Contents
Chapter 27. Now: Maris
Overview
Consul Saturian reveals a rebel plan to open Isara’s gates in two days, stripping departees of citizenship and excluding Magistrates to mark them for capture. He then seeks and wins approval to perform the heretical blood rites on Priestess Ophelius, naming Maris to conduct them. Maris casts her first stone for death.
Summary
Maris hurries into an unscheduled tribunal, unsettled by empty seats and the absence of her uncle Nej. Consul Saturian enters composed, announces he has met the New Legion’s commander, and declares that in two days the rebels will open the gates for citizens to leave unharmed—if they surrender medallions, citizenship, and claims. Magistrates are excluded from the offer, confirming a trap for them.
The Consul reframes the moment as proof of rebel malice and promises victory, stirring hope from fear. Maris notes glances between the Consul and scribe Nej, suspecting a hidden understanding. The Consul then pivots to Priestess Ophelius, blaming Priestesses for Isara’s decline and seeking the Forum’s approval to use “any means necessary” to secure the city’s future.
He proposes enacting the heretical blood rites to bleed Ophelius and transfer her godsblood, naming Maris—once Ophelius’s novice—to perform the ritual. The move forces a test of loyalty. With the Forum’s judgment stones lifted, no votes oppose the decree. Maris recognizes Nej’s subtle signal and the likely deeper scheme behind the Consul’s words, yet she has no choice.
Under the Forum’s gaze, Maris casts her first judgment stone white-side up, effectively consenting to Ophelius’s execution by blood rites—an order she is now bound to carry out.
Who Appears
- Maris CasperiaNew Magistrate; attends tribunal, is named to perform blood rites on Ophelius, and casts her first stone for death.
- Consul SaturianAnnounces rebel gate offer, excludes Magistrates, and secures Forum approval to enact blood rites on Ophelius.
- NejTribunal scribe and Maris’s uncle; exchanges charged glances with the Consul, subtly urging Maris to comply.
- Priestess OpheliusAbsent but targeted; the Consul seeks to bleed her to transfer godsblood via the forbidden rites.