“Alex," he said. “I don't need my last name yet. I'm here because I watched what happened three days ago." He looked at Ivy. “You had Emma brought to your courtyard. You ordered men to tie and whip her. I cut her down."
“A witness," Alex said. “And more." He turned to Emma, softer. “Are you all right to stand?"
Alex stepped to it. His words were clean. “I was on the south ridge, headed toward the village. I heard a scream and followed the sound to the Silver villa's courtyard wall. I saw a woman suspended by her wrists and two men raising a crop at her back. Ivy Silver stood ten paces away. She told the men to continue unless the woman knelt. The woman refused." He lifted his chin toward Emma. “She refused."
“Did she insult Ivy?" a reporter asked. “Did she provoke?"
“No," Alex said. “S
