Chapter 65: The Monsters in Men

Oliver found himself standing, though he could not remember doing so. His chair toppled behind him to the floor with a bang. “Why?” he demanded of Pymous, who still sat perfectly at ease behind his desk. “Why attack the Eight Trees?” He did not bother with any ‘lord’ honorifics.

“Oliver!” Zarine hissed at him. “Calm down!”

But he barely heard her. His clenched fists were shaking at his sides. Bitter loss howled through him. He could not let this happen.

“How could the Crownseekers even think about doing something like this?” he asked in a raw voice. “The Trebbons are peaceful! They mean you no harm, so long as you leave them alone!”

“They have harbored a dangerous dissident from justice.” Pymous said. “As such, they are just as guilty as the Tyrant. No one escapes the Good Goddess’ justice, Brother Oliver.”