“Yes.”
“We shall assume your captor was the one to summon them. Is there any way, as you cannot speak against them, for us to identify this person?”
Ezra remained silent.
“Tell me, Mr Solis,” Lusana continued, “before being released from the cave, have you seen either of these men?” She gestured to Inari and Fynn.
The muscle at Ezra’s jaw pulsed, and he withdrew his arms in on himself, as if trying to curl away from the question.
“Mr Solis?”
“I cannot answer.” His voice was hoarse, as if he were forcing the words out.
Inari’s head snapped up, a frown furrowing his brow. His incredulous expression reflected Aloisia’s own.
Lusana tilted her head, a smug smile playing at her lips. “I think that is indication enough.”
“Are you suggesting,” Aloisia said, “either the shaman or the accused used a spell to bind the scholar, and then used his powers to summon the Forgotten Gods?”
“Indeed.”
Aloisia scoffed. “Based on what? None here, bar Mr Solis himself, know the restrictions of the spell upon him.”
“He clearly stated he could not speak out against his captor. That he cannot speak out against these men is evidence one, or both, are party to the spell which bound him in the cave. One possesses books on dark magic, the other possesses magical capabilities. It seems both had the means to not only bind Mr Solis, but to summon the Forgotten Gods.”
Murmurings of agreement whispered through the crowd.
“Thank you for your candour, Mr Solis.” Lusana waved a hand and Ezra was pulled back, Inari replacing him. “Now, shaman, if you would be so kind as to show the same sincerity.”
Inari stared down at the priestess; his face expressionless save for the fire in his eyes.
“How long have you been in Teneria?”
The shaman turned his gaze from her, focusing above the crowd. “A few months.”
“And how did you come to be here?”
“From the sea, as all do.”
“You have been living in the Dead Woods during these few months, is that correct?”
“It is.”
“And how have you not been found until a couple of weeks ago? Especially with the Hunting Guild so close by.”
“I do not suppose many have set foot within those woods.”
Lusana narrowed her eyes. “Where did you come from?”
“North.”
“Where specifically?”
Inari met her gaze. “Very north.”
Lusana pressed her lips together in a hard line. “Your evasiveness is not helping your case, shaman.”
“I do not see how where I am from matters in this case, priestess.”
