Trial by Betrayal

By Jennifer Wedmore

Morwen and Fauxon made it home from 1968, but there's no time to relax! The Creator of Magic said they are abusing their powers and doing more harm than good.

Morwen has to prove she is worthy of magic, the Guild, and herself. She's facing seven trials with family and friends as her accusers. Can she survive the emotional toll of each person's accusations?

She has to convince the judges, and most importantly herself that her actions in the Guild were with the best of intentions, but can the words hurled at her shake her confidence or will she be found innocent and keep her place in the Guild?

Seven trials to determine her fate. Seven trials to determine if she keeps her life with Fauxon and her Magic.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Celtic Hearts Press
• Release date: Apr 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9781949575897

Book preview

Chapter

One

Fauxon! What was that? Are you okay? She blinked a few times as her eyes adjusted. What was that light?

Are you done Morwen? We don’t have time for your stalling tactics. A voice called from the front of what appeared to be a courtroom.

What? She looked around the room. Where was she? Fauxon? What happened?

My name is Judge Rommel. This is your trial. As you were told, the Guild has abused their powers, shirked their responsibilities, and wasted valuable resources. By the time the judge had finished speaking, he was shouting at her.

I’m sorry. I swear we were doing our best and the accusations aren’t accurate. Morwen knew she was pleading, but the Guild did amazing work.

Of course you would say that. Regardless, you are on trial and the following proceedings will prove you right or wrong. He paused and gestured to the men and women sitting on either side of himself. Myself, and the other former Guild members you see in front of you, will decide your fate. Do you understand?

Morwen looked at each person, studying their faces. Surely she should recognize at least one of them. The expressions of frustration on Judge Rommel’s face brought her thoughts back to his question. I understand, but I have questions, sir. Responding with respect had to help her case, or at least she hoped it would.

Judge Rommel glanced at the others and sighed. Ask your questions, but make haste.

Morwen took a deep breath. Is Fauxon okay? Where is he? What will happen to him? Is each Guild member going through a similar trial? What happens if some of us pass and others fail? Will you replace the Guild or disband it? Can you do that? She took another deep breath and made a face. She couldn’t believe she just blurted out a bunch of questions at once.

A woman at the end of the row raised her hand. If I may…

Judge Rommnel nodded.

I’m one of the first Guild members, before you sit members of many Guilds all well before your time, as well as before your grandmothers. As for your questions. Fauxon is fine at your home, waiting for your return. She smiled, and it didn’t give Morwen comfort. As for his fate, it depends on the outcome of this trial. If you are stripped of magic, then he will have his memory wiped. Including any of you, as they are so entwined.

A man on the opposite end of the bench spoke next. It doesn’t concern you what your Guild mates are experiencing. Each has their trial to go through. The fate of the Guild hasn’t been determined.

Judge Rommel cleared his throat. It is time to begin, he waved his hand, and a chair appeared in front of Morwen, between her and the other judges. You will have seven levels of trials to make it through. You must prove to us each time you deserve your magic and your place in the Guild. Understand?

Morwen understood his words, but what did they mean? What kind of trials? But she only responded with. Yes, and No.

He nodded. It will become clear to you. He banged a gavel. Let’s begin.

In the chair appeared the shopkeeper from 1968. The one who helped her and Fauxon while they were trapped in time.

Welcome Mr. Hall,

Yes, thank you for having me. The shopkeeper glanced around the room and then turned his gaze to Morwen.

Morwen, while you were in 1968, you met Mr. Hall, the shopkeeper, right? Judge Rommel asked.

Yes. I never got his name, but I recognize him. She was confused, and it was apparent in her hesitant response.

Good. Mr. Hall, please tell us about your experience with the Guild, and Morwen in particular.

The shopkeeper nodded.

Before you begin, as Mr. Hall speaks, we will be brought into his memories so we can all see the events as bystanders. We can’t interfere or change anything. We are just visitors. He waited until everyone nodded their understanding. Good, please start again, sir.

They walked into my shop, and I thought they were normal hippies, stoned and just browsing, but then she said she knew the Nightshade Guild and they had sent her. He paused, licking his lips. I asked for proof.

Morwen could see the scene in her head, but as the judge said, they were just viewing it, she could hear their conversation like she was having it again. Her heart ached to see Fauxon. She already missed him.

Morwen relayed that her grandmother helped with a Brownie problem I had and I heard her tell the man she was with that she knew because of a picture on my wall. She also mentioned a recipe my wife had just perfected, and we weren’t selling yet. But stated her grandmother would bring it home to her every Friday. She implied that she was there on behalf of the Nightshade Guild.

Morwen nodded along with his words. Everything he said was true, but she was still confused as to why he was called on for her trial.

Mr. Hall, what are your complaints against the defendant? Judge Rommel asked.

Well, everything was fine until about a week after I first met them. Then Mindy and John burst into my shop, begging for help. They said Morwen told them to come to me and I’d get them in touch with the Nightshade Guild. He glanced around the room and shook his head. At first I didn’t know what to do. Did I help them? Could I take the chance they were telling the truth or part of whatever had sent Morwen to me in the first place? But I couldn’t not help. Mindy looked so terrified and she was so young. I had to help, so I called Gertrude and put Mindy in contact with her. That was the extent of my involvement. One phone call. He leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling for a few minutes. But things changed. I still don’t understand how they knew I helped, or I was their target, but that woman caused me nothing but heartache and pain. He shook his head and Morwen was sure she saw his shoulders shaking. Was he crying?

I don’t understand. What did I do? She was getting more confused. She hardly spoke to the shopkeeper. She never mentioned him to anyone