The August 5 by Jenna Helland

table. So much for being a partial observer , Gavin thought as Colston continued.
    â€œAs reported in the Zunft Chronicle , we have arrested the ringleaders and charged them with treason. I move that the trial be held immediately. Let’s deal with this situation en masse and hold swift executions for the guilty. We must demonstrate our ability to render swift justice before the situation worsens.”
    All of Hywel’s supporters were on their feet, shouting out in protest. Gavin sat in stunned silence. A mass trial and execution meant the August Five could be dead in less than a week.
    â€œUnder Statute 389 of the penal code, you may not hold a mass trial for treason,” Shieldman shouted. “The accused are entitled to separate trials.”
    â€œAn absurd law that simply slows the wheels of justice,” Anderson called, leaping to his feet. “I see that Mr. Shieldman is continuing Mr. Hywel’s soft-fingered approach to the cottagers.”
    Shieldman flushed, and even some of Colston’s supporters seemed embarrassed by Anderson’s language. Soft-fingered had a number of meanings, ranging from insulting to derogatory.
    â€œQuite the contrary, Mr. Anderson,” Shieldman replied, his voice shaking with anger. “I’m protesting a soft-fingered approach to our code of laws.”
    There was an uneasy silence as Kaplan consulted his ledger, flipping slowly through the pages and running his finger down the page. With a slight nod, he acknowledged the existence of the statute. The chief administrator’s first act had not succeeded, but he seemed surprisingly undeterred.
    â€œDue to the precariousness of our state, I’m presenting the Ancestral Homes Act.” Colston motioned to Kaplan, who held out his right hand with his palm facing up. Gavin knew that this motion indicated that proper procedure had been followed. Colston Shore must have submitted the Ancestral Homes Act before the Chamber had convened that day. Colston probably knew that his attempt for a mass trial would fail and had a backup plan. Gavin considered the extent of Colston’s manipulations with a growing sense of unease. In July, after Colston failed to oust Hywel, Gavin had assumed that Colston was no longer a player to be feared. But that assessment had been painfully wrong.
    â€œYou may read the language yourselves before the vote, which will be held tomorrow. But here are the fundamentals: All cottagers must present official identification cards when questioned. If they cannot, they may be detained immediately and deported to their ancestral bond estates as determined by Zunft Records. Anyone without proper paperwork can be detained for an undefined amount of time until such an investigation is concluded.”
    With that, Kaplan slammed the gavel and ended the session.
    Baine felt as if the floor had dropped out beneath him. In Sevenna City, most cottagers were required to register their addresses with the Zunft, but they simply ignored it. This legislation meant that people would have to carry the proper paperwork or they could face arrest for no reason at all. Colston Shore had come to power and his first act was against the cottagers’ rights. Gavin had a sudden urge to go back to his newspaper offices, write an article, and tell the world what he’d witnessed in Chamber. He pulled off his flat cap, tucked it under his arm, and ducked out the door. He didn’t care how many more times the Zunft destroyed his printing press. He wouldn’t let himself be silenced by a man like Colston Shore.

7
    SHORE REPLACES HYWEL AS CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR
    Toulson Hywel failed to attend the emergency session of the Zunft Chamber. At least thirty of his supporters succumbed to Colston Shore’s manipulation and switched their allegiance to his faction, which is known as the Carvers. Using unlawful tactics, Colston Shore ascended to the highest office of Seahaven. In his first act as chief