Part 61 (Patreon)

“Wait…” said Choru, “that’s a pillory.”

“It’s Farnfield’s own courtroom,” Uril responded. Choru watched the innkeeper willingly place herself in the stocks as some of the villagers fastened her in. Uril continued, “placing yourself in the stocks shows that you’re willing to abide by our laws and will respect the outcome of the trial.”

“I don’t know about this, maybe we should just leave…” Maddie said nervously. Choru wrinkled her brow in thought, “so you’ll let me out of these, after the trial? Who presides over this, anyway?”

“The winner will be freed from the stocks, the loser of the trial will stay for a prescribed amount of time. Trials here in Farnfield are conducted by our priestess.”

Choru’s anxiety seemed slightly relieved on hearing this. “A priestess. Alright, I will bring my case to your court.” With that, Choru allowed herself to be locked in the stocks. “I’ve never seen a kneeling pillory like this before.” “It’s to show submission to the law. That cloak will be uncomfortable,” Uril suggested, “we can keep it over here for you.” Choru seemed concerned, “It’s a very important symbol of my rank…I wouldn’t want to lose it.” “Then we’ll store it in this locking chest.” Choru nodded that it seemed acceptable as a locking chest was brought over in front of her. Two similar small chests were brought out and placed in front of the other pillories, but they didn’t seem to have locks.

Maddie looked around, as if planning an escape, but the villagers gently but firmly locked her in the third pillory. Choru was already regretting her choice. Kneeling on the small wood platform, bent over, in her armor, was already growing uncomfortable.

“What now?” she asked, as she watched the crowd laugh at the spectacle. “We await the priestess, she’ll explain our laws, since you’re a newcomer, then you’ll each make your case to the court.” The sheriff answered.

A few minutes later, a heavy-set woman came walking over. She had an air of authority about her. She was well-dressed in a brocaded gown, and wore a remarkable necklace. “They told me there were some new foreigners in town. I’ve come because I’ve heard that you made some pretty serious accusations. Wait—don’t respond yet. You’re new here, and it’s important that you understand how trials work in Farnfield court. As you know, both the accuser and the accused are placed in the pillory, and will participate in the trial from there. To do so shows you submit to the court’s judgement. Everyone in Farnfield has a right to be tried by the good people of Farnfield.”

With this, the crowd let out a small cheer. Choru was starting to get concerned again. Supposedly a priestess was to provide over this trial? She grew up in the High Fane and knew hundreds of priestesses. The woman before her resembled any of them only in her air of authority, and the costliness of her attire.  But to Choru, she resembled a noblewoman, even a merchant, more than a priestess. The advantage the Cleric had presumed to have in getting justice seemed to be crumbling before her.