My thanks to Etsuki-chan for urging me to continue, and thanks to those who have taken the time to read this.
Warning: This chapter and the next will be a bit intense in places so I upped the rating on it.
Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Labyrinth. Only the unrecognized characters and storyline are mine.
Chapter One
The village was deadly quiet. Everyone was gathered in the main hall to hear the accusations against the woman who had been brought in by the Hunters three days before. Inside the wide stone building, people whispered amongst themselves about the upcoming trial. Many of the villagers remembered the young girl who had vanished a decade ago, while others knew nothing about her and contented themselves with gossip mongering.
A door opened to allow seven aging men with grey hair and robes of ruby red wool entrance into the room. These were the village Elders, their word was law and the law demanded justice. As silence washed across the room, the Elders moved towards a curved polished stone table. As they took their seats, one of the Elders nodded towards the back of the room where a guard stood. Taking his cue, the guard opened the door then stepped back. Four guards dressed in full armor entered the room leading the woman. Dressed in a filthy sackcloth and bound by ropes, the woman still carried her head high; though her once graceful step now carried a limp thanks to the festering arrow wound in her leg and the guards attempts to make her stumble.
Children sitting near the aisle, spit at her as she passed though she stared directly ahead as if there was no others around. Her fevered emerald eyes were focused on the Elders awaiting her. Those who had known her as a child shook their heads in shame; thinking it a sad day indeed when one of their own children had to be dragged, reeking of sweat and filth, into the Great Hall.
The guards stopped her just before the table where the Elders sat studying her. One of the guards behind her reached out and gave her a hard shove, sending her forward a step. Slowly, she turned her head and looked at the man with cold fury in her eyes. Another guard yanked the rope as the others forced her to her knees.
"You have been brought before the Council of Elders to face punishment for your crimes Serina Vaelden. How do you plead?" One of the Elders rose to his feet and glared down at her bedraggled form.
With an air of defiance, she raised her head higher. "I have committed no crimes."
"Miss Serina, you are charged with being a witch, knowing full well that witchcraft is forbidden in our lands." Another Elder spoke up. Her eyes turned in his direction and the man shuddered.
"I am no witch, my lord."
"Explain your disappearance ten years ago then, as well as how you returned to our village." This from one of the other elders, his words sending uncomfortable murmurs through the Hall. Many believed that Serina had been stolen by the mountain witches that resided in the kingdom south of theirs. These witches were known for stealing children of various ages to use in their dark rituals, as well as for other reasons.
"As I have stated before my lords, I was taken by the Warriors of Itoras."
"What reason would the Itorans have to take you?" The First Elder interrupted.
"I do not know why they took me. All that truly matters is that the took me in, cared for me and taught me their ways."
"Their ways are barbaric!"
Serina's head shot up higher as she glared icily at the man. "The Warriors of Itoras are far from barbaric. They are a noble people with much to offer. You only see what you want to see. Yes, they use swords and magic to keep their lands safe. They are not the evil you think they are. The Itorans are peaceful and caring. They show compassion for others even if they do not know them, which is more than I can say for my own people. "
The First Elder's face turned red with rage as he stared hatefully at Serina. His hand shook as he pointed a bony finger at her. "You will regret your words woman." The villagers began murmuring in fear. The First Elder was known for his temper and unyielding ways. Those who sympathized with Serina prayed to their gods that the young woman would be kept safe.
"What I regret is returning to my home. I had hoped to make my home here once again. However, now I see that the people I once called family and friend are now nothing more than blind puppets to your manipulations. You are all so afraid of change that you would refuse any stranger the most basic of courtesies. You fear what you do not understand." She struggled to her feet, despite the pain in her leg and the fever coursing trough her body. The movement tore the wound open again and puss seeped from it. "I was wounded by the Hunters. Hunters that you called on to hunt me down like some wild beast. You call the Itorans barbaric, yet you have me hunted down like an animal and then deny me healing for three days and nights. Nothing I have to say will make any difference to any of you. Pass your twisted version of judgment and be done with it."
Complete silence echoed throughout the hall at her words. Many shifted uncomfortably, all eyes darting between the ragged woman who refused to fold and the Elders who stared at her with hatred, shock and horror. Serina wished the council would hurry up and pass sentencing on her knowing that whatever punishment they chose would no doubt be horrific. Suddenly, the First Elder gave her a blood chilling smile.
"I sentence you to three days and four nights in the stockades with no food and no drink. On the fourth day, you will be put to death." His voice rang out through the Great Hall. Murmurs raced around the room as people realized what had just happened. It was unheard of for the First Elder to pass judgement without first consulting the other Elders. They also knew what happened to women who were sentenced to the stockades. The First Elder looked out over the crowded room. "Any who attempt to give aid of any kind to this woman will receive the same punishment." He picked up a large rock that presided at the center of the table and slammed it down. Stunned silence filled the air at his action. There would be no further discussion regarding Serina's fate. The judgement was final.