“Open up, in the name of the council!” a bellowing voice called out, piercing through Lucinda’s sleeping mind.

Lucinda woke with a start as the racket reached her ears. She made her way to the door intending to go investigate, but realised she should get dressed first, and then noticed she’d slept in her clothes. Instead opting to tidy herself up a bit, she did so before heading downstairs.

She was partway down the stairs when she heard the voice again.

“Is your daughter here?”

“Yes. But, what’s that got to do with anything?”

Reaching the bottom of the stairs and emerging into the hallway, Lucinda saw several militiamen standing in the doorway talking to her mother.

“Mother, what’s going on?” she asked.

“Ah, there she is,” the front-most militiaman called out upon seeing her. “Lucinda Bazan, you have been asked to stand before the council this day. Please come with us.”

“What!?” Lucinda gasped, knowing full well that such a request was not made unless something was definitely wrong.

“Yarrick, what is the meaning of this? Surely there has been some mistake,” Lucinda's mother said.

“Sorry, Chloe,” the man named Yarrick said, addressing Lucinda’s mother. “I have my orders.” Turning back to Lucinda he made a beckoning gesture with one hand. “This way, please.”

“Mother?” Lucinda asked.

“Go with him, Honey. I’ll find your father, we’ll sort this out, don’t worry!”

The militiamen quickly escorted Lucinda from her home. There were three of them in total, two flanking her on either side, while the man named Yarrick lead the way.

“Where are you taking me?” she asked.

“To the militia building for now.”

Have I been arrested!? I’ve been minding my own business in the forest for the last several days! Oh, I hope Mother and Father can help.

Before long, they reached the militia building. Lucinda noticed the same man she’d spoken with the other day standing guard outside. Yarrick and his men took her past the sentry without speaking, bringing her inside the building itself, and to a stop before the front desk.

“This her is it?” the man behind the desk asked.

“Sure is,” Yarrick responded.

“Put her in one of the waiting rooms. I’ll send a runner to notify the rest of the council.”

“This way,” Yarrick said, motioning for her to follow him down one of the corridors that branched off from the lobby area.

The room she was brought to had only a few chairs and a table inside, while a disturbingly heavy door separated the interior from the rest of the building. She was quickly ushered within, and then directed to occupy one of the plain wooden seats.

“Please, what’s going to happen to me?” Lucinda asked as her escort made to leave.

The man looked back at her with a pitying look. “You’ll be brought before the council soon. Try to stay calm in the meantime.”

Lucinda couldn’t fault the offered advice, she felt anything but calm, and mostly because signs were pointing to one rather unfortunate conclusion.

Do they know…? How could they!? If Father finds out… No! It must be something else… Some mistake…

Alone in the waiting room, Lucinda could not prevent a trickle of tears from streaking across her cheeks.

“Oi, girlie,” a voice called out, startling Lucinda out of her stupor. “Council’ll see you now.”

She was quickly escorted from the room, then down a series of corridors that led her past the building’s entrance, before finally emerging into a large room. Taking in the interior, her concerns grew in an instant as she spotted the neat rows of benches, and the considerable number of townsfolk sitting upon them. Past them, the council were seated behind a long table that was facing across the room to a single chair. Like everyone in town, she knew the four men sitting there: Her father; Saseligan; the High Cleric, Chester; and the militia Captain, Meflom. The sight of her father at least, was a welcome one.

Father will get me out of this! He has too…!

Her hope dwindled noticeably as her attempts to catch her father’s eye were pointedly ignored, and if not for the brief smile that Saseligan sent her way, more tears might easily have appeared. Led to the front of the crowd by her militia escort, she was then guided to the simple seat that both audience and council were pointed towards.

“Here she is, Lucinda Bazan,” the militiaman called out.

“Thank you, guardsman,” the militia Captain replied, before turning to address the room. “Dear people, we are gathered here today to discuss the crimes of the accused, Lucinda Bazan.”

Crimes!? No… This can’t be happening…!

