“What are you waiting for?” Dhara demanded.
The guard bowed his head. “Right away, Lead Huntress.” He scurried inside the gates and into the grand building.
Oda dismounted and marched up to Dhara. “The magistrate will hear of this.”
“No doubt he will.” Dhara crossed her arms. “However, I do not think he will take your side, girl.”
The guard returned. “Magistrate Vester will see you now.”
Dhara gave a nod. “Good.” She raised a brow at Mavka.
“Morgan, Valda, Neiris.” Mavka pointed to each of them. “You will remain here with the horses. Aloisia, Kaja, you both will accompany us and our guests.”
“Guests?” Oda scoffed.
Mavka moved past Oda, leading their group into the gates. Oda followed behind them.
The guard held a hand up to stop her. “Apologies. Magistrate Vester requested only their presence.”
Oda’s face burned red at the insult, her silver scar standing out in stark contrast, but she did as she was bid.
Magistrate Vester’s estate was as grand as ever. Aloisia traipsed behind them, Inari’s arm under her shoulders to support her. The guards led them to the same drawing room as they had every time before. When the door opened, Asmund was alone.
Magistrate Vester’s deep brown eyes flickered between his guests, coming to rest on Ezra and the unbound shaman for a moment longer than the others.
He gestured to the seats. “Please. Make yourselves comfortable.”
Inari helped Aloisia onto a high-backed chaise, perching beside her as the others each sank down into seats.
“I must say, I am surprised to be hosting so many of you. I only expected three.” He snapped his fingers, and a servant appeared with more glasses.
Dhara sneered. “You didn’t think we were going to allow them to come here on their own, did you, Asmund? With your entourage of guards?”
“I do not catch your meaning, Dhara.” Asmund smiled, as sweet as poison.
“Twenty guards for three people? I am flattered you believe my sisters are so well trained.”
“It is well known the skills of huntresses are equal to none.” He leant back in his chair. “But I assure you they would have been safe in the company of my guards.”
Dhara barked a laugh.
“To the matter at hand.” Asmund looked to Aloisia. “I agreed to the temporary release of the shaman for the enchantment upon the priests and the copies of the spell to be vanquished. As well as for you to follow the map as our only lead to finding answers to our present problem.” He glanced at Ezra. “The first condition has been met and, since you left, they have set the priests to rest upon pyres. The second condition, however… Could you tell me if this was successful?”
“We followed the map to its end, as we said we would,” Aloisia said. “I am sure Oda has informed you of the troubles we faced along the way.”
He gave a nod. “Indeed.”
“After she left, we continued onwards. We found a cave. And in the cave…” She gestured to Ezra. “The scholar, Ezra Solis, of the Mage’s Guild was bound within. It would be beneficial that we hear his testimony at the trial today.”
“I see.” Asmund traced a thumb across his jaw. “Of course, before we present anything before the people, it will first have to be approved by myself.”
“With all due respect, Magistrate Vester,” Mavka interrupted, “if his testimony is not given at the trial, I will consider it obstruction of the law.”
He stilled at her words. “I do not wish to cause undue panic.”
“There is already widespread panic in Littlewatch. A woman was murdered in her home. Beasts of dark magic roam our streets. Three priests have also been slain in our efforts to find the truth. Do you not think the people deserve answers?”
“Of course I do. But we can bring no testimony forth without it being approved. One of your own has already broken this rule.” He glared at Aloisia. “Thus far, I have let it slide. However, I will not allow my trial to be overtaken by you again, Huntress.”
