Author's note: Here is the rest of the trial, dear readers. Again, I am afraid I kept it very procedural. This is more or less similar to a trial in an American court, although I tried to make modifications consistent with a monarchical government in a small territory with roots in British jurisprudential tradition. Thus, the king and queen have taken the place of judges and there it is generally less formal than a comparable modern, American trial would be (the most remarkable departure I have made from that is the speed of the trial, occurring less than two weeks from the time of arrest). The rights of the accused granted Juliana I have derived from the English Bill of Rights of 1689, which guaranteed the right of trial by jury and the right (if I am not mistaken) against self-incrimination. The other procedures are drawn from my own experiences observing trials, and I apologize if it is not British enough. I really have absolutely no idea how they do trials in Britain.
Alright, my political science major yammering aside, please enjoy!
Disclaimer: Narnia is not mine. The Star Trek references will continue ( :D) although they are not mine either. And Fierce-a hint for the last chapter, one of the quotes is from Khan (I think I had a bit too much time on my hands watching Star Trek while recovering from wisdom tooth surgery). ;D
Chapter the Twenty-fourth: Justice Concluded
15 Mayblossom 2076
"Lord Trevelyan, you may call your first witness."
The crown prosecutor stood. "Thank you, your majesties. I call Sir Reginald to the stand."
A knight stood in the audience and made his way forward.
"Sir Reginald, do you swear to speak the truth, neither adding nor subtracting, before this court today?" King Lorn asked.
"I do, your majesty," the knight replied.
"Then pray be seated," the king indicated the seat below and to the right of the dais.
"Sir Reginald," Lord Trevelyan began, "can you tell me what you were doing on the morning of the sixth of this month?"
"That morning the Stone Knife had been discovered missing, and no one could find Princess Lyra. Prince Ayden assigned each knight to take ten soldiers and search an assigned section of the castle. The morning of the sixth I was engaged in searching my assigned section."
"What was your assigned section?"
"The lower tunnels beneath the great hall, where the new wine barrels are kept."
"And what did you find?"
"I found one of the doors ajar, and a burned out torch outside it. As I pushed the door open, I found a man of Calormen dead on the floor. Several broken barrels lay strewn in the room, and a sword, an Archen sword, lay in the corner."
"And what did you do after you found that scene?"
"I ordered that nothing be touched and notified Prince Ayden immediately."
"Thank you, Sir Reginald. No further questions, your majesties."
"Lord Kellan, have you any questions?" asked the queen.
"One, your majesty. Sir Reginald," Lord Kellan replied, "When you found this gruesome scene, did you find anything, anything at all, that indicated to you that Lady Juliana was involved?"
"No, my lord."
"Thank you. No further questions."
"You may step down, Sir Reginald," the king spoke. "Call your next witness, Lord Trevelyan."
"The crown calls Prince Ayden."
Ayden stood from where she sat next to his sister, making his way forward.
"Prince Ayden, do you swear to speak the truth, neither adding nor subtracting, before this court today?" Queen Layla asked.
"Yes," Ayden replied.
"Be seated. Proceed, Lord Trevelyan."
"Thank you, your majesty. Prince Ayden, in what activity were you engaged on the sixth of this month?"
"I was coordinating the search of the castle."
"And for what were you searching?"
"For the Stone Knife and my sister."
"And for the record, your sister is…"
"Princess Lyra, my lord."
"Thank you. Now, will you be so good as to enlighten the good members of the jury what transpired when Sir Reginald came to inform you of the results of the search?"
"I, along with Sir Galen, followed Sir Reginald down the stairs to the tunnels beneath the great hall. Down the left-most tunnel Sir Reginald showed us a room that showed all the signs of a great struggle— a slain Calormene soldier, barrels broken, a sword lying in the corner, and a trail of blood that lead to the chamber of the Stone Knife."
"And is this the sword you found in the corner?" Lord Trevelyan walked to his table and picked up a straight, well-polished sword, holding it out for Ayden to inspect.