“We, the council, shall be deciding upon her innocence or guilt, and the appropriate action to be taken should she be found guilty. As is our way, you, the people, shall watch over these proceedings to ensure the accused is treated fairly.”

Sitting in the middle of the room, being watched by so many people, Lucinda began trembling as her emotional turmoil shifted heavily towards terror.

“Guardsman, read out the accusation.”

“Yes, Captain!” one of the two militiamen flanking her chair responded. “Lucinda Bazan, you are accused of wilfully and knowingly copulating with beasts.”

“What!? I never…” Lucinda blurted out automatically.

“The accused will remain silent until asked to speak,” the militia Captain spoke over her loudly. “Send in the witness.”

Lucinda soon saw a familiar face move towards the front of the room. It was the young man she’d met in the forest, the one she’d warned the militia about. Before stopping in front of the crowd, she saw the young man’s eyes widen as his gaze met hers.

“State your name and occupation please.”

“Lawrence Flarpi, I work in the fields outside of town,” the young man replied.

“I see. Thank you, Lawrence. Please tell the court your story.”

“Right you are, Captain. Two days back, Farmer Rether noticed one of his cows was missing, and well, he told me to go take a look around for it. He trusts me you see,” said Lawrence. “I went looking right away, found some tracks easy. Took me to the forest they did, and I was thinking the poor thing had been eaten. ‘Course, I didn’t wanna go back to Rether until I was sure, so I went into the forest. And that’s where I found her.”

“By ‘her’, you mean the accused?” the militia Captain asked.

“Yeah, her.”

“And what did you see?”

“As I entered the forest I heard some real queer noises; Almost like someone was being attacked. My ma always said to help those in need, like Hefnopt teaches, so I went to look what was about. Found her then, just a bit further in. She was… stark naked, not a scrap on her. Could scarcely believe me eyes, but there was no mistaking it, nor the large silver wolf lying with her.”

A murmur spread through the crowd at Lawrence’s words.

“I rushed forwards to help, but she weren’t being attacked like I’d thought… She was… mating with it.”

“I will hear no more of this slander! My daughter would never do such a thing!” Lucinda’s father suddenly boomed out, slamming his hand on the table before him as he shot to his feet.

“Baldor, get a hold of yourself. This is a courtroom, let the man finish his account,” the High Cleric said.

Her father glared at Lawrence with eyes full of pure hatred. A span of seconds passed with only his breathing echoing through the room before he again sat down.

“Now then, Lawrence,” the militia Captain prompted. “You’re sure of what you saw?”

“Yes sir. I’d thought she’d been crying for help… but, she was just… uh… she was enjoying it.”

The crowd began murmuring much louder than before, though Lucinda barely noticed. She was horrified beyond belief.

How could they think I did that!?

“What happened then?”

“Almost lost me lunch that’s what… Not something I ever wanted to see. But the wolf turned to me then, started growling real fierce, and I… ran.”

“I see. Is there anything else you’d like to add before we move on?” the Militia Captain asked.

“Don’t think so.”

“Very well. In that case, we’ll move on to questioning the accused. High Cleric, would you like to take over?”

“Certainly, thank you,” the High Cleric said, rising to his feet and moving around the council table. “Now Lucinda, I’d like to ask you some questions about your side of the story. If that’s okay?”

“Okay…” Lucinda replied meekly.

“Now, on the day in question, which I believe was two nights ago. Were you in the forest?”

“Yes, High Cleric.”

“I see, and could you tell the court what you were doing on that day.”

“I was training to unlock the Druid class,” Lucinda replied.

“Could you tell the court what that involves?”

“I… I had to spend time with the animals of the forest. On that day I was with a family of boars, we roamed about the forest, and I helped them find food.”

“You’ve spent time with other animals on other days then?”

“Yes, the day before that a pair of deer, and yesterday a… giant spider,” Lucinda reluctantly admitted, which brought a loud series of gasps from her audience.

“My my. That is a bit unpleasant, but not a crime by any means,” the High Cleric continued. “Now, did you see Lawrence on the day in question?”

