During the four days that followed the arrest of Nalademus, and the ending of the power of the Crimson Priests, wild celebrations broke out in every district. Thousands of Cultists were freed from prison, returning to their homes. Many Crimson Priests shaved off their beards and fled the city. Others waited defiantly, continuing their duties, sure that the furore would soon die down. Most of these were arrested, summarily tried, and put to death quietly.
The prisoners in the dungeons below the arena of Circus Palantes knew nothing of the great events in the city above. They were the last to be freed, and, when the dungeon doors were opened, believed they were to be taken for burning. Many cried out, begging for their lives.
‘Silence!’ thundered the guard. ‘You are to be freed on orders of the emperor.’
The prisoners huddled together, unwilling to believe him. Surely, they thought, this was just an attempt to lull them into walking obediently to their deaths. A white-robed councillor stepped into the doorway, holding a scented handkerchief to his face to mask the stench from within.
‘What the guard says is true,’ he told them. ‘Nalademus has been arrested and condemned, and you are all free to go to your homes, wherever they may be.’
Persis Albitane heard the words, and felt an enormous wave of relief surge through him. He struggled to his feet, and turned to help the Veiled Lady to stand. Her face was ghostly white, and gleamed with sweat. Her flesh was hot to the touch, her eyes fever-bright.
‘Leave her where she is,’ said the guard. ‘She’s not to be freed.’
‘Why?’ asked Persis. Most of the Cultists had filed through the doors, anxious to be clear of this dreadful place. They left without a backward glance at the woman. At last only Norwin and Persis remained with her. ‘Why?’ asked Persis once more.
‘Not for me to know,’ said the guard. ‘Now be on your way.’
‘She is sick, and needs help,’ said Persis.
‘Stay with her then,’ sneered the guard. ‘I don’t mind if you die with her.’
‘They cannot stay,’ said the councillor.
Persis knelt by the stricken woman. ‘I am so sorry,’ he said. Her eyes cleared momentarily and she smiled at him. No words were spoken, but her hand reached up and stroked his bearded face. As her skin touched his Persis felt a great warmth begin to flow through him. The searing agony of the abscess on his neck disappeared, and all the pain from the bruises and cuts upon his face and body faded away. Still the warmth grew, as if the sunlight was seeping through his skin, filling his veins with bright light. And with that light came a vast understanding that transcended any intellectual learning. His gaze locked to hers, and tears fell from his eyes. Her hand fell away.
Persis Albitane reached out and stroked her hair. He felt the power move within him. The three men remaining in the cell stood in astonished silence as they saw a pale light glowing round the dying girl. The dreadful, pus-covered whip wounds sealed themselves and healed without scars. The skin of her face began to glow with health, all her bruises disappearing. The light faded and Persis rose. He looked into the eyes of the guard.
‘Don’t hurt me,’ said the man, backing away.
‘How could I hurt you more than you are hurting yourself?’ Persis asked him. He glanced back at the young woman. She smiled at him, and gestured for him to go. ‘Do you have her veil?’ asked Persis. The guard nodded dumbly. ‘Then fetch it for her. And find her some clean garments and food. Will you do this?’
‘I will. I promise,’ replied the guard, still terrified.
‘Then may the Source bless you,’ said Persis. With one last look at the woman in the cell he took Norwin by the arm and walked along the dungeon corridor and up the steps towards the light.
Nalademus was put on trial before Jasaray’s Council. The main witness for the defence was Voltan, who told of the murder plot, and also admitted Temple funds were used to help Stone’s enemies in the east and prolong the war. Just before sentence Nalademus was allowed to speak. He at first railed at Jasaray – who was not present – accusing him of weakness and divisive policies, undermining the great destiny of Stone, but when sentence of death was passed he collapsed, and was carried from the chamber.