134: A Trial Is Convened

The next morning, once breakfast was done with, the elflings asked to accompany Finrod to Lady Nienna’s so as to be with Vondo and Vorondil while the Council was in session.

Finrod gave them a grave look. "Vondo will be released from his bed today and he will be at the Council, so you won’t be able to see him."

That was news to others besides the elflings. Arafinwë gave him a piercing look. "And whose decision is that?" he asked.

Finrod’s own expression did not change as he turned to his atar. "Mine. I think we need to address what happened between Vondo and Selmacas before we can continue with the Council. I think it will be wise to have the Tol Eressëans see what Amanian justice looks like."

"Amanian or Valarin?" Ingwë asked, giving Finrod a shrewd look.

Finrod shrugged. "In the end, is there really a difference?"

"Perhaps not," Ingwë averred, "but I still would hesitate calling a court of chivalry at this time."

"And I’m more inclined to let Selmacas stew in Mandos for a while longer," Arafinwë added. "I warned him...."

"You warned him about making trouble with Herendil and Aldundil," Finrod reminded him. "You did not warn him about Vondo."

"No one knew that Vondo would come here," Arafinwë retorted in exasperation.

"How did he come here?" Ingwion asked. "I cannot imagine that he managed to sneak out of Lórien without someone noticing. Certainly the Maiar would have. Why didn’t they stop him?"

"Orders," Laurendil answered with a scowl. "Orders from Lord Irmo, or so Ingil confessed to me when I called him on it just before I left Lórien."

"This sounds like the Valar wanted what happened to happen," Alassiel ventured, looking distraught.

"They certainly wanted something to happen, that’s for sure," Sador said with a snort of disgust. "Glorfindel isn’t the only one they’re manipulating. I think half of what’s been going on with the Council has been subtly orchestrated by the Valar."

"Yet, I cannot believe they actually intended for Selmacas to attack that poor ellon," Eärwen said. "That smacks of cruelty and indifference and I have never known the Valar to be either."

"You think they wanted Selmacas to attack Vondo, or at least hoped he would?" Sador asked, his expression one of shock. "But why? Why subject an innocent Reborn to such trauma? Why would the Valar deliberately goad Selmacas into attacking Vondo? I saw Selmacas’ face as he was taken away. He was terrified and rightly so. If this was a set-up...."

"Then we need to address the issue now," Finrod insisted. "We need to lay blame where it rightly belongs, if any are truly to be blamed for this disaster. Selmacas has never been a friend to me, as many of you well know, but I cannot countenance even someone like him being treated as a pawn in someone else’s game. He deserves better. We all do."

"You truly think the Valar should answer for this?" Eärendil asked incredulously. "Even if what you say is true, how can you hope to put them on trial or punish them?"

"Lord Manwë said in the beginning of this Council that he and the Valar would abide by our rules," Finrod said, looking now at Ingwë. "I think it’s time we find out if that was just talk on his part."

"Now you’re beginning to sound like me with my suspicions," Glorfindel said with a thin smile that did not reach his eyes.

"Selmacas has the right to be heard," Ingwë said, looking at Arafinwë who nodded. "Very well," he continued, "I will ask that Selmacas be brought here for trial. Traditionally trials are set for noon when the light of the sun is at its strongest and shadows are not present. It’s too late to postpone this morning’s session, but I don’t see any point in continuing with our agenda until after the trial."

"Let us go to the Council and explain what we are about," Olwë suggested. "You still have to speak with Lord Manwë about having Selmacas brought back to Valmar."

Ingwë nodded. "Then let us even so."

"But what about us?" Sorondil asked and the adults looked at the elflings in dismay, having completely forgotten about them.

Finrod shook his head, giving them a sympathetic smile. "You have lessons that have been neglected, if I’m not mistaken. Remain here with Mistress Luhtana. I will send Vorondil here after the trial, for he, too, has been neglecting his lessons. Later, you will be able to visit with Vondo, but it will most likely not be until late this afternoon or early in the evening."

The five children sighed. "Can we at least eat dinner with Uncle Vondo then?" Veryandur pleaded.

"I don’t see why not," Finrod replied, "provided that you are on your best behavior and do not give Mistress Luhtana any grief."

The children promised and with that the adults left for the Council.

