KARINA

Karina could see each of the men enter one by one from where she stood with High Priestess. As the Council filed into the Meetinghouse, she tried to remember the names of as many as she could. To remember those she had met in the past as her teacher's friends. 

Simar had assured her that the Council would grant her pardon, but she couldn't help but worry the woman might be mistaken. The High Priestess had also told her that these men had already accepted her as their next Nita at Simar's recommendation, in spite of the fact the matter had yet to be confirmed. The latter thought still made Karina queasy. Though it was certainly better than the alternative fate she might face at the hands of these men, she could not help but wish that the Council and High Priestess might simply let her go and allow Mina Krin to take on the position she was meant to. 

Karina's heart quickened as she caught sight of the final group that entered the building. Between two men, a woman was led. Her hands were bound behind her. The figure was thin and frail, so small between her captors. Manna.

Karina wanted to call out to her teacher but before the words could leave her lips, Simar's hand came to rest heavily on her shoulder and she chose to keep her mouth closed. Though she remembered that she was still mad at Manna, seeing her so helpless, she was filled with remorse. Karina closed her eyes and tried to channel her teacher.

"Manna," she said, "I'm sorry. I was angry with you, but I'm not now. I'm so sorry for everything." Karina wasn't even certain what she was apologizing for. For being born? That didn't seem fair somehow. But Manna's helplessness was too much to take without expressing some form of remorse. Ultimately Karina knew it was her very existence that had brought about this horrible degradation her teacher now faced. The thought filled her with so much guilt is seemed to push away all else.

Manna's head turned in her direction and for a brief moment, her sad gray eyes locked with Karina's, but there was a deadened look to them, as if they couldn't see her at all. The man holding Manna's arm roughly nudged the old woman forward and they disappeared inside. Karina felt her own eyes blurring with tears. She wiped them away quickly before the priestess could see.

Simar squeezed her arm gently, calling back her attention.

"Are you ready?" she asked.

"Do I have to go?" Karina knew it was a childish question, but she wasn't sure she could face the Assembly. That she could bear to witness her teacher's suffering without breaking down entirely. And what if this gathering was merely a trap? What if the Council had decided to ignore the Priestess's recommendation to grant her forgiveness? Karina had seen the rage in Avery Trenton's eyes when she returned to Gregorn. The absolute condemnation. What could Simar possibly have said to change his mind?

"If there is to be any legitimacy to your reign you must face your accusers, Karina, " Simar replied, her voice sympathetic to the fear Karina knew she was failing to mask. "The Nita and the Elder Council must be in alliance with each other. As High Priestess, I myself can grant you the allegiance of the Initiate, but the Council is its own separate entity. Avery Trenton and his men must accept you officially if you are to become the next Nita."

"But I do not wish to be the Nita," Karina protested. She watched as the Priestess's mouth sharpen into a tight frown of disapproval.

"Stop your whining this instant," Simar said sternly. "I stand poised to recommend you as our people's next leader. If you do not wish to disappoint me and your teacher, you will do as you are told."

Karina was taken aback by the sudden change in the woman's tone, but she forced her head to nod her understanding. She felt like a little girl again being scolded so. But Simar was right, she was no longer a child. She was fifteen now, old enough to act as an adult without hiding behind the strength of others. Karina straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath. "I am ready," she said, her voice resolute.

"Good," Simar answered with a small nod. She placed a hand on Karina's back and guided her forwards.

As they entered the Great Meetinghouse and Karina stared down the long center aisle, her feet felt heavy. She could see the rows of men seated on either side of her. The men who would pass judgment.

"Priestess Temdin."

Karina turned around at the sound of the voice and saw Jasper Collins standing beside her. One of the Seven. Karina took a step closer to the priestess.

"The Council Leader asks you to take your place," he continued, addressing Simar. "I will escort the girl from here."

Karina's heart began to race again as Simar nodded her head in response.

"Thank You, Mr. Collins," she answered.

Karina wanted to protest. Was this expected? She wasn't certain, though the High Priestess seemed entirely unconcerned. What if the Council trying to separate them... Simar reached out and gave her arms a reassuring squeeze as she bent her head down slightly to whisper in Karina's ear.

"You will be fine," she said softly. "Trust me. Just do as you are told."

