"You know, Mr. X" said Boaz, "it wasn't right what happened to your father. Orlando X was a visionary, and he didn't deserve to be treated how the guild did."

Juan softened. "I appreciate you saying that, Boaz. That's how I feel too."

"Have you been to see him?"

"He's not allowed any visitors. They've kept him incommunicado this entire time." Orlando had been sentenced to life at the prison between the three rivers for treason against the guild.

"Is that why you're not on the guild, as a protest?"

Juan was tempted to open up and vent, but he knew with whom he was talking. "He stood for trial; I can't fault his defense. I'm not on the guild for my own reasons."

Boaz nodded. "It's just, if it was me and Jachin's Dad, rest his soul, I don't think I could be so stoic about it. Especially with Libra being all about justice. I'd want to have a word with her about that. Nothing could stop me from speaking my mind."

Remembering his breath, Juan centered his mind, even as his eyelid began twitching in irritation. These enforcers were trolling for weaknesses; this wasn't idle conversation or sincere sympathy. "I just mind my business and do my job. I'm only responsible for myself. Orlando made his own decisions and I make mine."

"Still, how hypocritical! Orlando saved countless lives and protected Golgonozza from so many attacks, and they go and throw him in prison for it. I don't know how they sleep at night, especially Libra." Boaz shook his head.

Juan considered Boaz's tack. Anything he said would almost certainly be thrown in his face when he stood before the guild. Boaz has mentioned Libra a second time. She was the embodiment of judgment, justice, and fairness. Juan had known her for half his life and didn't trust her at all. She stood for the status quo and had no qualms about sending people for execution or life imprisonment.

"We all swore an oath, you, me, Jachin, and my father, to protect the people, the wizards, the city, the wider world. I can't criticize them for their justice, and neither can you, Boaz." Juan played the good soldier and watched the two of them. Neither said anything, but Juan noticed that Jachin's eyelid was twitching just like his. He wished that he could have a real conversation with them.

"One day people are going to figure out who the guild really works for and what's actually going on. Things are going to get pretty rough in Golgonozza, that's all I'm saying." Boaz crossed his arms and looked away. He was a good actor, Juan thought, he'd definitely committed to his role.

"Libra's only one member of the guild. Scorpio, Aries, and Virgo make decisions just like she does. Are you saying they're all corrupt?" Even playing the part of establishment defender, Juan knew he'd better shut up quickly; nothing good could come out of this conversation when it was reported to the guild."

Boaz snorted. "I'm not saying anything like that, Mr. X. I'm only saying, time will tell. The arc of time is long, but it bends towards justice, real justice, and I'd like to see that."

They all turned and looked to the approaching gates of Anwyn.