‘Here in this Holy Court we see a highland woman whose crime is that she is remarkably intelligent. What iniquities has she been accused of? Making people rich has never been considered a crime. No. What we have heard is greedy men talking of goat dreams and whoremongering, of mysterious bewitchments that they did not complain of until they saw an opportunity to become even wealthier. What we see is a judicial system manipulated and corrupted for the sake of money.’
The bishop hammered his gavel to the table, the sound echoing up into the galleries. ‘Have a care, schoolteacher. You still have forty lashes to endure for your impertinence. The Articles of Holy Law – which you have become so fond of – state that it is within my power to add forty more. Now are you finished?’
‘Aye, my lord, I am almost done here. I do not expect those whose hearts are blacker than the pit to care about principles of truth and justice. But know this, if Maev Ring is found guilty I will make it my life’s work to see that the perpetrators of this evil are brought to book.’
‘And I am sure your life will be a long and happy one,’ said the bishop, with a smile. ‘You have made so many friends, Master Shaddler. It is almost inconceivable that anyone would set out to harm you. Now sit down.’ Shaddler did so and Galliott leaned forward as the bishop rose from his seat.
‘Maev Ring, many witnesses have given evidence under oath concerning your foul activities, which are a stench in the nostrils of the holy. You have bewitched and seduced good and upright citizens, and not once offered a word of remorse. Do you have anything to say before sentence is passed?’
All eyes swung to the tall, red-haired highland woman. She stood quietly for a moment, and when she spoke her voice was firm and strong. ‘I wish to thank Alterith Shaddler, for removing my distaste for all things Varlish. And I offer my sincere condolences to the widow of Gillam Pearce, another good man whom it was my privilege to know. For this court I have only the utmost contempt. That is all I have to say.’
Someone in the gallery began to applaud, and to Galliott’s surprise others joined in. The Varlish spectators – save Jorain Feld and other prosecution witnesses – rose to their feet and clapped their hands. Galliott saw the shock on Maev Ring’s face. She looked up at the massed ranks of Varlish and bowed to them.
‘There will be silence!’ bellowed the bishop. ‘I will not have this court made a mockery!’
‘Too late,’ shouted someone in the gallery. ‘You’ve already done that yourself, you fat swine!’
‘Guards! Find that man!’ screamed the bishop. Two red-liveried guards ran up the inner steps to the left-hand gallery, but once they reached the crowd everyone had resumed their seats, and they stood helplessly. The bishop was breathing heavily, and his face was streaked with sweat. He glared at Maev Ring.
‘You will be taken from here to your cell. Tomorrow at noon the demons will be burned from your body, and your soul consigned to the master of hell you have served for so long. Take her away.’
‘Shame!’ came another voice, this time from the right-hand gallery. Then the booing began. Seat cushions were hurled down at the Judgement Panel. The bishop, abbots and clerics all departed swiftly through the rear of the building, but the four Knights of the Sacrifice stood their ground, staring up at the jeering crowds. As Jorain Feld rose to leave the gallery someone pushed him. He stumbled into another man.
‘Watch where you’re going,’ said the second man. ‘I don’t want to be polluted by touching you.’
Jorain rushed for the exit, the curses of the spectators ringing in his ears. On the stairs he was pushed again. He slipped and fell, tearing his breeches. Some of the other witnesses were also being manhandled.
Galliott eased his way through the angry crowd and walked out into the dusk. Alterith Shaddler was once more met by a group of highlanders, who escorted him away. Galliott saw the giant figure of Huntsekker emerging from the other door. The man walked over to where he waited.