FORTY TWO
TempleGreenhadbeensetforthetrial.ItwasnothinglikeExecutionSquare,withthehangingtreeandwoodenplatformbeneathit.Instead,itwassimplyagatheringofpeople.ThetenvolunteersremainedwithinthelowwallsoftheTemplegroundssotheywouldbeclosesttosafetyshouldtheneedarise.Thejudiciariesstoodupontheedgeofthegrassatthecentreofthesquare,besideAloisiaandMavka.Fynn,stillinhisshackles,wasnexttoMagistrateVester,flankedbytwoguards.
More guards were interspersed throughout the square, their job to warn of Forgotten Gods, should they decide to attend. Aloisia’s nerves rattled to be out in the open, even with Ezra nearby. The scholar lounged on the low wall surrounding the Temple grounds, far too relaxed for her liking, especially considering his numerous brushes with death.
Footsteps and the creak of metal sounded as the cage came into view, pushed by her sisters. Oda returned to her post beside the magistrate whilst the huntresses brought the cage closer. Beyond the bars, the Forgotten God still crouched in one corner. Arrows protruded from its shapeless body as it shifted between mist and an almost corporeal form.
Those gathered withdrew away from the cage. Many uttered prayers to the Divines. The creature shifted, tendril-like fingers wrapping around the bars. Its face moved in and out of sight, gaping hollows swallowed by smoke. It seemed to tilt its head, as if watching them.
“Let us begin,” Mother Lusana said, “so we might get this over with.”
Magistrate Vester gave a nod. “Right you are.” He stepped forth, his wary gaze flitting to the creature every few seconds. “We already heard the account of Huntress Aloisia. She spoke of how the Modäiti brought out the accused, Fynn Smith, to command the creatures to stop in their destruction. We were told how they did not obey this command.” Asmund looked at those gathered. “I would like to know from those who were present, which among you can confirm this testimony?”
As she thought they would, Inari and Kaja were the first to raise their hands and confirm what they saw. The guard who had fought alongside them did so next. Asmund turned to Ezra, who agreed Fynn’s words had no effect. And, lastly, Lusana conceded they did not obey his order.
“Good.” The magistrate nodded. “We can be certain, therefore, the accused is not guilty of the crimes for which he has been put to trial: the murder of Brighde Smith, and the witchcraft which called upon the monsters.”
High Priest Silas inclined his head. “Agreed. I will, therefore, propose we clear the accused of these allegations and declare him not guilty.”
Lusana was silent until the other two judiciaries looked her way. “I agree we can clear him of these charges.”
“Then,” Asmund said, “the matter is settled. Once the trial has concluded, Fynn Smith will be absolved of these crimes and is free to go. Now, for the matter of the actual murderer.” He turned to Aloisia. “We must get the testimony of the Forgotten God.”
“Might I just say,” Lusana interjected, “we cannot yet discount either the shaman or the scholar’s involvement.”
Aloisia cast a glare her way. “After everything they have done?”
There was a murmuring of agreement from the townsfolk.
“We must not forget the facts given before now,” Lusana said. “The shaman’s connection to the victim through the tattoo both bear on their chests, and the timing of his arrival here, is suspect. The scholar was found in a cave, reportedly bound by the one who had placed him there, the one who called forth the Forgotten Gods. His powers were used to summon them, albeit by the one who bound him. And he cannot name them due to another spell which binds his tongue. These things cannot be discounted simply for the fact they appear to have aided us.”
Aloisia clenched her fists. “Returning to that point, Modäiti, we should not discount their aid, either. It is because of them the creatures were held at bay. They have no reason to help us should they be guilty. If either were in control of the Forgotten Gods, why would they help us fight them? If they had commanded them, why not order them away?”
“Is it beyond the realm of reality they could have done so to absolve themselves? To make it appear as if they are aiding us, to clear their names for, as you say, how could they be at fault if they do help?”
“It would be foolish to put themselves at such risk.”
“Not if they were never in any danger to begin with. After all, like you said, if they can command them, all they need do is order them away.”
Aloisia stared at her. “Are you out of your mind?”
“I am just saying, we cannot disregard the possibility.” Lusana folded her hands before her. “Might we remember the scholar could not speak out against either the accused or the shaman at the last trial. This implies their involvement, for the scholar cannot speak out against the one who called upon the Forgotten Gods. Therefore, the one we are searching for may well be under our noses. And, as we have cleared Mr Smith, this leaves only the shaman.”
Magistrate Vester cleared his throat. “Thank you for the reminder, Modäiti. These are facts we must remember. Of course, we cannot disregard the aid both men afforded us either, like Huntress Aloisia states. The only way we shall know the truth is to hear it from the creature itself.” He nodded to Aloisia. “If you would administer the truth dart.”
Aloisia gave the creature a wary glance. How was she meant to do it without reaching inside the cage? She rolled the dart in her palm, considering her options. Inari placed a hand over hers. As he lifted his hand, the dart went with it, floating between their fingers. Swift as lightning, he flicked his wrist to the cage, and the dart followed it, propelled by a sudden gust towards the creature.
The dart struck the Forgotten God on the neck, or at least where its neck should be, and it gave a growl. They paused, none in the square daring to speak. The mist thrashed against the bars, the enchantment keeping it within, until finally it settled.
Taking the Forgotten God’s stillness as a sign the truth serum had taken effect, Magistrate Vester slowly approached the cage. “Forgotten God,” he addressed it.
The hollows of its eyes stared emptily at the magistrate.
“We call upon you to testify,” Asmund continued. “Tell us, first, from where you came.”
The creature rose, mist pressing against the bars as its face flitted in and out of view. “I am from neither here nor there.” Its voice was deep and gravelly, rasping at each word. “Neither the mortal realm, nor the City of the Damned. I exist in the spaces between realms, the darkest shadows where mortals dare not go. The places most fear, the places none tread. The places where darkness and death linger.”
A shiver rippled up Aloisia’s spine. The Forgotten God turned its non-existent face to her then, holding her gaze.
