"Art thou sure thou dost want to go through with this?"
The younger man studied his older colleague intently, as if looking past the green robes and white hair in the search for something else. He exhaled tiredly and shook his head.
"I do not want this, Wraweth, old friend" he spoke with an unsteady voice as he folded up his black robes and placed them on the desk in the Judge's Office. "I want none of this, but my conscience leaves me with little choice. I wish thou wouldst do the same."
Wraweth furrowed his brow and strolled over to the window, where he took a deep breath. Carden placed his gavel on top of the robes carefully and started filling his backpack with personal belongings.
"I am old, lad... I have ruled in trial after trial for decades, and I promised myself I wouldst not quit as long as I have the strength to raise the gavel. This is where I belong."
Carden paused and shook his head again.
"I understand, friend. As I am sure thou dost understand why I cannot in good conscience remain here. The ruling was fair and Wulfric's interpretation of the law sound" he muttered and continued packing, placing his book of Britannian law reverently into his pack. "It may have been the mage's right to appeal, but the Council's lack of respect for our office and the implication of Wulfric's so called incompetence crossed a line."
The older druid puffed on his pipe, his wrinkled face crossed with worry.
"What art thou going to do, then?" he asked as Carden pulled his green travelling robes over his head and picked up his staff. "Retire from practicing law forever?"
Carden shrugged and scratched his beard.
"Until Wulfric hath been vindicated, at least. In the mean time, I am returning to the forest after a quick stop in Yew to ask Therin to spread the word. Perhaps if enough of us protest, the Council wilt come to realize what injustice took place in their halls."
Wraweth sighed again and turned to look at the younger druid. He looked almost exactly like when he had first come to the High Court three years ago - full of confidence and with a wisdom uncommon for one so comparatively young. Wraweth knew at that instant that Carden could not be persuaded to stay; he was sure of his decision, and convinced he was doing the only thing he could. Chuckling despite himself, he gave Carden a hearty pat on the shoulder.
"Thou art like a younger me, thou art... do not forget to visit an old man from time to time, lad, wilt thou?"
Carden smiled thinly and clasped Wraweth's hand in a firm shake.
"I will return when I can bring Justice back with me, old friend. That is a promise."