“True enough. However, we must be cautious with these things. We do not know who this shaman is, nor where he came from. He is only in for questioning, I believe. Nothing more. As long as he speaks of his markings and gives some information, he’ll be fine.”
Given how Inari had not been forthcoming with information prior to now, she did not hold much hope in that regard.
“Have you seen Inari since?” she asked.
Silas shook his head. “I have not. He is in the care of the Father’s Guild now. Trust he is in safe hands.”
Aloisia pinched the bridge of her nose. “We’re on the brink of something here. And the trial is tomorrow. What good is this information if we cannot bring it forward tomorrow?”
“Whilst we do not have the specifics, you can certainly speak of it. Telling of the shaman’s contribution may be of aid, especially in his case.”
“I can’t help but feel like we’re selling out Inari to help Fynn.”
“You must admit the similarity in the markings is striking. And concerning.”
She gave a nod, her fingers trailing absently across her covered palm. “I don’t think he’s involved, High Priest. He’s been helping us.”
“Then he has nothing to fear.”
Aloisia wasn’t so sure. She chewed the inside of her cheek, turning her next words over in her mind before voicing them. “I had wondered…”
“What is on your mind, child?” Silas leaned back in his chair.
“I was wondering if I might see Fynn. If I could perhaps get an audience with him? Do you think it would be possible?”
He gave a sigh. “You can certainly try. You would have to get permission from Magistrate Vester to enter—”
“Is there no other way? You’re a judiciary. Surely you have some kind of power to gain access?”
“I do. For myself. In order to take you with me, I would need to get permissions.”
She leant forward. “I know I’m asking a lot, but if I could just see him, to know he’s doing all right, that’s all I need.”
Silas considered her for a long moment. “I suppose there is no harm. Understand I would accompany you.”
“What about Inari too?”
“I fear it may be a more difficult task, given his arrest was more recent. And, of course, your connections to him. Whilst Fynn is your brother, your association with the shaman is more worrying to some. Especially since his involvement in this case has largely been due to you.”
Aloisia withdrew in her seat. “I understand.”
“But I could certainly try to get permissions for you to visit Fynn. Asmund is a reasonable man. I am sure he would allow it.”
“Thank you. I appreciate what you’re doing for me.”
Silas inclined his head. “You can thank me once your request has been approved.” He rose from his chair. “Let us head over there, then.”
She shot to her feet. “Now?”
“Of course. When else? I doubt he would approve a meeting right before the trial.”
Silas ushered her from the room and out of the Temple. She wrung her hands, anxious at the thought of seeing Fynn, and nervous the magistrate would refuse.
They made their way on foot to Magistrate Vester’s estate. While Silas made small talk as they went, Aloisia could not focus on a single word he said. Back at Execution Square once again, she waited outside as the high priest spoke to the magistrate.
Aloisia stared at the prison across the square, trying to imagine where Fynn may be inside it. Her stomach clenched at the thought of him bound in chains, bundled inside a damp cell. Did he even know what was happening to him? He had been so dazed at the last trial. Had he even noticed she’d stepped forward for him, invoked this ancient rite?
The gates creaked behind her, and Aloisia spun as Silas returned with a small gold coin in his hand.
