Page 125 of Salt in the Seas
Elder Perla even laughed. “You’re not Sayhleen. You have no right to call upon Lady Merinnia for judgment.”
“After speaking with Sylmar, you determined that Gaeren and I held positions of authority. Does that not allow us the right to defend our people? To seek justice to protect them?”
“Not when your authority has been corrupted by murder.” Elder Algaen’s scowl shifted to Gaeren.
“What about me?” Velden stood as well. “Am I not owed anything for being Rhoda’s son?”
The elders leaned in to whisper, and Aeliana closed her eyes, praying they might agree, then feeling guilty that the idea of him going to the Seer instead of her left her far too relieved.
But it didn’t matter. Elder Algaen shook his head. “You have forfeited that right by associating with murderers. We are grateful that you returned your mother to our waters, but you are no longer welcome here.”
The clear rejection of Velden seemed to pain him more than the refusal to let him see Lady Merinnia.
But then, from the corner of her eye, Aeliana caught Nori rising. The young woman stepped on stage, drawing everyone else’s gaze.
“What are you doing?” her father hissed, which only made her stand straighter and raise her chin higher.
This time the crowd hushed of their own volition.
“They may not have any right to request judgment from Lady Merinnia, but I do.” Nori faced her father, the brilliant orange scales flickering on her cheeks the only evidence of her fear, or maybe anger. “I have one chance to go to the Seer—one opportunity to request her guidance in my life—and I choose to use it now.”
CHAPTER 47
This timethe crowd’s reaction became too loud for anyone to hush them. Aeliana scanned the sea of faces, the mix of confusion, shock, and even excitement giving her little confidence over whether this was a good or bad thing.
Elder Algaen’s face screwed up into a murderous glare, his aqua scales surfacing, but Nori remained calm and collected.
“Do not waste your one opportunity,” her father said.
Or at least, Aeliana thought that was what he said. As the crowd’s reaction crescendoed, she was forced to read his lips more than listen. By this time, Nori’s mother had reached the dais, her face as white as a sheet, and Aeliana stepped closer to catch their conversation, surprised the guards let her.
“Please don’t do this,” Aquana said, grabbing her daughter’s hands. “They’re not worth it.”
“Who would be worth it, Mother?” Nori asked. “I’ve asked to use it for my own question this last year, and each time you refused. I’m tired of waiting for your approval. This time I know it needs to be done. We are doing a disservice to people who have sought sanctuary in our midst.”
Elder Algaen wrapped a protective arm around his wife. “Retract your offer now, before it’s too late. The elders will understand that youmade a rash and emotional decision. They won’t force you to follow through.”
Nori lifted her chin. “I am of age to make this request. And as my elder, you are obligated to honor it.” Her confidence faltered. “As my father, I understand why you might advise against it. But this is something I must do.”
The scales on Elder Algaen’s cheeks faded, his face drooping in a representation of something much deeper inside him breaking apart. “Very well.”
He turned back to the elders, who argued in hushed voices, ignoring the crowd’s demand for a response. Nori stepped back until her arm brushed against Aeliana.
“You certainly know how to make a splash.” Velden grinned at Nori, who turned to face them. “I’m starting to see how we might be related.”
Her laugh came out choked.
“Is this why you wanted a public trial?” Aeliana asked.
“I didn’t expect it to come to this,” Nori admitted. “I actually used the opportunity to search for the starbridges. I figured if everyone was here, no one would be home to see me. But then your request gave me the idea.”
“So you have them?” Velden asked.
She shook her head. “They must have moved them. There was only a shell in the box Gaeren showed me. After hearing their verdict, I suspect my father has them in his pocket.”
Finally the elders pulled apart, their stoic faces giving away nothing. Elder Algaen raised his hands. It did little at first, but when he started talking, people were quick to quiet down for fear of missing something important.
“As you have all witnessed, Nori Algaen has requested to use her visit to the Seer. As she has requested it on behalf of the foreigners, she will be expected to travel with the foreigners to the Seer’s sanctuary, where all of them will receive judgment.”
