Secrets
Chapter 40
Mistrial and Error
Part 1
In the Hero's Forge, the Tribunal from each individual tribe had all gathered and stand before the accused, Jim Lake Jr., locked in a cage and Team Trollhunters who stand beside him. Marshall Cadden, Claire Nunez, Toby Dolmzalski, Blinkous Galadrigal and Arrrgh.
"Shall we begin?" Usurna was the first to speak. "The Trollhunter is on trial for choosing to go into the Darklands, allowing the realse of Gunmar the Black, and for harboring the last remaining bloodline of trollkind's greatest enemy, the Silver Lion, Talia Sturges. James Lake Jr. has admitted responsibility for his actoins. What say ou of the charges?"
"We'll fith the charge!" Blinky said.
"Once convicted, the Trollhunter will be sentenced to exile in the Deep." Usurna stated.
"What's the Deep?" Toby asked not liking the sound of that.
"A place of unknown madness." Blinky explained. "No one exactly knows what resides at the bottom of the Deep, because no troll has ever returned from it."
"According to one of my mentor's books I read, the Deep is said to be where you are confronted your most deepest fears. A fear so horrible, a burden deep inside, where you can die of an instant sight," Marshall theorized.
"What do I do?" Jim concerned.
"Don't worry I got this," Marshall said to him as he turned toward to face Usurna. "And if the defendant is found innoccent?"
"He will be granted full pardon and resume his duty, buy if you fail to prove the Silver Lion's innocence as well, we will send out a warrant to arrest her. Shall we begin?"
"One moment, if you please," Blinky asked of them while his friends make a quick conversation facing towards Jim. "You cannot fight these allegations."
"But if he doesn't, we'd be risking Talia taking the indictment," Marshall said to Blinky. "Usurna would use her as an excuse to place the same offenses on Jim, and worse she'll go after Talia. The best thing we can do right now is to prove that they're both innocent."
"He's right," Jim said. "I have to, Blink. Merlin visited me in a. . .sorta dream, and he wants me to fight."
Everbody gasped and looked at him in disbelief hearing him say the name of the ancient powerful wizard.
"Merlin?" Arrrgh asked.
"Visited you in a 'sorta dream'?" Blinky speechless.
"Huh, come to think of it," Marshall said in a deep thought. "It would make complete sense in a way."
"It would?" Jim asked.
"Merlin is technically your patron and you are his chosen champion." Marshall said. "So, it is highgly likely you're somehow connected to him through the amulet."
"Well, I for one, believe he may finally cracked!" Blinky believed.
"So much for you having to represent me, Blink," Jim disappointed.
"Uh. . ."Marshall said uneasy. "Actually Jim, he can't." Blinky turns toward to the young apprentince confused.
"What do you mean?" Jim asked.
"The wizard is right, Trollhunter," Vendel said overhearing their conversation. "Unfortunately, Troll Law states that the accused may only be represented by his own tribe."
"But these children don't know the slightest of Troll Law," Blinky said pulling Claire and Toby close.
"But I do!" Marshall making his stand before the Tribunal making everyone turned to him surprised.
"You?" Usurna scoffed. "Representing the Human Trollhunter? Highly unlikely. A wizard cannot defend a mere mortal."
Marshall leered at her with his hands behind his back, "Actually I can, your Honor, he said as he clears his throat to explain. "According to Troll Law, volume 3, page 54, section B, the accused can only be protected from his own kind. And as it clearly states, the Trollhunter and I are from the same race. Before discovering the existence of trolls and magic. Therefore, I am quite eligible enough to speak for Jim Lake Jr. of this trial."
The members of the Tribunal stared at him in a slap jaw drop expression while exchanging each other's looks. Even Team Trollhunters were completely astonished by Marshall's knowledge of Troll's law.
"Whaaaaat?" Toby breathlessly said.
"Uh- -um, uh. . ." Gatto said with no choice for words.
