by Drew Wagar
Maybe Choso wasn’t supposed to have that sword?
Nerina nodded. ‘Continue.’
This girl fled in dismay, cursing them with profanities and hurling stones at them, you can still see the cuts from the wounds she inflicted.’
That was from when they fell in the ditch! After they murdered …
‘Choso gave chase. This girl, clearly adept in her life of crime, climbed on to the roofs of the houses by the outer sunward lane, seeking to escape across the rooftops. Choso followed.’
Nerina held up a hand. ‘Following the girl into private property? We would regard that as an infringement. Why did he not simply report the matter to your guards?’
Handella glowered and managed a smile. ‘Choso, like myself, could hardly bear to see such injustice go unpunished. We know a thief should have their hand cut off at the wrist. He was keen to see justice administered. He meant only to capture the girl and hold her to account.’
Nerina inclined her head slightly. ‘Continue.’
‘Choso chased her on to the roof, cornering her. He tried to reason with her, but she continued to spit and mouth obscenities.’
Nerina looked at Handella, raising her hand again. ‘How do you know this? Choso is, most regrettably, not with us.’
Handella gestured to her other two sons, still sitting behind him. ‘My other sons witnessed this from the ground. Their accounts are reliable and consistent.’
‘I’m sure they are,’ Nerina replied and lowered her hand.
‘Choso tried to pacify her. He unwisely put down his sword, intending to help her down from the high point they had reached. It was clearly dangerous. It was then the girl struck again. She used her stick to trip him, causing him to slip over the edge of the roof. Holding on by mere chance, he hung over that dreadful drop. This girl had a chance to prove she was more than a common thief, that perhaps she had a modicum of mercy in her twisted evil soul …’
Handella gestured widely, her arms outstretched as she looked around the room.
‘Surely she could find the decency to save his life? We might have even been inclined to overlook her transgressions for the sake of a little common decency. But did she relent?’
Handella turned back on Kiri, glaring directly at her, her voice like thunder.
‘No, she did not. She compounded her crimes, taking that stick and dealing a terrible blow to my defenceless son, sending him falling to his death. Premeditated murder, cold and calculated …’
‘That’s not what happened!’ Kiri burst out. ‘Choso was the murderer! He killed my friend, Tia …’
Nerina stood up abruptly. It must have been Kiri’s imagination, but it seemed to her that the flames from the oil burners leapt higher for a moment.
‘Silence!’ Her voice remained quiet, but in what little volume was present was pure outrage. ‘You do not speak until the ordained time.’
Kiri turned to glare at Nerina, the now familiar metallic tang arose around her.
Don’t.
Kiri felt the pressure again, like a clamp around her mind. Cold and fierce anger flashed, sharp and acidic, across her mind.
Are you intent on getting yourself killed?
Kiri swallowed, but she was too outraged to relent. Innocence, defiance and frustration shone from her as she responded to the mental voice.
But it’s all lies …!
Nerina didn’t appear react at all, but Kiri immediately picked up a delicate sense of planning, threads of possibilities stretching in long overlapping tapestries before the connection between herself and the enigmatic priestess faded away.
Kiri subsided under her unflinching glare, cowed. She looked desperately across at Charis who simply mouthed the word ‘No.’
Nerina turned to Handella.
‘My apologies for that unruliness. Please continue.’
Handella swallowed and let out a thick breath. ‘The blow she dealt left her unbalanced and she fell too, but not before a crowd of onlookers had arrived, drawn by the commotion and her foul language. My son …’
Handella staggered to one side, wiping at her eyes. Kiri saw her sons jump from their seats to comfort her. Handella held out her hands as if fending them off.
‘No my sons, let me continue. It must be said.’
Kiri wondered if she caught a sign of impatience on Nerina’s otherwise blank face.
Handella straightened. ‘…my son. My eldest son lay dead in the street. Killed instantly by the fall. Servants of justice that they are, my other sons tried to stop the crowd, but they were borne away by their outrage. Understandable, of course, given what they had witnessed. The crowd dragged the girl into the lane outside the wall with the intention of killing her.’
