Chapter 41

Much Madness is divinest Sense -

To a discerning Eye -

Much Sense - the starkest Madness -

’Tis the Majority

In this, as all, prevail -

Assent - and you are sane -

Demur - you’re straightway dangerous -

And handled with a Chain -

.

― Emily Dickenson

.

MIKHAIL

I slog through the village in my still-wet combat boots, my cargo pants chafing uncomfortably against my thighs as I follow Kiarersh to my banishment hearing. Dark eyes turn to watch our passage. I can almost hear their whispers. 'At last the Tribunal will make him pay.' We turn, not towards the central square, but the second ring. The one inhabited by the ordinary merchant class.

"Aren't we going to the temple?"

Kiararsh avoids my gaze. "The Chief thought it best if we meet at Behnam's house."

We slip into the narrow gate th……