She turned back to Fynn. “Some things.”
Silas cleared his throat, silencing her.
“You’ll see tomorrow, I suppose,” she said.
“Those creatures—” Fynn began.
“I think that’s enough,” Silas said. “We are running thin on time, child.”
Fynn’s shoulders sagged, but Aloisia was glad he looked a little more like himself, and a light had returned to his eyes.
“All right.” Aloisia squeezed Fynn’s arm, rising to her feet. “I’ll see you at the trial. Stay strong.”
“You, too.” Fynn gave a nod.
She let Silas lead her from the cell, holding Fynn’s gaze until the door closed between them.
TWENTY FIVE
ThesunroseovertheDeadWoods,shininginthroughAloisia’sopenwindow.Hereyesflutteredopen,andshestaredatthegnarledbranches,remindingherofInari.Whenshehadreturnedtheeveningbefore,shehadretreatedintohercabinandremainedthere.WhilstherheartfeltlighterforseeingFynn,theburdensofInari’sarrestandtheimpendingtrialstillweighedonher.Thoughshehadstudiedthepages,ithadbeentonoavail.
Regardless of whether they had been translated, she still intended to bring the notes before the judiciaries at the trial. She would request an audience with Inari, so he could translate them. After all, it was the only clue they had.
Aloisia took the time to unwind her braids and plait them again, setting the beads upon each one. Even with as many as she had, marking each successful hunt of her years in service to the guild, she still knew which ones were Fynn’s work and which were her father’s. There was a delicacy to the ones Fynn had created, which her father had not been able to capture. And, in amongst them all, she set the wooden bead emblazoned with the runetei.
With a fresh set of hunting leathers and a fur shawl on her shoulders, Aloisia headed off. Her bow was strapped across her back and her blades at her waist, as if she were going into battle more than a trial. She supposed it was a battle, in its own way. When she ducked into the hall to grab some bread, she did not meet any of her sisters’ eyes, nor did she answer their questions.
As she headed to the stables, she checked once again that Inari’s pages were secure within the pouch on her belt. Footsteps sounded behind her, and she turned as Kaja approached.
“What happened? Where’s Inari?” Kaja’s gaze was wide and afraid.
Aloisia cleared her throat. “They arrested him.”
“What? Why?”
“Does it matter? They think he’s involved. Even though he is likely the only one who can find the truth.”
Kaja’s shoulders slumped. “What about the trial?”
A stable hand brought out her mare and Aloisia took the reins. “I will not let them ignore the truth. Nor will I allow them to cast a shadow upon another to hide it.”
Mavka strode towards them. “Careful, Aloisia. One wrong step and you will be the one in chains.”
Kaja looked frantically between them.
“I will not stand by and watch injustice pass.” Aloisia mounted her mare and pushed off into a canter.
“We will see you in the square,” Mavka called after her.
Aloisia raised a hand to indicate she had heard and continued to Littlewatch.
Execution Square was already filling up when she arrived. The judiciaries were not present, nor was Fynn, but it was still early. The crowd parted around her as she made her way to the wooden platform at the base of the old tree. Tristan stood near the steps. He glanced at her as she took her place on the other side of the stairs, yet he made no move to speak to her. She did not expect him to. Whatever bond they’d shared had shattered the day before.
Aloisia turned, staring at Magistrate Vester’s estate. She knew the judiciaries would be the first to arrive, and Fynn would only be brought out on their command. Her fingers went to the pouch at her side, and she took a deep breath. Whatever the cost, she would bring forth what truth she possessed. She would not let the judiciaries hide behind their lies.
The huntresses arrived, the crowd parting like a wave before them. Dhara gave her a curt nod and brought the guild to a halt at the platform. Mavka made her way to Aloisia.
The lead huntress placed a hand on her shoulder. “I will support you insofar as I can, but tread lightly.”