****

As they were making their way through Eldamas towards the northern gate leading into Valmar, Ingwë spoke. "I will go to Lord Manwë and ask that Selmacas be brought to us by noon."

"I’ll go see Vondo and explain what is going to happen," Finrod said. "He’s going to need to understand why Selmacas did what he did. There’s no hiding this from him now whatever his family wishes."

"Arafinwë and I will speak to the other delegates as they arrive and tell them what we plan. It is in my mind not to let the Valar know that we will be putting them on trial as well. Let them think this is only about Selmacas’ attack on Vondo."

"What will we do in the meantime?" Ingwion asked.

"Why don’t we just see what the others have to say?" Ingwë suggested. "Perhaps we will just keep the proceedings informal this morning."

They all agreed to this and when they came to Valmar, Ingwë left them to go to Lord Manwë, taking Ingwion with him, while the others continued on to Lady Nienna’s mansion. Once there, Finrod took Laurendil and went in search of Vondo and his family while Olwë and Arafinwë and the other Amanians continued to the Council chamber to find Brethorn and the other Reborn already there waiting for them.

Olwë and Arafinwë exchanged amused looks even as they greeted the Reborn.

"Has something happened?" Brethorn asked, looking worried. "When no one was here...."

"Just a slight change in the schedule," Olwë assured him. "Ingwë is speaking to Lord Manwë about it. We’ve decided we need to deal with Lord Selmacas’ attack on Vondo before we go any further with this Council. The trial is set for noon."

The Reborn delegates, and now several others arriving in time to hear Olwë’s words, looked concerned.

"I would think that would be an internal matter of the Noldor and not something that concerns any of us," Morcocáno ventured.

Olwë hesitated, looking uneasy. He glanced around and gestured for them to come closer, speaking in a low voice. "We think there is more to this than meets the eye. Prince Findaráto means to bring charges against the Valar."

The silence that followed that statement lasted for several minutes. "On what grounds?" Brethorn finally asked, looking decidedly ill.

"On the grounds that they’ve been manipulating us, this Council, all along for their own ends," Arafinwë answered. "Not that we have any means of punishing them or anything like that, but we mean to confront them with this accusation. Their touch has been subtle for the most part, and normally I don’t think any of us would really notice but Vondo showing up was too... blatant."

There were considering looks among the delegates as Olwë opened the door and gestured for them all to enter, those who would be sitting at the table absent-mindedly choosing a gemstone and finding their seats while the others made their way to the tiers. The delegates arriving late were apprised by their fellows of what was happening.

"You say this trial is set for noon," Galadhwen said to Olwë, for she was sitting next to him. "What do we do in the meantime?"

"Why don’t we wait for Ingwë before we make a decision," Olwë replied. Then he swept his gaze over them all. "And not a word about what we mean to do. If the Valar get wind of this beforehand...."

There were nods and murmurs of assent all around. Just then, Finrod entered, along with Herendil and Aldundil. Finrod reached into the bowl to take one of the three remaining gemstones and made his way to his seat, stopping to have a whispered conversation with his atar and anatar.

"Herendil was unable to find Lord Irmo to discuss what to tell Vondo, so we went ahead and told him the truth."

"What was the ellon’s reaction?" Arafinwë asked.

"Surprisingly calm," Finrod answered. "He was more upset for Aldundil and Vorondil than he was for himself. He still has no real memory of Calalindalë. He can’t even remember what she looks like. To him, the knowledge of what he meant to Calalindalë and what she meant to him is all intellectual; there is no emotional connection to any of it."

"We’ve told the other delegates about what we plan with regards to the Valar," Olwë said. "No one is happy about it, but they will go along with it."

"I’m not happy about it, either," Finrod said with some exasperation, "but I think we need to clear this up before we go any further."

"Agreed," Olwë said, then looked up. "Ah, Ingwë has arrived and so have the Valar."

Finrod turned to see the High King and Ingwion entering with Lord Manwë, with the other Valar behind them. He gave his atar and anatar a knowing nod and then went to claim his seat. Meanwhile, Manwë gestured for Ingwion to select one of the remaining gemstones and then they both followed Ingwë down to the dais. When all were settled, Ingwë welcomed them.

"It has been decided that Lord Selmacas’ trial will be held at noon today," he told them. "Lord Námo has instructed his People to bring Selmacas here at that hour."

"Who will act as judge?" Barancheneb asked.