Karina watched as the High Priestess straightened and continued down the center aisle towards the raised dais at the front of the hall without a backward glance.

"Come with me, Ms. Amoral," Mr. Collins said.

Karina's whole body tensed as his hand grasped her arm. She looked up, trying to read the councilman's' face. His expression was solemn, but seeing her eyes upon him, he must have sensed her fear. The man's eyes softened, and he gave her a small half-smile of reassurance, loosening his grip slightly as he led her along the out edge of the hall to stand by the side of the stage where the High Priestess and Council Leader were now seated.

Though Mr. Collins' gentle touch and seeming sympathy had calmed her, Karina's stomach still squirmed as they arrived at the front of the room and she looked into the sea of watching eyes. She knew the man's attempt at kindness might only be a sign of pity. After all, as one of the Seven, he already knew what decisions had been reached.

 Could you smile at someone you planned to burn? she wondered. The thought was too disturbing and she fought to push it from her mind.

The unadorned hall was far from filled. The Meetinghouse was often used for large town gatherings and could hold many more than the thirty-seven members of the General Council of Elders. Without even a full showing of the Council, the room seemed more cavernous than it had any other time Karina had been within its walls. But somehow the emptiness of the space only highlighted the intense stares of the men gathered into the front pews in a way that felt almost suffocating. The tense solemnity that pervaded the room was palpable.

Looking into the crowd Karina could see the five other members of the Seven seated in the front row, her sword teacher among them, but his face was expressionless. For a moment she thought she saw Caleb's eyes turn to her, but he looked away quickly, without any sort of acknowledgment. Her stomach sank further. If Caleb had turned from them, what chance was there that the rest of the Council had chosen to forgive?

Standing near the Seven, Karina caught sight of Manna, her arm firmly grasped by a large man she didn't know. Again Karina wanted to reach out to her. As frightened as she was for herself, Karina could not help but wish she might give some comfort to Manna. It seemed impossible that her strong teacher could look so small and fragile. The level of weakness that seemed to have overtaken her aged body made the woman almost unrecognizable.

"If all are assembled, we will begin."

Karina turned her attention to the stage as Avery Trenton's voice range out through the hall.

"We, the Elder Council welcome the High Priestess Simar Temdin to our Meetinghouse," he said, gesturing towards the seat Simar occupied. "It has been long since she has graced us with her presence and we are honored to have her in attendance."

Simar bowed her head graciously.

"With her presence at our meeting, operating as supreme representative of the Sacred Initiate of the Senmin, we can proceed in due accordance with the treaties long ago set by the founders of this Council to allow our people fair representation by their elected leaders. The same treaties that allow those present here today to act as judge to all among our people and, if need be, dispense righteous justice on behalf of the Senmin."

The later part of his statement sent shivers running along Karina's skin. In her mind, she saw the flames of her dream.

"The matter that brings us here today is grave," the Council Leader continued. "We had come to decide the fates of the Elder Nita and her protégé Karina Amoral, daughter of deceased Nita Fiona Amoral."

Karina looked around the room nervously at the assembled Council. Their attention was on the Council Leader, but at the mention of her name, a few glanced in her direction to gain a surreptitious view of their young prisoner. Their eyes were cold. Her body remained seized with nervous tension.

"The High Priestess was asked by this Council to investigate Nita Amoral's child. As Manna Sayers made assertions that the girl was possessed of great power and destined to lead our people as the next Nita of the Senmin, it was decided that an impartial representative of the Initiate was needed to ascertain the validly of these claims."

Karina looked to Manna again, hoping to catch her eye, but the old woman seemed entirely focused on the Council Leader as well.

"Manna," Karina called out with her mind, daring to once more to reach her teacher. Karina knew she was at fault for the danger they were now in. As she listened to the Council Leader's assertion of that truth, the guilt Karina felt was unbearable. She wondered if Manna was angry with her. Why else would she not respond? Karina needed her teacher to give some show of recognition, if not comfort. For Manna to show that she could hear her. 

As Karina continued to stare at her teacher in desperation, Manna turned her gaze slightly from the stage, her eyes falling on Karina with a soft focus. The old woman gave a tight-lipped smile; though it was so slight Karina doubted any could possibly have seen it but her.

