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CAIA: I am in eternal debt to you in more than one way. Thank you, old friend.

CAIA exits.

Scene 5: Final Trial

Hours before the sun rises over them, MARIA and THE JUDGE enter. The line drawn in the dirt indicates the border of the town, at which two horses bring their gallops to a halt. To the left of the stage is beyond the town limits. To the right of the stage is the town that never loved MARIA.

MARIA: After I cross here, I am to be christened anew.

THE JUDGE: You wish to change your name? What if...by some happenstance, your name is purged of each and every allegation made against it?

MARIA: It is not a matter of the law. Even if “some happenstance” comes to pass, the townspeople will hold their biases against me, and I will remain unsatisfied with carrying around the same name with which I have been berated with. There is more to this life than that.

His gaze fixated on her, THE JUDGE basks in the moment with MARIA and her unbroken spirit - since the moment they met, protecting that has become his purpose.

THE JUDGE: There is only so much time before dawn breaks. The fault is all mine. I had wished to provide you with ample time to leave.

MARIA: You say that we are short on time, and yet our pace has ceased in its increase.

THE JUDGE: This is my farewell to you.

MARIA is stunned into silence.

Given my time constraints, the best plan I could possibly execute was not meant for the both of us. Unfinished business must be taken care of, after all.

MARIA: I beg of you, do not leave my side. Where am I to go? Who is to aid and guide me? You have led me to this point, therefore it is your duty to see this through to the end.

THE JUDGE: It is the duty I have undertaken, which is why I cannot follow where you go. Grant me your blessing. Please, let me set you free from this place.

MARIA: This town is where virtue goes to die. If you so ache to melt the chains that would otherwise cling to me, then you must protect your righteousness. Promise me that when you return to me, your heart will be as pure as the moonlight that shines upon your face.

THE JUDGE: So sure are you that we will meet again.