Reynaud's Redemption, стр. 2
He opened his mouth to protest her accusation, but quickly closed it with a sigh of defeat. She was right. Had he been aware, he could have healed Angele before his magic was lost. Together they could have defeated any foe, but he wasn’t. Somehow he’d slept through what happened, and Angele was gone because of it.
“Yes, Madame Cousteau. I understand and accept any punishment you and the council feel is needed,” he said in a soft, sad voice.
Madame Cousteau closed her eyes to block out the torment Reynaud’s voice brought her. She raised her arms wide with her palms toward the ceiling and reached out to the minds of the council members.
“I find myself hesitant to reprimand Reynaud as the law suggests. That law is in place for the worst of crimes.”
“Yes, Delphine, but this is one of those crimes.”
Anger rose within Madame Cousteau at Isabella’s words. She took a cleansing breath to keep her emotions out of her thoughts before continuing.
“Since Reynaud has had his position, he has always been nothing short of perfection at his duties. With his lovers, he was openly affectionate, loving and protective. To strip him of his magic seems harsh under those circumstances.”
“I am in agreement as well, but we cannot ignore the fact young Angele Truneaux is dead,” the man to her left commented. “That fact proves carelessness on Reynaud’s part. If he goes unpunished, there will be uproar within the community. Everyone will start to challenge our laws. Only anarchy can follow such a path. We Creolytes have a reputation to uphold, Delphine. Since the very first Creoles were born with magic in their souls, our people have been separate from regular humans. We are above such behavior,” he proudly reminded her.
“I know, François. I do believe Reynaud should be punished, but—”
“This is ridiculous, Delphine. François speaks the truth,” the woman on the other side of François interjected the abrupt thought. “We are not common humans. We cannot just disregard the law when it does not suit us. You simply cannot protect Reynaud because he is one your favorites.”
Marguerite’s thought struck Madame Cousteau’s mind so severely her eyes almost snapped open.
“If the evidence says he is guilty, then he is guilty,” Marguerite added with finality.
Madame Cousteau spoke slowly as she addressed the woman’s concerns.
“That is not my intention, Marguerite. I cannot say the love I have for Reynaud does not affect me at this time of trouble for him, but I assure you it does not cloud my judgment. I know my duty toward this board and our people. All I am saying is something does not seem right. I do not think sentencing should be so strict when I find it difficult to believe Reynaud is capable of such a crime regardless of the evidence that has been presented.”
“I am inclined to agree with Delphine,” Isabella expressed. “This is completely out of character for Reynaud. I, too, am not completely convinced someone else has not done this to discredit him. Unfortunately there is great jealousy within our society and the possibility is not out of the realm of likelihood.”
“What are you suggesting, Isabella?” Madame Cousteau questioned.
“I’m just saying I think it is conceivable someone else may be involved, that there may be something else to this. Someone like Reynaud does not just snap and become negligent in his duties after years of exemplary behavior and service to his people. It is not impossible to believe someone of his status could be targeted. It would not be the first time it has happened,” she reminded them.
“Marguerite has been clear on her position. What is your final word, François?”
“I find myself agreeing with Marguerite, Delphine,” he answered. “The evidence points to Reynaud, and we, as the head council, must adhere to what we know, not what we think, regardless of who the perpetrator is.”
Madame Cousteau sensed a hint of regret when his mind touched hers. Nodding, she sent her question out again.
“Tomas, you have been quiet during this hearing,” she addressed the man between her and Isabella. “What say you on Reynaud Leduc’s position?”
Tomas spoke without hesitation. “I find myself dragging my feet to discipline Reynaud so harshly for something I, too, do not think he could have done.”
“We seem to have a split decision leaving me with the deciding vote. Counting my own vote, I will speak for the council and say Reynaud Leduc shall not be stripped of his magic,” Madame Cousteau said, relief filling her thoughts.
“Reynaud must be punished,” Marguerite insisted.
“She is correct, Delphine. The committee must remain consistent,” François added.
“I agree and I am open to suggestions for an alternative punishment,” Madame Cousteau countered.
“I have a suggestion,” Isabella interjected gently.
Madame Cousteau listened intently to the words directed only to her and nodded. She lowered her hands and opened her eyes.
“Come to your feet, Reynaud Leduc,” Madame Cousteau announced.
Reynaud stood, but his head remained bowed.
“The council has made its decision. We have decided you are to be punished for the crime of which you have been accused. Namely, failure to protect your lover, resulting in his death. As you know, this crime is punishable by stripping the accused of his or her magic, leaving them to live the rest of their life as a human.”
Madame Cousteau’s declaration struck a chord in the audience. A sharp intake of air echoed throughout the