"Do not fear my brave one. It will all be over soon."

Karina immediately recognized Manna's voice in her head.

"I am so sorry I have done this to you," Manna said. "To put you in the position you are in now. Though I had no other choice, know I will regret the pain I have caused you for the rest of my life."

"I forgive you," Karina answered silently, her eyes now locked with her teacher's. "I'm not angry." Her eyes began to fill with tears.

"Do not cry on my account," Manna replied. "I need you to stay strong now, Karina. This is important. You must put away your emotion. That may be my final lesson for you. The High Priestess will speak on your behalf and you will be spared. But you must show them that you are not afraid. Do that, for me. Show them the face of a true leader."

The Council Leader's voice interrupted their silent discourse.

"The accused, Karina Amoral will step forward."

"Go on then," Mr. Collins said, giving her a slight nudge forward.

Karina blinked back her tears, straightened her back, and did her best to climb the stairs of the stage with her head held high. For Manna, she thought to herself. For Manna, I will be strong.

All eyes were upon her now. She jumped at the sound of her name.

"Karina Amoral," Avery said. "You have been accused of treason by this Council, but the High Priestess has accepted your plea of innocence and has thus expressed the desire to act as your representative before this Assembly. Do you allow her to speak for you?"

Karina looked at the Council Leader trying to hide her panic. She could not find words in her mouth to speak. What was she supposed to say? Her eyes darted to Manna and saw her teacher's head nod almost imperceptibly.

"Tell him you agree to accept her offer. Trust the priestess."

Karina turned her eyes back to the Council Leader and nodded her head. "I allow her to speak in my stead," she said, hoping she sounded more certain and brave than she felt.

"Very well," Avery replied. "The Council has agreed to hear testimony, on behalf of the accused, from the High Priestess Simar Temdin."

Karina watched as Simar rose slowly from her seat and walked to her side, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Karina resisted the urge to pull away. With so many staring she felt entirely trapped. The priestess's hold only intensified her desire to run away.

"Honored Council," Simar said, her voice ringing out loud and clear through the silent hall. "I have spoken with this girl, the accused who stands before you, and assessed the power the Elder Nita has reported her to possess. I was asked as well to judge Karina's guilt or innocence in her teacher's plot to deceive the Elder Council by betraying the oath she swore to you fifteen years ago. I assert that I have conducted my investigation without bias, assessing the girl with the intention to see justice served for both the Council and the Senmin people."

Karina tried to concentrate on the woman's words, but she could barely understand them as more than a dull buzzing sound in her ears. Her chest hurt from the pounding of her heart, and she felt a thin layer of sweat forming along her brow.

"I have come to conclusion that Karina was indeed ignorant of all malfeasance perpetrated by her teacher," Simar concluded. "I furthermore confirm, as the leader of the sacred Initiate of the Senmin, that the girl is indeed possessed of great magiks as Manna Sayers claimed when she stood before this Council. I must therefore agree with the conclusion drawn by the Elder Nita. Before all assembled in this hall, I hereby name Karina Amoral as the next Nita of the Senmin people, the sacred title who's occupant is chosen by the God himself. "

Karina took in a deep gulp of air as she listened to the low hum of angry whispers that had erupted throughout the hall at the priestess's words. She felt dizzy.

Breathe, she reminded herself. You must breathe. You have to trust the priestess as Manna said. But her mind's commands did not give Karina much comfort. She could hear the truth in their voices. The Council wanted to reject the Simar's ruling. Avery Trenton came forward again.

"Gentlemen, " he said, his tone hard. "Though we have met and come to a preliminary verdict on this matter, I hear the skepticism in this room. I request you take the words from High Priestess's lips as further confirmation that our ruling is indeed in the best interest of our people and remind you all of the reasons we reached the conclusion that we did. Matters pertaining to magik and the Initiate are beyond our knowledge. Simar Temdin has our trust and respect. If she has declared of her own volition that the girl before you is our future leader we must defer her wisdom and acknowledge Karina Amoral as Nita of our people."

The room hummed again as the Council continued to murmur among themselves. Karina felt entirely helpless. She had so feared Simar's words would not be enough to save her. Would the Council reject Avery Trenton's statement as well?

