The years had etched deeper lines into Mreka's face, and his frown now seemed permanently carved. Five years had passed since Sera and her daughter had stood before the Council, accused of a crime they didn't commit. Today, they stood before him again, facing a grim verdict.
"Why did you kill Resi?" Mreka's voice boomed, echoing through the silent chamber. The villagers, gathered behind Sera and Delena, held their breath, waiting for her answer.
"I didn't," Sera protested, her voice hoarse with fear and exhaustion. Five years of living under suspicion had taken their toll.
"And yet, you were caught trying to flee," Mreka countered, his gaze sharp. "Why, if you have nothing to hide?"
The silence was shattered by a roar from the crowd. "Murderer!" someone yelled, and the cry was quickly taken up by others. Soon, the morning air was filled with angry shouts, accusing Sera of a crime she never committed.
Delena, huddled close to her mother, trembled. She clutched Sera's hand, her innocent eyes filled with fear and confusion.
Mreka raised his hand, silencing the clamour. No one dared defy the Council, and Mreka was its head. "What was your motive for killing Resi?" he asked, his voice heavy with suspicion. "She was the one who welcomed you into our village."
The old woman, one of the five Council members, leaned forward. Her eyes, cold and hard, were fixed on Sera. "I had warned you about her," she said, her voice laced with anger. "She was a stranger. And now, she has taken the life of one of our own. What are we waiting for?"
"Her neighbours claim she spoke of a starless sky and a crimson moon," added another Council member, an old man with a long, grey beard.
Mreka's eyes widened. The crimson moon and the starless sky... the prophecies spoken of in the ancient texts. Could it be? He looked at Sera and Delena, their faces filled with fear and innocence. Could the old texts be wrong?
But the villagers' eyes were fixed on him, demanding a verdict. He had to make a decision.
"I ask you again, Sera," Mreka said, his voice heavy. "Why did you kill Resi?"
"I didn't," Sera cried, tears streaming down her face. "She was my friend. Why would I harm her? Please, believe me. We are not safe here. And if we stay any longer, I fear more misfortune will befall this village."
"What are you afraid of?" Mreka pressed, sensing her fear but not understanding its source.
Sera remained silent, her tears falling like silent rain.
The Council lady stepped forward. "She is clearly guilty, Mreka," she declared, her voice ringing through the chamber. "And her attempt to escape proves it. The village awaits your judgment."
Mreka sighed, the weight of responsibility heavy upon him. He knew the villagers craved justice, but was he condemning the innocent? A terrible doubt gnawed at him.
"Your attempt to flee strengthens the suspicion against you," he said finally, his voice heavy. Therefore, I have no choice but to pronounce you and your daughter guilty of murder. Tomorrow morning, before the entire village, you will face execution."
Sera's heart froze. "Delena had nothing to do with this!" she cried, but her plea was drowned out by the roar of the crowd, their cries of "Death to the murderers!" echoing through the chamber.
The weight of their condemnation was crushing, but a spark of defiance still flickered within Sera. She would not let them break her. She would protect Delena, even if it meant her own life.