“If one travels through unfamiliar terrain such as thick forests or dense marshland. It is recommended to always travel in a group and to leave behind clear markers that are visible and easy to see in case one gets lost. If the situation permits, one should also consider using preassigned callouts to determine the severity of the situation at hand.”

- Pathfinder Adrian Godwynson, Pathfinders Guild, “On Navigating Difficult Terrain - Tips and Tricks”

“The trial wasn’t fair.” Elaria smugly replied, “So I just balanced the arguments. Gave a voice to the public.”

Her pained breathing barely slowed her roll. The chief justice looked ready to explode. Those who knew were horrified. The buffoons who didn’t, like Joselyn, were confused but still angry. Sophie just appeared worried for her.

“That’s it then? You plan to plunge the city into chaos over a verdict you dislike?! Do you have no shame?!” The chief justice roared. The man's neatly groomed hair seemed out of place against the fury radiating from him.

Elaria winced, managing to pull herself up to a sitting position as she leaned against a step, “Shame? Me? What about yourselves? To pin those who serve with their open wide for the common folk with arrows and imprisonment. All because the pesky profits of the Braveskull’s took a hit? Pah. I’d rather fight than be shamed into silence.”

“Honoured justice, why are you letting her talk? Just arrest her already!” The Mikantos representative cried out.

For the first time since the start of the trial, the unyielding chief justice was utterly exhausted. The half orc letting out a heavy sigh.

“Do not underestimate what you don't understand. I don’t know how she did it. But I believe you has managed to get her words out to the city.” He hung his head low.

“What does that mean?”

“Your honor? If I may?” The elven representative spoke publicly for the first time.

“Go ahead.” The justice lazily waved at him. The half orc evidently looking to bide his time for now.

“It would seem the young lady managed to breach the magical wards guarding the Chamber. In turn, she used an advanced form of vocal, ethereal, some form of projection to let her words be heard just outside the barrier.” The elf stated before turning to stare at her, “Do I have it right?” Damn, he looks even more smug than me.

She nodded.

“But that’s…” Advocate Simmons muttered.

“Incredible? Impossible? Whatever the case may be, that matters not now, at least. Whatever she says will be heard by all outside.”

“Indeed.” The chief justice grunted, “So?” He glared expectantly at her, “What do you seek?”

“I…” She paused, the pressure in her chest growing greatly, “The people deserve to know the full truth. Where are the other victims of the mines? Where are they being hidden?”

“What nonsense is this?” Joselyn broke out of his stupor, “There’s no way someone like you could’ve damaged the wards protecting the Chamber. Are we really just going to grovel before a madwoman’s demands?” His house was definitely bought off by the Trading Company. No way anyone would shill that hard for them. Even the other opposition houses are remaining more subdued.

His words prompted most of the merchants and nobles in the room to boo and hurl a few choice insults. Most of the jury were more confused than ever, but hesitant enough to not have jumped into a vote.

“And why would you need to know that?” The chief justice spoke up.

“Why do we need to know? Why, if the city is throwing heroes behind bars for rescuing loved ones taken into captivity and abused by the Braveskull company, then the least we should know is whether or not those rescued are safe or not? Or did you-” Elaria began.

“Hold that. You utter that last thought and you’ll be going on trial next.” THe half orc growled.

Elaria just smiled. Their reactions are… exquisite. Such powerful people, cornered like confused beasts. Except for the elf, he is too calm. As if he already sensed everything from the start, pah. That made her pause, then why didn’t he stop me?

To everyone’s surprise, the doors to the room swung open and two immaculately dressed templars strode into the hearing. They were followed by an overly portly man dressed in priestly garb. His attire was certainly eye-catching. Blues, reds, blacks, white, and all manner of stellar and astrological related symbols adorned his uniform. That only clashed all the more with the faint scent of alcohol which now invaded Elaria’s senses.