"Crazy prepared," Arrrgh said in a wide eyed expression as Blinky nodded in agreement with all of his six eyes wide and blinking at the young wizard.
Usurna did not expect this boy to be well so prepared and so knowledgeable learning everything of Troll-kind's laws. "But. . .he's. . ." She glanced at the other leaders still stunned and been reduced to complete and utter silence. She begin wondering on of how she was going to handle this one, but the best thing she could do right now is play smart and try not to let him frightened her. "Very well, wizard, " she admitted. "But the rulles are quite clear on this matter. Do you understant the restriction whilst defending the Trollhunter from conviction?"
"Yes," Marshall cleared. "No magic. I know 'cause it would be an act of offense. But can assure that I won't need it to win this trial." Usurna showed now expression, but however she still was pretty upset and uneasy as she clenched her hands tight into fists.
"Can I talk to them for just a moment?" Jim requested.
"Hmm. Very well," Usurna agreed.
Marshall turns back towards his friends as they all huddled together, "Okay, Marshall, after from witnessing through all of that. You've made your point and show that we may have a chance." Jim said.
"Yes, but I can't face these allegations alone," Marshall said, turning towards Claire. "Claire, will you help me?"
"Nah-uh. I don't know anything about law, Marsh, let alone Troll Law," sh said.
"Maybe it's not as bad as it seems," Toby said. "All Marshall's gotta do is walk around like he owns the place and throw around fancy words. Like, subpoena! Hearsay! Redirect! Re ipsa Ioquitur! Nolo contendere!"
Marshall slaps him behind the head to silence him, "Ow!"
"That's NOT how it works, Toby." Marshall clarified. "This isn't like one of your phony court shows you watch on TV. These rules are strict and straight-foward. One wrong move, and all things fall out of balance. Law and Order is about characterizing by respect and obedience to society."
Blinky shed a tear of how proud of him being so dedicated of how much research he's acquired and unexpectedly picked him up in a bear hug, "What made you so passionate and well prepared for Troll Law?"
Marshall wheezed feeling his ribs slightley being crushed, "Since the destruction of Killahead Bridge. Becoming a lawyer made me feel like this was my true call. Now- -can I please have my lungs back?"
"Oh, yes, sorry," Blinky said as he sheepishly smiled releasing his hold on him.
Marshall held onto his breath gasping returning air into his lungs. "I've watched every episode of Mistrial and Error with my Nana. Also Mistrial and Error: New Orleans, Mistrial and Error: Jury Duty, oh, and Mistrial- -"
"Okay, okay, we get it." Marshall said annoyed.
"Your time is up." Usurna said feeling a bit frustrated reaching a decision that they've found a perfect lawyer for the job. "Have you made a decision on who will represent you?"
"We have," Jim said standing up in his prison confronting them. "Marshall Cadden."
Marshall took in a deep breath to relieve himself through all of the tension that build up in his body. "This is it. My weeks of studying Law and Ordger about to be pu to the test."
"Don't worry," Claire said putting a hand on his shoulder, "I've seen your observation skills, Marshall, and you're really smart."
"You've got this, Marshall," Jim said giving him a thumbs up.
"Marshall Cadden, on behalf of Troll Law, do you pledge to not use magic to manipulate our beliefs and tell the truth only throught fair evidence, witnesses, and words on your behalf?"
Marshall standing tall with determination, "I swear on the Heartstone."
Vendel nodding to show his sign of approval. "Very well," Usurna sighed. "The Tribunal will permit a short recess to allow Mr. Cadden to prepare his case."
"Please," Marshall scoffed. "We've solved the mystery of the Book of Ga-Huel and discovered Bodus was alive all this time. Even exposed one of his polymorf lackeys. If anyone would have the guts to testify against the Tribunal itself, it'll be team Trollhunters. We got this!"
. . .