"As Selmacas is a Noldo who attacked another Noldo, it would be my sovereign right to act as sole judge," Arafinwë answered, "but my fellow rulers have agreed to adjudicate with me. I am afraid that most of you will be called upon as witnesses to the event."

"Well, that is still some hours away," Lindarion said. "What do we do in the meantime?"

"If I may," Eärendil ventured and when Ingwë nodded, he continued. "Unlike the rest of you, I have not had the benefit of hearing your stories. My people and I would appreciate hearing from each of you as to why you are here and what you hope to accomplish."

"I think that would be acceptable," Ingwë said with a nod. "Are there any objections? No? Then perhaps someone would like to begin."

There was a brief pause as everyone at the table looked at everyone else and then Finrod raised a hand. "Why don’t I start?" When there was no objection, he went on. "Although I had been re-embodied for over a century, and even though I was friends with some of the Reborn who eventually settled on Tol Eressëa, I never really gave them or any of the other inhabitants a thought until one day last year an embassy from Tol Eressëa arrived in Tirion...."

****

After Finrod finished his tale, others chimed in briefly with their own. When Gilvagor happened to mention the New Year Tournament which had been attended by several people from Tol Eressëa, people began discussing that with great interest. Even Glorfindel was asked to describe his part in it and those who had not been there wondered if similar tournaments could not be held again on a regular basis.

"Perhaps taking turns hosting it," Dúlinn suggested.

That idea was agreeable to them all and a discussion was held as to when the next tournament could be held and who would host it. In the end it was decided to hold one at the next summer solstice to give everyone a chance to prepare and Arafinwë offered to host it, saying that the plains before the Calacirya would be a good place for the tournament.

By then, it was growing close to the noon hour and Ingwë suggested that a recess be held while the chamber was prepared for the trial. Lady Nienna spoke up, stating that refreshments had been set up within the cloister and everyone was invited to come. The atmosphere was relaxed and congenial as people happily mingled with one another while making their way from the chamber.

Finrod, with Sador, Beleg and Glorfindel in tow, made a point of chatting with Lord Oromë and Lady Vána, with Glorfindel blithely answering the Valar’s questions about his training. Others, taking Finrod’s cue, also spoke with the Valar in a friendly manner, thereby hoping to deflect any possible suspicions as to the elves’ plans.

****

Just before noon, the delegates streamed back into the Council chamber to find that the room had been reconfigured slightly in their absence. The central dais appeared larger somehow and the table had been replaced with three tables placed in a ‘U’ formation with spaces between them. At the open end was a chair. The middle table was obviously where the three kings would sit. Unlike during the Council sessions, Arafinwë, as chief judge, sat in the central chair with Ingwë on his right and Olwë on his left. There were six other chairs at this table and these were reserved for Herendil, Vondo and Laurendil on one side and Finrod, Ingwion and Lindarion on the other. The other delegates found their seats at the other two tables, nine delegates at each, for Lord Manwë elected to sit with the other Valar, stating that this trial was for the elves to deal with; the Valar would merely be observers. Lady Vandacalimë, Aldundil and Vorondil joined the Noldorin delegates in the tiers. Vorondil looked distressed and Aldundil kept a comforting arm around his son during the proceedings.

"Have Lord Selmacas brought in," Arafinwë ordered, and immediately, the doors opened and every head craned to see Selmacas between two of Lord Námo’s People, grim and silent. The Noldorin lord was ashen, his eyes glazed over with shock as he stumbled on the steps leading down to the dais. The Maiar casually held him up and saw him seated, then they bowed to the kings and stepped away, retreating up the steps and leaving, the door silently closing behind them.

"Lord Selmacas," Arafinwë intoned, "you stand accused of an unprovoked attack against Vorondil Herendilion, known as Vondo, causing severe, perhaps even fatal injuries had it not been for the fact that Prince Findaráto and others were able to heal him. How do you plead?"

Selmacas rose to his feet, gave the kings a respectful bow, and said, "I plead guilty, your Majesty, though I hope to be given an opportunity to explain myself."

Arafinwë nodded. "You may do so at this time, my lord."

Selmacas swallowed and all could see how strained he appeared. Without consulting anyone, Elríen stood and went to the ellon, speaking to him softly. He appeared both genuinely surprised and grateful for her attention and answered just as softly. She nodded and turned to the kings. "If someone could bring some water for Lord Selmacas?"