"It is."
"May I submit this sword into evidence as prosecution exhibit A?"
"It is admitted, Lord Trevelyan."
"Thank you, your majesties. Did you recognize this sword, Prince Ayden?" The crown prosecutor continued.
"Yes. It belongs to my sister."
"And is she usually careless with her weapon? Is she in the habit of leaving it in odd places or misplacing it?"
"No, not at all. I have never known her to be without it."
"Very good. Please continue to tell us what you found in the room."
"Sir Galen was with me, and as I inspected Lyra's sword, he exclaimed that he had found a slip of paper behind the door."
"And was anything written on this paper?"
"Yes, my lord. It was a letter, asking the the princess to meet the writer, purporting itself to be Sir Galen, to meet in the tunnel to discuss a matter of importance."
"Did Sir Galen seem surprised by this letter?"
"Yes, very much so. Upon reading its contents, he denied ever penning such a letter."
"And what did you think?"
"I believed him, and upon reading the letter myself, that belief was confirmed."
"How so?"
"The letter was not written in his hand."
"So you recognized the hand?"
"Yes, but not immediately."
"Whose hand did you recognize it as?"
"Lady Juliana's."
"Objection, your majesties! The prince is not an expert in the field of penmanship analysis, and cannot but speculate that the handwriting belonged to Lady Juliana."
"If I may beg the indulgence of the court, your majesties, the prince's testimony serves not as expert testimony but as minor supporting evidence."
"We will allow the question, Lord Trevelyan, but do not pursue this line of questioning any further," King Lorn replied.
"Very well, your majesty. Prince Ayden, please briefly describe the events of the past week and a half."
"I, Sir Galen, and ten of Archenland's soldiers departed Anvard to locate and rescue Princess Lyra."
"And you succeeded, as evidenced by the princess's presence in the court today. Please explain for the jury where you found her."
"In the manor house of Prince Karim, my lord."
"Thank you Prince Ayden. Lord Kellan, your witness."
"Prince Ayden," Lord Kellan began. "You mentioned a letter."
"Yes."
"You also claim to have recognized her handwriting."
"Yes. I am familiar with it."
"How did you come to be familiar with it? That seems most irregular, would you not agree?"
"Last year the lady pursued me with the most unwelcome attentions, and when I refused her advances she attempted to blackmail me with false claims."
"I see. And over the course of this interaction you became familiar with her handwriting?" Lord Kellan asked, a touch of sarcasm coloring his voice.
"Yes."
"Yet you have never spoken of such a blackmail attempt before. It has never been brought before this court in separate charge. Is it not true that it is most expedient to the tale at hand to fabricate such familiarity and criminal accusations? Is this not an attempt to besmirch Lady Juliana's good name in the eyes of this jury and this court?" Lord Kellan's voice raised incrementally with each question.
Ayden's eyes flashed in anger as he answered. "I speak naught but the truth, my lord. I say nothing for expediency's sake, and have never spoken of the blackmail attempt in order that petty affairs not divide this good court in public squabbles."
"Nevertheless, can you say with absolute, unswerving certainty that it was Lady Juliana who penned the letter?"
"No, my lord."
"No further questions, your majesties."
"If I may redirect, your majesties?" Lord Trevelyan quickly stood, and the queen nodded assent.
"Prince Ayden, can you briefly explain to the court the circumstances whereby the alleged blackmail attempt was resolved?"
"Certainly, my lord. The last blackmail letter demanded a meeting. A private one, in the same tunnels, the very same room, as my prior testimony and that of Sir Reginald referenced. My sister accompanied me, and in the ensuing discussion Lady Juliana became animated, angry, and demanded that I marry her, lest she spread all manner of false accusations in the court."
"What happened then?"
"When I continued to refuse, she lunged toward me, but Lyra caught her by the throat, drawing a dagger and threatening the lady into ceasing her attempts. It was understood by the conclusion of that meeting that Juliana would leave me alone, and in return Lyra would leave her intact and neither of us would speak of the affair again."
