Page 27 of The Gauntlet Trials

“The roll is Vie,” Samuel said, getting a round of chuckles and dramatic expressions.

The middle woman stood. “The Sinner’s judgment is servitude to the women and children of the Swamp and his sentence is until death.”

The man leapt up and hugged Samuel who stood there like a post. “Thank you most Grand Orafice!”

“Oratrice, dumbass,” Bishop corrected.

The women seemed to find it funny and all chuckled before the woman said, “The Sinner will report to the Nu-Nu who will place him with one of The Twelve. He will be required to endure The Sinners Trial before his servitude begins. This case is closed.” She struck a gavel on the table. “Bring in the next Sinner.”

****

Bishop hauled in the man who stole his daughter, ready for some blood in his justice after the fat fucker got life servitude. His only consolation was the Sinners Trial he had to pass. Didn’t matter which of The Twelve he was given to, he’d get his ass kicked right into sainthood.

“Who is the Parleur for this Sinner?” the Grand Oratrice asked.

“I am,” Bishop said before giving a detailed recount of the man’s sins. When he was done the Auditors stood with their back’s to them and convened. He heard all the terms he wanted to hear being circulated. Kidnapping a minor. Turned over to people who may have killed her. This was attempted murder in Bishops eyes, and he knew it would be in theirs too. The question was, what would the judgment be? He remembered who Gordon’s son was and Luseah’s beg for him to help. He’d gladly let the Fate Dice determine whatever he could with that.

The Auditors returned to their seat and the Grand Oratrice rose. “Does the Sinner wish to cleanse his soul?”

“Yes ma’am I do,” the man answered.

“Are there any other sins that require confessing at this time?”

“Madam Oratrice, I would like to confess that I have connections that can help with the trafficking of flesh and arms through the swamps.”

Bishop listened as Gordon gave up names of people he didn’t recognize. When he was done, the Grand Oratrice announced, “Let the Seer come forth and see our Sinner.”

Bishop eyed Samuel as he came and stood before the dude and touched him like he did the last. Again he wondered what sort of thing he spoke when he did that. Was it a prayer? Mumbo-jumbo?

“The Sinner speaks the truth.”

Judging by The Seer’s tone, he was hoping for lies like Bishop was.

The Grand Oratrice stood again. “The Sinner is found guilty of kidnapping a minor with the intention to traffic. Judgment is an eye for an eye. In this case, the Sinner will give his own son to the father from whom he stole to do with as he sees fit. The Sinner will also pay a fine each month to the Charity of our choice. Default of these judgments will result in loss of limbs. One limb per default. The Judgment Dice will be rolled to determine the fine amount and length of payment. This case is closed. Bring in the next Sinner.”

The Auditor’s verdict bit into Bishop and nearly unglued him. Did he just inherit this dude’s entire fuckingson?To do with as hesawfit?

Samuel paused next to Bishop and leaned in. “Remember what I told you.”

The low mutter rang with his earlier admonishments to man the fuck up. The sight of their coven devil being brought in raised the boil in his blood. Seeing they’d stripped him of his unholy robes and had performed a serious degree of physical interrogation should’ve given him a lot of satisfaction. But without the robes, it was obvious that this wasn’t a man, but a fuckingboy.

Motherfuck.

“Who is the Parleur for this Sinner?”

“I am,” Bishop said, coming forward and stopping next to the bruised up trembling frame. He suddenly felt judging eyes burning through his back as he recited the crimes committed.

The Grand Oratrice spoke. “Are there any confessions the Sinner would like to make?”

Bishop looked at the lowered head before him. “Do you want to confess, Sinner?” Bishop asked again, getting the same nothing.

“What are the confessions for this Sinner?” the Grand Oratrice asked.

“There were none, Grand Oratrice.”

Bishop looked at Big Sha who apparently served as the Sinner’s Keeper. He met his gaze and the man’s eyes widened a little. “All measures allowed in interrogation were used,” he assured with a nod.

That was obvious.

---