Free The War for the Waking World by Wayne Thomas Batson

sentence or something—just temporarily—so I can help the Waking World?”
    If not for the gravity of the situation, Archer would have laughed at Master Gabriel’s slack-jawed expression. The Master Dreamtreader’s gaping mouth closed, and then turned into a broad grin.
    Archer frowned. “What?”
    â€œIt’s nothing,” Master Gabriel replied. “Pride, a touch of admiration. How much you’ve grown in so short a time.”
    Archer wasn’t entirely sure what Master Gabriel meant, but he didn’t allow himself time to ponder it. “So, what about it? Is there some way I can get out of here? Can’t we post bail or something like that?”
    Master Gabriel’s fist constricted around the pommel of Murkbane. “Our system of justice has no provision for that sort of thing. You will remain in custody until your fate is determined by trial.”
    â€œWhen will that be? A day? A week?”
    â€œWe do not reckon time in the same way here as you do in your realm,” Master Gabriel explained. “No hours, no minutes. Just order. Your trial will begin once the evidence has been collected and documented.”
    Archer shook his head, stood, and paced the room. “I guess I should know the charge against me.”
    Master Gabriel clasped his hands behind his back. He seemed to hesitate before saying, “I am afraid there are many charges, Archer.”
    â€œThis . . . that makes no sense,” Archer replied. “Just tell me.”
    Master Gabriel sighed. “The first charge is insubordination, for repeatedly disobeying the commands of a Senior Dreamtreader.”
    â€œWhen did I—oh. Right . . . when I went after the Nightmare Lord and cut the horn off his helmet.”
    â€œThat and entering the Lurker’s lair in Archaia,” Master Gabriel explained. “But those charges will be easily enough dismissed. You were young and stupid, not defiant.”
    â€œThanks. I guess. What else?”
    â€œThe second charge is that of incompetence,” Master Gabriel said gently. “For failing in your Dreamtreading duties, failing to prevent a Rift.”
    â€œThat . . . well . . . ultimately, that’s true.”
    â€œWell,” Master Gabriel said, “not entirely. Given the circumstances—Rigby’s and Kara’s betrayals, the Lurker’s secret breach-tunnels—I believe we can beat those as well.”
    â€œOkay,” Archer replied, mentally running back through the events that had led to the Rift. He wondered what he could have done differently, wishing he could go back and fix things.
    â€œThe third charge is much more serious,” Master Gabriel said, “but, fortunately, the easiest of the lot to defend. You are accused of high treason for the murder of fellow Dreamtreaders, Duncan and Mesmeera.”
    Archer felt like he’d just taken two punches to the gut. “When I burned the Nightmare Lord’s trees,” he said, “I didn’t know they were there. I couldn’t have known . . .”
    â€œPrecisely your defense,” Master Gabriel said. “This charge in particular is utterly preposterous. Duncan and Mesmeera are lost, and for that we most heartily grieve. But they made their own decisions, the choices that ultimately led to their capture by the Nightmare Lord’s trickery. It was a tragedy, but you are not to blame.”
    â€œThank you,” Archer said. “So that’s it, then? Tough charges, but beatable?”
    Master Gabriel turned his back on Archer and stared through the cell’s bars. “There is one charge that troubles me,” he said quietly. “And I do not know how it will play out in the trial.”
    â€œWh—what is it?”
    â€œAttempted murder,” Master Gabriel explained. “In your efforts to prevent the Rift, you went to Rigby’s home, down to the basement, and threatened to kill a helpless human