“Yes, that is what they promise. However, their promises hold no weight. Instead, I will offer my word. If you help in both destroying the copies, and following this map, I will ensure your freedom.”
“At what cost?”
“Your aid—”
“No. At what cost to yourself?” Inari leant forwards. “That is a big promise to keep. How will you free me without risking yourself?”
“I’m sure there will be opportunity, when the guards aren’t looking…”
Inari levelled a pointed gaze at her.
“I have to do what I can to save to Fynn. And I will not let them execute you in his place because they have no one else to blame. If your freedom is the price for your aid, then I will do what must be done to ensure the price is paid.”
“I will help. The return of the Forgotten Gods is bad news for everyone. Not just in Littlewatch, not just Teneria. The more powerful they grow, the further they will go. Teneria will be the first to fall, because they are here. Before long, they will leave this place and the ashes they create behind. They need to be stopped before it is too late.”
“Thank you.” Aloisia placed a hand on his arm. “I know you don’t have to help. I couldn’t blame you if you refused. Not after what happened at the Temple…”
“Are you going to be well enough to go?” He glanced over her, concern furrowing his brow.
“I will have to be,” she said. “The next trial is tomorrow. The trial is for Fynn, of course. If they prove him innocent, their attention shall turn to you. And I think it would be a quick trial.”
Inari nodded. “I see. We need answers to free Fynn. And it would be best if I were long gone from here by tomorrow, should he be freed.”
“If they can pin this on you, they will. They may ask for your aid now, but only because their hands are tied. Three more have already died. How many more, should they do nothing?”
“I will destroy the copies, of course. But with three more bearing these marks… I cannot say for certain it will have much effect. The spell work upon their bodies will hold far more weight than crudely copied markings.”
Aloisia’s stomach sank with dread. “Then let’s hope there are some answers at the end of this map.”
“More than that,” Inari said, “it would be best for their bodies to be burned. With four now, it will magnify the spell.”
“Is there anything you’d need prepared for these rituals?”
Inari scratched his beard. “Taking magic out of pages is one thing. Removing magic from a body is entirely different. But I can try.”
The clinking of metal sounded down the corridor.
“Come on, time’s up.” Oda appeared at the bars, unlocking the door.
Aloisia pushed herself to her feet, gritting her teeth against the pain which blossomed once again in her ribs. She paused, waiting for the guard to come in and release Inari.
“What are you standing around for?” Oda asked.
“Isn’t he coming with us?”
“No. If he has agreed, then brilliant. We need to go back to Magistrate Vester before anything else is to be done.”
“You can’t be serious,” Aloisia murmured. Exhaustion set in, and all this going back and forth was only going to tire her further.
“I’m very serious. Now, come on.”
Aloisia gave a sigh and conceded. Though, once on the other side of the bars, she turned to Oda and asked, “Wouldn’t it be easier just to release him now?”
“No, it would not. To bring out the prisoner, I need dispensation from the magistrate and lots of paperwork to verify the terms of his release. And, anyway, I am not about to take this prisoner out on my own.” She looked to Inari. “No offence, shaman.”
Inari grinned fiendishly. “None taken.”
Aloisia rolled her eyes. He wasn’t helping his case.
