“I’m not certain. Surely, it’s worth a try?”
“How did you happen upon this shaman?” Lusana lifted her chin. “There are no shamans in Teneria anymore.”
“As there is no magic?” Aloisia raised a brow.
The muscle in Lusana’s jaw pulsed. “Shamans were outlawed in Teneria. I am surprised that accepting his aid is even being considered.”
“He is not of Teneria.”
“And simply being a shaman is not a crime here, Modäiti.” Asmund cut her a warning look.
Lusana met his gaze. “But the practice of his magic, without proper permissions, is, Magistrate Vester.” She turned back to Aloisia. “Where is this man from? Why would he help?”
Aloisia’s heart pounded against her ribs. “I don’t know where he came from. He was in the Dead Woods. And he has seen these shadow monsters too – he called them the Forgotten Gods.”
The priestess flinched at the name. “He can’t be serious? How would the Forgotten Gods be in Teneria? They are a folklore of the Northern Territories.”
“True enough,” Silas said, “their origin is from the North. But it does not mean they do not exist elsewhere. The Divines are not of only Teneria. As the Dead God is not just of Myrkrheim, and the Three Oracles are not just of Vakafold. All gods, our own or those of others, exist separate from us. They are of all of us.”
“Thank you, High Priest. I know my theology,” Lusana snapped. “My point is, why would this shaman name these creatures the Forgotten Gods? How would he recognise them as such?”
“Perhaps you should ask him,” Aloisia said. “There is only so much I can tell you.” She watched Lusana, curious about her reaction. What did she know of the Forgotten Gods? What struck fear through her calm facade?
Silas nodded. “I think meeting this shaman would be the best course of action. As you say, Huntress, he can tell us more.”
“I’m sure he can.” Lusana scoffed. “It is incredulous this man appeared out of nowhere, with knowledge of these dark beings, and he is willing to help us too. How convenient.”
“What are you saying?” Aloisia asked.
“I do not believe for one second that this man is genuine. I think he is a fiction of your own creation in order to bring evidence to the trial in two days’ time.”
Mavka bristled. “You dare question the integrity of one of my own?”
“She is too involved. I said it at the first, and I will say it again. She is only seeking ways to allow her brother to escape justice.”
“Wait.” Aloisia stood, her mind reeling. “There is another trial in two days?”
“You weren’t aware?”
“No, none of you mentioned it before now.”
“Enough,” Asmund barked, his deep voice silencing them all. “If I wished to hear the squabbling of children, I would return to the nursery my children share.” He stood, folding his hands behind his back. “Yes, there is a trial in two days. Hence our need to find evidence before then to progress with the proceedings. Getting back to the imminent task, however. We agreed, before calling you here, we would allow the shaman access to Brighde’s body.”
“But,” Lusana chimed in, “only under the provision that we meet with him first. If, and only if, we are satisfied his intentions are true, he may examine the markings under strict supervision. Either High Priest Silas or I will be present along with assigned guards of Magistrate Vester’s choosing.”
“Indeed.” Asmund gave a nod. “I trust you can relay a message to this man, Mr…?”
“Inari,” Aloisia offered.
“Please inform Inari we formally invite him to my estate upon the strike of nine tomorrow morning.”
“Tomorrow? Why not today?”
“Some of us may be busy,” Lusana said. “We have a very important trial to manage, after all.”
Aloisia ground her teeth. “If you allow him access, will it be tomorrow? You have just said you wish to find more evidence, and there is a trial in two days’ time. Wouldn’t it be preferable for him to see them before then?”
“Of course,” Asmund said. “Anything which can bring clarity to the situation is preferable. He can have access tomorrow, if we deem it suitable.”
