80: Preparations for a Trial

Finrod was surprised by the bustle of activity when he arrived at Edhellond with Glorfindel and Findalaurë. He gave his gwador an enquiring look as Glorfindel escorted him down the hall leading to a small room that had been turned into a bedroom, for it was decided that Finrod should not attempt any stairs as yet.

“Tomorrow is Thanksgiving,” Glorfindel said. “We’ve always celebrated it, though we celebrate few other Mortal holidays. It is always a good idea to take one day out of the year and give thanks to Eru and the Valar for all the good things in our lives.”

“And all the bad?” Finrod couldn’t help retorting, though he was grinning as he said it.

Glorfindel shrugged. “One must always take the bad with the good. Here. We’ve put you in this room for now.” He opened the door and they entered. The furniture had been pushed back against the wall and a bed had been placed in the center. “You’ll sleep here for a few days until you’re stronger. You really shouldn’t have been released from the hospital this soon, you know.”

“I know, but to remain in the care of Mortals....”

“It isn’t like it used to be, aranya.”

They turned to see Laurendil there. “I have been studying the way that Mortals treat illnesses and injuries and they have come very far. Manwen and I have even received permission from Dr. Harris to work there a day or two each week. He is interested in knowing more about how elven healers work.” He turned to Glorfindel. “I take it, based on what Geoffrey said, that Elladan and Elrohir have been very reluctant to teach what they know of the healing arts?”

“I am afraid their personal history makes them chary of doing such a thing. In earlier eras they could very well have been branded by ignorant Mortals as demons and burned at the stake.”

Finrod, Laurendil and Findalaurë all paled at that. “But surely it is not that way today?” Finrod asked.

“No, but still, they have had certain experiences in the past that make them reluctant to show their powers. Only since coming here have they begun to act as healers when the need has arisen. Perhaps with you, Laurendil, Manwen and Vardamir here, they will be more forthcoming in exercising those skills, though I suspect at the moment they are feeling a bit shy, knowing that their skills do not come close to any of yours.”

Laurendil snorted. “I watched them working on Alex and I found them highly competent. They have no reason to be ashamed. They have, in fact, learned healing skills that we never had to, given the uncertainties and violence of life here. They have as much to teach us as we them.”

“And perhaps if you tell them that, then they will be more willing to do so,” Glorfindel suggested and both Finrod and Laurendil nodded. “Well, I’ll let you get settled in,” he continued. “I need to check in with the Academy. We have tours out today, though there will be none tomorrow or on Friday.”

“You have not said if you have made arrangements for the trial, Brother,” Finrod said as he sat on the bed.

“You really mean to go through with it,” Glorfindel stated. “This is not Aman, Finrod, nor is it Nargothrond. You have no authority here. Why this insistence on a trial? Let the Mortals handle it. Dave Michaelson is not about to release Farrell or the others any time soon. There will be a trial eventually.”

“Eventually,” Finrod repeated, “but not anytime soon.”

“There may be jurisdictional questions that need to be addressed first,” Glorfindel said. “Don’t forget Ms Washburn. I have no doubt she’s been consulting her company lawyers as to the legalities of the situation. I know for a fact that Farrell and the others are being arraigned today. Bail may be set and if it is met, they can go free under limited circumstances until the trial which probably won’t happen until after the New Year since they will need to select a jury and with the holiday season upon us, such things will be delayed.”

“It matters not,” Finrod said firmly. “I have declared a trial and I will have it. What is the largest hall you have here, for I would invite as many of the Mortals who will come to witness the justice of the Elves.”

“The Grange Hall is probably the largest building in Wiseman though it cannot hold all its residents,” Glorfindel said.

“Then this Grange Hall will do,” Finrod said. “See to it, gwador. I would hold the trial sooner rather than later. You say there are no tours scheduled for Friday. That would be an appropriate day.”

“It will have to be held in the evening, though,” Glorfindel said. “Many will be working during the day, though some may take the day off.”

