Part 62 (Patreon)

The presiding woman continued, “Usually, every individual is tried separately, but our laws decree that foreigners travelling in groups be tried together. Hence, you and the foreigner travelling with you will be seen by the court as one. Your words and actions reflect on both of you, and the rewards or punishments meted out will apply to you both as well. I will hear testimony and argument from each side, in turn. At the end of each round, the jury will vote with the contribution of coin to the offering box in front of one party, or the other. Whichever argument they find most persuasive typically garners the most coins. The party with the fewest after the end of each round will have one piece of attire removed, and placed in the box in front of them. When one party is left without clothing, there is one more round. If they lose that round, they will suffer additional consequences, and the verdict is decided. Sentencing is at my discretion.”

Choru was now terrified, “This is insane! I was told a priestess would preside over the trial. As a Cleric of Illuminora, I demand to see a priestess!”

The authoritative woman simply grinned. “What’s your name, Cleric?” “I am Choru, a priestess of Illuminora! I am above your insane bumpkin court!” “Nice to meet you, Choru, I’m Aubrienne, and the fact that you’re locked in our pillory tells a different story. I thought priestesses of Illuminora weren’t supposed to lie.”

“Aubrienne, I demand that this farce of a trial come to an end! And at least let me see the priestess. She’ll understand me.”

“I’m afraid she won’t. I was hoping not to toot my own horn, but I’m Hierophant Aubrienne, the head of Amplocopia’s veneration…similar in rank, I suppose, to your Grand Exarch. I’m not insulted that you didn’t show me proper respect…the followers of Illuminora tend to be narrow-minded about how one should show respect to the goddesses, and perhaps therefore miss the markers of their vicars. At least one of your presumptuous demands will come to pass. This trial will end, in due course. But, if I were you, I wouldn’t want to rush it.”

(Sorry, that was lots of exposition there.  I promise some ENF "action" in the next installment.)