Chapter 35: Family and Duty

Cerant's face twisted with unpleasant memories. "It caused an outrage, not least of all because the girl was from an important family. I was ordered to admit my foul deeds and marry the girl, but refused because I had done no wrong. Many stepped forward to defend me, but just as many came forward to verify events that I knew had never transpired. Most believed me, but the evidence to prove it could not be found. It was finally decided that the child itself would be the definitive proof—but the mother and babe both died in the birthing.

"I was already looked at askance because I tended to pity demons and was not as ruthless about removing their heads as the paladins. The whole of it resulted in my exile and might have ended in my death if not for the way the high priests spoke up for me and if the man believed to be the next high paladin—who is, in fact, now high paladin—had not stood up for me so staunchly. So here I am."