Wasteland Treasure (The Deviant Future #2) - Eve Langlais Page 0,3
drain, she counted thirteen.
When the deluge ended, they were blown dry quite literally by the large fans that sent blinding gusts, which whipped around hair and removed all moisture from the skin.
Those who had managed to retain their long hair were combed and plaited. Simple, shapeless, knee-length robes of coarse fabric were placed on them. Their feet were kept bare.
They were lined in a hall, more than fifty men and woman in total. Some arranged in small groups.
She was second to last. When it came to be her turn, she stood almost numb behind the door, knowing her fate was about to be decided.
Would she live, die, or be sent somewhere horrible, wishing she could die?
The door slid open. The guard by the opening, wearing the bright red armor that the queen insisted upon, gestured, and she stepped out slowly onto the large stone tiled floor.
The bright lights of the arena almost blinded, and there was a hum of noise. She managed a quick glance around and saw the walls ringing her broken only by a few doors. One being a rather large double metal portal with dents, as if something had punched it from the other side. That door was for the bigger monsters they sometimes brought to court.
No sign of blood, although the stones were still damp in some spots. They tended to be efficient when it came to cleaning up between court cases.
“Would the defendant take her position, or does she require aid?” an impersonal voice boomed, and the crowd tittered.
The creak of armor let her know the guard moved in her direction. Rather than be dragged, Sofia began to walk, noticing the etched circle in the stone, the one they’d told her to stand in. It made her an easy target, but what choice did she have?
She stood on the spot, staring down at her bare feet as a voice went through the theatrics of introducing her.
“Citizens, what we have here is an enigma. Let me introduce the usually well-behaved Citizen Sofia, assistant apothecary, avid reader of the biological sciences and a beautiful lady before the incident.” The subtle jab at her scar almost made her raise her hand to it.
She remained still.
“Accusing her, we have the exemplary Citizen Jezebelle. Known for her voice talent, she’s the daughter of Lady Jazinda.”
Not one of the most powerful families in the Ruby City, but higher ranked than the majority of other citizens.
“Are you ready to hear the charges? See the evidence? And aid with the verdict?”
The applause proved energetic. That drew her glance, and Sofia noticed the hierarchy of seating. Where a person sat in the arena showed off their position.
Closest to the action were the Enclave members themselves, and their close family by extension. Above them, friends to the Enclave, more family. Then there was everyone else.
Unlike most things in the city, the events that occurred during court were open to the public. Other businesses closed that day. Just about everyone went to the arena to see their government and justice system at work.
Sofia used to be one of them. One of those watching, cheering, and jeering. It was different being on the receiving end. She didn’t like it one bit.
The charges were recited and received with boos aimed at Sofia. They already believed her to be some kind of violent offender.
“Citizen Jezebelle, state your case.”
With grand theatrics, Jezebelle began telling her elaborate story, the truth of it lost in the exaggerations and utter fabrication. By the end of Jezebelle’s rendition, even Sofia hated herself.
The crowd hissed in Sofia’s direction.
The announcer returned. “That was a vigorous retelling. Now for the accused. How do you reply?”
“Jezebelle attacked me.” A weak rebuttal.
“Can you provide proof?” the announcer asked in a deep rumble.
The crowd held its breath, hoping for an exciting twist.
She shrugged. “I can’t.” It was her word against a higher-ranked citizen’s.
But she’d forgotten that court, in the spirit of entertaining, sometimes liked to give the cases unexpected flair.
A giant hologram appeared overhead, suspended in the air over the area. A frozen image of the door to the apothecary shop appeared.
Sofia’s mouth rounded. A camera in the shop. She’d never even known. Only the city’s security force had access to cameras. Which meant they’d bugged the shop.
Why? Didn’t matter. The truth was about to come out, and she glanced in the stands to see Jezebelle fanning herself furiously.
“Citizens, it is our delight to announce we actually have video of the alleged incident. Would you like to see it?”