“Yes, but, I wasn’t… doing anything… with a wolf! I was with the three boars, they were asleep when he rushed over and started ranting like a madman. I tried asking what was wrong, but he ran off before I could understand what he was talking about.”

“You are claiming innocence then?”

“Yes! I would never do such a wicked thing. I’ve never lain with anyone…” Lucinda added, her cheeks blushing visibly at the embarrassing admission.

“I see,” the High Cleric began, before turning to address the room. “It is Lawrence’s word versus the accused’s. Therefore, I believe a Truth Reading is in order to ascertain which party is in the right. Baldor, would you be so kind?”

Truth reading magic was a powerful tool for solving disputes, and saw extensive use throughout the Kingdom of Prilemia. Its purpose was much as the name implied, allowing a Cleric caster to call upon the power of their deity to determine the truth of an individual's words. With the reliability of the divine spell being almost unquestionable, Lucinda felt relief wash over her. She knew she would be found innocent when her father performed the Truth Reading magic. She couldn’t fathom why Lawrence was lying about their meeting in the forest, but she knew the spell would likewise reveal his falseness. Yet, as soon as her father had risen from the council table, a sudden and most troubling thought struck her.

Oh no! I lied about being there to become a Druid! I have to say something… But, Shifters are outlawed… If I admit to that… Nooo, what do I do!?

Lucinda looked about, seeking help with the dire situation she found herself in. Her eyes fell upon Saseligan, who was looking back at her with a single finger held against his lips.

Stay silent? Okay… I can do that.

Lucinda’s father had moved in front of Lawrence, where he cast the truth detecting spell by uttering a few inaudible words as he held one hand between him and his target. The spell took only a few seconds to complete, where it produced a faint golden light that fell atop Lawrence.

“He… Speaks true,” Lucinda heard her father say.

No! That can’t be right!?

She saw her father turn to face her, a look of alarmed confusion on his face. He moved over to her and began casting the same spell. As it finished Lucinda felt a warmth envelop her momentarily as the same golden light pressed against her.

“She…I…It can’t be…” her father started, a look of horror spreading across his face. “… She speaks false.”

A collective gasp spread through the crowd, following by frantic murmuring.

“No! I can explain…” Lucinda cried out.

“Silence!” the militia Captain shouted.

“This is a most distressing revelation,” said the High Cleric. “Before we move to the sentencing…”

“High Cleric,” Saseligan interrupted suddenly. “I do not mean to doubt the veracity of the Truth Reading spell, yet I believe in this case a recasting might be in order. From what I understand, Lucinda has been nothing but an upstanding member of our fair town prior to this… accusation. Given her age, I would wager there is a fair chance she did not fully understand the extent of the spell’s power, and as such, I suggest she be questioned again directly, with relation to her supposed crime.”

Saseligan…

A glimmer of hope blossomed into existence within Lucinda’s breast, despite the Wizard seeming to purposefully avoid her attempts to meet his eyes. From the crowd, a steady murmuring began filling the air as none on the council made to reply.

“Quite right, Saseligan,” the High Cleric finally responded. “Before her unfortunate change of heart, Lucinda was undoubtedly one of the most well-behaved trainees we have ever had at the temple. With that in mind, I too believe it would only be fair to give her a second chance. Baldor?”

Lucinda recognised a similar glimmer of hope in her father’s eyes as he turned to her, though a lingering mix of shock and confusion were also evident.

“Lucinda… Daughter… Did you do as Lawrence claims? Did you… lay with a wolf?” he asked.

“No! I did not!”

With the same series of chanted words, her father cast the Truth Reading spell. Lucinda trembled in her seat as she waited for the verdict to arrive. Despite her obvious innocence, Lawrence had somehow spoken the truth. She knew not how, but that he had was more than enough for her to doubt her own reading being true.

She tensed as the golden light cascaded down atop her body, suffusing her with another dose of fleeting warmth.

“She… speaks true!” her father called out.

The crowd began a muted discussion, but Lucinda was too busy sighing in relief, and watching her father visibly relax similarly. He offered her a tight smile before moving back to the council table. Casting her eyes past him, she found the High Cleric smiling pleasantly at her before he turned back to the crowd, while Saseligan’s similar offering lasted a fair while longer.

