“This is the younger Majis,” Gareth said. “She will take the blame for causing the latest sea storms, specifically the one that sank the ship you were on.”
The young girl was watching Gareth closely, her forehead squinting lightly in concentration.
“I think the people will be more than happy to watch her die. It should restore some of their hope.”
Erich snapped his head back to the king. “That’s a little heartless to say right in front of her, don’t you think?”
Gareth shrugged. “She can’t hear so she has no idea what I’m saying.”
Erich looked back at the girl. He was certain he had seen a look of fear cross her face when Gareth mentioned her death.
His heart fell. He couldn’t leave now, not when an innocent child was in danger.
“Can you hear me?” he mouthed at her, using his hand to point to her, his ear, and his mouth as Aizel would have done.
She shook her head, her eyes on his lips.
“What’s going on?” she asked with her hands.
“I don’t know,” Erich responded. “This man is a rotten person.” He made a face.
The girl laughed, covering her mouth while her shoulders shook.
Gareth said nothing. He merely watched the exchange.
“You can’t truly mean to go through with this, Your Majesty,” Erich said, turning back to him. “She’s only a child. No one will believe she’s a powerful sorceress.”
Gareth shrugged once more. “She’s a Majis.”
The king’s dismissive reaction reminded Erich of the time when Gautho had used the same expression to dismiss something about Aizel.
This time, Erich knew better than to accept that excuse.
“I don’t think this will inspire the trust you keep claiming,” Erich argued, trying to appeal to the sentiments Gareth had mentioned. “What if they find out it was a lie?”
“And how would they discover that?”
“I... could tell them,” Erich challenged. “Let her go,” he pleaded. “She’s innocent and harmless.”
“The execution has already been scheduled. My hands are tied.” Gareth sat back. “This girl’s life is mine and justice must be done.”
“Justice?” Erich asked. “What kind of justice is this?”
“Do you disagree with me?” Gareth’s tone was almost gleeful.
Erich closed his eyes. Aizel was free and she had her voice. He wanted to make it out of this alive. He needed to bring this information to his father.
He looked at the little girl. Her eyes were staring at him, pleading with him.
He would never be able to forgive himself—or face Aizel—if he got out of this at the expense of this Majis child’s life.
Aizel was strong and powerful and brave. She would find Robin and share what she knew. Erich wished he could have helped her. In a way, he was helping her. He was fighting for her and her people.
“If you want justice...” Erich turned to the king. “Would you take a life for a life?”
Gareth grinned. “What do you mean?”
“Let this girl go free and execute me in her place.” Erich’s voice was loud and clear, echoing off the smooth stone walls around him.
