“Likewise, how could you possibly prove he used those books to summon the Forgotten Gods?”
A murmur of agreement shivered amidst the crowd.
Lusana’s amber eyes widened.
“It seems you still base your evidence on supposition alone, Modäiti.”
“Even so,” Lusana said, her unnerving calm returning, “possessing these books is indication enough that he is not yet innocent.”
“Nor is he definitively guilty.”
“Furthermore” – Lusana turned from her to face the crowd – “there is still the question of the shaman. He bears a marking on his chest. A hawk. The same one which now brands the victim’s chest. These markings appeared on her body after she was killed by the Forgotten Gods. A coincidence? I think not.”
Aloisia paled. With her argument against Fynn falling from beneath her, Lusana had turned her attention to Inari instead.
“This shaman has reportedly been living in the Dead Woods, beyond the Hunting Guild,” Lusana continued. “The same place these shadow creatures have also appeared. Another coincidence? I do not think so.”
A murmuring of uncertainty went through the crowd and Aloisia could feel the Modäiti’s words winning them over.
“No one had seen the shaman before this murder; his location unknown to anyone. It is strange, therefore, the one to find him was the sister of the accused. I do not believe this to be a coincidence either.” Lusana raised a brow at Aloisia. “If you would be so gracious, Huntress, could you give us an account of your first encounter with the shaman?”
Aloisia hesitated a moment. “Inari is not the one on trial this day.”
“No. However, in the interest of clarity, to find truth within this web of events which transpired before, during, and after these murders, it is important for the people of Littlewatch to hear this.”
A ripple of agreement echoed around her. After another moment of hesitation, she nodded. Kaja aided her up the steps to the platform.
Still leaning heavily on Kaja, Aloisia looked out to the expectant gaze of the crowd. “I saw the flashes of blue light again, this time at the Dead Woods. Since they were linked to Brighde’s death, I thought it an opportunity for answers. So, I followed these lights. And I found the wisps, which I learned are beings of light, a counterbalance to the Forgotten Gods.”
“Learned from whom?”
“Inari. And Ezra, the scholar you have in your custody, confirmed this.”
Asmund flushed red at the mention of the scholar. Lusana narrowed her eyes, glancing at the magistrate.
“Anyway, it was there I first met Inari. The Forgotten Gods were in those woods too, and they had been plaguing him. He was making offerings to them, to appease them, to no avail. He had a blade to Brother Tristan’s throat, so I shot him in the hand.”
Lusana startled at that. As did most of the crowd. Dhara pressed her fingers to her lips, stifling a laugh.
“Anything else?”
Lusana blinked, still in shock. “No. Your account shall suffice.”
“Good.” Kaja started to lead her from the platform, but Aloisia halted. “In the interest of clarity, Modäiti, I shall recite my encounter with the scholar, Ezra. I think the people of Littlewatch should know we followed the map on Brighde’s body and did not come back empty handed.”
“Huntress—” Magistrate Vester began.
Lusana held a hand up, silencing him. “Proceed.”
“I must insist—”
The priestess raised a brow at him, and he fell silent. Aloisia wondered if she knew about the scholar and, if not, if she were simply appeasing her out of interest to learn what happened.
“Truth and justice!” someone in the crowd shouted.
“You cannot conceal the truth from the people!” another chimed in.
Several more shouts rose from those gathered, angered by the magistrate’s attempt to halt Aloisia’s account. Magistrate Vester turned a deeper shade of red as the mob turned on him.