“Then evening will suffice,” Finrod stated. “You raise objections but you know in your heart this must be done for all our sakes. I have not been idle since coming here, Glorfindel. I have kept eyes and ears open and I know more of the situation here than you think. You have been very busy with the Academy, which is only right, for that is your responsibility at this time, but I who helped with the healing of Aman itself have a different mission than yours and part of the mission will be this trial.”

“Assuming that the Mortals will allow you to hold it,” Glorfindel said. “I will need to speak with Harry Whitman, Wiseman’s mayor, and Dave Michaelson and others.”

“Then the sooner you do so, the sooner it is done,” Finrod said. He turned to Findalaurë who had remained silent all this time. “My son, by your courtesy, would you help me remove my shoes so I may lie down? I am beginning to feel fatigued.”

“Of course, Atto,” Findalaurë said and bent to remove Finrod’s shoes and then helped him to lie down, placing a blanket over him.

“We’ll leave you to your rest, then,” Glorfindel said. “I’ll see what I can do, but I cannot promise anything.”

“I am sure you will do your best, gwador. I have every faith in you.”

Glorfindel shook his head, giving Laurendil a scowl as he left the room. Laurendil followed after checking that Finrod was comfortable. Findalaurë elected to remain with his father and keep him company.

“He’s impossible,” Glorfindel said softly to Laurendil as they walked down the hall. “He doesn’t understand....”

“He understands more than you know, my friend, more than you give him credit for. You think of us as unwary innocents, unused to the ways of Mortals, but that is not so. I think you need to trust him more.”

“I promised him I would do what I can, but I have little authority among these Mortals to say do this or do that. I have to be very careful that I do not antagonize those in authority whom I consider my friends. I have spent the last two years cultivating those friendships, but I have been very careful not to abuse their trust.”

“As Finrod said, I have every faith that you will succeed,” Laurendil said. “Now, if you will excuse me, I will seek out my wife. We have been invited by Geoffrey Harris to join him today for lunch to discuss how we may serve as healers at the hospital.”

“Have fun,” Glorfindel said. “Do you need a ride?”

“No. We will walk. The day is pleasant.”

“It’s near freezing,” Glorfindel said with a grin.

“But the sun shines,” Laurendil retorted. “We will return in the afternoon to help with the preparations for tomorrow’s feast.” He gave Glorfindel a short bow and left. Glorfindel sighed, went to the kitchen to find that everything was under control there, then went to the library where he sat at the desk. He took a few minutes to think things through, writing out a short list of people to contact. At the top of the list was Dave Michaelson’s name. With a sigh, he pulled out his cell phone and, checking its phonebook, selected Michaelson’s number.

“Dave, it’s Loren. Finrod is determined to hold his trial on Friday evening at the Grange Hall and....”

****

Artemus sat in the back of the courtroom waiting for the arraignment of Farrell and the other agents to begin. Maddy was there, along with a silver-haired man he did not know, though he recognized the type: suave and debonair, wearing an impeccably tailored three-piece charcoal gray pinstripe suit with a button-down shirt and the obligatory red silk tie. If he wasn’t a lawyer, Artemus would eat his hat. He suspected the man was sent to expedite matters to the Agency’s satisfaction. He equally suspected the man would go away disappointed, or at least he hoped so.

Farrell and the other agents were seated to Artemus’ left, along with a young woman who apparently was their court-appointed attorney. She had shoulder-length ash-blond hair and wore a sensible two-piece suit of worsted wool dyed a deep blue.

The bailiff came in bidding all to rise for the court of his Honor, Judge James Harrison, a portly, balding man with an amiable smile. He sat and eyed his court and Artemus had the distinct feeling that those golden-brown eyes missed nothing. “All right, Ken, what do you have for me?”

The man at the prosecutor’s table stood. He appeared to be in his forties from what Artemus could tell, sitting in the back row. “Your Honor, we have a case of murder, kidnapping and assault against the following individuals.” He then named Farrell and the others, outlining each charge.

