237 Choice of the Many (1/2)

The death of Magistrate Bouvin spread not just in Haubern but also in all of Inkit. For several days before the plebiscite, it filled the gossips everywhere. This was the first time a Magistrate was killed in decades.

It of course brought a melancholic tone in Haubern. Although some still blamed the Union for the death of the Magistrate, most admit that it was the Magistrate's own fault- and choice. Nevertheless, Magistrate Bouvin was buried with honors he deserved. In his place as Magistrate stood his son, a man not even thirty.

Three days after the fall of the Magistrate, the time for the plebiscite finally came. Even though an army of Castonians sprawled, the voting was held outside the walls and beyond the creaky moat of Haubern.

Thousands gathered in a sea of voters. Each of them carried documents validating that they are of age to vote. Avery held her document, a parchment the size of her palm. Most of the Inkish were not literate and just ignored what was written on the documents. But Avery did not belong to the majority.

'This document certifies that Avery Bechive, born the fifteenth day of midsummer year One hundred ninety ninth of the Republic of Inkit, is eligible to cast a vote in both plebiscites and elections.' were the words written on her document.

At the bottom of the certificate was the seal of Inkit, pressed by one of the Magistrates. Having this certificate might be nothing for some. But for Avery, the certificate doesn't just give her the ability to cast her vote. It was a proof that she was an Inkish, alive and existing in her own time.

The queue was long and the voting wouldn't be over for at least two days and could last for three. Fortunately pavilions were provided for the scorch of the sun and peddlers of water were everywhere to quench the thirst of the voters. Voting was a tiring and long process. The Republic may have been failing for a long time now. But the people still believed in the power of a vote.

It wasn't until midday when she finally saw the Scale. The Scale, like what its name suggests, was a large balance scale with a simple fulcrum at the middle. The two pans were shaped like wine cups and were larger than horses. A voter would pick a stone at the foot of the scale and then ascend to the wooden platform overlooking the two pans. The voter would then cast the stone to the red pan for Nay and to the white pan for yea. At the end of the voting period, the pan kissing the ground would be considered as the people's answer. Avery was saddened when she saw that the Nay pan was the one currently on the ground.

A few dozen more people cast their votes, more than half voted for Nay. When Avery reached the boxes of stones, she was given a single stone by the three watchers. She saw that the stones were of equal sizes and also of equal weights, manufactured with precision just for this occasion. Of course discrepancies were common and cheating would occur from time to time but the watchful eyes of the watchers and also of the Magistrates themselves limited these unruly acts.

Clenching the stone in her hand, she stepped into the platform. The last three people in front of her all voted Yea. Without a second thought, Avery dropped her stone in the white pan. It felt good to voice her decision.

After stepping off the platform another group of watchers stamped some dye on her forehead. From what she saw from the others, the stamp was of green dye and the design was that of the flag of Inkit. The dye would vanish in a few days but it would remain for now, preventing her from voting again.

Avery wore a smile. The Nay vote still reigned but she had contributed to the Yea. Whichever side would win, she hoped that the people's choice would be followed.

*********

Hooth and his gang decided to vote on the second day. Many sneered at them for voting. For some, Hooth and the underworld gangs don't have the right to voice their opinion. Criminals shouldn't be allowed to vote.

Hooth doesn't care what many think. He and his gang were still Inkish despite their... professions. A man's deeds doesn't decide a man's rights after all. He was still an Inkish and he would vote.

The queue was shorter this time. Most had voted in the first day. Nevertheless the queue still extended for leagues. The good thing though was that the Castonians haven't attacked yet. That was the biggest concern of some people. With the voting happening outside of the walls, the Castonians could just sweep in and slaughter the Inkish. But the Castonians haven't moved even though the pan of Nay still touched the ground.

Hooth doesn't care anymore. The Union was his friend. He had decided that siding with them would bring him fortune and power in Haubern. He would be their watch dog, their hound to hunt those against them.

It was afternoon when he and his people were finally given stones. Hooth had the urge to drop a rock instead but the watchers were keen. Usual cheating would be difficult. And so he decided to play fair this time- just this time though.

All his men voted for Yea. If the Union loses in the plebiscite then they would also lose. The promise of a good future as hounds of the Union wouldn't come into being if the Nay vote wins.

When it was his time to drop his stone, Hooth closed his eyes. May the Omniscient bring him fortune, he prayed. The stone was flicked in the air, dancing and rolling until it hit the others in the Yea pan.