In the Library, Marshall looked through one of the text books of Troll-law to make sure he'd had everything down before the trial. While Blinky gathered all of the books they needed pileing them one Tobys soft, short, arms. "You'll beed this book," He stacked the first, "Also this one." He brought out the second. "And, yes especially that one." He stacked another.
"I don't get it," Toby said trying to keep a firm grip on the heavy stack of books. "Marshall's the lawyer, not me! So what's the big idea of me carrying all of this stuff?"
"Because, I'm gonna need you and Arrrgh to help me out as co-counsels to support me in defense." Marshall explained.
"Alright! Wingman!" Toby cheered giving Arrrgh a fistbump, before he clumsily falls back dropping all of the books.
"Listen," Bringing their attention. "Troll Law is very much different to ours. The Tribunal are not only the judges, but are also the jury. I know that this may sound ridiculous, but the problem is most of the members are pretty biased against us, so they'll have no problem misconducting us just for their own petty agendas. Which is why we have to be very careful and state the obvious to try and help see to reason."
"Even if you do help them see to reason, Marshall, how are we going to convince the Tribunal that Jim and Talia did not let Gunmar out? I mean, just to be clear, we all know we're guilty of that."
"True. But back at school, during detention when Gunmar had brainwashed Draal attacking them, he said that he already has a spy in Trollmarket." Marshall explained. "I believer there is a spy that has been monitoring us since the day the Tribunal first came to Trollmarket. So. . .maybe. . .just maybe this spy is the true catalyst for Gunmar's escape. The true scandal is hidden in somewhere near Trollmarket."
"I can see why Master Jim chose you to be his advocate," Blinky said. "So, what is your plan?"
"While I stall for time, Claire, Blinky, you guys will go root out Gunmar's agent. If we can prove Gunmar is working with someone on the outside. . ."
"That 'someone' would have freed him from the Darklands in the first place! Could that argument actually work?" Blinky asked.
"Definately," Toby said. "It's like that episode of Mistrial and Error: Swamp Law, where Dectective Jim Belaya discovered evidence that gator people were just as responsible for the murder."
"Not exactly revelant, but yes. . .in a way," Marshall said. "Even though we're guilty of Gunmar's freedom, there's someone else out there responsible as we are."
"Of course of action is clear then!" Blinky stated. "We follow Marshall's plan to prove Master Jim's and Lady Talia's innocence."
"If we can," Claire doubtedly said.
"Uh, if," Marshall raised an eyebrow looking at her. Claire grimaced and smiles sheepishly.
. . .
Back in the Hero's Forge, Marshall stands befor the Tribunal, along with Arrgh and Toby, ready to face the allegations. Marshall took in a big deep inhale and let out a slow exhale, "Okay, here we go. . ." Just as he was about to speak Toby jumped in and interuppted wearing glasses and a bow-tye, "Toby Dolmzalski, co-consel of the lawyer, Marshall Cadden, esquire, appearing on behalf of the defenda. Waive reading plead 'not guilty.'"
Usurna and Vendel stared at Toby in a complete utter lost. Marshall furiatingly seethed under his breath of Toby's carelessness. "Toby. . .what. . .are. . .you doing?!"
"Co-conseling. Is the voice too much?" Toby asked. Jim sighs before Toby imitates the voice of one of the lawyers of his show. "On behalf of the advocate, Marshall Cadden, first order of business." Brings a sock and wipes his face with it, making Marshall grimace. "We hereby motion to remove Gatto as a member of the Tribunal. His presence is prejudicial to the defense."
"How so, esquire Domzalski?" Marshall sarcastically said as one of his eyebrow twitches clawing his nails into the book in his hands.
"He and I have had a rather delicate history, Marshall, which brings his ability to be objective into question," Toby explained turning toward to face the Tribunal. "Feel free to take your time filling the appointment."
