Chapter 14 #2
"With help," I said, nodding toward Cypher. "And a crew that knew what they were doing. I survived, Dad. I succeeded. And now I'm here to get you out."
He shook his head, looking suddenly exhausted as he ran a hand over his face. "You shouldn't have risked yourself for me."
"You would have done the same," I countered, squeezing his fingers. "You have risked the same, for others. That's why you're in here, isn't it?"
Before he could respond, Marcellus returned to the table, setting his portfolio down. The guards had retreated to a respectful distance, though they remained vigilant.
"Now then," Marcellus said, opening his portfolio, "let's discuss strategy. The Assembly's case against you is substantial, Mr. Farren, but not insurmountable."
My father straightened, his expression becoming guarded. "What are you proposing?"
"The prosecutor has indicated willingness to offer a plea bargain," Marcellus explained, sliding a parchment across the table. "Full release, charges dropped, in exchange for the names of your clients, specifically those who purchased unregistered anchor crystals."
My father stiffened. His jaw clenched as he stared at the document, not touching it. "No," he said simply.
Marcellus sighed, though he didn't seem surprised. "Mr. Farren, I understand your reluctance, but please consider—"
"These people came to me because they needed help," my father said. "Families who couldn't afford Assembly-sanctioned crystals, small traders who would've lost their livelihoods without proper anchor power. I won't betray them."
"Dad—" I started.
"No, Junie. Some things matter more than freedom." He looked at me, his eyes utterly and wholly resolute. "These people trusted me. I won't give them up to save myself."
I knew that look. It was the same one he wore when teaching me to craft my first crystal setting. He was a patient, yet unyielding man. Pride swelled in my chest, even as frustration knotted in my stomach.
Marcellus cleared his throat, adjusting his eyeglasses. "I anticipated this response, Mr. Farren. Which is why I've prepared an alternative approach." He pulled out another set of documents. "A legal challenge based on procedural violations during your arrest and evidence collection."
My father's eyebrows rose. "What violations?"
"The search warrant was improperly executed," Marcellus explained, tapping the document. "Your shop was raided outside the specified hours, and several items were seized that weren't listed in the warrant—specifically your personal tools and family anchor crystals, which aren't illegal to possess."
I leaned forward, hope flickering to life. "Will that be enough?"
"Combined with character testimony and your clean prior record, yes," Marcellus said confidently. "The Assembly likes to present itself as a body governed by law. When we expose their violations of those same laws, they'll often settle rather than risk public scrutiny."
"And if they don't settle?" my father asked.
Marcellus's smile was thin but confident. "Then we proceed to tribunal and make our case publicly. The Assembly dislikes nothing more than having their dirty laundry aired where merchants and traders can see it."
From his position by the wall, Cypher finally spoke. "How long will this process take?"
Marcellus glanced at him. "Two weeks for the motion to be heard. Another week for deliberation. If successful, Mr. Farren could be released within the month."
It felt both impossibly long and miraculously short after all this time.
"Do it," I said firmly. "Whatever it takes."
My father studied my face. "Junie, the legal fees for this approach—"
"Are covered," I assured him. "I told you, I've got it handled."
He looked from me to Cypher and back again, questions in his eyes that he didn't voice. Finally, he nodded. "Very well, Mr. Finn. I place myself in your capable hands."
Marcellus nodded, satisfied, and began laying out documents that required signatures. My father finished signing and looked up, his attention catching on something over my shoulder. His expression shifted subtly, a tightening around the eyes, a slight press of his lips.
"Mr. Farren," Marcellus said, gathering the papers, "I'll file these immediately and be in touch."
The next few days were spent helping the crew prepare for the eventual journey into the Deep Gallery. Nights were split between my shop and The Night-Piercer, torn between two lives that felt increasingly incompatible.
My mom's health continued to decline despite the medicine.
Some days she could barely get out of bed, her lungs so damaged that even breathing required conscious effort.
I hired a healer woman named Saurah to help care for her, someone kind who understood illness.
Vic continued to monitor and study her, even though my mother fussed about it.
Kora officially joined Cypher's crew, moving her belongings permanently to the ship. She and Jask were inseparable now, and watching them together made my chest ache. They made it look so easy, being together.
Marcellus worked tirelessly on my father's case. Twice I accompanied him to Assembly tribunals, watching him argue brilliantly for leniency for his other clients. He was amazing when put to the test, and I began to relax, trusting that he had my father's case handled.
Three weeks after we'd returned from Nytheris, everything changed. I was at home helping my mom eat dinner when someone pounded on the door. I opened it to find Jask, his face pale.
"You need to come. Now."
"What's wrong?"
"Gideon knows. About the codex. He's figured out it won't work for him."
My blood went cold. "How do you know?"
"He sent men to the docks asking questions. One of them tried to board the ship, and said Gideon wanted to 'renegotiate' our agreement." Jask's expression was hard. "We sent him away, but he'll be back. Probably with more men."
"Where's Cypher?"
"On the ship, fortifying defenses. He sent me to get you and your mom. Said you're not safe here."
"My mom can't travel. She's too sick."
"She'll be less sick if she's alive. Gideon doesn't play around, Juno. If he decides you cheated him—"
"We did cheat him."
"Then you really need to come. Now."
I looked back at my mom. She'd heard everything, her eyes wide with fear.
She waved a dismissive hand. "Go," she said. "Saurah will look after me, and I've got enough medicine. We'll hide at her family's place in the outer bend until this blows over." Her eyes hardened. "I survived worse, Junie. I know when to disappear."
"I can't leave you—"
"You can and you will. I'm not leaving this realm without your father, but you have to go." She gripped my hand with surprising strength. "Go. Live to fight another day. That's all I've ever wanted for you."
Tears burned my eyes, but I nodded. I grabbed my pack, already prepared for a quick departure, and kissed my mom's forehead. "I love you. I'll be back when we get this figured out. Stay with Saurah and don't let Gideon's men find you."
"I can handle myself better than you think, Junie. Now go!"
Jask and I ran through the streets to the docks. We reached The Night-Piercer to find the gangplank already pulled up, the crew ready to launch at a moment's notice.
"Get aboard!" Cypher shouted from the deck.
Jask grabbed a rope and swung across the gap.
I followed, my heart hammering. We'd barely landed when the ship lurched into motion, Omri firing up the engines to full power.
Below us, on the dock, I saw them—at least a dozen men, all wearing Gideon's patches on their leather coats.
And in the center, the man himself, his face twisted with rage.
"You think you can cheat me?" he shouted at us. "I'll hunt you to the ends of the fucking Gallery, Nytherian! No realm will be safe for any of you lot!"
Cypher appeared at the rail beside me. "Then hunt! See how far it gets you, Pike."
The Night-Piercer cut through the air toward the nearest portal, engines roaring as we picked up speed. I gripped the rail, watching Gideon's furious face recede as his men scrambled to their skiffs.
"They're following!" Kora shouted from her position near the stern.