2 The Messenger

The Elders had a gathering that very morning, summoning the girl in their council. They felt a little surprise when they saw her bloody clothing. Her face had drops of blood all over, her hands bloodier. It can't be any more obvious that she was guilty.

In spite of what was happening, she showed no fear, only an expression that clearly sent a message to the elders: I will not speak. None of you are worthy.

Seeing the girl's expression made the elders think they can only have one attempt. They sent the little girl to the adjacent room, told one to watch her closely, and made sure they would choose the right person to talk to her. Unfortunately, no one wanted to. 

After a while, one man eventually volunteered: The Head Elder's son, Alaster. When asked why, Alaster simply answered that he felt the girl would be good friends with his own son. Although doubtful of his reply, the council knew that Alaster would manage. His gentle nature could calm anyone and the air around him would make any criminal confess without even realizing it. He always had a confident energy but what could have made him hesitate this time?

Alaster entered the adjacent room and saw the girl staring at an empty corner. The girl glanced at him then resumed staring at the corner of the room. Alaster looked out the window. It was a while before he volunteered... if the girl have simply jumped out the window, she could have escaped. Yet all she did was just stare at the empty corner.

"Hello" Alaster greeted with a smile "My name is Alaster."

The girl calmly stood and walked to the window. She looked out, the first ray of sunshine hitting her face, her red hair brightest where the sun hit it. No one from Silverstar had hair as conspicuous as hers. It was a most unwanted anomaly. The people of Silverstar believed they were fashioned from the image of the gods themselves: fair-skinned beings with black hair and striking blue eyes. This girl was anything but that. She was tanned, has red hair and brown eyes. If the people of Silverstar looked like the gods, she was probably fashioned from the image of... something else. Whatever it was, it was different... and different could mean bad.

"I'm going to die, aren't I? she muttered, still looking out the window.

The girl's words snapped Alaster back to reality. Initially, he was astonished. He did not expect for the girl to speak at all. She turned to him, her stare still empty. To his surprise, her eyes were watery, as if she was about to cry. A feeling of sadness took over him. Murderer or not, she was still a child. Even if his own son murdered the family, he would give his own life just so the council would let his son live.

"I gave them what the gods wanted." the girl told him, her voice monotone "It was the best they could give the family."

"So you did kill them?"

The girl kept her gaze. "I did what the gods wanted."

It was brief but Alaster got the confession the council needed. He turned and was about to dart towards the door, but stopped when the girl spoke:

"I thought I would be very good friends with your son as well."

The man paused in his tracks, turning to the girl in surprise. He felt a jolt of fear rise from his core. It was not a fear for his life... It was for something far greater. Only one thought resonated in his head. This girl- this ominous figure- somehow earned the favour of the gods.

He dashed out of the room and stood before the council. The council asked him if he got a confession. Alaster breathed deep, preparing himself for their obvious reaction with what he was about to say.

"I wish to take the girl in."

The Head Elder stood in protest, pounding the stone table, where they gathered around. "You can't take a murderer in your house! It's against justice!"

"You haven't talked to her yet!" Alaster replied "She is blessed by the gods! I am certain of it!"

The doors to the room flew open. It was the wise man, the augur from the woods. The ends of his robe was muddy and the splashes around the back of his robe indicated that he came in a hurry. 

"You must not execute the little girl." he said, his voice firm and certain. 

"She murdered a family of four!" The Head Elder bellowed, his patience about to run out "Am I the only one who is concerned with justice?!"

"If you kill her, you will get the wrath of the gods! Do you wish to take the responsibility for the lives of everyone in Silverstar?!"

"Why would the gods let such a girl live?"

"Because it was the gods who sent the girl to send their gift. She is the gods' messenger."

The Head Elder, although frustrated, simply nodded. He could not believe that a murderer would be favoured by the gods. As much as he hated injustice, the lives of every citizen in Silverstar outweighed the life of a murderer. Perhaps someday, the girl will be punished. How ironic it would be if the gods themselves would do it.

The wise man walked into the other room and, after a while, walked out with the little girl grasping his hand. For the first time, the girl showed emotion: Gratitude. 

The Head Elder dismissed the council and dragged his son to the corner where neither of the guests could hear them. 

"One day, you will take over the council." he said, a hint of anger in his voice "Do not let your emotions get in the way of your judgment. Otherwise, you will become unjust. As Head Elder, you must know that the people are the most important."

Alaster nodded. He knew that what he had done was uncalled for but he knew it was the will of the gods. The Head Elder left the room and Alaster knelt in front of the girl. 

"Now" he smiled "What's your name?"

The girl looked up at the augur then to Alaster. "Miss." she muttered "My name is Miss."