"While I assume my co-counsel's small brief," Marshall spoke. "He'd missed volume 3, page 186, section C of Troll Law. . .there is no such thing. As much as Gatto has a LOT of bias against you guys, you cannot remove a member of the Tribunal from court. They're both judges and jurors, remember?"
"He is correct," Usurna said. "Your objection is rejected. On the grounds there are no objections in Troll Law."
"Well, then please have it noted for the record. . .and the MP3." Toby stated. Marshall facepalms himself as Jim sighs and pinches his eyebrows. Marshall walked up and shoved Toby away making him struggle, "Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing?" "What part of 'let me handle this' don't you understand? Interject unless you really have a complaint or something relevant."
"Enough," Vendel said. "The Tribunal will proceed," Vendel clears his throat and continued. "Marshall Cadden, state the grounds for your defense."
"As you wish," Marshall said. "I find the defendant, as well as the fugitive, not guilty."
"What?" Wumpa said, as she and the others exchanged looks
"Oh? On what statement?" Usurna not surprised.
"Listen," Marshall explained. "We all know that both Jim and Talias actions were reckless, and since Gunmar escaped, I don't question that's a problem. But if he did, he must have left his army behind just to escape in time before it could close. And if he had no army, we would know. So, this gives us an excellent opportunity to put an end to him once and for all."
"THAT is what the defense will prove here beyond a shadow of reasonable doubt," Toby stepped in.
"Yes, it is, esquire Dolmzalski, " Marshall skimmed through the pages. "And according to volume 1, page 1, section A, since you are the one who stated the defense. . .the Tribunal can feel free to throw rocks at 'you." He said stepping out of the way.
"Thankyou, - -"Toby stopped and suddenly realizes. "Wait what?" He dodges a rock, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, hey!" The Tribunal throws their rocks at Toby, "Hey! Hey!" then went hiding underneath Arrrgh for cover."
"Why are they throwing rocks?" Jim asked.
"Troll Law," Arrgh said.
"First rock to hit Toby gets to be heard first," Marshall finished.
Then a rock hit's Toby in the butt, making him scream in pain.
"My rock wins," Usurna said. "I have multiplle complaints concerning your statement, advocate. If Gunmar left his army behind, how would you know?"
"How would I know?" Marshall repeated what she'd said. "There is a time limit of how long the bridge would remaing open. Gunmar knew that both our clocks were ticking, so he knew rounding up his army from the Darklands would be pointless if the bridge closes before then. So he escaped himself."
"Really?" Usurna intereted. "Unless you and Emelia have been secretly plotting with the Skullcrusher to even have the nerve to give him that kind of information?"
"Please. Like I would- -" Marshall then stops and turns genuinely confused, but he'd remember Gunmar mentioning that nameto Talia. "Emelia? Who's Emelia?"
Even Jim became confused, but also could not help have heard that name somewhere before. Toby pondering," Emelia. . .Emelia, Emelia. . ." he punches his head to think harder. "Come on, where have I. . ." Then his brain finally clicks as he smiles brightly. "OOOOHHHH! Emelia Wickens!"
"Wait?" Marshall turned towards him. "You know her?"
"Uh. . ." He glanced between him and the Tribunal. "Could you give us a brief here?" He asked them huddling Jim, Arrrgh and Marshall together. "Uh, dude," he said to Marshall. "She's your mentor, Talia's aunt, June Sturges. That's her real name."
"She has another name?!" Marshall shocked feeling left out. "How come she's told you and not me?"
"Uh, well. . ." Toby scratched behind his head. "She didn't quite technically tell us. We sort of found out ourselves when we looked through her stuff back at her house."
"De facto, Marshall, she never told anyone of her true name," Jim said.
Marshall raised himself up becoming more suspicous slowly turning towards Usurna, "If my mentor never said anything. Then how could you have possibly know?"
"It is my right to know!" Usurna trying to change the subject. "Now. . .onward with my further complaints."
"I really hope we got this," Jim said to himself worried.