"Would you consider this to be an embarrassment to Lady Juliana?"
"Objection, your majesties! Calls for speculation!"
"Sustained, my lord," the king answered.
"No further questions," Lord Trevelyan took his seat.
"Call your next witness, my lord."
"The crown calls Niusha Feriha."
A murmur went through the audience as Niusha, now wearing a simple purple Archen-style dress, stood and made her way to the front.
After she had been sworn in and took her seat, Lord Trevelyan began his questions with a kindly tone.
"Lady Niusha, what was your last place of employment?"
"I was a servant in the household of Prince Karim."
"How did you come to live in Archenland?"
"I agreed to help Princess Lyra escape the Prince, and I and my fiancé came with her and the Archen knights."
"Why?"
"We have always wanted to flee Calormen, to be able to live in freedom. This was our best, our only chance, and we took it."
"Were you present in Prince Karim's company when he made a diplomatic visit to Anvard?"
"Yes."
"Where were you on the morning of the fifth of Mayblossom?"
"I was attending Prince Karim with the other servants."
"What were you doing, specifically."
"Serving tea to the Prince and his guest."
"Is that guest present in the courtroom today?"
"Yes."
"Could you point them out for me?"
"Prince Karim's guest was the lady in red sitting at the left-most table."
"Your majesties, may the record reflect that the witness has identified the accused?"
"It may," the queen nodded.
"Did you overhear any of their conversation?"
"Yes."
"Could you detail that for the court?"
"Objection, your majesties! Anything this girl claims to have overheard is hearsay and inadmissible in an Archen court of law."
"But your majesties!" Lord Trevelyan began, but the king interrupted him.
"I am afraid Lord Kellan is quite correct, Lord Trevelyan. You will not pursue this line of questioning."
"Of course, your majesties," Lord Trevelyan said resignedly. "Now, Lady Niusha, had you observed the prince's behavior over the last evening?"
"Yes. He was agitated and angry. Every servant was on pins and needles lest he find something amiss."
"What was it that caused such anger?"
"Princess Lyra, my lord. Prince Karim was furious that she had rejected his suit and railed that he would not be deterred."
"And Lady Juliana was with him the morning of the day Princess Lyra was abducted?"
"Yes."
"Thank you. No further questions."
"Lord Kellan?" The queen looked to Juliana's father.
"No questions, your majesty."
"Please proceed, Lord Trevelyan."
"The crown calls Sir Galen of Narnia."
Galen had been watching the proceedings with interest. The trial was very different than anything he had witnessed in hiding in Narnia, and found the procedures fascinating. It did not surprise him when his name was called, and he stepped forward. After agreeing that the testimony he would render would be accurate and complete, he took the assigned seat and turned his attention to the crown prosecutor.
"Sir Galen, can you explain to the court what occurred on the morning of the sixth?"
"Certainly, my lord," the Narnian replied. "I had slept in that morning, and when I awoke I promptly ran into Prince Ayden, who enlisted my help in searching for the princess, who had missed their normal training session. We searched every normal spot, and upon returning to the castle found an uproar and the Stone Knife discovered missing as well. I aided Prince Ayden in the search, examining the stables and armory. As I returned to the throne room, Sir Reginald showed us his dire findings."
"And did you make a discovery in the wine room?"
"Yes. I found a scrap of paper-a letter-clinging to the back of the door."
"Is this the letter in question?" Lord Trevelyan held up the letter.
"Yes."
"May I submit the letter as crown exhibit B, your majesties?"
"You may," the king nodded.
"Now, what did the letter contain?"
"It was a trap. Written in my name, but not by my hand nor my knowledge. It asked the princess to meet me in the cellar wine room."
"But you did not write it."
"No, my lord, nor had I ever seen that letter until that moment."
"Could you tell us what happened afterwards?"
