A knock sounded at the door and they both started, gaping at it.
“Who could that be?” Aloisia murmured, setting aside the furs to answer it.
A guard stood outside her door, the emblem of the Father’s Guild – a set of scales – emblazoned on her tabard. Aloisia glanced over her shoulder at Kaja. What would a guard want with her?
“Greetings,” Aloisia said, trying to keep the frown from her brow.
“Greetings, Huntress Aloisia,” the guard said. “My name is Oda.” Her deep brown hair was pinned at the nape of her neck, wisps pulling free around her temples. A silver scar traced its way from her forehead, over one green eye, and down past her lips.
“How can I help you, Guard Oda?”
“Magistrate Vester has sent me to collect you. He requests an audience with you. Now.”
Dhara appeared behind the guard, her arms folded across her chest. Back at Mavka’s home, their sisters were spilling out on the dirt tracks. “And if she were busy?” she asked. “If she were about to go on a hunt? What would the magistrate request then?”
Oda bowed, a sharp movement. “Apologies, Lead Huntress Dhara. I am only the messenger. It is official judiciary business, in the name of the Father. He requests her presence immediately.”
“And what is this regarding?” Dhara narrowed her eyes.
“Official judiciary business. You are aware of the involvement Huntress Aloisia has in the current trial regarding her brother, are you not?”
“Of course I am aware.” Dhara turned to Aloisia. “Go then. Mavka shall accompany you.” She nodded once, dismissing the conversation.
“Apologies, Lead Huntress.” Oda stepped towards her. “The magistrate asked only for her.”
Dhara paused, glancing over her shoulder at the guard. “And Mavka is the one who vouched for her. They are both involved. Mavka goes, or Aloisia does not.”
Oda blinked, clearly unsure what to do.
Dhara gripped Aloisia’s arm, pulling her out of the house and out of the guard’s earshot. “I dislike your involvement in this. I understand why you stepped forth, why Mavka vouched for you. And I know you must go now, when beckoned. But when you enter their halls, you walk into a viper’s nest. Know that. I look after my own, my sisters here. Mavka will go with you. She will keep you safe.”
Aloisia nodded, wondering – and not for the first time – just what she had got herself into.
“Do not trust the magistrate. Nor the priestess. They are both of the capital, both for the Crown.”
She considered Dhara with wide eyes. She had never heard her speak of the other town leaders before, especially like this.
“Make sure you are not getting in over your head.”
“Of course.” However, Aloisia feared it may be a little late.
Dhara released her, herding the other huntresses back into her own home, leaving Aloisia and Mavka with the guard.
“I will change and meet you back out here, Oda,” Aloisia said.
Oda stared between the huntresses. “I really must insist—”
“As must I.” Mavka smiled.
“I cannot guarantee the magistrate will allow you inside.”
“I am sure he will.” Mavka crossed her arms. “He would not dare refuse me.”
EIGHTEEN
Dressedinfreshhuntingleathers,AloisiarodealongsideMavka,followingGuardOdathroughLittlewatchtowardsMagistrateVester’sestate.ShewonderedifhersummoningwasregardingherrequestforInaritoreadthemarkingsonBrighde’sbody.Itstoodtoreasonthat,thoughitwasstillearlyintheday,HighPriestSilaswouldhaveconsultedthembynow.Whatotherpurposewouldthemagistratehavetocalluponher?
Unless it was something to do with Fynn.
