Chapter 143 - The Judge Is Suspicious
It was a familiar gloomy skies and barren streets. The trial for Georgina Hoot and the Forest Folks was about to begin, everyone anticipating the trial that would take place.
"The trail will commence in 5 minutes" a man announced.
Normally, a huge case like this would be judged by the Raven Justice. But since he volunteered as witness, his position would be temporarily revoked and he would be treated as a normal citizen that was present in the scene.
It was the law of the kingdom to ensure that the Raven Justice would not abuse his power to threaten or intimidate the court and the jury. His presence would not indicate his title as the head of the justice sytem, but only as someone who will speak his truth.
The Holy Crow would be treated as a normal citizen as well. Although his power does not extend to the court, his title would be quite intimidating for the jury and the judge. Therefore, for the duration of the trial, they will both be treated as normal citizens.
The court was large and vast. There were hundreds of seats for the audience and the jury. The judge would sit in front of the court where his chair would be elevated to express supremacy.
Elliot and his friends sat on the dark oak chairs right behind the Forest Folks. Though they were still considered as innocent, because they are innocent, the people's minds would not easily accept that fact. The fear they had by how the Forest Folks attacked would be buried in their minds, only be pulled out from it when the judge would declare them innocent.
"The atmosphere is so intense," Connor whispered. "It's like we can't pierce our swords in the air like we would stab a beast."
"I know," Elliot said. "I can't wait for this to be over. We have the Raven Justice and the Holy Crow as main witnesses, they would convince everyone what would really happen."
"I hope there's no more sudden surprises. I can't bear any more twists," Ed grunted. "There're so many already, including Lance's siblings."
"I think there would be no more surprises," Elliot said. "Maybe we'll live a peaceful lives from now on."
As they continued with their talk, a bribery was happening behind the court.
"Sentence them to death," a cloaked man said, handing the judge a small bag of money. "It is my master's orders for you to do so. That woman is a threat to the kingdom. If we will allow her to roam free after what she had done, then if she attacks again, it would be your fault."
"But I am a man of justice and honor," the judge, Judge Benjamin, said. "I could not accept such offer. I will seek the truth by trial, just like any other cases I've handled. Madam Hoot is no exception. Even the Raven Justice and the Holy Crow are going to testify in behalf of her."
"Those old men are delusional," the cloaked man said. "They don't know how dangerous that woman is. She's just getting started."
Judge Benjamin handed the man the money, "I'm sorry, young man. But I cannot accept this."
He was about to enter the court room when the cloaked man held his sleeve.
"I have another offer."
–
Everyone fell silent as Judge Benjamin walked towards his seat, overlooking everyone in the court room. His face was stoic like always but something was bothering him, an obvious sight for Hope.
His enhanced instincts had showed him who are the suspicious people. And all of the words from his guts were accurate so far. Time would tell what Judge Benjamin was hiding.
"Let us start the trial," Judge Benjamin said. "Today we are gathered to witness the trial of Georgina Hoot, former Advisor to the King and former Instructor for Magic Enhancement for Prince Lance. Three days ago she had committed treason by threatening the life of the king and attempted to destroy the kingdom and kill its people. She is also the suspect for the death of the late Queen Heart, poisoning her with magic. All these charges and the woman in question is pleading for…"
"Not guilty," Madam Hoot said with a stoic expression.
"Okay," Judge Benjamin relaxed in his seat. "Let us start by calling our first witness, Peter Crow."
The Holy Crow stood, the two women, trailing behind him. Even when he is treated as a civilian by the court, his followers are still devoted to him as their leader. He didn't lose his power over the religion.
"State what you know," Judge Benjamin said.
"I'll start by saying that you all know how light and dark affinites are attracted, yet repulsive to each other," the Holy Cro said. "And just like this, as a man with light affinity, I am being pulled, by this otherworldly force into Madam Hoot. And it would be a wonder why, Madam Hoot has a flora affinity. And light does not react to flora."
"What do you mean by this?" Judge Benjamin asked. "Are you saying that Madam Hoot has another affinity?"
"More than that," the Holy Crow responded, looking at the audience. "She has another person controlling her."
The crowd gasped, whispering to themselved about what they just heard.
