The judge sighed and rubbed his forehead with the heel of his left hand. This could go on all day. He was speaking to himself, but half the audience heard him plainly. Who?

My wife.

A woman?

A murmur of amazement ran through the gallery.

She is the daughter of a chieftain. She is of the el Habib, who are of the same blood as the Quesan.

Nevertheless, a woman. And one disowned by her family. Do you mock this Court? Do you compound your crimes by trying to make a farce of the administration of justice? Your request is denied.

Radetics disgust neared the explosive point. And yet...to his amazement, he saw that even the El Murid factionalists in the audience were appalled by their prophets suggestion.

Megelin shook his head sadly. There was no hope for these savages.

Fuad pushed a stiffened finger into his ribs. Keep still, teacher.

The chief judge rose less than two hours after the trials commencement. Without consulting his fellows privately, he announced, Micah al Rhami. Nassef, once ibn Mustaf el Habib. It is the judgment of this Court that you are guilty. Therefore, this Court of Nine orders that you be banned forever from all Royal lands and protection, all holy places and protection, and from the Grace of God unless a future Court of Nine shall find cause for commutation or pardon.

Radetic smiled sardonically. The sentence amounted to political and religious excommunication with an out. All El Murid had to do was recant.

Had there been any genuine crime the sentence would have been scorned for its mildness. This was a land where they lopped off hands, feet, testicles, ears, and, more often than anything, heads. But the sentence fulfilled the Royal goal. Executed immediately, it would keep El Murid from preaching during Disharhun, to the vast gatherings this years High Holy Week had drawn.

Radetic chuckled softly. Someone was scared to death of the boy.

Fuad gouged him again.

My lords! Why hast thou done this to me? El Murid asked softly, his head bowed.

He does it well, Radetic thought. The pathos in him. Hell win converts with that line.

Suddenly, proudly, El Murid stared the chief magistrate in the eye. Thy servant hears and obeys, O Law. For does not the Lord say, Obey the law, for I am the Law? At Disharhuns end El Murid shall disappear into the wilderness.

Sighs came from the crowd. It looked like the old order had won its victory.

Nassef shot El Murid a look of pure venom.

And why, Radetic asked himself, hadnt Nassef said a word in their defense? What game was he playing? For that matter, what game was El Murid playing now? He did not seem at all distressed as he laid himself open for further humiliation.

The Court of Nine orders that the sentence be executed immediately.

That surprised no one. How else to keep El Murid from speaking?