Without waiting for an introduction and before anyone could respond, the man clapped his hands loudly and chuckled, “With the Arena closed during the winters and yet,” The man strut proudly down the steps towards the podium, “The had been guard doubled, nay, tripled since the start of… localized hostilities.”

Elaria stared curiously at him and then towards the elf. The smug representative indulged himself a little and shot her a soft grin. Hah, hahah. Even I got played. This was a set up from the start. She had to stop herself from giggling, the pain in her chest and the impoliteness would’ve been too much to bear.

“Orator…” The chief justice called out.

The priest held up a hand asking for a minute, before peering over the podium down at Elaria. To her amusement, the chief justice caught his next words in his throat holding back whatever he wanted to say.

“I believe informing the public and allowing them access would be the best course of action to prevent any unforutnate acts of violence?” He suggested.

She pursed her lips and nodded, “And so they were locked in the city’s arena all along. Treated…” She looked to the man, he nodded, “and cared for but locked away.” She glanced back up, he directed her gaze towards the chief justice with a tilt of his head. Getting the message, she continued, “And the city will allow access?” She posed the question.

The half orc was incensed, but against this strange priest, he had been outplayed. With a low growl, he turned to one of the guards nearby, “Tell Scavea.”

Elaria observed the coldness in his eyes. Though the trial for Sophie and the others was still ongoing. Whatever advantages or lessons the prosecution wanted to impart had long since shattered. Now, with the arrival of the strange priest, whatever back up plans they had seemed to fade away as well.

“So the city will grant us permission to see our loved ones, at least.” Elaria said.

She leaned back and could feel her vision blur. Her head swayed as she ached and the lack of energy smashed into her all at once.

“Ela!” Sophie’s voice cried out from somewhere.

A few more voices started chiming in as the room burst into noise once more. Whatever was being discussed now faded from her consciousness as she could only hear a fuzzy buzzing sound in her ears. Surrendering to exhaustion, she slumped down and let nature take its toll, the dust making her let loose a final series of coughs as darkness took hold.

Though a creature of the void, she could still feel the wisps of something cusping themselves around her. It was like a cooling yet warming sensation. Blinking back her fatigue, she felt a little bit more alive. Alarmed, she tried to sit up when she was pulled to the side and propped against one of the benches meant for the public.

Above her, the portly priest looked down thoughtfully, Elaria recognising his kind expression as but a mask. His eyes were calculating and dissecting her just as she was doing to him. Maybe he also sensed it, and a genuine smile appeared on the man’s face. A schemer as well, but what’s he searching for?

“Now, now. Everything’s sorted, call it off, eh?” The priest patted her hair. Call it off? Huh? Ah! The spell.

With a grunt and some exertion she reached out, a silencing call within her mind. Touched by the emptiness within and its duty fulfilled, the tendril of power strangled its advance. She could feel the effort to cease its consumption of mana and her spirit. Almost disappointed, it began retracting, following the path back into the darkness within her.

Elaria let out a soft grunt when the process finished, casting wary glances at the people around her. Despite knowing something was up, neither the elf nor the priest seemed to have noticed the tendril itself. At least that part of the secret is safe.

She groaned, a weak but affirming signal to the priest.

“Lovely that.” He clasped his hands together before turning back to address the jury and crowd., “I suppose the city fall into horrific anarchy just yet.”

The chief justice let out an exasperated sigh, his ire having left Elaria and focusing squarely onto the priest. “And what is it that makes the mighty Orator bless us with his indomitable presence today? This farce your way of subverting us? A play for your own sick pleasure?” He motioned towards Elaria.

The priest chuckled, “No, actually. This caught me completely by surprise too. Though I was originally intending to merely chastise you lot, her announcement proved too good an opportunity to pass up.”

“Mere coincidence? Really? I have a hard time believing that, Orator. You arrive just in time to sway the distraught madwoman, if coincidence really was the cause of your arrival. Then the Goddess must have her eye on us all.”