"The Holy Crow had said it, she was possessed!"
"I thought they were only rumours. Turns out, they were true!"
"I can't believe this. Poor Madam Hoot."
…
"Silence!" Judge Benjamin yelled, bangint his mallet. "Peter Crow, that is very serious. So you're meaning to say that she was possessed?"
"Yes," the Holy Crow answered instantly.
Judge Benjamin cleared his throat and looked at the audience, Hope narrowing his eyes in suspicion as the judge began to sweat.
"And w-who is the person that possessed Georgina Hoot?" the judge asked.
The Holy Crow took a deep breath before answering, "I cannot believe I'm about to say this but it's the Queen of Hell herself, Malice the Malevolent."
Another series of gasps erupted from the crowd. Most of them only knew Malice by name. A ruthless hell dweller that rules over her realm and all its creatures.
"That is a very serious accusation," Judge Benjamin gasped. "Do you have any proof that it was the Queen of Hell that possessed Georgina?"
The Holy Crow held a pendant in his hand and showed it to the crowd. "This is the Pendant of Evil."
He raised his hand to show everyone the black cross tied to a small white gold chain.
"This pendant darkens when it senses someone from Hell," the Holy Crow informed. "The darker it gets, the more menacing the person from Hell is. And as you can see, the pendant is now black. Meaning someone like Malice had been in close contact with it."
"But then again, it could be anyone else from Hell that's powerful," Judge Benjamin said that instantly killed the mood for everyone. Confusion was painted all over their faces as they slowly felt like the judge was not on the same page as them. "Thank you all for your words, Peter Crow. You may now return to your seat."
The Holy Crow stood and walked back into where he sat, the court room silent. It was though the Holy Crow was shut down as witness by the judge, saying something against the witness's words.
"Next on the stand is Polo Hills," Judge Benjamin said. It was the Raven Justice who stood this time, walking to the stand where he will speak.
"Polo, how will you prove Georgina Hoot's innocence?" Judge Benjamin asked. "You were knocked out just a few moments after the Forest Folks appeared, right? I saw the reports."
"I was awoken by the middle of the fight and saw for myself that Madam Hoot, as well as all the Forest Folks, are controlled by this fearsome force," the Raven Justice said, narrowing his eyes at the judge. "It wouldn't be a mistake for me to not notice that it would be Malice herself. The strength that she spewed out was distinct, something only she was capable of."
"And what is this distinct strength?" Judge Benjamin asked. "Have you gone up close to her and see it with your very own eyes? Feel it with every pore in your body?"
The Raven Justice fell silent for a moment. "No."
"So, you haven't fought her," the judge chuckled. "Because you were knocked out."
The crowd was confused about why the judge was acting that way. They were told that the trial would only be a show because the Holy Crow and the Raven Justice would secure Madam Hoot's freedom, and that the judge would rule with them.
The jury was confused as well. They were looking at each other, whispering and discussing the weird actions the judge was showing.
"If that's all you have, Polo Hills, I believe we are done for today," the judge said.
There was a flash of something in his eyes that Hope saw. Immediately, he stood and slammed his hands on the backrest of the row of chair in front of him.
"What is he doing now?" Connor asked Elliot while Lance tried to calm him down.
Hope turned to his friends with a worried expression, "Something's not right. I could feel it."
"What are you talking about, Hope?" Lance asked before we get in trouble.
"Yes?" the judhe acknowledged Hope's presence, pointing to him expectantly. "What is it that you want to say?"
"Have you heard of name the women with secrets?" Hope asked.
"A-As a matter of fact I do," the judge said, almost letting a sigh of relief. "Childish but I'll play. I'll name the women who has lied to me. Maria, Yasmine, Diana, Agatha, Undine, Geraldine, Hera, Tiana, Evergreen, Rhododendron, Hera again, Evergreen again, Leona, Priscilla, Hera yet again, Eva, and Rhianna. Those are a lot of women."
Hope nodded and chuckled, "Yeah. That's a lot."
"What the hell was that?" Elliot asked after Hope got back in his seat.
"The initials of the names. M-Y-D-A-U-G-H-T-E-R-H-E-L-P-H-E-R," Hope took his sword.. "His daughter is in danger."