“If we could subdue one and get it to talk, to name its master, then we would know who is responsible for not only the murder of Brighde Smith, but the three priests who fell at their hands, too. Then we could stop them. If such ‘crude tools’ are too good for use on the witnesses here, perhaps we can use them on these creatures instead.”
Magistrate Vester cleared his throat. “It does sound ridiculous, yet it also sounds like the only way to get a conclusive answer to everything.”
“Is it even possible?” Lusana asked the scholar.
Ezra nodded. “With the right incantation, one could capture and subdue the Forgotten Gods. With permission from the Crown, of course. And there is no reason a truth potion would not work on them, given their corporeal forms.”
Lusana turned to High Priest Silas. “What are your thoughts?”
“I am with Magistrate Vester on this. It seems the only way to get answers without relying on inconclusive evidence and testimonies. This problem has far outgrown this trial, this one murder. The lives of all those within Teneria are at risk should these creatures grow in power and should the control over them wane.”
Lusana spun back to face Inari. “To that end, shaman, what use is it to find the one who summoned them if they no longer possess control of the creatures?”
“If they summoned them, then they know how to command them and how to send them back,” Inari said. “I suppose we should hope we can find them before their control slips entirely.”
Lusana looked at Ezra. “And what then? If they lose control…”
“If control is lost,” Ezra said, “then we had better find a way to reinstate it. With no master, they shall be free to roam as they please. However…”
“Yes?”
“If we can find the one who summoned them, then perhaps we can learn how and summon them again. Perhaps we could even learn how to dismiss them back whence they came.”
Magistrate Vester scratched his jaw. “It would seem time is of the essence to find these creatures then.”
“You are agreeing to this?” Lusana asked.
“There is no alternative. Not when their power grows, and my people face grave danger. As a representative for the Crown, Modäiti, I would ask your permission to allow the scholar to use magic to capture a Forgotten God.”
Lusana’s eyes widened. “The scholar is in our custody.”
“And he shall remain so. As shall the shaman. Both shall be under guard. I would enlist both of their aid in this matter.” He looked between the two men. “And I would take it as evidence of their honesty and decency should they agree to assist.”
“We cannot dismiss their part in this. There is too much evidence against both. Whilst I am inclined to believe the scholar, Mr Solis has – willingly or not – been party to the rise of the Forgotten Gods, which resulted in four murders. As for the shaman, I do not believe he is not involved, for there are too many coincidences to dismiss his connection. And you would have them walk free and even approach and attempt to capture one of these beasts?”
“Both would remain under guard when outside of the prison. But I see no other way to resolve this case. We have little to no evidence against any of these three men. And, as High Priest Silas said, there is too much at stake now. This problem is far beyond this trial. I would, of course, appreciate your approval of this plan and your permission for the scholar to use the spell on the Forgotten Gods.”
Lusana wrung her hands. “This is your town, Magistrate. The final decision is yours to make. If you believe this the correct course of action, then I will give you my approval and permission. However, it is unclear how they will capture these creatures, even by magic.”
“And your concern is noted,” Magistrate Vester said. “That is settled, then. Both the scholar and the shaman shall remain in custody of the Hunting Guild. Their aid shall be enlisted to act out the plan Huntress Aloisia has put forth. As I said, we shall take their assistance as evidence of their sincerity in the next trial. And, depending upon the results, may ensure their freedom.”
Lusana’s knuckles whitened as her hands stilled. “Apologies, Magistrate Vester. Did I hear you correctly? You will give custody of these prisoners to the Hunting Guild?”
He nodded. “I shall. Each of the four founding guilds has their part to play in justice. They took both into custody themselves last night. As such, they can remain in their custody. The accused shall, of course, be kept within the prison still. But the scholar and the shaman shall stay with the huntresses. They shall be held accountable for their imprisonment, and they shall also be responsible for their actions in the coming days.”
Lusana regained her calm facade at his words. “As you will, Magistrate. Responsibility for these prisoners shall be given to the Hunting Guild. And be mindful, we only have a few days left until the final trial. Should this task not be completed, then the conditional release of the prisoners shall be revoked.”
Aloisia blanched. A ghost of a smirk played on Lusana’s lips. If they failed in capturing a Forgotten God… It did not bear thinking about.
“And thus concludes the penultimate trial,” Lusana said. “Huntresses, collect your prisoners. Guards, take the accused back to his cell.”
Lusana descended the steps, the magistrate and the high priest following close behind her. The crowd dispersed, many a frown atop their brows.
Guards came forth to collect Fynn. Aloisia reached for him before the guards could get there.
Fynn turned at her touch, his fingers closing around hers.
“Have faith,” she murmured.
