Chapter Text
Sophronia Mooreland sat in her heavy judicial robes. The Mooreland were sisters-in-law to the Queen Mothers and served the realm as justices. Her daughter Irene was her adjutant. Sometimes, she hated her job.
Red robed Sister Luella handed her the draft execution order and the signed confession with an uncanny smile. She obviously loved her job. Everyone in the Lewis sister-ship was detailed, something like sixty women in all from toddlers to grannies. At least, the Red Sisters have spared the pets and houseplants, Sophronia scoffed
.
The boy had made his mark on the confession that was obviously written by someone else. Sophronia wondered if he knew what he had signed but that was beyond her purview. The Queens, at least, had forbidden torture.
“Previous wrongdoings?”
The Lewis’ record was clean.
“Irene, did you inspect the accused.
Irene nodded. “I saw no evidence of torture.” The naked women were terrified but clean and well fed. The men – this Liam was little more than a boy but he was sixteen now and responsible for his own sins. “The men had been gagged as was proper for confessed heretics. None showed evidence of torture.” The boy was cute; it seemed a waste.
Sophronia looked at the names of the grandmothers, mothers, and daughters and the names of the two men -Owen and Liam. “This Liam is just sixteen perhaps he can be taught his error and live? The Lady is merciful?”
“Our Lady is unfailingly merciful. But we must be strong, my lady, overcome our discomfort, and keep our faith pure.” Sister Luella urged. Female sentimentality! She imagined his male paraphernalia resting on her blade and the pool of blood between his thighs. Sister Agatha had promised to let her turn the garotte.
“Only the boy confessed?” Sophronia looked up. The red sisters knew the law certainly.
“Yes, my lady. Had we been allowed to put the women to the question properly – all were equally guilty and all would have confessed, certainly.
That’s exactly the point. Sophronia shook her head. That’s exactly why the Queens prohibited torture." She looked up. “You know as well as I that a man’s testimony cannot convict a woman. The boy’s confession applies only to him and this Owen, his father. The women go free!"
“A nest of heretics!” Sister Luella objected.
“That is the law, Sister. Set the women-folk free. Do as you must with the men but put them down, at least, before you burn them."