Wotan just smiled and moved on to Katrina. Of the three girls, she appeared to be putting on the bravest face, though her clothes were battered and there was a bruise developing under her eye. Wotan noticed and looked concerned.

“She was a feisty one,” explained the Inquisitor guarding her, “She was also the one found with this devilish device.”

He removed Katrina’s auragraphic camera out from beneath his robes and handed it to the Bishop, “We believe this was responsible for the images that helped bring these girls to justice,”

“So this would be Katrina Ritches then,” said Wotan, “A skilled amateur photographer, I heard. Her family runs an orphanage that is sympathetic towards Rembrandt Payne,”

Katrina did her best to stare Wotan down. Phoenie would be proud of her, thought Phantasia. Wotan maintained his look for a moment longer, then stepped back and gestured the Inquisitors away.

“Take those two girls to a cell and leave Ms Ritches with me,”

“Her punishment?” asked the Inquisitor.

“I will deal with her myself,”

The three Inquisitors left without questioning their superior’s odd decision, taking the struggling girls with them. Phantasia wanted to reassure Kaori and Shelley that they would be all right, but what could she possibly promise them? That she would come and save them? She could barely speak, and it was her fault they were in this mess in the first place!

“They won’t be harmed,” said Wotan, once he was alone with Phantasia and Katrina, “Not that I expect you two to trust me. At any rate…” he settled down in his throne and looked at the auragraphic camera, “This is an interesting device you’ve developed, Ms Ritches.”

Katrina remained silent.

“Of course, I have no real reason to have you rehabilitated, interrogated or extricated, Ms Ritches,” said Wotan, “Taking photographs isn’t a crime, no matter what they show.”

“Then why did you kidnap her?” snapped Phantasia, ignoring the pain.

“Because this device intrigues me.” replied Wotan.

“Then let her go, if that’s what you want!”

Wotan chuckled. “Well, that wouldn’t sit to well with my order now, would it? Arresting a girl on charges of heresy, only to change my mind? No, she will remain here for the time being. I have a use for her abilities,”

Katrina looked towards Phantasia, who nodded her towards the door. Wotan was the only one there, and Katrina was surely faster than a middle-aged man in robes? All she had to do was escape the chamber and find a place to hide…

“I wouldn’t try to run if I were you, Ms Ritches,” said Wotan, noticing the silent conversation, “We have two of your friends at our mercy, and Ms Celeste here is in a rather difficult position herself. You wouldn’t want any harm to come to your friends, would you?”

“You’re a monster,” growled Phantasia, “You’re no better than a demon,”

“And you’re only children.” replied Wotan, “And ignorance will get you nowhere,”

~ Strategic manoeuvres! But just what is Wotan plotting? ~
~ Next: Infiltrating Godhand! ~

Chapter 16
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