32 - Court of Law
They awoke the next morning to knocking on their door. Tree let out a mumbling noise, still not ready to greet the world. More easily roused, Maud hopped from her bed and trotted to the door. Behind it, a well-dressed human in severe attire held out a letter towards her. "Your presence is requested."
Maud tilted her head before she accepted the letter and closed the door without a word to the messenger.
"Who was it?" Fast slipped to her hooves. "It feels early in the morning." A brushing aside of the leather covering of their window revealed the sun to still be low in the sky. "Ah well, already awake now."
Maud flipped the letter open and set it on the ground where she could more easily browse it. "They want all witnesses to the killing to be at this address by ten."
Fast frowned. "What? They're having a trial? Now? Here?"
Paul stopped feigning sleep rather abruptly. "There's still a chance then! We can save 'im!" He half-fell from the bed, scrambling to get his clothes on. "We haveta go and break 'im out."
"We'll do nothing of the sort." Fast frowned at Paul. "Maybe if Under Score or some other arcane master were here, I could consider such a reckless thing, but need I remind we have no escape route from a city of wizards? Don't be in such a rush to make his action be for nothing and get us all killed."
Maud tapped the letter. "We can tell the truth."
Rolling up to her feet, Tree yawned as Bright landed on her head. "Good morning. What's the good word?"
Paul gestured at the letter on the ground. "Flint's bein' put on trial and we're invited."
Her eyes widened, losing the sleep in them for a moment. "Woah, seriously? We'd better get ready then." She slid to the ground. "Breakfast, a bath..."
Paul threw up his hands. "Why are you all bein' so calm about this? This is Flint's only chance."
Fast prodded him in the gut. "Keeping our heads on straight, noses clean, and attitudes right is the only way we can help him. We may be the only character witnesses he has." She turned away. "By the law of the land, Flint's guilty. He's guilty in every way. The owning of ponies, as slaves, isn't even illegal in most of the human lands. The lord did nothing wrong, by law." She looked to Paul. "It's an uphill battle, at best. Let's at least approach it looking like civilized people."
Paul trembled before he let out a forced breath. "Right... fine... Why don't you sell that stuff so we can hurry over there dressed proper?"
"Now that's an idea." Fast nodded at him. "I'll be back. Bathe, eat. We have to move quickly." She trotted from the room with her saddlebags and slip on. Unlike some other ponies, a touch of modesty suited her just fine.
"Dibs on the tub." Tree slipped into the bin with a smile and began the water, only to hear a thump behind her. Maud quietly settled behind her, just sitting there, undressed. "Sister?"
"We have to go quickly."
Tree nodded slowly. She undid her bandanna and set it outside the tub as it slowly filled with warm water. Paul seemed impressed. "That hot water out of there? I didn't know this place was so fancy."
Tree and Maud looked at him together. Tree shook her head. "You're not used to warm water?"
"Not water I ain't heated meself for th' occasion. Ah heard of it sure, but we live in a damn hut. No hot water there, or the well."
Tree let out a slow sigh as the water filled the tub and her tension began to go with the warmth. "Mmm, well, you'll get it next, Paul. Enjoy it. It's nice." When the water filled to around their necks, she turned off the stream, and reached around until Paul handed her the soap. "Ah, thanks dude. Do they have any shampoo?" Paul looked confused. "Nevermind, man." She went stiff as she felt a hoof rubbing over her back.
"My sisters and I would help each other clean all the time," said Maud in her even way. "You keep calling me sister."
Tree forced a smile, seeing it for what it was. One part affection, one part revenge. She let her head sink a little and tried to enjoy the company. Reaching her back would be hard without a brush... "Thanks..."
Eventually they were all cleaned, and emerged from their room smelling and feeling fresher. They sat around a table just as Fast entered. "Ah, just getting here?" She settled in with them. "Good timing. Selling wasn't difficult, but I was a little off on my estimate. Still quite valuable, just not as valuable. We have enough to get supplied and moving."
Paul raised a finger. "After we get dressed all fancy like and show up ta protect Flint."
"Right, after that." She clopped the table. "Hey, a round of breakfast over here, three vegetarian, one meat lover."
The bartender grunted as he got to work as a waitress swung by with some drinks for them.
Tree sipped from her mug with an appraising look before she nodded. "Alright, what can we do besides be honest?"
Fast tapped at the table again. "We can emphasize what good he's done. Paul, how was he regarded around the community?"
"Oh, he was a good sort. He'd run off wild animals what's causin' someone trouble, or hunt down escaped varmints 'fore they got killed in the forest. Ain't nobody mind his meat when he made a good catch. 'is boar was always a highlight of the week." Paul smiled as he went on about his friend's achievements. "A good soul, you know that."
Tree nodded at him. "Flint's aura is bright, but tainted. Sister promised him safety."
Paul frowned. "He didn't know none of that."
Fast clopped the table. "That's important. Can you swear on that? Are you certain of that?"