“Your mistrust wounds me, honored justice.” He patted himself, “But alas, it is the truth. A happy coincidence is still a coincidence, however unbelievable it might be to your ears. ”

“Pah. If that’s the case of this 'coincidence', then answer me this, "Why are you aiding her? What good will that do you?”

“Because it’s just.” The priest beamed, “More importantly, without her help, a riot would've started. Besides, she managed to crack the wards surrounding the Chamber somehow. Best be friendly enough to ask questions than to antagonize someone capable of such feats.”

“Tch.” The justice scoffed.

Whilst the priest debated the justice. Elaria found herself trying to have a silent conversation with Sophie. Her sister seemed absolutely appalled at what she had just put herself through. Elaria shot Sophie a warm smile, a part of her happy to see the trial finally starting to swing their way. Another is just happy to have her sister finally start fussing over her so intently. If Raylani was here… huh, I wonder how the other two are doing?

Elaria’s thoughts began to wander, her part in the case played in full. She wondered what retribution she’d suffer from this. Afterall, unlike Sophie or Sophia, who both carried themselves mostly apart from the machinations of the nobility. Elaria and Raylani would often have contact with at least passing patrons who ranked amongst the wealthier citizens. Or would they just arrest me like what they planned to do with Sophie? Could they at least put us together?

Like a bloodhound sensing prey, all her thoughts screeched to a halt the moment she heard the word ‘punishment’ being mentioned. Her attention honed in on the priest, the man having delivered a miniaturized sermon about the current situation before pivoting to the true issue at hand.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury and honored audience. I believe that the main issue at hand must be addressed promptly should we wish for any resolution at all. That being the sentences we that the accused should receive.” The priest spoke.

Simmons and Alexos both seemed to be on the verge of responding. But be it pressure from the priest or just the situation as a whole, the two held themselves back. No one else responded, prompting the man in question to only grin even more smugly.

“I suppose this means you have a plan already in mind, Orator?” The chief justice broke the silence.

“Of course! And one I believe would satisfy all parties involved.” The priest’s eyes twinkled.

Only now did Elaria notice the faint frown on Sophie’s face whenever the priest spoke, the minute expression cutting in-between bouts of concern for Elaria’s current state. Heheh, what a cute sister you are. Don’t be worried about the priest, I’ll protect you.

Stolen novel; please report.

“Go on.” The chief justice rolled his eyes.

“Since they did commit a crime, including the disavowed templar. They need to face due punishment. Are we in agreement?”

The court murmured their assent, though most seemed uncertain of what direction the priest was trying to take things in.

“That being said. They did perform deeds of heroism however disagreeable to you it may be. And if their sentences are anything but just, the riots in the previous weeks will only intensify until the situation spirals further out of control.” He chuckled, “Particularly because of a certain troublemaker.” He looked towards Elaria who just shrugged. I did what I had to.

“Get to the point.” The half orc demanded.

“Of course, your honor. What I propose is a doctrine taught by the church, but obviously to be implemented differnet. Salvation through service.” The priest announced performatively, his arms spread wide like an embrace. “I know this might sound offensive to some here. But I propose a six month-”

“Six months?! After what happened?!” Joselyn broke ranks and yelled out loud, “You’re out of your mind old m-”

“Sit down!” The half orc shouted, his voice booming loud enough to make even Elaria wince, much less the jurors nearby.

“Your honor…” Joselyn muttered.

“That’s enough. The church might have an agreement not to interfere with matters of state. But if you dare insult this man, I doubt anyone can save you from the wrath of the inquisition. Not even your father.” The orc spat.

“You-!”

“Gentlemen, please. My proposal.” The priest tried to soothe tensions, his arms raised in alarm. Elaria saw how his templar guards tensed up at the same time. How dangerous.

“My apologies, Orator.” The chief justice slid back into his seat.

The priest bowed, “Thank you. My proposal would involve the sentancing only lasting for six months. But during which they will take on tasks that others won’t and solve what problems should arise. For I think we can all agree, that despite the copious amounts of adventures and mercenaries that frequent this fair city, there are a great many requests and more mundane things left untouched save by the guards.” The priest began once more.