"Preparations were being made to rescue the princess, and as I walked through the west corridor to gather appropriate supplies to join the party, Lady Juliana greeted me."
"What did she say?"
"She casually remarked that the palace was busy that day."
"And you?"
"I rather wryly agreed with her and turned to continue."
"Did she leave it at that?"
"No. She asked if I would accompany her on a ride in the countryside."
"Interesting. And what did you do?"
"Her less-than-concerned manner surprised me and I became suspicious. I began to question her about this demeanor and she evaded the questions."
"Please explain for the court what happened then."
"I noticed, as she spoke, the emerald necklace that she wore. It was quite distinctive as it was engraved in gold with the standard of Prince Karim. I had seen it once before— worn by the prince himself."
"And is this the necklace to which you refer?" Lord Trevelyan held up an emerald suspended on a delicate gold chain.
"Yes, it is," Galen nodded.
"Your majesties, may the necklace be admitted as crown exhibit C?"
"It may," nodded the queen.
"Now, what conclusion did you reach when you saw the necklace?"
"I realized that Lady Juliana must have been the one who betrayed the princess to the Calormenes, and promptly delivered her to the king and queen under that charge."
"After you delivered her to their majesties, what did you do next?"
"Under the queen's order a knight, along with several soldiers, searched the lady's chambers, while I waited with everyone else."
"And did they find anything?"
"They did, my lord. A small chest of jewels, engraved with Prince Karim's standard, and a letter the lady had thrown away— a letter from the prince enlisting Lady Juliana's aid in abducting the princess."
"Is this the chest, and this the letter?" The crown prosecutor picked up the items from his table.
"They are, my lord," Galen answered.
"May your majesties admit these as crown exhibits D and E, respectively?"
"Granted, my lord prosecutor," the king answered promptly, leaning back in his seat and absentmindedly clenching and unclenching his hand. As the trial progressed, the king and queen had become increasingly ill at-ease, and the strain of maintaining a neutral stance in a matter so dear to them became evident to those observing.
"No further questions," Lord Trevelyan sat down.
"Sir Galen," Lord Kellan stood and paced slowly in front of the Narnian. "You say that you delivered Lady Juliana to the king upon suspecting her of betraying the princess, is that correct?"
"It is," Galen answered, shifting in his seat.
"That is a rather vague statement, sir. Would you care to elaborate on the exact manner in which you arrested the lady?"
Galen paused a moment.
"Well, my lord? What say you?" Lord Kellan pressed.
"Upon realizing the necklace she wore belonged to Prince Karim, I pinned her to the wall and accused her of as much," Galen met Lord Kellan's gaze with hard determination evident in his eyes.
"By the throat, am I correct?" Lord Kellan interrupted.
"Yes," Galen answered, a steely edge creeping into his voice.
"And then marched her to the king at dagger-point?"
"Yes."
"I see," Lord Kellan turned away from Galen and paced closer to the jury. Turning around sharply, he asked, "that is a very discourteous way to treat a lady, would you not agree?"
"A traitor, lady or not, little deserves courtesy, my lord," Galen returned.
"But you are a knight, are you not? Sworn to uphold principles of courtesy and chivalry, at cost even of your life? If those principles mean so little to you that a speculative conclusion with no basis in hard fact would cause you to depart from them, how can these fine jurors place their reliance upon your word that you speak the truth today? " Lord Kellan prodded.
"My lord, the principle of justice is also one I am sworn to uphold," Galen glared at the man in front of him. "What's more, I am a knight of Narnia's order of the Lion's Redemption, my lord. Thus, I am sworn to protect the Stone Knife with my life, before all else, courtesy, chivalry, and even honor included. The princess's betrayer betrayed to the Calormenes the Stone Knife as well, and I acted appropriately within my sworn duties as my father's successor," Galen continued, turning to look at the jury. "If anyone thinks I acted inappropriately in the face of treason, betrayal, and the helper of those who stole that which I am sworn to protect, then I ask that you lay the fault upon me, and me alone," Galen finished resoundingly, the otherwise softly spoken words echoing against the walls.