Paul shrank from her intensity. "I-I, yeah! 'course I can. We just got outside when Maud was throwin' 'im up against the roof. He lined up the shot and, uh, ya know."
Maud took a slow breath. "Then he didn't know I promised he'd be safe until afterwards. That's a little better."
Fast sighed. "I'll take what I can get. Convincing them he isn't a coldblooded murderer is a step in the right direction."
"He did it for us," hissed Paul. "Like he said, the lord woulda chased us if he coulda."
"Be that as it may..." Fast chewed idly at her food one it was set before her. "Chasing criminals does not give leave to kill an agent of the law. Eat, we'll get dressed on the way. I saw a tailor. We're running behind, and being late is not an option." She frowned. "Guilty or innocent, he's a member of this party, and we'll help him how we can."
"Too right..." Paul went quiet along with the rest of the table. The food's taste wasn't as enjoyed as it could be, shoveled into empty bellies before they hurried to the tailor, and left it in respectable clothing in time to sprint to the courthouse that had been specified in the letter.
Fast strode up the marble steps of the stately building. "If they're holding it here, they want to appear as impartial as possible. There's no other reason to hold the trial of the killer of your father in another sovereignty's court. If she was simply out for blood, she could walk him out of the city and have his head off by now, and she wouldn't be challenged. That's our only ray of hope. The wizards of this city play by their own moralities."
Maud looked around slowly at those loitering around. "They look like humans."
Fast nodded more subtly. "That doesn't mean much."
"Some of their auras are out of this world." Tree tilted her head slowly before shaking herself out. "We should be careful."
Paul rung his hands nervously. "We gotta argue with witches?"
"Wizards," corrected a tall man at the top of the stairs. "Witches rarely manage such esteemed positions. We have had a few sorcerers, and that one alchemist... Regardless! Welcome, witnesses. You're expected." He gestured inside as he turned towards the building. "Follow me. The session is to begin shortly. You're prompt. The judge likes that."
Fast hurried to be just behind the new human. "A pleasure to be here. This is a fine building. I don't think I've seen the like for a court before?"
"It was fashioned at great expense." The man nodded slowly. "You'll notice the columns have words of law from every major race of the world." A quick glance didn't show any pony writing, to Fast's annoyance, but she nodded politely. "Justice will be done here. Ah, an important note, but witnesses are protected. Even if you must speak out against the defendant or prosecution, do so freely and honestly. Even your identities will be shrouded."
Paul frowned at the words. "How can they know what we're sayin' if they can't see us?"
"How charming..." The man opened a door leading down a short hallway. "They'll see you, but not your faces, or be able to easily determine your build or height, making identifying you again quite problematic."
Fast snorted. "They'll know ponies are speaking."
"Not much to be done about that, I'm afraid. Do you wish to give up the right to testify?"
Maud shook her head. "We'll tell the truth."
"That's the attitude to have." He opened a door that led into a low balcony. "I can't follow you past here. Speak the truth and nothing but, and there's nothing to fear."
They filtered into the balcony. When the door closed, there was barely a hint that there was a door there to begin with. They could see out over many comfortable looking chairs with people perched in them, looking out to the main event, which had two areas, one with a sword statue, and another with a great shield. Beyond them a chair elevated above both with a huge scales set behind that.
Flint was seated, looking nervous, in the shielded area, the defendant. Elizabeth was seated with head held high in the sword portion, as the attacker or prosecutor. Whoever would serve as judge had not yet arrived.
"All rise for the honorable Toril, master of divination and discerner of the truth!" There was no obvious source of the announcement, but all the people stood up. Fast and the others found a seat and stood beside it. With a wash of arcane power, a figure appeared, already seated in the chair allotted for him.
He was portly, and smiling, and wore a billowing robe and many jewels from his neck and at his fingers. "Good morning everyone. Do be seated." The court settled back into their chairs, the sound of them muffled by magic the city of wizards didn't skimp on. "Today we have an interesting case, for a crime not committed within our borders. As a measure of good will, the County of Stormbringer brings its charges of assassination against their former Lord against one Flint." He gestured at Flint as light shone down on him. "We have a spoken confession, but there can be irregularities with those. We will hear the whole of the truth before judgement is rendered. Acting as prosecutor, Elizabeth Stormbringer, acting Lady of Stormbringer County." He gestured towards her, a new light shining down on her.
"Let justice be done."
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More on Flint's crime?!
This is bound to be great and cause more arguments in the comments.
I don't know if I envy your position, David...
I liked the description of the courthouse; the sword and shield are a nice touch, and the magical anonymity is a good idea too. However this is resolved, it looks like the wizards are putting a lot of effort into the fairness of their justice system. Hopefully their verdict will be well received.
trotted
"By the law" and "The lord" (since "he" would mean Flint)
boar
Different person again. The him should be changed to a name or title, or maybe just removed.
moralities
Legal proceedings are so much easier if you can use magic to get the truth.
haha
Brace yourself for Phoenix Wright references in the comments...
6684464 Typos taken out back and beaten where it won't disturb the proceedings. What're Flint's odds looking like?
I have to say what ever comes of this, I don't think Flint will walk away like nothing happening.