"I ask here and now," Avery continued, ignoring the dissent in the hall entirely. "Do any wish to change their vote on the fate of Karina Amoral."

The whispers of the councilmen slowly faded to an uneasy silence. Karina's heart beat uncontrollably in her chest. The air felt suffocating, like she could hardly breathe. With all eyes so steadily fixed upon her, she had never felt so vulnerable. But as the seconds ticked by, it seemed no one would answer the Council Leader's offer.

"Very well," Avery said, turning to her. "Karina Amoral, we the Elder Council have found you innocent of all charges brought against you." Karina felt the air rush into her starved lungs once again. Innocent. They had judged her innocent!

"And will you all confirm your acceptance of Karina Amoral as your future Nita?" Avery asked, addressing the Council once more. Karina noticed that his word sounded more like a challenge than a question.

"So you have said and so shall it be," the Council answered in communal response, though Karina was certain she could still hear the skepticism in their voices.

"As the girl is still young," Simar added, with absolute calm. "I will take responsibility for her training until such time as she is ready to take her oaths."

And with that, the ordeal appeared to be over. Could it be that simple? Karina wondered. With a few words they had been willing to forgive? To accept her to the highest position of leadership among the Senmin? She had heard their hesitation. Was she truly safe now? More importantly, they had recognized her as Nita and in doing so had truly sealed her fate. They had only spared her life on the belief she was truly their future leader after all. It seemed there was no way she might escape the title now. As Karina's mind continued to turn these questions and fears over in her mind Simar took her hand and led her to the corner of stage.

"The accused, Elder Nita Manna Sayers will now answer the charges against her."

The worries in Karina's head were instantly erased at Avery's words, and her eyes turned to her teacher. She had nearly forgotten her for a moment. How could she have done so? Manna was still in danger. But if the Council had let her go, there was hope her teacher would find forgiveness as well, Karina reasoned. Manna was the Elder Nita after all. She was their leader.

"Remove her bonds," Avery commanded, as Manna took a step towards the stage. The councilman beside her teacher quickly complied, untying the rope around Manna's wrists. This too was a good sign surely, Karina thought to herself. The Council must have accepted her innocence.

Her hands freed, Manna calmly thanked her captor before climbing the steps to join the Council Leader before the assembly. Karina noted that, though she was frailer that she had ever appeared before, Manna's bearing was, nonetheless, impressive. She walked with her shoulders held impossibly straight, her stride proud and confident. Even before the hostile Council, there was no question of her leadership, and the respect Manna commanded in the hall. In fact, Karina could detect no fear in her teacher's eyes and she stood beside the Council Leader. She was in awe.

"Manna Sayers," Avery said, "you have been accused of high treason as well as breaking an oath with the Council against which you had pledged your life. No one has come forward to defend you. Do you wish to make a statement in your own defense before this Assembly announces its ruling?"

"If I may," Manna answered.

Avery extended his hand in a permissive gesture, granting her the floor, and Manna bowed her head slightly in thanks before turning to address the hall.

"Elder Council," she began, "I stand before you to answer the charges brought against my good name. Though I wish I could deny my guilt entirely, I must ultimately conclude that I have no defense to give beyond the evidence presented by the High Priestess already. Karina Amoral is the true Nita. It was my commitment to the Senmin people drove me to hide her identity for so long. Given her lineage, I greatly feared that the child might be struck down before she had the chance to prove herself worthy of your respect.

"However, in spite of my intentions, I cannot deny having acted against the oath I swore to the Council before the birth of Fiona Amoral's child. For this deed, there is indeed no defense and so I offer my sincere apologies for the deception I perpetrated against you. I hereby place myself at your mercy." Manna paused, her eyes darting in Karina's direction for an instant. Karina could see the sadness behind her teacher's gaze. She knew instinctually that Manna's regret had nothing to do with her betrayal to the Council, but with the secrets she had kept from Karina herself.

"No matter what the decision of the Council," Manna continued, "I will willingly accept whatever punishment you deem appropriate for my crime, and hope only to one day gain forgiveness in your eyes."

Karina stared transfixed by her teacher. The words so eloquently spoken. Surely the Council could not fail to be moved as well. Manna's apology so sincerely given, the explanation she'd offered, reasonable. She had done nothing wrong! They had to forgive her.

