<strong>"Is that true?", </strong>the magistrate asked Amon.<br/><strong>"How could it be true after I swore already that it's not? I overheard their conversation inadvertently, or I couldn't have sworn as a witness", </strong>the priest furrowed his brows.<br/>There were gasps from the crowd. There was but one sentence for laying in court, and presenting false accusation.<strong><br/>"A desperate attempt to get out of the situation, then",</strong>the mayor nodded, before looking sternly at Ashley.<br/>"You should be crucified for this," he announced with distaste.<strong>"Too bad..."<br/>"What about my reimbursement?",</strong>the batyr asked.<strong><br/>"You should be reimbursed thrice what you'd offered her", </strong>the mayor answered.<strong>"From her funds. Prepare the cross, men!"</strong><br/>The batyr looked at her in doubt, then looked at the mayor.<br/><strong>"But oh mighty lord, what if she doesn't have that much?",</strong>he asked, then turned to Amon.<strong>"You told me I can get my money, priest!",</strong>he exclaimed.<br/><strong>"Worry not!",</strong>the mayor sighed.<strong>"If she doesn't have that much, she'd be convicted to slavery, and my second judgement should be delayed - for 10 years, or for life, her choice. Should she choose to be a slave only emporarily, she could be freed, and then shall be crucified on the spot by the former owner, carrying out my sentence."</strong><br/>Of course, the runners arrived soon. The money present were insufficient - a mere couple of shekels, which were transferred to the batyr.<br/>The mayor ordered the scribes to prepare the documents, and the fate of Ashley was literally sealed, by the mayor's signet ring.