“That is true.” Advocate Simmons chimed in, earning him a glare from Joselyn.

“Agreed.” Alexos defended his colleague.

“I propose that the disgraced rangers retain their postings given their relative inaction besides facilitation. But their duties will focus on the countryside and borders of Arteria as they always have. Except that this time, it is with a focus on the problems and issues that arise all too often on the borderlands.” He pointed to the accused.

He let the suggestion sink in, a sly smirk on his face. He looked down towards Elaria and bowed, sending a slight shudder down her spine at the more calculating and sinister smile this time around.

“For the templar… former templar blademaster. I will ask that the city puts his skills to good use by seconding him to the legion for hazardous duties and training the men. Until six months is done and his fate can be brought to discussion once more. Any objections?”

None did, though few scowled at him.

“For our final subject. Sophie Kastiane. The unknown variable.” The priest tutted, the first time his smug expression turned more serious. Elaria wondered what exactly was going through his mind right now. And just how much he knew about Sophie.

“I propose a six month period, same as the others. But more flexible in scope yet restrictive at the same time.” He continued.

“Explain.” Elaria accidentally blurted out, surprising herself and the priest. She felt strangely vulnerable as an almost overly discerning glint flashed across his eyes.

“Eager, aren’t we?” The priest chuckled, “As I was saying.” He addressed the room, “A six month period, given her go to heroics she will register with the adventurers guild and solve localized commissions as service to the city. That said, considering that she is a student at the Academy, her activities will be limited to the weekends. Allowing her to continue with her studies while still serving her sentance to society.”

“Only on weekends? Are you crazy?” Joselyn interjected, “After everything she’s done?”

“After everything, yes.” Alexos shot back before the priest could respond, having gained some level of approval for this plan, “My client, if you remember, is only nineteen years of age. At least according to the standard calendar.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Sir, please.” Simmons tried to plead with his client but was ignored.

“Because she is a student who is already being punished. That she is a student slated to serve double duty would be taxing enough. To further cultivate her already remarkable skills and put it in service to the state would be the most sensible option.” Alexos argued.

“Indeed.” The priest took back control, “To waste her talents in prison should be a crime. She is a warrior and evidently one with a strong sense of justice. I am certain the guild will be delighted to have her.”

“Tch.” Joselyn grunted, "Cowards."

“Then I suppose without any official opposition tenured to this plan of action. The jury is ready for a vote?” The chief justice suggested.

A series of nods were his reply.

The court fell into silence as the jurors discussed amongst themselves in a separate room, leaving the courtroom to wait for their verdict. With remarkable alacrity, they returned and resumed their posts. Back at his station, the chief justice pulled out a piece of parchment and announced the results.

“In accordance with the jury, in relation to the sentencing of dissatisfied elements of the Arterian rangers. The verdict is guilty, in a unanimous vote, their punishments to be meted out over the course of six months on the borderlands in service to the state.”

His words were followed by a tepid, almost hesitant round of applause from the audience.

“In accordance with the jury, in relation to the sentencing of disgraced templar blademaster Sir Taurox. The verdict is guilty, in a split vote of six for and three against, his punishment to be meted out over the course of six months on the outskirts of Arteria in service to the state.”

Though the words were expected, there was a growing tension in the air. Did they decide differently for Sophie?

“In accordance with the jury, in relation to the sentencing to student Sophie Kastiane. The verdict is guilty, in a split vote of five for and four against, her punishment to be meted out over the course of six months for the city of Arteria’s adventurers guild branch, over each and every weekend. Successful implementation includes the passage of the current academic year as well. “

Hearing this, Elaria sagged with relief. Her sister shared a dejected if also relieved expression. The priest and elven representative continued to look smug. Joselyn and his gang were pissed, their ire directed mostly at the priest though Elaria wasn’t immune either. The advocates could finally rest easy, the two of them settling down into their seats.