“This is a most curious turn of events,” the High Cleric announced. “For we have two people with conflicting tales that are both evidently true. In this case – although it is a highly unpleasant method – a physical examination of the accused would put matters to rest, one way or the other.”

…If I have to… I can endure it…

“However,” the High Cleric continued. “That Lucinda’s telling of events received a false verdict during the first casting has confirmed a difficult to believe piece of news that has come to my attention recently.”

He… No…!?

“I cannot in good faith withhold this from the court. The lie she told, was her claim of training as a Druid. Unfortunately, she has, in fact, been training to become a Shifter.”

An eruption of gasps took place within the crowd.

“A Shifter!?” Lucinda’s father boomed, his other displayed emotions giving way to pure rage. “Is this true, Daughter!?”

“Father… I…” Lucinda stammered, before her voice completely caught in her throat.

“Please answer the question, Lucinda,” the High Cleric prompted.

“…It’s true.”

“Dear me,” the High Cleric said, while similarly unhappy comments were released by the crowd. Her father slumped into his chair behind the council table, his face a mask of disbelieving anger.

“High Cleric…” Saseligan started.

“Yes, thank you, Saseligan,” the High Cleric interrupted. “Lucinda’s desire to become a Shifter is abhorrent, but not a crime while she has yet to choose her class. Furthermore, with her admission, I believe we can offer her the help she needs. Had the first accusation been proven, my recommendation for punishment would not have been banishment – as is typical for such a crime – but instead that Lucinda becomes a Cleric at the temple, where she can be safely watched over to ensure she returns to being the upstanding individual she so recently was. With a vote from my fellow council members, the same offer can be made here, allowing us to put this unfortunate matter to rest.”

“Aye,” the militia Captain responded, raising one hand into the air as the High Cleric had done. “I’m not one for abiding lawbreakers, but she deserves another chance. Of that I’m sure.”

No… I can’t… I won’t! I want to become a Shifter… A Shifter!

Despite her internal raging, the decision appeared to have already been made. A dreadful silence passed as the two remaining council members silently deliberated, but Lucinda knew there was really only one way either could cast their vote.

“Aye,” her father said, raising one hand to match the others, while shooting a harsh glare her way.

“…Aye,” Saseligan added.

“Excellent, we are agreed then,” the High Cleric announced. “Lucinda will return to the temple, and be steered away from the unfortunate path she has tried to wander down.”

“We’re done here, folks. Please leave the courtroom in an orderly fashion,” Captain Meflom said.

While the townsfolk departed, Lucinda was left to think of some way out of her predicament. The worst part was how reasonable the High Cleric’s offer appeared to be, with the dismissal of her criminal intent with little in the way of repercussions. Or so it might appear to an outside observer. To Lucinda, the thought of becoming a Cleric again was akin to a death sentence. The loss of the freedom she had so recently earned, unthinkable.

By the time the courtroom was empty except for her and the council, Lucinda had reached a single conclusion.

I’ll run away… Leave Kloip, leave Prilemia… Go somewhere without such a stupid law!

“Well, Lucinda,” the High Cleric said. “I hope you can see that this is the best possible outcome for you. Had you already become a Shifter, we would have been forced to notify the capital and let them decide your fate. As it is, you will be free to live a productive life here. Perhaps not quite the one you wished for, but it is hardly a bad one I assure you, as I’m sure your parents would also.”

“Indeed,” Baldor added in a voice that was tinged with anger.

“With how headstrong you have revealed yourself to be today, I believe a final warning is needed before we leave you in your father’s care. If you were to leave Kloip before we have confirmed your class, we will again have no choice but to notify the capitol under the assumption that you have become a Shifter after all.”

No…! Why!? Why does he have to be so…!?

A surge of anger welled up inside Lucinda as the High Cleric delivered his warning. She just barely maintained enough self-control to avert her gaze from the source of her rage. Then, a weary sigh reached her ears.