"No further questions, your majesties," Lord Kellan sat down.
"Was there a doubt in your mind that Lady Juliana was the traitor for which you sought?" Lord Trevelyan stood again.
"None whatsoever, my lord."
"And why is that?"
"She herself as much as confessed."
"Indeed? What did she say?"
"That the princess ever interfered in her plans. The lady declared that she held no allegiance towards the princess and expressed her hope that the princess would never be found."
"Thank you, Sir Galen. No further questions, your majesties," Lord Trevelyan sat down, a triumphant smile playing on his lips.
"You may step down, Sir Galen," Queen Layla spoke. Galen quickly rose and returned to his seat in the audience. Still angry from Lord Kellan's questions, it took the Narnian a moment to turn his focus back to the trial.
"Have you any other witness, my lord prosecutor?" Galen faintly heard the queen say.
"Just one, your highness. The crown calls Princess Lyra to the stand," Lord Trevelyan answered, and Galen saw his friend take the stand and agree to speak truthfully.
"Your highness, may I offer my congratulations on your return to Anvard?" The prosecutor began.
"Thank you, my lord," Lyra nodded.
"Can you detail for the jury what happened on the evening of the fifth of Mayblossom?"
"That evening the court held a farewell banquet for Prince Karim, who was supposedly to return to Calormen the following morning. After the dinner ended, I walked the parapet for a while, and upon returning to my room, I found someone had pushed a sealed note beneath my door."
"What did the letter say?"
"It was written under Sir Galen's name, asking me to meet him in the tunnels beneath the throne room. It said he had something important to discuss with me."
"And you went, correct?"
"Yes."
"What did you find?"
"When I entered the cellar room, instead of Sir Galen, Lady Juliana stood there, waiting for me."
"What happened next."
"Two Calormene soldiers entered from the other door, their scimitars drawn. Juliana smiled a snake-like smile and withdrew to a corner as I drew my sword and engaged the Calormenes in battle. I killed the first and wounded the second, but five more entered the room and eventually one landed a blow that dazed me and gave them the opportunity to disarm and restrain me."
"What happened next?" Lord Trevelyan continued.
"Prince Karim came into the room, gloating. I kicked at him and knocked him over, and he struck me across the face in retaliation, saying how I should never have humiliated him."
"And then?"
"Juliana took her time to gloat as well, how I would never meddle in her affairs again, congratulated me on my "engagement," confirmed that her traitor's silver was in her chambers, and left."
"She congratulated you on an engagement?"
"Yes. She knew very well that the prince planned to force a marriage upon returning to Calormen."
"I see. Then what happened?"
"The soldiers tried to force me to follow the prince down the other tunnel—"
"Towards the Stone Knife room?"
"Yes. I protested. Loudly. Being introduced to the impact of a scimitar pommel was the last thing I remember before waking up in a Calormene carriage next to Niusha."
"Please tell us briefly what transpired between that time and the time you made your escape," Lord Trevelyan asked, and Galen listened to the tale he had not fully heard as his friend detailed the journey to Calormen, what happened there, and how the group made their escape. Ayden sat next to him, and from the look of anger that settled into his face, the prince wished very much that he could have been the ender of Karim's days instead. Soon, however, Lyra finished speaking and Lord Trevelyan sat down.
"Princess Lyra," Lord Kellan began, "may I take it from your testimony that you have known Lady Juliana a long time?"
"Yes, I have, unfortunately."
"So you have never cared for her much?"
"Not particularly. Her attempt at blackmailing my brother rather ended whatever amicable feelings I ever had toward her," Lyra responded wryly.
"So, is it not true that you would have adequate motivation to see her standing in the court destroyed?"
"Well—"
"Even to the extent of concocting this fantastic story?"
"Why, no, I—"
"Is it not true, my lady, that you would do anything to spite Lady Juliana, do anything to see her in irons, placing the blame upon her innocent shoulders rather than admit that your own lack of awareness lead to the chain of events you describe?" Lord Kellan's accused bitterly. The room erupted in murmurs.
