Blood of the Fold

A smile finally came to leoma's lips. "Oh, we have hard evidence, Verna. We do indeed."

With a smug expression, she reached into a pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. "We had some very hard, very condemning evidence, Verna." She solemnly unfurled the paper as her austere gaze again settled on Verna. "And one other witness. Warren."

Verna flinched as if she had been struck across the face. She recalled the messages she had received from the Prelate and Nathan. Nathan had been in a panic that Warren must get away from the palace. Ann had been emphatic that Verna make sure Warren left at once.

"Do you know what this is, Verna?" Verna dared not speak, or even blink. "I think you do. It's a prophecy. Only a Sister of the Dark would be so arrogant as to leave such an incriminating document lying about. We found it down in the vaults, stuffed in a book, Perhaps you've forgotten all about it? Let me read it, then.

"When the Prelate and the Prophet are given to the Light in the sacred rite, the flames will bring to boil a cauldron of guile and give ascension to a false Prelate, who will reign over the death of the Palace of the Prophets."

Leoma folded the paper and slipped it back into her pocket. "You knew Warren was a prophet, and you took off his collar. You let a prophet roam free — a grievous offense in itself."

"And what makes you think Warren gave this prophecy, ' Verna asked cautiously.

"Warren testified that he did. It took a while for him to decide to speak his guilt in giving prophecy."

Verna's voice heated. "What did you do to him?"

"We used his Rada'Han, as is our duty, to elicit the truth. In the end, he confessed that the prophecy was his."

"His Rada'Han? You put a collar back on him!"

"Of course. A prophet must be collared. As Prelate, it was your duty to see it done. Warren is back in a collar, and under shields and guard at the prophet's quarters, where he belongs.

“The Palace of the Prophets has once again been set back to the way it is meant to be. This prophecy was the final, condemning piece of evidence. It proved the duplicity in your actions, and revealed your true intent. Fortunately, we were able to act before you could bring the prophecy to fruition. You have failed."

"You know none of that is true."

"Warren's prophecy proves your guilt. It names you a false Prelate, and reveals your plans to destroy the Palace of the Prophets." Her smile returned. "It created quite a stir when it was read before the tribunal. Quite a condemning piece of 'hard evidence, I would say."

"You vile beast. I will see you dead."

“I would expect no less from one such as you. Fortunately, you are in no position to make good on your threats."

Looking up into Leoma's eyes, Verna kissed her ring finger. "Why don't you kiss your finger, Sister Leoma, and beseech the Creator's help in this time of trouble for the Palace of the Prophets?"

Wearing a mocking smile, Leoma spread her hands. "The palace has no trouble, now, Verna."

"Kiss your finger, Leoma, and show the beloved Creator your solicitude for the well-being of the Sisters of the Light."

Leoma didn't bring her hand to her lips. She couldn't, and Verna knew it. "I have not come here to pray to the Creator."

"Of course not, Leoma. You and I both know that you're a Sister of the Dark, as is the new Prelate. Ulicia is the false Prelate in the prophecy."

Leoma shrugged. "You, Verna, are the first Sister ever to be convicted of such a high crime. There is no longer any doubt. The conviction cannot be overturned."

"We're alone, Leoma. No one can hear us behind all those shields, except, of course, one with Subtractive Magic, and you've no need to fear those ears. None of the true Sisters of the Light can hear anything we say. If I tried to tell anyone anything you might have to say, no one would believe me.

"So let's drop the pretense, Leoma; we both know the truth."

A small smile spread onto Leoma's lips. "Go on."

Verna took a calming breath and folded her hands in her lap. "You haven't killed me, as Ulicia killed Prelate Annalina. You wouldn't have bothered to go through this whole sham if you intended to kill me; you could have killed me in my office. You obviously want something. What is it?"

Leoma chuckled. "Ah, Verna, you always were one to cut right to the heart of the matter. You're not very old, but I must admit, you are a smart one."

"Yes, I'm just brilliant; that's why I'm sitting here. What is it your master, the Keeper, wants you to get from me?"

Leoma pursed her lips. "At the moment, we serve another master. It is what he wants that is important."

Verna frowned. "Jagang? You've given an oath to him, too?"

Leoma's gaze darted away for an instant. "Not exactly, but that's beside the point. Jagang wants things, and he shall have them. It's my duty to see to it that he gets what he wants."

"And what is it you want from me?"

"You must forsake your loyalty to Richard Rahl."

"You're dreaming, if you think I'll do that."