“Even now I wonder if we have truly convinced you. Please consider what will happen here if you did decide to leave, Lucinda. Don’t forget that Lawrence’s accusation still lingers. As a Cleric, I’m sure it will never come up again. But, as a Shifter, I doubt you would be so fortunate.”

Lucinda’s rage boiled further. In the span of a few heartbeats, it became too much for her to hold back anymore.

“I hate you!” she screamed at the High Cleric. “All of you!” she clarified.

Without waiting for a reply, she rose from the chair and started towards the door to the room. A hasty shifting of feet reached her ears mere moments after she’d left her seat, but the High Cleric’s voice soon cut across it.

“Baldor, we will leave her in your hands. May Hefnopt be with you in this trying time.”

Her father’s hand reached her shoulder before she reached the door. His strong grip held her fast, but trembled slightly with silent fury.

“Home. Now,” he all but growled in her ear.

Lucinda was led back home in silence. She could think of nothing that might appease her father, though she didn’t try particularly hard. By the time they reached the house, her anger had faded enough for her to realise Saseligan couldn’t have helped her even had he tried; Forgiving him was still difficult.

“Chloe?” her father called out as they entered.

“In the kitchen,” a muted voice replied. Ushered there by her father’s inescapable presence, Lucinda was met with a deeply concerned look from her mother. “What happened?”

“Our daughter had taken it upon herself to become a Shifter, is what happened,” Baldor growled.

Lucinda’s mother’s hands shot up to cover her mouth as a loud gasp escaped her.

“Fortunately, the council has decided to overlook her… misdemeanour, so long as she becomes a Cleric and returns to the temple. Which I’m sure she will. Isn’t that right, Daughter?”

Silence was all that met her father’s words, she had no intention of doing as he wished, but straight up lying to him was still a difficult task.

“Isn’t that right?” Baldor asked again, with a menacing edge to his voice.

“…Yes…” Lucinda replied.

“Oh, Honey…” her mother said, as she raced across the kitchen to take Lucinda’s hands in hers. “What happened to becoming a Druid? You know Shifters are outlawed…”

“Of course she blasted well knew!” her father exclaimed, earning himself a look from her mother. He released a loud sigh. “I’ll be in my study.”

A loud slamming of a door moments later signalled her father’s complete departure. Judging from the reaction and current expression of her mother, Lucinda almost felt as if she could explain herself properly to her. But, she knew her words would still reach her father eventually, and things would only get worse.

“How about some lunch?” her mother asked. “We can…”

“I’m not hungry,” Lucinda interrupted. “I’ll be in my room.”

“Lucinda…” her mother called out as she began retreating from the kitchen. “Let me know if you need anything, okay? I’m here for you.”

Back in her room, Lucinda collapsed on her bed. Tears wetted her cheeks as she let her emotions run. With the danger of being forced to become a Cleric if she lingered being an all too real prospect, she knew it would be far better to depart as soon as possible. Yet, she found she was unable to muster the will to do so. Instead, her tears steadily increased in intensity as her mind replayed the horrible events that had so recently taken place.

“Lucinda.” The voice along with a gentle touch on her shoulder awoke her suddenly. She found her mother sitting next to her on the bed, smiling down at her. “I brought you some food.”

“I’m…”

“Ah! Not another word, Daughter. You will eat, and be grateful for it!”

Despite her general mental state, Lucinda couldn’t prevent the smile that spread across her face at her mother’s mock anger. Her mother moved a tray with a bowl of soup from nearby to her lap as Lucinda sat up. Her stomach rumbled noisily as the alluring smell reached her nose, making her attempt at declining the treat seem incredibly foolish. She didn’t waste any more time in helping herself.

She managed a few mouthfuls before her mother spoke again.

“Lucinda, you may have fooled your father. But, not me.” Lucinda’s spoon almost slipped from her grip as the words reached her, while her stomach lurched uncomfortably. “You’re planning on leaving, aren’t you?”

Her mouth flapped open, then shut, and then open again. She wanted to deny everything, try her best to keep her secret safe until she was away. Her mother’s steely gaze held her tongue.

“… What will you do if I say yes?” she managed to ask.