Her statement completed, Manna gave a nod to the Council Leader to show that she was finished and he stepped forward again.

"With the words of the Priestess Temdin, the accusation of high treason is indeed dropped from the charges that face the accused," he said. "As Karina Amoral has been accepted as Fiona Amoral's true successor by both the Initiate and the Elder Council, we have no choice but to agree that Manna's Sayers did not knowingly act to betray the Senmin people in naming the girl as our Nita."

Karina felt the weight lifted from her shoulders. Manna was acquitted. She would be let free.

"However," the Council Leader continued, "The Elder Nita has freely admitted to having broken vows made to this Council."

Karina was surprised to hear the man's voice remained hard, entirely devoid of warmth. Her body began to tense again. There was no mistaking the threatening tone of solemnity in the man's words. But why? Had he truly not heard Manna's explanation? Not been moved by her plea for mercy?

"Though we have taken into account the input of our fellow councilmen and the Initiate." Avery said, "as the broken pact in question was made with the Cainell Council alone, we have absolute right to pass judgment on this matter."

Karina looked to the other six members of the Cainell Council who all stared impassively at the Council Leader.

"In light of the Elder Nita's statement, do any among our ranks wish to change their vote?" Avery asked.

The room was deathly silent. Karina felt her heart beat faster. She held her breath as the moment seemed to continue for an impossible length of time. There was no murmuring now. No dissent. In fact, not one of the Seven moved so much as a muscle. Whatever their decision, they seemed entirely certain of it.

"Very well," the Council Leader said when the silence remained unbroken.

"Manna Sayers, we find you guilty of willfully breaking your vow to the Elder Council of the Senmin. The sentence is death. "

Karina felt her stomach lurch, her body going cold. Simar's hand rested more heavily on her shoulder.

Her eyes darted around the room.  Surely someone would object. But the hall remained quiet. In the echoing of the Council Leader's words, Karina looked again to the Seven. To the men she knew to be Manna's friends and allies. Their faces were entirely blank. Even the eyes of her sword teacher were devoid of any emotion. This couldn't be happening. Manna was their leader. She was the Nita!

"In light of the fact that you have been cleared of the charge of high treason the Cainell Council has decided to err on the side of mercy in the nature of your punishment," Avery continued. "Though our Great Book prescribes a death in flames for one who betrays our people, we hereby commute that sentence and condemn you instead to be beheaded at dawn in seven days time. 

As we are agreed that your misguided actions were not carried out with malice against our people, your title and good name will not be forfeit. You will go to your grave as the Nita of the Senmin and the nature of your death will not be made public beyond the circle of the Council and the Initiate respectively.

'"For your service to the Senmin in the past, we have furthermore ruled that, until the time of your death, you will be allowed to go free on your own reconnaissance and may make your final arrangements as you see fit. This mercy however, is contingent on your agreement to the terms we present here now.

"On the determined morning, you will submit yourself willingly to the Council's chosen executioner and face your sentence in the presence of the Cainell Council and any other members of the General Assembly who choose to be in attendance. You will be permitted one Initiate representative to administer your final rights and bear witness to your death."

Karina felt as if the air had been knocked out of her. Her eyes were wide, her body paralyzed in shock. Each word from the Council Leader's mouth more firmly cemented Manna's sentence in reality but still, she would not believe it.

"Do you agree to all of these terms? " Avery asked.

Karina could see Manna's head begin to nod, and in that moment she found her voice. If no one else would speak, she would make herself heard.

"No!" Karina screamed, lunging forward before Manna could open her lips to respond. "No! You cannot do this!"

Avery Trenton turned towards her in surprise, but she saw his expression quickly change from one of shock to that of anger.

"Priestess Temdin," he said sharply, "you will keep the girl under control." Simar grabbed Karina's arm, attempting to drag her back to her place. Karina struggled against her.

"This is my fault!" she yelled desperately. Breaking free of Simar's grasp, Karina ran up to the front of the dais until she was again standing before the Council. She no longer felt any fear, only desperation.

"Manna is innocent. This is all my fault!" she repeated, frantic. They had to understand. They couldn't end Manna's life! 

