“It can be clear, therefore,” Magistrate Vester said, “that not only was the accused the sole person present at the time of the murder, but witchcraft was involved in this crime. As the trial continues, more evidence shall be gathered, which shall hopefully shed light on this most tragic of transgressions. I express my thanks to Mother Lusana for summarising these crimes.”
Aloisia released Tristan’s hand and marched towards the platform, rage pounding within her. “Two others were present last night when the guards arrived. What about their testimonies?”
Mother Lusana looked to her, brows arching in mild surprise. Her gaze caught on the beads which decorated Aloisia’s braids. “Huntress.” The Modäiti bowed her head, and the crowd along with the magistrate and the high priest followed suit. “Please, come forward. The Temple welcomes you. As a member of one of the four founding guilds, it is your right to partake in Trials of Justice.”
Aloisia knew this tradition and had seen it enacted only once before. She had never dreamt of doing so herself. Any who interrupted a trial would be held in contempt, as per the law. But, with her profession, Aloisia was one of few permitted to do so. She had never felt she’d held such authority, regardless of her position. And now she had invoked this tradition. Her stomach fluttered, and she wondered if it had been the right thing to do.
It was too late to back away now. All attention turned to her and Aloisia took a knee before the Modäiti.
“As a servant to the Huntress,” Aloisia said, reciting the words, “I pledge myself in the light of the Nine Divines to seek truth and justice.”
“Huntress Aloisia.” Magistrate Vester addressed her with a bow of his head. “As the accused is your brother, you must take extra care to remain objective throughout this trial.”
Mother Lusana raised a brow. “He is her brother?” She turned her wary amber eyes towards the huntress. “I do not think it possible for her to be impartial in the slightest. Especially since she was one of those present at the scene of the crime when the guards arrived. Yes, do not look surprised. Of course I am aware.”
“Indeed, I was present,” Aloisia said. “A fact you had left out of your summary, even though the guards collected both testimonies, hence why I stepped forth.”
“As you should be aware, Huntress, there is a process here. We would have presented the testimony. As it was not relevant to the summary, I left it out.”
“Even so, you have omitted the truth from those gathered. You made it seem such a clear-cut case in your account by leaving out those two loose ends.”
Mother Lusana’s eyes widened. “You dare cast such a shadow upon my honour?”
“If there is a shadow, Modäiti, it is not I who cast it.”
“Enough,” Magistrate Vester said. “Huntress Aloisia has raised a valid concern. It may not have come across as a fair portrayal of events to leave such information out, yet I understand why the Modäiti did so. Everything in good time, and such.”
“Mother Lusana has a point about objectivity, however,” High Priest Silas interjected. “As sister to the accused, and one of those present at the scene, how can she remain unbiased?”
Magistrate Vester stroked his beard. “True enough, Father Silas. But it is the right of any member of the four founding guilds to intervene in a trial, regardless of affiliations, provided there is valid reason. As a huntress, one of only seven in our Hunting Guild, Aloisia is held in high esteem. Therefore, I will allow her intervention if another of such esteem will vouch on her behalf.”
A blanket of quiet fell upon the square as the judiciaries considered the crowd, awaiting one of them to step forward. Given her position, there were few who could vouch for her, who had enough standing in order to do so. She knew Tristan or Kaja would if they could, but with one a newly ordained priest and the other having served the Huntress for fewer years than Aloisia herself, they did not have the influence to sway the magistrate’s favour.
Aloisia remained on one knee, her gaze fixed on Fynn. Throughout the exchange, he had been staring at the ground. She wasn’t even sure he knew she had spoken on his behalf, knew anything happening around him. How anyone could look at him, in this moment, and think him a murderer was beyond her. Never mind the nonsense about witchcraft.
Footsteps sounded behind Aloisia, and she dared not turn to see who approached. A hand clasped her shoulder as the figure knelt beside her. She glanced sideways. Lead Huntress Mavka took a knee at her side.
“I will vouch for Huntress Aloisia,” Mavka said.
“Then I shall permit her intervention.” Magistrate Vester inclined his head. “Huntress Aloisia, do you swear to cast aside all affiliations and hold yourself as an impartial party to this trial?”
“I swear it,” Aloisia said, glancing once more to Fynn. “I swear it by the Huntress and all the Nine Divines.”
“And do you, Lead Huntress Mavka, take full responsibility going forth for this intervention?”
Mavka lifted her chin. “I do.”
“Then rise, Lead Huntress Mavka and Huntress Aloisia. Allow your voices to be heard in this trial.”
Mavka rose first, helping Aloisia to her feet. She guided her to the platform with a hand on her shoulder. “I trust you will not make a fool of me, child.”
“Let’s hope your trust is not misplaced,” Aloisia murmured as they ascended the steps to take their place upon the platform.
As she turned to face the crowd, Aloisia found Tristan, panic lighting his eyes. What had she got herself into?
“As you have made clear, Huntress Aloisia,” Magistrate Vester addressed her, “evidence has been omitted in the summary of what happened. Specifically, the accounts of those present when the guards arrived. Would you consent to giving your testimony now before those gathered here today?”
“Of course.” Aloisia nodded once.