Before anyone could respond, a small table with a pitcher of water and a goblet appeared to one side of Selmacas’ chair. Elríen didn’t even blink, but went over and poured the water and handed the goblet to Selmacas, who drank it, looking somewhat better afterwards. He quietly thanked the healer who nodded and returned to her own seat.

"Why don’t you be seated, Selmacas, while you speak?" Arafinwë suggested kindly and Selmacas did.

"I regret what I did," Selmacas began without preamble, not looking at Vondo but keeping his eyes down as he clutched the goblet. "When I saw Voron... er... Vondo standing there blithely dismissing my daughter, the daughter he had professed to love, I... my mind went blank and I don’t even remember attacking him. I was so blind with my own fury and... and shamed at how my daughter has been treated...."

"Calalindalë has been treated with great kindness," Arafinwë interjected. "More kindness than she showed to her son or husband, more kindness than she really deserved."

"Yet, she is... imprisoned for an indeterminate period of time," Selmacas retorted, "without even a chance for her amillë and I to see her."

"I am sure she would be allowed visits from you and your wife," Arafinwë said, casting an enquiring glance at Lord Manwë.

The Elder King shook his head. "It is our opinion that Calalindalë needs a time of reflection before we allow you to see her, Selmacas. Her condition is rather... toxic."

"And she is not alone," Vairë added. "Lady Míriel is her constant companion and has been of enormous help in our endeavors to heal your daughter of her hatred which nearly destroyed her son and can easily destroy others as well. In time, Selmacas, I promise you, Calalindalë will be released from my care."

Selmacas nodded reluctantly. "At any rate, it was only afterwards that I realized what I had done. My own sense of shame, I fear, got the better of me." He then looked to Vondo and stood, his attitude one of resignation. "I regret my actions, Lord Vorondil, and ask at least for your understanding if not your forgiveness."

Vondo looked at Herendil, who nodded, before turning back to Selmacas. "It is I who should ask for your forgiveness, Lord Selmacas. Only this morning has it been made clear to me what happened between me and your daughter and how it is that my brother married her and gave me my nephew. Please believe me when I say that I never meant to cause you grief by my insensitivity. In truth, I still have no memory of Calalindalë. I only know what I’ve been told. I grieve that my death has been the cause of so much unhappiness, not only in my own family, but in yours. I bear you no animosity and I ask the court to show leniency as no permanent damage was done to me."

"Thank you," Selmacas said sincerely and resumed his seat, resigned to whatever fate was due him.

Arafinwë held a whispered consultation with Ingwë and Olwë for a few minutes and then addressed Selmacas, gesturing for him to stand. "Lord Selmacas, it is the opinion of this court that you are indeed guilty of the charges against you, however, given the mitigating circumstances, as well as your sincere regret for your actions and Lord Vorondil Herendilion’s plea for leniency, we will accept your parole. If during the rest of this Council you refrain from causing any more trouble, you will be released from your parole at the conclusion of the Council. Do you accept these conditions?"

Selmacas bowed. "I accept, your Majesty, and I thank you for your benevolence."

"Then you may take your seat among your fellow delegates," Arafinwë said, gesturing towards where the other Noldor were sitting. As Selmacas bowed once again and made his way to his seat, Arafinwë swept his gaze among those sitting at the other two tables, his expression somewhat sardonic. "If there is no further business...."

That, of course, was Finrod’s cue. He stood and Arafinwë nodded for him to speak.

"There is one more piece of business this court needs to address, Sire," Findaráto said formally.

"And what is that, Prince Findaráto?" Arafinwë asked just as formally.

Finrod glanced to where the Valar were sitting and took a deep breath before speaking. "I accuse Lord Manwë and the other Valar of gross misconduct and contempt of this Council. I demand that the Valar be placed on trial to answer these charges."

There was an expectant silence as every elf there eyed the Valar, wondering how they would react. Most were anticipating Lord Manwë either protesting the charges or simply blasting them all into Mandos where Lord Námo would be waiting for them. So when the Elder King started to smile, they all held their collective breaths — some even closed their eyes — expecting the worst.

But they were not expecting to hear Lord Manwë laughing. "It’s about time," he exclaimed merrily, and he laughed even harder at the shocked expressions on all the elves’ faces.