Chapter 13 - The hearing of Mother Betz

It has been some time but on Morning Star 12th, E2 588 the first hearing finally commenced and Mother Betz was the first to stand before the countess to face judgement. Though this time, feeling that the countess would stand too close emotionally to the accused she had formed a jury of five. Each of them members of the house and the Fergana vale to hear the defense and the claims of her crimes.

The jury of that day were as followed: Magister Vortigern of the Lore office;

Mister Anglathol, Bountyhunter and adventurer;

Mister Giliran, huntmaster of the Bosmer in the Greenwood;

Lady Surelda, civilian of Dragonrock.

During the hearing the Countess sat on the seat of the judge, her first judgement as Countess and most likely not the only one. The Jury were able to ask questions and it became quickly rather clear that almost all of the jury were compassionate towards the young Breton priestess. Though it was shocking for everyone to hear that Mother Betz has actually been the infamous black knight that once roamed the vale. What sat before them was nothing more than a frightened girl, nothing of the story of the menace of the vale.

Lady Surelda was the strongest voice in wanting to see the young Breton punished. Probably many villagers and citizens of Dragonrock would have agreed and there were some mumblings in the courtroom. Though Marshal Octavus was by the priestes' side and defended her as it seemed the young woman was filled with emotion and could barely speak for herself.

After all the questions were asked and appropriately answered the Jury looked at each other and seemed that all, even Lady Surelda, eventually found mother Betz not guilty from the crime she was accused of.