"There will be no further outburst from the floor!" King Lorn admonished. Lyra looked balefully at Lord Kellan, her eyes flashing with anger as she stood and addressed him.
"Lord Kellan, if I harbored spite against Lady Juliana and hated her as you so claim," Lyra stood and pointed to her sword which lay on the evidence table beside her, enunciating each word with steely gravity, "then this blade would be stained with her blood, not laying upon a table of evidence in Archenland's highest court."
Lord Kellan looked taken aback, and returned to his seat. "No further questions."
Lord Trevelyan stood. "Nothing further, your majesties. The Crown rests."
"Thank you, Lord Trevelyan. Lord Kellan, have you any witnesses to call?"
"I have but one, your majesties. I call Lady Kellan."
A murmur went through the crowd as Lady Juliana's mother stood and took the stand.
"Lady Kellan, how long have you known Lady Juliana?"
"For over seventeen years, my lord, her entire life."
"And in that time, have you ever known her to be given to violence?"
"Not at all! She has always been a docile and sweet child."
"Have you known her to be given to hatred, envy, or any of the other vices the prosecution alleges?"
"Never!"
"And if she were to be angry with someone, suppose the princess, would she be likely to retaliate in the manner the prosecution describes?"
"Not at all! I could never believe she would ever betray Archenland!" Lady Kellan dabbed her eyes with an embroidered handkerchief, turning towards the jury. "I beg of you, do not believe these venomous lies!"
"That will be all, Lady Kellan, thank you," Lord Kellan spoke. "Your witness, Lord Trevelyan."
"No questions, your majesties."
"The defense rests, your majesties."
"Thank you, my lords. Lord Trevelyan, please proceed," King Lorn spoke.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you have heard the testimony, seen the evidence. Heard from the princess herself how the Lady Juliana betrayed her to the wicked Calormenes, heard the unspeakable evils the prince had planned against her and those which he and his minions executed against the faithful Niusha. You have heard the testimony of Archenland and Narnia's good knights, how they found Lady Juliana in her treachery. You can see the necklace before you, read the letters themselves. As you yourselves have heard from sworn testimony of the princess herself, who has always been among the most stalwart and dependable of Archenland's defenders, the lady who sits before you now did conspire with the representative of an enemy power to abduct her person, knowingly condemning her to the evil fate the Calormenes had in store. Were it not for the bravery and constancy of both the princess and Archenland's brave knights, Anvard would this day be in mourning because of Lady Juliana's actions. You, my friends, can see for yourselves that Lady Juliana, once a trusted member of the parliamentary court, has betrayed, part and parcel, the nation who has shown her every kindness. The day is yours to judge, and there is but one just verdict before you. We, the citizens of this great nation, ask you, therefore, to declare the traitoress guilty of charge levied against her. Thank you."
Lord Trevelyan finished with a flourish and took his seat.
"My friends," Lord Kellan began, "the question before your judgement today is one of treachery and deceit. However, that treachery and that deceit have not come by the hand of the lady who stands accused. The crown prosecutor would have you rely upon the testimony of those who witnessed nothing, and his case relies primarily upon evidence that is circumstantial and easily fabricated. What is more, it relies upon the words of the princess herself, who has been Lady Juliana's bitter rival. The testimony against the lady is but a web of lies, spun in darkness against her by the princess and her closest friends. We leave it to you to judge its merits and let it wither in the light of day. Lady Juliana has been nothing but a faithful citizen and trusted member of the parliamentary court, and we implore you to free her from this wretched snare of falsity. Thank you."
