Page 124 of Salt in the Seas
Gaeren straightened, the defiance written all over his face in a way that made Aeliana even more nervous for him.
“But is it better to show justice for the crime or to lead by example and show the mercy we wish they would have given the sprite?” At this, the elders all stood, joining him on the stage. “We give you the results of our deliberation.”
“Are we not given a chance to speak in our defense?” Gaeren called out, earning him a boxed ear from his guard.
This time the murmurs grew louder, and Aeliana couldn’t get a sense of whether the people were affronted at his outburst or if they agreed with his question.
Elder Algaen raised his hand once more, and while the people closest quieted down, those farther away continued talking. Aeliana imagined his announcements being spread to the people in the back who likely couldn’t hear him, wondering how accurate the news traveled given its speed.
“As I said,” Elder Algaen repeated, “Elder Perla saw your memory. The guilt is uncontested.”
“And will he not let me show him the memory of what the sprites did to us first?” Gaeren asked.
A smile twitched on Nori’s face, and Aeliana sensed they were reaching the reason she’d asked for a public trial. Would receiving this evidence before the crowds work in their favor? Or had Nori found the starbridges and a public trial was the only way she could get it to them?
The elders exchanged glances, curiosity evident on Elder Kraken and Elder Mishkel’s faces.
“I can’t imagine how that would change our view,” Nori’s father said, “but if Elder Perla is willing, I will allow it.”
Elder Perla nodded and stepped forward, reaching out a hand. One of the guards led Gaeren to the elder, and both of their faces went slack, their eyes blank for the span of a few moments. What exactly was Gaeren showing him? He’d given the briefest summary to the others in their travels, but she sensed there was more to his story. Would it condemn them or save them?
When Elder Perla stepped away, he frowned, his gaze troubled, buthe said nothing and strode to his fellow elders. Giving memories must have been his primary spoke, because it didn’t take long for all of their faces to reflect a deeper understanding of the situation.
That sliver of hope widened inside Aeliana as guilt and confusion flitted across Elder Gerot’s and Elder Kraken’s faces. They all eyed each other, but when Elder Algaen spoke, his face was still hard, his decision unchangeable.
“We do not expect kindness from the sprites,” he said. “They owe us nothing, for they created us.”
“But they didn’t create me,” Gaeren said. The crowd gasped, even though they had to know his words were true. “I may not understand your worship of them, but I respect it. Even so, they are not my creator, and they threatened my sister’s life and my own life. Riveran’s actions were to save me and in turn himself. Do you not have allowances for acting when threatened?”
The crowd grew louder, and Elder Algaen scanned the people, clearly recognizing he was losing his audience. His gaze landed on Nori, and she tucked herself further back under her hood. His lips pursed, and Aeliana debated how much trouble she was going to be in for requesting a public trial.
“Our verdict still stands,” Elder Algaen called out, trying to regain control of the crowd. “Our first vote was to determine the guilt of the individual members of the party. The elders unanimously determined that Riveran was guilty of murdering the sprite.”
Every one of the elders lifted their right hand as if replaying their deliberation before the crowd. Riveran’s face took on a greenish tinge.
“We then determined if Prince Gaeren was guilty by association for his presence during the sprite’s murder.” At this, Elder Algaen, Elder Perla, and Elder Gerot raised their hands, the latter far slower.
“What does that mean?” Aeliana whispered, wondering if in their judicial system guilt for murder could be determined by majority or if it had to be unanimous. But the guards were too invested in the drama to shush or answer her.
“We then determined the guilt by association for the remainder of the prisoners.” At this, only Elder Algaen and Elder Perla raised theirhands. Aeliana pressed her fingers against her temple, trying to process what this might mean.
“As a result, Riveran and Gaeren will be hanged on the gallows. Aeliana and Velden will be given the opportunity to return to Vendaras, provided they take two of our people as ambassadors, who will then return alone so the silver fish is placed back under our control.”
Several in the crowd nodded emphatically, but here and there people’s brows furrowed.
“And what about the rest of us?” Kendalyhn asked.
“If our ambassadors return unharmed, we will deliver the remaining prisoners to Vendaras.” Elder Algaen didn’t need to explain what would happen if they did not.
The silence rang out until it was a deafening hum in Aeliana’s ears. She expected Gaeren to protest, but his shock was as thick as Riveran’s. He’d been prepared to defend his friend, but it seemed as though he hadn’t been prepared to defend himself.
Aeliana’s entire body shook with the conviction that she needed to do something. If only she could reach Durriken, if he could cross the barriers. The risk they’d taken in coming here had been far too great and the price too high, especially considering they wouldn’t even see Lady Merinnia or learn anything to save her mother.
The solution came so swiftly it terrified her, but she still stood, placing a hand on Velden’s shoulder to keep herself from toppling over. “I wish to invoke my right to receive judgment from the Seer.”
Another collective gasp spread through the crowd, followed by a few titters.
Nori pulled her hood back, her face pale, her lips parted in horror. The elders showed equal surprise but schooled their features much faster than the crowd.
