“Of course,” Aloisia said, though she had no intention of doing so.
“This is their domain, not ours. Do not forget that.”
Mavka had a point, of course. However, Aloisia had every intention of being a thorn in their side.
The gates opened and the three judiciaries strode out. High Priest Silas maintained a serene expression, and the only flaw was a crinkle between his brows. Magistrate Asmund Vester’s jaw was set in a serious line, his dark eyes finding her in the crowd. Even from as far back as she was, she could feel the wrath rippling from him. Mavka’s grip tightened on her shoulder.
Mother Lusana was the image of grace, as she always was, with her infuriating calm, and easy smile. Her dress was golden silk, embroidered with a blood red pattern of vines interspersed with the symbols of the Nine Divines. Everything about this woman screamed royalty. And it seemed a reminder of her status was what she was aiming for, with even a golden diadem encrusted with rubies set atop her head.
The judiciaries moved through the crowd and climbed the steps of the platform. Lusana caught Aloisia’s gaze as she passed, a warning in her amber eyes. A warning Aloisia would not heed.
Upon the platform, Lusana took her place at the centre, flanked by the high priest and the magistrate.
“Greetings, people of Littlewatch.” The Modäiti’s voice rang clear in the square. “We gather this day for the second trial of Fynn Smith, who has been accused of murder and witchcraft.”
“If you recall,” Magistrate Vester said, moving forth, “the victim was the accused’s wife, Brighde Smith.”
Many within the square murmured prayers to the Divines.
“The accused was the only person present at the scene of the crime when the murder occurred.” Asmund looked to Aloisia, as if challenging her to refute the point, much as she had the trial before. “There were, however, two witnesses who happened upon the body, the testimonies of whom we heard at the previous trial.”
Lusana inclined her head. “The accounts we brought before you last time reported elements of witchcraft and the supernatural. They spoke of shadow creatures, ethereal blue lights, and runic markings on the victim’s body. Today, in the light of the Father, we hope to bring clarity to the events of that night.”
Aloisia snorted, drawing the Modäiti’s glare.
“Today,” Magistrate Vester continued, “we hope to find truth and justice through the light of the Father and bring rest to the departed soul of Brighde Smith.”
“Truth and justice,” the crowd chanted back to him.
“Bring out the prisoner!”
At the magistrate’s command, the gates to the Watchtower and prison opened. Two guards walked alongside Fynn, wrists bound in shackles before him. He strode with his head held high, his jaw set, and a fire in his eyes. Aloisia grinned at the sight. Just as the evening before, he appeared to, at least in small part, return to himself.
Fynn was brought to the platform. At his full height, he stood head and shoulders over the magistrate, and he levelled his fiery gaze at him. After a long moment, when Fynn had not knelt of his own accord, a guard forced him to one knee. As his knee struck the wooden board, his gaze snapped forwards and found Aloisia. Though dark circles still surrounded his eyes, there was a steadiness which had not been present when she had last seen her brother.
Mother Lusana stepped forth, her skirt billowing about her as she moved. “Fynn Smith.”
Fynn leant back, his bound fists coming to rest on his raised knee as he turned to the priestess.
“We asked you last time how you would like to plead. Since you gave no answer, I shall ask you again. How do you plead?”
“Not guilty,” he said. “I was not the one who killed my wife.”
Lusana gave a nod, drifting back towards the other judiciaries.
Magistrate Vester advanced in her wake, his hands folded behind his back. “The accused and two witnesses claim the one who killed Brighde Smith was a supernatural shadow monster.”
Prayers and fears charged the air.
“These shadow monsters,” Lusana said, “were seen by no others since then. It is as if they vanished.”
“The shadow creatures have not left.” Aloisia approached the steps, halting as Silas raised a hand. “Far from it.”
“What proof is there of this?”
“I saw one myself, three days past, in the streets of Littlewatch whilst another huntress, three priests, and I distributed food packages. We reported this to a Watchman. I would think you’d know.”
Lusana’s lips turned to a snarl, if only momentarily, before smoothing out into her usual serene smile.