‘Such is the way of the slums it would seem,’ Nerina said.
Handella looked up with a barely disguised sneer.
‘It was only the timely intervention of your priestesses that prevented her demise there and then. As she survives, I deem her life forfeit to me and humbly ask that she be delivered into my hands so that justice can be administered … properly.’
Handella fixed Kiri with a cold stare which left her in no doubt as to the woman’s intentions should she indeed be delivered into her hands.
Nerina didn’t move for a moment, but then nodded briefly.
‘Thank you for your testimony, Captain Handella. Priestess Charis, you found the girl in the street, did you not?’
Charis stood up rapidly and curtsied. ‘I did priestess elect.’
‘In what condition was she when you found her?’
‘She was surrounded by a crowd of people, bloodied and injured, unconscious from what I could see. Rocks and stones were being thrown at her.’
‘Did you see how she ended up there?’
‘I did not. We flew by dach as fast as we could, but she had already fallen when we arrived. But it was plain that she’d been dragged to that position by someone. Her clothes were ripped and torn and her blood stained the street.’
‘Did you find any coins on the girl?’
‘No. She carried nothing whatsoever.’
‘Could you identify any of the people in the crowd?’
‘Yes. Two of them are present now.’
Nerina raised an eyebrow. ‘Do tell.’
Charis pointed at Choso’s two younger brothers.
‘What are you insinuating?’ Handella demanded.
Nerina turned on her immediately. ‘You will be silent. It is not your time to speak.’
Kiri saw Handella step forward, her teeth bared. Nerina simply waited, making an elaborate show of folding her arms and crossing her legs. Handella eventually stepped back and bowed her head.
‘Were these two carrying anything?’
‘They had stones in their hands when I arrived,’ Charis said, keeping her gaze focussed on Nerina and ignoring the outraged Handella.
‘I see,’ Nerina said, simply.
Kiri saw Nerina look towards her, the intense gaze locking on to her once more.
‘You may now relate your version of events,’ she said softly.
Kiri told how she’d encountered the boys in the woods, how they had argued, how Tia and she had run. How Tia had been killed. How she’d been chased and cornered on the roof. Despite Handella’s growls she explained how Choso had taken a swing at her and how she had jumped, trying to scale the apex of the roof. She left out the account of the strange feeling that had coursed through her.
‘And then he slipped,’ Kiri continued. ‘I slid down too. We both went over the edge. I caught hold of the edge before falling. Somebody caught me. Then they set upon me. Much after that I can’t remember.’
Nerina sat, hands steepled in front of her, the tips of her fingers and thumbs together. She looked over at Handella.
‘It would appear your son would also stand accused of murder, if he had been present,’ she said, coolly.
‘The raving machinations of the desperate,’ Handella rumbled. ‘The slum girl will say
anything to save her hide.’
‘Perhaps,’ Nerina acknowledged. ‘We should search the forest, yes?’ She looked at Kiri. ‘Could you lead us back to the point of the altercation?’
Kiri frowned for a moment, but nodded slowly. Many stretches had passed, poor Tia’s body would have been taken by the wild creatures of the forest, there would be nothing left by now. Kiri’s stomach twisted at the thought. Nerina was looking at Handella. She looked distinctly ill at ease. Kiri saw the faint suggestion of a smile touching the corners of Nerina’s mouth.
She never intended to search the forest, she’s calling her bluff …
Nerina turned back to Kiri.
‘You saw Choso kill your friend with his wooden sword and in the fight it hit several shades?’
Kiri nodded again, trying to stop from trembling at the memory.
Nerina calmly looked across to Handella.
‘And yet you say the sword was new this stretch and never used?’
‘I …’ Handella fumed on the spot and refused to answer.
‘A simple check will confirm one or other story as the truth then. Doubtless the sword would be marked or damaged if this girl’s story is a true account. Perhaps we might inspect it?’