“With that. I, Chief Justice Brugar Angfar of Arteria. Hereby thank the public for their presence in this special trial, thank the jury for their service, and declare this sordid affair put to rest. Court is adjourned.” The chief justice stood up and banged his gavel down.

The court collectively let out a tired cheer. Nearly seven hours of proceedings having finally come to a close. The audience gallery flooded out the exit as elite retainers came to retrieve the jurors. Guards made moves to escort the prisoners away, but allowed Sophie one last glance at Elaria.

See you see, Elaria mouthed at her sister.

Sophie just broke into a wide smile, the sight warming Elaria’s heart. Sophie’s alarmed expression therefore also startled Elaria. Just in time for her to see the priest loom over her and extend a helping hand.

Wary yet filled with equal amounts of curiosity, Elaria took the extended hand as the man pulled her up. He gave her an approving nod before gesturing towards Sophie, “I believe we have much to discuss, young lady. We should walk and talk. Say goodbye to your sister for now.”

Ah! But! “I still have important buisness here.” She declared.

The priest smirked, “The other trial? They adjourned for the day two hours ago and will resume tomorrow.” Dammit! Then what happened to Raylani and Aryana?

“Don’t worry.” The man smirked, “If you’re waiting for your compatriots, they’ve likely gone to somewhere familar to them to wait for you.”

“How-?”

“Your sister down there. The church has had its eye on her longer than you think. Her partner is someone we are more familiar with than, well, you.”

Cautious, Elaria took a small step sideways to create some distance.

“See? I told you we’d have much to discuss. Now bid farewell to her. You’ll see her soon enough. Or are you not quite as curious as I assumed?”

Elaria growled, but understanding the words were an invitation for her to learn more about the machinations behind the scenes. And about why he intervened when he did? And just why are the church interested in Sophie? Do they know about the Master?

She turned back to wave at Sophie and blew her sister a kiss, the act making Sophie giggle a little. The first proper joy she’d witnessed from the girl’s face since the night of the assasination attempt. Satisfied, she gave the priest a nod. Into the monster’s den it is.

“Your friends are in the Grand Library.” The priest informed her after a third templar whispered into his ears. Sensing the suspicion emanating from her, he smiled. “I don’t usually have eyes and ears everywhere. But today is, I think you can agree, a more than special occasion.”

He wasn’t wrong, and that made her even more suspect of him. She grunted in agreement.

“Since we are in the loosest sense of the word, allies of convience. Let me introduce myself. You may address me by my title of Orator, that is, Orator Vitellus. I serve as the liaison between the Stellar Observatory and the church as a whole. Occasionally of course, as with today, I might play my hand in matters beyond the ecclesiastical.”

“Elaria Kastiane, bard.” She grunted, still wary about the priest.

The Orator chortled a little, clearly amused by her reluctance to fully engage.

“Come this way. We’ll only take a moment.” He directed her to a sideroom.

At once, she readied herself to attack at a moment’s notice. More concerned about an ambush than anything.

Helping himself to an unoccupied office in the Chamber. The templars dutifully stood guard outside, giving the two of them privacy. Elaria frowned, the situation was now decidedly tilted to his advantage. She’d have to play her cards carefully.

“I’ll admit it. We at the observatory know that your sister Sophie is an… abnormal child, to put it mildly. How abnormal and to what degree, we still do not know. Though I suspect there’s little chance you’d volunteer that information for free?”

She shook her head.

“I thought as much. So in the spirit of cooperation, let me tell you this and ask one simple question in return. Alright?”

“Alright.”

“First. I believe that the world is on the cusp of something terrible. Only by cultivating heroes and warriors willing to brave the darkness will we have a chance to stop it.” He spoke.

Darkness? Could this be related to Sophie’s fight down in the dwarven mines? Didn’t Sophia come from whoever the shadow Goddess was? But he also mentioned others. Then “Who?” she asked.

