SEVEN
“Duetothenatureofthistrial,”MagistrateAsmundVestersaid,“theModäiti, Mother Lusana Harteryn, will be presiding. Such crimes are not common to Littlewatch. We seek her guidance in what follows.”
Mother Lusana inclined her head. “Thank you, Magistrate Vester. As this is your town, your word is, of course, final. As shall be your judgement. I hope to bring what knowledge I possess to shed light on what happened here. I trust the Father to guide us this day, and in those to follow, as we seek justice for the departed soul of Brighde Smith.”
A collective gasp shuddered through the crowd at the realisation that Fynn was to be brought to trial for the murder of his wife.
“As you say.” Magistrate Vester clapped once. “Bring out the prisoner!”
Across the square, the prison gates opened. Guards brought Fynn forth, his wrists bound behind his back. They marched him to the platform and forced him to his knees. Dark circles ringed his bloodshot eyes. He looked as if he’d been in there for weeks rather than hours. Fynn searched the crowd, unfocused, unseeing.
Aloisia’s hand tightened around Tristan’s.
Fynn’s unsteady gaze found hers in the crowd, a dull recognition almost bringing him from his trance. She gave a reassuring smile, but he turned from her, staring out above the people gathered before the platform.
Whispers rippled through the crowd at the sight of him. Fynn, much like Aloisia, was widely respected for his profession. Most, if not all, within this square would know him by face if not by name. Seeing him upon the platform, accused of murder and witchcraft, sent a current of shock amongst those gathered. Aloisia could see their opinions changing as he knelt there before them, a shattered version of the person he had been.
“Fynn Smith,” the Modäiti’s voice rung out, silencing the crowd. “You stand accused of the murder of Brighde Smith.”
Another wave of gasps sounded around her, and the world swayed beneath Aloisia’s feet. The magistrate held out a hand for silence, and it soon followed.
“You also stand accused of witchcraft: the practice of the dark magic of the Damned Gods, which has for so long been absent from our kingdom,” Mother Lusana continued. “How do you wish to plead?”
A hush stretched out in the wake of her question. Fynn’s gaze lowered to the dirt beneath the platform. Aloisia wasn’t sure he’d even noticed her.
“Say something,” she uttered, shifting on her feet.
“I ask again,” Mother Lusana said, stepping closer to Fynn. “How do you wish to plead?”
As the Modäiti moved into his line of sight, Fynn finally glanced up.
“Does it matter?” he asked.
Aloisia closed her eyes briefly, sending a silent prayer to the Divines to be merciful. It would have been better if he’d said nothing.
“It seems my fate is already sealed.”
“What makes you say that?” Mother Lusana tilted her head, considering him.
Fynn’s shoulders sagged, and he turned his gaze away from her once more. Silence settled upon the square. It seemed he would not answer her.
The Modäiti did not let this deter her. She cast her attention out to the crowd. “Last night, townsfolk reported a flash of blue light and screams from Lower Temple Row after the stroke of twelve. This blue light was so bright it lit a few streets from its origin, including Temple Green. The watchmen who manned the Watchtower submitted accounts which align with these testimonies.”
Murmurings rippled through the crowd, and Aloisia caught the words of many affirming they, too, had seen this mysterious blue light.
“The origin or identity of this blue light remains unknown, but one thing can be clear. It was the work of witchcraft.”
Aloisia gritted her teeth.
“Two guards arrived on the scene,” Mother Lusana continued, “shortly after the watchmen gave their reports. There, within the accused’s home, they found the deceased in the arms of the accused. The cause of death was a fatal stab wound to the abdomen; however, no weapon was found at the scene. Further investigation within the accused’s home has proven unfruitful.”
Aloisia’s grip on Tristan’s fingers must have been painful, she was sure. He made no complaint.
Mother Lusana folded her hands before her, her face serene despite the severe scenario she depicted. “There were no eyewitnesses to the murder. Only the accused and the deceased were in the building when the crime occurred.”
Aloisia blanched. What of their accounts? Would they not be mentioned at all?
“The guards gave reports of runic markings which appeared across the deceased’s body after she was lit from within by an orange glow. These are further signs of dark magic, which the Temple is investigating as we speak.”