Handella’s hands clenched and a look of distaste and offense crossed her face.
‘My son has been committed to the soil with his effects as custom dictates,’ Handella seethed. ‘I will not have his place in the after defiled to indulge the lies of a slum girl.’
‘Of course,’ Nerina said. ‘I admire your alacrity in marking his passing. My condolences.’
Kiri could see Handella trembling with the effort of remaining calm. Nerina seemed unperturbed and she relaxed back into her chair.
‘Since we cannot inspect the evidence, I will now pronounce my judgement.’
Silence fell in the hall. Kiri caught her breath, knowing the judgement might mean her existence could soon be coming to a swift and painful conclusion. She forced herself to breathe, gasping in short sharp intakes, the tenseness in her chest forcing her to swallow painfully.
Nerina looked across at Handella, then towards Charis and finally back at Kiri before speaking.
‘In the case of Kiri and Choso, there is no evidence of theft, there is no evidence of murder. Thus no crime can be proved, merely an unfortunate accident caused by untempered youthful exuberance. If the statements are true, the death of the other girl, Tia, cannot be undone and the perpetrator of that act is also dead. The only remaining crime is trespass. Given the wounds inflicted on the subject after the event by the crowd of onlookers, I deem she has already suffered sufficient punishment to atone for this.’
Kiri let out the breath she’d been holding. Handella was on her feet immediately, spluttering her protest. Her family were beside her, gesturing angrily. Nerina held up a hand, all the time keeping her gaze locked on Kiri. She waited until Handella subsided.
‘This young woman will promise not to repeat her behaviour. She will be released into the city once she is healed. We will hear no more of it.’ Nerina thumped her palm on the table, the sharp noise echoed around the silent hall.
Kiri smiled and looked over at Charis. Her heart clenched when she saw the look on Charis’ expression. It was one of despair, not joy. This was not the verdict she had wanted.
I don’t understand …
Then she realised. Once she was outside of the protection of the temple it would be easy enough for Handella and her guards to find her. She was already guilty of many small misdemeanours; all the onlies were. Handella would have no difficulty in trying her in her own jurisdiction, finding her guilty and …
She looked over at the big woman. Handella had clearly been having the same thoughts. She caught Kiri’s stare. One of her sons drew a finger across his throat and smirked at her. They would ensure she suffered once they caught her. They’d keep her alive as long as they could, taking retribution for the death of their son and brother.
‘This Quisition is dismissed,’ Nerina said.
Everyone save Kiri rose. Kiri saw Charis get to her feet and move towards her. Nerina held up her hand.
‘I wish to discuss the subject’s release with her,’ Nerina said. ‘I will summon you when I am done.’
Charis nodded. On the other side Kiri saw Handella’s eyes narrow. Charis and the other priestesses filed out neatly. Handella and her family were next. One of the brothers, the older one, passed close to Kiri, whispering under his breath.
‘Dead meat, slum. Word will be on the street in a spell. Dead meat.’
Kiri ignored him, but her heart fluttered in panic.
After a moment the double doors closed, leaving Kiri alone with Nerina. The elegant woman walked around the desk and leant against the front of it languidly, regarding Kiri with a steady eye.
‘I could have had you sentenced here and now,’ Nerina said. ‘The word of a guard takes precedence in any other circumstance, despite your truth and her lies. That might have been kinder. A quick painless death at our hands, rather than a slow brutal one at theirs.’
Kiri glared back, trying to quell the anxiety rising in her chest. ‘I’m not afraid of them, or you.’
Nerina smiled. ‘Whether you fear them or not matters little, pain is pain. Do you really think you can elude the city guards?’
‘I’ve done it for years,’ Kiri retorted. ‘They’re slow and stupid snuts. Why should now be any different?’
‘Now they won’t tolerate your presence, as they have until now. They’ll hunt you, capture or kill those you care about …’
‘I care about no one …’
The pressure returned, along with a sense of impatience. Kiri winced, the pressure making her head throb.
