Ralph's trial was held the following morning, at dawn.

It had been a challenge to make the arrangements in less than 24 hours, but Azia and Vivian had seen it through, working through the night to make preparations.

Azia sent messenger after messenger to Zeke, keeping him abreast of their progress. He offered to help time and time again, but Azia refused each time. His place was by his mother's side, in the healer's ward. She wished she and Vivian could also be ...