“Then we do this,” Aloisia said, “here and now. No sense in waiting. If the Forgotten Gods return, there may not be a tomorrow for many of us. What more evidence could we gather before tomorrow morning? We have a creature to testify. We have several accounts which can affirm Fynn’s words had no effect on the Forgotten Gods, including your own, Modäiti. The sooner we find the truth, the better. Then, you can take this to the queen. And we can stop these monsters before they take anyone else.”
Lusana blanched. “I hardly think this is the place, nor the time.”
“Why? We are in the House of the Divines. The Father Himself watches over us.” Aloisia pointed to the statue opposite the Huntress. “And we need a plan for what happens next. Those creatures may have fled, but what is stopping them from returning? We cannot go back to our homes and wait this out. So, this happens now.” She turned to Magistrate Vester. “Am I wrong?”
Asmund was silent for a long moment, considering her words. He stroked his beard, looking out at those who remained. “You are not wrong. This is a crisis unmatched by anything we have suffered. In truth, this trial must be concluded, not for propriety, but for the truth it will offer against this enemy. Nothing further can be done before tomorrow morning. As you say, there is no sense in waiting. However, there remains the matter of the creature.”
High Priest Silas stepped forth. “I will not allow the monster to enter this place. Nor is it wise for it to be brought before so many.”
“What do you suggest then?” Aloisia asked.
“Heading to Execution Square is risky. We hold the trial in Temple Green. If possible, I would ask the shaman and the scholar to place protective wards upon the Temple to protect those within. Therefore, should the situation turn, those at the trial are close enough to get to safety.”
Asmund nodded. “That is sensible, yes.”
“I would ask, also, for volunteers to bear witness to the trial. A small number, to limit the risk to life. The creature you captured can be brought to Temple Green to testify. And our final judgement shall be made.”
“Sounds like a plan to me.” Asmund looked at his guards. “Guard Oda, you will accompany one of the huntresses to bring the creature here. Either the shaman or the scholar should join you, as an extra protective measure.”
Oda bobbed her head in accord.
“First, we must ensure wards are placed upon the building.”
Their plan decided, the magistrate dismissed the people. Hushed whispers echoed in the nave. Aloisia searched for Fynn, still in the pew beside Ma. His shoulders were set, the tension coiling like a spring within him. This would be the final decision, whether he would go free or hang. Aloisia did not think he needed to worry, however she knew Lusana had tried to twist truths in the past. To what end, she did not know. But, with such solid evidence of Fynn’s innocence, she did not see how the priestess could twist it to her favour.
Aloisia made her way beyond the nave, intent on finding Inari. She had seen the shaman carrying Ezra along the corridor to the right, and she followed it around, listening for any sign of him.
“Lis?”
She turned at the voice, unsurprised to find Tristan. “I thought I’d told you to keep away from me.”
Tristan approached, as if she were an animal that may bite at any moment. “I just wanted to make sure you were all right.”
“And you can see I am.” She held her hands out to either side of her. “Satisfied?”
He ran his hand through his sandy hair. “I’m glad your family is safe.”
“And yours?” Her hands dropped to her sides, her anger ebbing.
“We haven’t found Klaus yet.”
She reached out, taking his hand in hers. “I’m sorry.”
“Ida is trying to stay strong, so little Annette doesn’t know, so she won’t get scared. She’s only three…”
Aloisia’s grip tightened, as if she could anchor him.
“He’ll turn up, right?” Tristan met her gaze, worry shadowing his blue eyes. “He has to. They can’t have got to everyone, surely?”
“He’ll turn up,” she lied. “He might still be in the Watchtower.”
Tristan pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her and burying his face in her shoulder. “Thanks, Lis. I have to hope…”
“I know.” She hugged him back.
“I’m sorry for what happened, Lis. You must know that. Truly, I am sorry. I would never jeopardise Fynn’s life. I was just doing what I thought was right. Now, I realise how wrong I was. If it weren’t for the shaman…”
He trailed off, the unsaid words hanging between them. It did not bear thinking about how much worse everything could have been if it weren’t for Inari and Ezra, using enchantments to keep the monsters at bay. She could only hope, if Tristan had changed his mind regarding their involvement, others would surely feel the same.