Pheonix Wright reference.
Just as long as the prosecuter isnt Raven Mad or such.
Oops, just forgot, if an L20 Alchemist has no problem with cash due to having Philosophers Stones, what level was the one they had there, or is that how they actually paid for everything, keeping restrictions?
6684532
I would say that his odds of a fair trial are really good, his odds of escaping the death penalty are decent, his odds of avoiding jail time are moderate and his odds of getting pardoned practically non-existent.
There isn't enough information to really know yet though. Maybe the judge is biased and doesn't trust ponies. Maybe Elizabeth will hear everyone's testimony and be so moved she decides to withdraw her case. I guess we'll find out soon.
6682780
I don't resent her. Her position is clear. It's also clear that if I were in Flint's place
1) I wouldn't even BE in the damn city, I'm a ranger who just killed a lord. I'd be all like "yeah you guys go into the city and get stuff, I'll be in the countryside making d20 survival rolls, thanks"
2) If I had to be in the city I'd been a bit more cautious and as soon as the bitch opened her mouth I'd put a tomahawk in it. Hell, if she was the dudes daughter surely Flint would have recognized her or her standard WAY before even getting this close.
The whole situation with Flint just screams good old fashion DM railroading , if you want to take an admittedly crafted prose story and compare it to a free wheeling table top game.
Also yes I'm bitter as Flint is at least twice as cool as the next one (Maud, if you were wondering).
6685434 She was in disguise. Only the ponies ever saw her without full armor, helmet included. There is no way Flint, a commoner, would have been privy to her appearance.
6685434
In the same circles, Flint would be referred to as a "murder-hobo"
I can't imagine why, he's just a smart mouth. His shortage of fingers suggests that this isn't the first time his judgement has been lacking.
Well thats the thing with games not all the party makes it to the end, some are lost in some not so nice ways.
6686393
"murder-hobo"
You say that like it's a bad thing? Worked for Conan.
Also there is a difference between banditry and revolution. Unless you like a system that oppresses the common man and keeps those in power with power.
Ah, a French Revolution -- D&D style. That'd be pretty rad.
6686899
Very true. It's just how this has gone down irks me.
6687086
To be honest i dont see the issue, just because you dont like the person or how they do things shouldn't make it ok to get away with killing them. If someone wants to up hold the laws of the land you are in you have few choises. Fight, run or given up.
They could have attack but Fasts mission would be at risk and thats more important then there lifes as could mean the rebrith of the Empire and i am sure she give up hers or anyone of the groups if it meant that.
6687086
6687371 Launching into a violent rebuttal would have ended their quest to restore the Pony Empire pretty rapidly, yes. Fast knew that, and so did Flint. Flint took one for the team, exonerating them all of the many crimes they committed by offering himself freely. Fast also knew that. That's why she insisted his sacrifice be respected.
6687083
And we all know how that turned out: years of pointless bloodshed only to end up back where they started.
6687662 Of course you know what that means: I like the story so much that I went back to read it again.
(It's not all that ancient, I think the whole story has only been 9 days so far.)
6687583
Wrong, it killed off a lot of aristocrats (usually a good thing), further weakened the power of the church (also good) and set the stage for the ending effective use of monarchies in the Western world (extremely good).
6687371
"just because you don't like the person or how they do things shouldn't make it ok to get away with killing them"
This is exactly how 'nobles' believe. Which is way I dislike, perhaps even hate, them. Give them a taste of their own medicine.
6687399
I said what *I* would have done, if I were in his shoes and were forced into the initial confrontation. Hit hard and run away. I'm sorry but I've gone down the "oh you all get captured and have to escape from prison" road way too damn many times to put up with a DM that tries that shit.
What Flint really should have done, as I said, was get the hell out of Dodge and be nowhere near that city in the first place --as I said before.
Also as far as the resolution/judgement thing: Unless the wizards place some kind of geas on her to prevent her from 'accidentally' sending Flint on a suicide mission it's a bullshit judgement. Hell what's to keep Flint from running off a few months from now? Unless " Know that your words are binding here..." bit is in fact such a binding.
6689379
History is written by the victors so there out come is going to look the best if you look back, but a lot of nobles can act like the have a stick up there ass. Then again any Tom, Dick or Harry can act like that and just because you dislike that doesnt mean you off them. If you go somewhere with what you think has some crazy laws and you break one of them then the only one to blame yourself not the person in charge.
As for not running off in this sorted settings and swearing an oath is very important and not something you would walk away from as braking some oaths can bring the the Wrath of the Gods down onto you, but will not stop someone with no honor from runing away. As for him getting killed because of it, its possibke but you have to believe she is a better person then her farther something it looks like she wants to prove.
I guess its good you are not with Fast as her mission to find a new Queen would be short lived. If they where in the wild then fight but a city like this is just the wrong thing to do.
And besides, male witches are called 'Warlocks'.
11479051
Hush your mouth. Them's 5e words right there.