the Southbank Territory, even the kingdom's..."
Across from him, however, the Defense Lawyer Srimani remained unhurried yet perfectly clear:
"...In Year 661, the Rest and Recovery Edict of Duke of Leinster exempted the lords and the people on their lands from many forms of physical service, including military service, patrol duty, farm labor, construction work, and other labor requiring every able-bodied adult man and woman in each household to participate at fixed times. To compensate for the resulting losses, they were permitted to settle quarterly by paying cash, with the amount being added to their rent and taxes to make up the difference..."
"The cash they pay, even together with the rent, isn't enough to make up for my losses!"
Baron Trent roared over him. Old Judge Brennan had to hammer his gavel repeatedly and was only a step away from ordering the guards of the Empty Palace to "help."
In the box seats on the second floor, Tales and Jann's conversation was growing increasingly serious.
"I hurried back to Everstar City and tried to read the wind, doing my best to ease the situation," Jann said grimly. "But the king refused to see me."
"As Court Steward, Baron Quentin's reply was that His Majesty had rarely enjoyed a father-son reunion and needed to savor the happiness of family. He would not receive outside guests."
Tales swallowed.
"In