"Thank you, counsels," King Lorn spoke. He turned to address the jury. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is now your solemn duty to weigh the evidence in the case before the court. It is for you, and you alone, to determine the credibility of the witnesses, the veracity of their words, and the quality of the evidence presented. If there is a reasonable doubt in your minds that the Lady Juliana committed the crime of treason, it is your duty to acquit her. However, if each of you is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that she has committed the crime, it is your duty to proclaim her unanimously guilty and to provide a suggested punishment for the crown to consider. As you retire to the jury chambers to deliberate, know that all evidence and transcripts of these proceedings are available to you, but you must not take Lady Juliana's refusal to testify as an admission of guilt nor consider it in any wise against her. To your hands we entrust the judgement. Thank you," the king finished instructing and stood, while the rest of those in attendance followed suit.
"The High Court of Archenland stands in recess," the queen declared once the jury had filed out. The room broke into an excited chatter, and Galen made his way out to the parapet before anyone could approach him.
"At least that is over," he heard Lyra mutter behind him, and he smiled as she stood beside him at the parapet.
"Are trials always so complicated?"
"At the least! This one was the least complicated trial I have observed."
"Really?" Galen puzzled.
"Usually the defense has at least something more to offer, and were the circumstances more complicated I think the crown prosecutor would have called more witnesses."
"I think I am rather glad that I have not been here for those," Galen replied, and behind him Ayden chuckled.
"That Lord Kellan is a nasty one, isn't he?" the prince remarked.
"I suppose he had to be. He had little else," Lyra answered.
"Aye, agreed," said the Narnian. "Now what do we do?"
"We wait for the jury to return with a verdict, and if it is not guilty we all go to dinner," Ayden replied.
"And if guilty?"
"Then mother and father pronounce sentence, and then we all go to dinner."
"I think I like the common theme you have there, Ayden," Galen smiled.
"Oh, he's always got food on the brain," Lyra scoffed, a twinkle in her eye.
"Speaking of food, I think I'll go find some before the jury comes back. It could be ages, you know," Ayden returned with a smile, undeterred.
"I rather think I'll join you!" Galen declared.
"Agreed!" Lyra laughed.
The threesome had found a batch of freshly baked bread in the kitchen and were quickly devouring it when a servant came running up to them.
"The jury returns, my lords and lady," he declared breathlessly.
"Thank you, Ben," Lyra replied, and the three quickly made their way back to the throne room.
"All rise!" A guard ordered from the front of the room as the three entered. First, the king and queen returned and took their seats, then the guard showed the jury in. Once they were seated, the king indicated that everyone could take their seats.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict?" King Lorn asked.
The Anvard blacksmith stood. "We have, your majesties."
"Pray declare it," the queen instructed. "The accused will rise."
Lady Juliana and her father stood.
"We, the citizens of the jury, find the accused, one Lady Juliana of Silvershire, guilty of treason against the crown of Archenland, in the person of the Princess Lyra."
At the jury's declaration, Juliana had closed her eyes momentarily, reopening them with even colder glint than before, while her mother had begun to sob into her embroidered handkerchief.
"Have you a suggestion for appropriate punishment?" The king asked the jury. The blacksmith nodded, handing a folded paper to the guard, who delivered it to the king and queen.
"Very well," the queen acknowledged. "Thank you for your service, good citizens. You are free to depart."
As the jury made their way out of the room to return home, the king and queen considered the jury's recommendation. After a moment's pause, the queen spoke.
"Lord Kellan," she began, "I understand your daughter is within two months of her eighteenth birthday, is that correct?"
"Yes, your majesty."
"And at that time, were you intending to turn over to her the portion of your lands and monies which you deemed a suitable inheritance, as is customary?"
"Yes, your majesty."
"What exactly was that inheritance to comprise?"
"The Manor Silvercreek, with its estate, servants, and funds required for its upkeep."
"Thank you, my lord," the queen returned, and they paused a moment more.
