Full spring had arrived, bringing mild nights, balmy mornings, and tropical afternoons. Wal enjoyed little of the fair weather. For one thing, he had been bogged down in fighting off attempts by the defense and prosecution to file delay after delay. Most of the time he had the senior high judge’s support in those matters. Onziv himself would preside over the panel for the trial, and Wal had little doubt his friend understood the haste he pushed for to get the trial underway. Still, there had been a few snags, pushing back the start of the case. Then there was the matter of missing Cissy. Wal ached with actual physical pain over not seeing the woman his clan coveted. Though the sun shined brightly on most days, the Imdiko felt as if a darkness had fallen over him. It didn’t help that Diltan and Rolat’s tempers were testy. Every report that the trial date had been postponed left his clanmates surly. They didn’t take it out on him, knowing he did his damnedest to move things at a faster pace.
