Marleysa called for Vera to bring the scroll forward.
Vera left the Common Voice box and approached the platform with the councilmembers. She handed the scroll to Marleysa, who passed it among the other councilmembers. One took it and stepped forward.
Treycore recognized the Almighty’s long-time secretary, Jarispa, who had since retired from his position to work as a councilmember. His bulky chest had small nipples, and his long dark hair fell in waves to either side. Attractive as he may have been, his frader revealed exactly how unfortunate he had been when the Almighty had been forming his genitals, because that cock could do little to satisfy the needs of immortals.
Jarispa addressed the audience. “I, Jarispa, can verify that this is indeed written by the Almighty, written in His own blood.”
The spectators cheered and hollered. It was the most any of them had heard from their father since He and the Leader had gone into hiding. Since they had begun conspiring against one another, trusting few to be close to them.
With the authenticity confirmed, now Treycore was really wondering what was up. Was it really from the Almighty? Or were Vera and Jarispa in league with one another?
If the scroll was really from the Almighty, what could it have said? Certainly, He couldn’t intervene so boldly as this to have Treycore exonerated for the severe charges laid against him. It was His kingdom, but it was up to the Council to choose if they would allow His interference.
Marleysa took the scroll as Vera returned to her box.
“We will have session,” Marleysa said.
As the councilmembers chatted among one another, Vera glanced over from her box to Treycore and winked, which only made him even more nervous. She smiled, beamed like she was as happy as she could have been, despite their last encounter when he sliced off her wing.
When the councilmembers were finished with session, they reconfigured into their pyramid. Marleysa held the scroll before her, calling out, “As a unit, we have agreed to concede our opinion on behalf of the Almighty’s request. After reviewing the evidence against Treycore, it is our unanimous agreement that Treycore is guilty of the crime he was charged with. We acknowledge that this is a special case, one close to the Almighty’s heart. We also acknowledge that special circumstances are at play, and we concur that Treycore lies outside the Council’s jurisdiction, as there is no need for a voice between the two realms, so therefore, Treycore can rightfully be punished by his master, our creator.”
Treycore glanced at Kid, who looked to him, his brows pulling together. Surely, as worried as Treycore was, Kid was even more worried because he didn’t have a clue what any of this meant.
Marleysa read from the scroll, speaking in the language of old, “I, the Almighty, your god, your creator, your everything, request that my beloved Treycore be punished to the full extent for his crime against my creations. Behold, you have seen one of my greatest achievements. However, what I perfected in body, I neglected in mind and morals, as with our dear Eilee. Unfortunately, unlike with Eilee, I do not believe Treycore’s defect to be madness, but simply maliciousness. I request that he be executed in the place of his creation, the city of Venrow.”
The crowd gasped in awe.
What the fuck?
Marleysa took a breath, waiting for the sounds of shock to settle.
“Trey?” Kid asked, his tone rife with worry.
Marleysa continued reading. “My request is for his death to be held by asphyxiation so that his body remain intact and embalmed for exhibition, to be put on display with his ancestors, who hold their place in Venrow as well. Dearest Trey, of all the creatures I have made, you were second only to one in beauty, but have fallen below the very last in my heart, as you have betrayed me most.”
Treycore couldn’t believe his ears. Times had clearly changed more than he even realized, for long ago, this outcome would have been unheard of, but now he knew how much the Almighty truly hated him.
On the neighboring box, Vera glowed, raising her head high, pleased with herself for her victory.
No wonder she didn’t need to accuse me of attacking her.
“Trey,” Kid repeated, and Treycore turned to him as Kid threw himself against him. “No, Trey, no!”
“The councilmembers have passed their judgment, and Trey is sentenced with this mortal to death,” Marleysa said with finality.
The guards rushed the Accused box, seizing Treycore and Kid.
“Treycore!” Kid called out, grabbing for him.
Treycore reached back. He just needed to be near Kid. They didn’t have to separate them, not yet.
***
Kinzer gazed down at the trial, his mouth hanging open as the attendees chatted among one another, gasping and awing, for who could have predicted such an outcome?
Kinzer had been shocked to see Vera present, though he had believed she would have worked with the Almighty to preserve Treycore—not just his body. To witness the Almighty’s rejection of Treycore assured him of something he’d already come to discover since his own wings had been clipped: in these wartimes, anything was fucking possible.
Quintz set his hand on Kinzer’s leg, and they exchanged a glance.
