somewhat provocatively.
‘That’s what older brothers are for, isn’t it?’ Einar retorted, jumping out of the way of Surt’s elbow.
‘You…’ Surt raised his arm as if to strike, then exhaled sharply after a moment. ‘Eh…’
‘What was that about... hmmm... the druids?’ Ceet asked again as they walked through the banquet hall.
‘Why are you so nosy, my lord knight?’ The redhead snapped at the beastman, letting his younger brother through the doorway.
‘It's just my nature, as you can see.’ Tahon grinned. ‘I like to... hmmm... snoop around a bit.’
‘Aren’t you going a bit over the top, Surt?’ Einar gestured with his chin towards his arm, which was still firmly gripped by his brother.
‘What? No, I’m not.’
‘It’s not as if I’m going to... hmmm... eat him.’ Ceet laughed.
‘I'll believe it when you stop grinning, gentlemen.’ The redhead squeezed Toinen’s hand tighter.
‘Er…’ Einar didn’t know whether to laugh or take his brother seriously. ‘Perhaps it would be easier to get back to the question,’ he said, having no idea how to react to the argument. ‘Druids usually know more than one might suspect. If the legate had planned from the outset to request the judgement of the gods, then the druids would have prepared for it. That must have been what Heres meant when he was rushing us.’
‘So they’ll perform the necessary... hmmm... rituals.’ Ceet looked pensive for a moment.
‘I reckon they’ve already started,’ Surt chimed in rather reluctantly. ‘I’ve witnessed the judgement of the gods once, and the whole ritual takes a very long time. Neither the accused nor the prosecutor are needed for it to begin. I’d bet that once we get there, we’ll be able to proceed straight to the actual trial.’
‘Hmmm… Interesting.’ Tahon looked at Einar’s brother for a moment. ‘I’ve taken part in the Deu’cesum myself. Several times, in fact. But the rites weren’t quite so… hmmm… time-consuming. The priests would first offer prayers and present the charges, and then ask Vathr for a verdict. And there would be a judgement, or there wouldn’t.’
