Speak politely to the Judge, and you'll be just fine, miss," advised the huge executioner as Catt was led up a flight of stairs to a well-lit hallway. "It'll be the third door on the right."

Catt took a few uncertain steps down the hall. She was completely unbound. No chains, no manacles. Sunlight was streaming into the door-lined hallway from an open window at the far end.

Catt glanced back at the executioner.

The massive ogre inclined its masked head slightly, and waved a clawed hand...