“Is the thought of becoming a Cleric really so terrible?”

“I…”

Her mother sighed loudly. “Never mind. Don’t answer that. To answer your question: Nothing.”

“Mother?” A warm smile met her shocked question.

“No, that’s not true. I’ll demand a long touching hug, and wish you a safe journey. Then, I’ll cry myself to sleep this night.”

As tears began trickling down her mother’s cheeks, Lucinda resisted the urge to prematurely offer the hug her mother craved for only a few seconds. Tears flowed down her own cheeks as they embraced, while her soup rattled about as she shifted on the bed.

“I’m sorry…” Lucinda spoke softly. “I want to be a Shifter more than anything…”

Pulling back from their embrace, her mother planted her hands on Lucinda’s shoulders as she looked into her eyes. Even with the wet cheeks they both wore, smiles were shared.

“I had a feeling you might,” her mother said, before reaching into a pocket of her dress. From within she pulled a small metal object: A round brooch, engraved with the head of a wild cat. Taking one of Lucinda’s hands, she placed it within. “Take it.”

“What? Why?”

"You remember we talked about your grandmother?” Lucinda nodded. “There was a reason she wasn’t very well-liked…”

“A Shifter!?” Lucinda gasped, bringing a small laugh from her mother.

“Yes. I wish she could have been here to meet you… She’d have liked you a lot, you’re so much more like her than I. And that’s why I want you to take the brooch.”

“I… Thank you! I’ll treasure it.”

“I’m sure you will. Now, shall we get you packed?”

“…What about Father?”

“I’ve just remembered we need more eggs, and some carrots for tonight. I’ll let him know. And there’s a pack you can use in my wardrobe. Okay?”

“Yes! You’re the best, Mother!”

Sometime later, Lucinda was taking a last look around her room. There was a lot she would be leaving behind, including most of her nicer clothes, and the toys and other trinkets she’d been gifted over the years. With a sigh she tried her best to put them out of her mind, her pack had limited space available, and she had limited strength to carry it with. Turning to her mirror she gave herself a once over, smoothing over her brown travelling trousers, and checking her beige shirt for dirt or damage. Trying to ignore the lingering sadness she saw in her own pale blue eyes, Lucinda pulled her shoulder-length red hair back into a ponytail. Finally, she pinned her grandmother’s brooch to her shirt, just below her shoulder on her left side, before picking up her pack and moving to the stairs.

“Mother?” she called out down them.

“It’s clear,” her mother replied in a conspirational whisper.

Reaching the ground floor, her mother offered her a smile that looked only slightly forced.

“Do you want me to walk you to the edge of town?” her mother asked, while she put on her travelling boots.

“Thanks, but I’ll be okay,” Lucinda nodded, trying to keep the unhappiness from her voice. “When will you tell Father?”

“When you’re safely on your way. I’ll talk him round, don’t you worry.”

“Only if you promise not to worry about me as well,” Lucinda replied.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” said her mother, pulling her into a hug. “It’s a mother’s duty to worry about her children, no matter how old they are.”

Clasped tightly in her mother’s arms, Lucinda’s eyes began to water as strong emotions flooded her.

“I’m going to miss you,” she said.

“I’m going to miss you too.” A quiet sniffle sounded out from her mother. “I expect you to write often. And tell me if you need anything.”

Pulling back to view her mother’s face, she smiled up at her through teary eyes.

“I will,” she promised.

“We’ll come visit you, wherever you end up, okay?”

“I’d like that.”

“Then, take care, Daughter.”

“You too, Mother.”

Picking up her staff, and wiping away a few shed tears, Lucinda waved a last farewell to her mother and stepped out of her parent’s house. She walked carefully through the town towards the exit, wanting to make sure she didn’t wander anywhere close to where her father might be, or the temple. Passing through the western opening in the outer walls, she looked back at Kloip as memories of what she was leaving behind stormed through her mind. The shops, the library, the places she’d played as a child. She would miss all of it.

Goodbye Mother. Goodbye… Father.

Turning to the open road, Lucinda departed.