“Now, now. I share only what is relevent. I must still keep some information close to my heart. Just as you do.”

“Hmpf, fair enough. But are the saints at the Academy invovled in pediction of yours?”

“Of that, you can be certain.” He smiled meanacingly, creepy.

“So? What about your question for me?” Elaria tried to regain some momentum.

“Ah, right. Well it’s an obvious one. How did you break the barrier? Under all logical and rational understanding, what you just did is nigh impossible, yet you did it and almost incited another riot.”

Elaria looked away, pondering what to say. The truth would reveal too much, yet lying might be a futile experience with soneone like him. It’s just bad vibes all around. She drummed her fingers against her knees, how vexing.

“Highly concentrated disperion of mana in one area.” She tried to stay vauge yet still anwser the question satisfactorily.

“Ahh, I see.” Dammit, he’s too sharp. “The wards were made to sustain tremendous amounts of damage and be mostly resistant to almost all arcane types that we could think of. To disperse the mana… yes… but then, how would it break?”

“I…” She paused, too late to go back on those claims now. “I used the crowd’s ambient mana for support. After all, all I need is a chain of energy and well, everyone was practically stanidng shoulder to shoulder on the streets. So it wasn’t that hard to draw from a wellspring of free energy.”

“Fascinating.” He mumbled to himself, “And to think, a young bard like yourself was the one who made it happen. How interesting.” He chuckled and pulled out a flask from under his robes.

As he twisted the cap open, she smelled the hard to miss scent of alchohol once more. I don’t think he’s supposed to be doing that.

“Ahh.” He let out a satisfied sigh, “Always helps me think, you see?” He tapped his head, “That aside. You are clearly more than meets the eye, bard. To be capable of penetrating such a spell requires skill and energy as expected of a senior mage of the mage’s guild. Much less a travelling performer.”

She stiffened, wondering what she was about to be accused of. I knew it, I said too much.

“You look frightened, good. It means you are constantly assessing the situation. I had to deal with a young lady not unlike yourself. She was, however, quite headstrong and stubborn. Though we came to an accord nonetheless. Though that whole affair was, if I'm being kind, a mess." ”

“And?” She tersely asked. Why should I care? She stopped herself just short of finishing her words.

“And I hope that you and I can come to some sort of… beneficial understanding, shall we say.”

She cocked an eyebrow.

“I won’t pry. You are sister to Sophie Kastiane, that much already raised more than a few of our eyebrows. No way to hide that now.” He chuckled. Elaria gritted her teeth, she did in fact, completely out herself to the city. “But you also know of the church keeping a more watchful eye on things. That is why I shall propose to you this, should the need arise, work with us. You need not become a part of the clergy or templar. Simply be open to the idea, that is all I ask.”

Elaria eyed him waryily, her nose itched from the dust earlier, helped even less by the tickling sensation of the alcohol tainted air. Examining him, she found no trace of malice, at least none that would indicate his offer was anything beyond the opening of relations. Despite her own qualms, she could see nothing wrong with this.

“Fair enough. I accept those terms. At least, considering they are only asking me to remain receptive to future cooperation, right?” She sighed.

"Correct! Just so!" The priest took another swig of his drink.

"Fine. I see nothing wrong with that."

“Excellent.” He clapped his hands together, about to take a celebratory swig when someone knocked on the door.

He scowled and hid his drink. “Yes?” He called out.

“My lord. A messenger has come from the Primus Councillor.” One of the templars replied.

“Very well, inform them I am on my way.”

“At once, my lord.”

He stood up, Elaria doing much the same.

“I suppose our time together is at an end. How convienient for the both of us.” He chuckled, “May you be blessed by the stars.”

“Right.” She grunted.

Elaria waited for him to leave with the templars before filing out the doorway herself. She rubbed her forehead and tried to massage away the oncoming headache. What a tiring day. I hope Sophia's fine back on campus, none of us are there right now. Elaria lowered her eyes a little, no point worrying now. I'll see her soon enough too.