"Lady Juliana," the king began after a moment. She and her father again stood. "The punishment for treason against the crown has customarily been that of death. While there is little compassion in my heart for you, the queen and I acknowledge that you are young and we wish to minimize the harm done to your family in this court. Thus, the sentence of death is waived." At this Juliana did not alter in her demeanor, but her parents were visibly relieved. "However, the crime of which you have been convicted is no small one. The jury has given an excellent recommendation, and it is our intention to follow it to the letter. Thus, Lady Juliana, you are hereby banished from the Kingdom of Archenland. Returning to any of the lands or territories pertaining thereto will result in the immediate reinstatement of the death sentence. By the end of three day's time, you are to be transported to the coast and there put aboard a Calormene merchant vessel bound out of Archen territories. Furthermore, the inheritance that your father had reserved for you is hereby transferred to the crown to be disposed of at our pleasure. Will Niusha and Emeth please come forward?" the king continued, and the surprised couple timidly stepped before the Archen monarchs. "Both of you showed kindness and loyalty to our daughter, and have proved more loyal to Archenland than one of her native citizens. Therefore, we declare you both to be citizens of Archenland, with all the rights and privileges that accompany that citizenship, and grant to you the full inheritance of the traitoress Juliana— the Manor Silvercreek, its estate, servants, and accompanying monies— to belong to you and your descendants' until the end of time. The High Court of Archenland stands adjourned."
At these words, Galen and his companions could not help but smile, rushing up to congratulate the flabbergasted pair of new Archenlanders. The guards, meanwhile, promptly took Lady Juliana into custody again and marched her back towards the dungeon as her father attempted to comfort his wife's renewed sobs.
"Niusha, Emeth, congratulations!" Lyra exclaimed once she reached them.
"Aye, it is well deserved!" Galen added, and Ayden nodded.
"I cannot believe it!" Emeth exclaimed. "We are strangers, come but newly into this land, and you all have been so good to us."
"You were strangers. You are no longer, my friends," Ayden smiled.
"If you like, you can have the wedding here at Anvard, or on the grounds of your new estate," Lyra said excitedly.
"Sister, before you have the entire wedding planned out for them, what about a little dinner first?" Ayden interrupted good-naturedly.
"Always with the food, brother," Lyra teased. "Of course, you are right, though. Why do we not all share dinner out on the terrace?"
Galen had escaped the noisy crowd after the trial had concluded, and after sharing a pleasant meal with Ayden, Lyra, Niusha, and Emeth he had slipped away to take a walk. Now the Narnian sat beneath the familiar willow in Lyra's glen. The trial had taken the better part of the day, and now the moon's silver light streamed over Mount Argyros and flooded the little glen with milky luminescence, sparkling off the waterfall and the crags of the mountains above it. A gentle wind tossed the willow leaves and blew against Galen's face, bringing the sweet scent of spring flowers with it. The Narnian sighed, and looked down at the carved wooden box he held.
"The horizon still seems clouded, Aslan," he softly spoke, looking at the reflection of the moon in the pool. "I feel as though the sea calls me, yet I do not know where to go. Is there truly a place of safety for the Knife? Or must I aimlessly seek the edge of the world, hoping to avoid those who would destroy what I must protect?" The Narnian looked toward the mountains, where Aravir shone in the darkening sky. "How do I know? Aslan, when will the dawn come?" Galen whispered despairingly. Softly, almost imperceptibly, the wind blew against his face again, but this time brought with it a wild, free, sweet perfume that he had smelled once before.
"The dawn is already upon you, young one," a Voice, deep, rumbling, and immeasurably wise spoke from behind him.
Startled, he jumped to his feet, eyes wide in amazement.
"Aslan!" the Narnian whispered, finding his voice had left him for a moment.
"My Lord," Galen greeted, heart racing and voice filled with happiness and awe as his senses returned and he knelt before the Great Lion, head bowed.
Author's note: Believe it or not, I really did shorten the trial more than would have been thorough and proper for a real trial of this sort, but you get the idea. Hope you enjoyed it! I am curious-are you satisfied with Juliana's punishment, or would you rather have had her dead on the morrow? Please let me know.
I will try to update more quickly, but you know me. Until next time, dear readers!