The Council Leader grabbed her shoulder and spun her around to face him. His face was set in a frightening expression of something beyond furry. His eyes and mouth narrowed to mere slits as he glared at her.

"You have been cleared of all wrongdoing," he said through gritted teeth. "This is the will of the Council. You would do well to learn now that our will is law. You are not Nita yet and have no say in this matter." Karina opened her mouth to speak again but then she caught Manna's eye.

"Please young one, let it go," Manna said in her mind. "It will do no good for you to invoke the wrath of the Council."

"But..." She wanted desperately to protest, but how could she? How could she defy Manna now?

"Please," Manna's voice repeated. "Do this for me, Karina. Everything will work out as it should." As a small quiet smile appeared on her lips. Karina stared in shock. They had sentenced her to death! How could Manna smile?

Simar came behind her, grabbing Karina roughly by the arm. Karina did not resist as she was yanked backwards, her eyes still locked with Manna's.

"Take the girl out of this hall, " she heard Avery command. As Simar pulled Karina down the steps from the dais, Manna gave her one last sad smile before facing the Council.

"I humbly beg you to forgive my student." Manna's voice echoed through the Meetinghouse, clear and sure, "She is still young and there are many things she does not yet understand. I am grateful for the mercies you have seen fit to grant in spite of my crimes. I will appear willing at the appointed time and place to face my sentence." Karina could hear no more as she was unceremoniously dragged from the meetinghouse.

"'They won't really do it will they?" Karina asked as soon as they were outside. She needed Simar to comfort her. She needed someone to tell her that everything would be alright. She knew in her heart that it would be a lie. When the priestess's stony gaze was her only response, Karina's worse fears were confirmed.

"You should not have behaved so in front of the Council," Simar said.

Karina lowered her head in shame as the woman's judgment rained down on her. "But someone had to speak," she said with frustration. "Manna has given her whole life to the Senmin people." And now she has given her life for me, she thought to herself.

"The fate of the Elder Nita is unfortunate," Simar answered coldly. "But Karina, you must remember, Manna made her choices, and the choices we make have consequences. You are young, but you are no child. You should know these things by now."

Karina continued to look down at her feet. "It's not fair," she said, feeling entirely defeated.

"Before the week's end we will begin the journey back to Sithrah. There, the Initiate can perform the rituals to officially confirm you as Nita of the Senmin. It is your job now to prepare yourself."

"But there must be something we can do," Karina protested. "The Council told Manna she could go free. She could escape with us. She could run away." Karina cried out in pain as Simar struck her.

"You ungrateful girl," the priestess hissed. "I have seen to it that your life was spared and now the Council has granted your teacher a chance to redeem her name. You suggest she forfeit that?"

Karina stared back in uncomprehending shock, her hand pressed against the stinging skin on her cheek. What good was one's name if they were dead! Tears brimmed in her eyes.

"She can't die," Karina managed to choke out. "She can't."

"I do not expect to hear another word about the Elder Nita," Simar said sharply, impervious to her tears. "Your position is still previsionary. You are not fully trained nor have you been officially accepted by the Initiate. If you wish to help Manna, do so by following my instruction and ensuring that both of your lives are not wasted meaninglessly."

Karina stared at her shocked into silence by her harsh rebuke and the cold truth of her words.

The priestess's face softened slightly, and Simar gathered Karina into her arms in an awkwardly tight embrace.

"This is truly for the best," she said, squeezing her close.

Karina imagined the woman meant to console her with her sudden showing of sympathy, but she felt no comfort in her embrace or her words, Reality was finally coming to settle in her mind, a lager burden than she had ever before been forced to bear.

Manna would die and there was nothing she could do about it. She would be force to leave her home and go with Simar Temdin. And, perhaps most horrible of all, in a short time, she would become the Nita, and be forced to live the remained of her days in abject servitude to the Senmin, all hopes for any other life erased. And as these realizations piled up one by one, Karina suddenly felt very tired. She found herself almost wishing the Council had reached different decision. That she too had been condemned and would not have to face the seemingly impossible future that had now been laid for her without her consent.

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Thoughts? Only 5 chapters remain in the book! Gonna try to have minimal author's comments until then. If you enjoyed the chapter don't forget to vote :-)