Learn this well. You cannot lie to me, you cannot hide from me, you cannot resist me.
Kiri pushed back, struggling to articulate her own thoughts. It was unfamiliar to her, but she began to understand how to form and control words in her mind. She batted the thoughts back towards Nerina.
I will fight like I’ve always done. Give me a knife, give me a chance …!
Images suddenly flashed through her mind. She saw, with crystal clarity, her fellow onlies caught by Handella and her guards. Like Tia, but worse, so much worse! Girls violated, boys tortured, those she knew just broken bodies burnt on stakes or ripped apart by teams of hergs; an image of herself being led to a scaffold, hands bound, clothing torn, red hot instruments held ready …
She recoiled, closing her eyes, but the images were in her mind and she couldn’t shut them out. She felt sick, gasping and choking. Her defences were shattered, but Nerina persisted.
She will wreak bloody vengeance on you and yours. You know she will. No one cares for the slum dwellers …
Kiri clenched her fists and forced the images away, desperately struggling against the pressure in her mind.
Then I’ll go to her, give myself over and get it over with!
The pressure faded and the images vanished. Kiri almost pitched forward in response, her breath ragged as she tried to regain her composure. She bit down on her tongue, trying to stop from vomiting as wave of nausea washed over her.
She looked up to find Nerina regarding her steadily.
‘You have a measure of courage beyond your rounds, young one. Perhaps you might consider an alternative?’ The gentle soft voice was a shocking contrast to the lurid images.
Kiri looked at her, bemused. ‘What alternative?’
Nerina straightened. ‘Join us here, become an acolyte of the temple.’
‘Me?’
Kiri knew that some women from amongst the commoners became acolytes due to their fighting prowess in the arena, those few that survived went on to become priestesses. She’d always had a vague plan to try that herself. But she needed to be a little older, a full adult. No youngsters were selected as acolytes from the commoners, only youngsters from those already inside the temple, high born from amongst the priestess-ship. Choso had been r
ight about that, you had to be of noble birth. It just didn’t happen …
‘You have a remarkable gift.’ Nerina continued. ‘By now you know that well enough. You can waste it in a brave and futile stand, or …’
A choice that is no choice, or an offer too good to be true? Nerina wants my gift, that’s clear enough …
‘And what would I have to do?’ Kiri asked, her eyes narrowing.
‘You’d join as one of our candids,’ Nerina replied. ‘There are various rituals that would need to be conducted. Training too, much of it arduous. You would forsake your previous life and associations in their entirety, swearing complete and unending allegiance to the temple. Follow all the religious tenets, devote yourself to working here in the temple. Undertake duties as the priestesses deem necessary without question.’
‘I …’
Nerina immediately interrupted her. ‘Do not make the choice lightly. It will not be easy and there will be no going back.’
Kiri stuck out her chin. ‘And what does your temple offer me?’
Nerina laughed, as if in delight. ‘Protection for a start. Handella and her guards would never be able to touch you, in fact they are sworn to protect you. Candids enjoy special privileges beyond the commoners. If you are chosen you’ll become an acolyte. If you prove yourself you may become a priestess, given time. Even you know what that means.’
Power and control, privilege and esteem. There is no higher station than to be a priestess, save the high priestess herself. Ruler of all Drayden …
Kiri gasped at the sheer enormity of it all.
‘And what of the onlies? Won’t Handella pursue them if she can’t get me?’
‘I can ensure she does not. It is clear we need to know more about conditions in the slums. You can be our advisor. We can draft new laws to make accommodation for them. In fact, I will make that your first duty, to assist me in so doing.’ Kiri saw Nerina smile. ‘Handella will be duty bound to uphold your law.’
Kiri’s eyes darted from one side to another as she thought it through.
‘So?’ Nerina asked gently, her voice barely above a whisper. ‘Will you become a candid, a student? Follow where we lead you and become beholden?’
She is saving my life. I guess I owe her mine in return. It seems a fair trade.