Harrison nodded, then turned to the woman. “Deborah, you are representing all these gentlemen?”

The woman rose. “At the moment, your Honor. I was appointed yesterday and....”

The silver-haired man sitting next to Maddy rose. “Your Honor, if I may approach the bench.”

Harrison gave him a considering look. “And you are?”

“Gregory Sanderson, your Honor. I’ve been hired by Ms Washburn, who is the employer of these men, to represent them. I have my credentials here.”

Harrison gestured for the man to approach and took the proffered documents, giving them a quick glance. “Well, Mr. Sanderson, it’s all very impressive, but I notice you are not certified to practice law in Alaska.”

“I’m certified for federal court, your Honor, and I believe that this case should be turned over to the federal court, since these gentlemen are federal employees.”

“Hmmm.... well, Mr. Sanderson,” the judge said, handing back the documents, “that’s all well and good, but at the moment we’re going to treat this as a local affair. If I feel that this should be sent to the federal court, I will let you know. In the meantime, why don’t you take a seat and we’ll get on with this.”

Sanderson hesitated for a long second before complying. His expression was neutral but Artemus had the impression that he was mentally cursing ‘that hillbilly judge without a clue’ and hid a smile. In the meantime, Harrison was addressing the defense lawyer.

“Well, this is just an arraignment,” he said, “so for the moment, I will allow you to represent all of these gentlemen, but I will have additional lawyers appointed to them for their own sakes. Now, I understand that Mr. Farrell... which one is that? Oh yes, why don’t you stand, Mr. Farrell. I believe Ken has laid most of the charges against you as you appear to be the leader of these other men. So, how does your client plead, Ms Baines?”

“Not guilty, your Honor.”

“And the others I assume are also pleading not guilty?”

“Yes, your Honor.”

“Very well. Mr. Talbot, are you agreeable about bail?”

The prosecuting attorney rose. “Your Honor, we feel that Mr. Farrell and the others may simply be... um... spirited away if they are released from custody and we’ll never see them again.” He didn’t quite turn to look at Maddy, but it was obvious what the man meant.

Harrison looked at Maddy sitting there and nodded. “Yes. I can see where that might be a consideration. Very well. Bail is denied. Mr. Farrell and the others will be remanded to the county jail. The trial will be set for....”

“Your Honor, I protest!” Sanderson exclaimed, leaping to his feet.

“Under what grounds, Mr. Sanderson? You are merely an observer and not a member of this court. It is for Ms Baines to protest anything. Do you protest the denial of bail, Deborah?”

Deborah rose, looking decidedly embarrassed. “No, your Honor. In speaking with my clients, I had the distinct impression that once released they would simply leave.”

“You are supposed to be defending them, girl, not giving him the rope to hang them by,” Sanderson snarled.

“Mr. Sanderson, one more word out of you and I will hold you in contempt. Now sit down and be quiet.”

Maddy reached up and pulled him to his seat, whispering furiously in his ear. Harrison ignored them both.

“Now, where were we? Ah, yes... the question of bail. It is still denied. We’ll set the trial date for after the New Year. That should give you plenty of time to select a jury. In the meantime, I have been asked to grant a special hearing concerning this case and, given the nature of the charges against these gentlemen and given the nature of the one making the request, I am granting it. So, Friday evening at seven o’clock, there will be a special hearing which will be held at the Grange Hall so all who wish may attend.”

Sanderson raised his hand and Harrison sighed. “Yes, Mr. Sanderson?”

“This is highly irregular, your Honor. What sort of special hearing and who has asked it?”

“Hmm... that’s rather hard to explain,” the judge said. “Why don’t you stick around and find out?” He banged his gavel. “Court dismissed. Bailiff, escort the prisoners back to their cells. Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone.” And with that, he stood and left for his chambers.

The bailiff, along with several police officers who had stood silently behind the prisoners, escorted the men out, none of them looking very happy. Farrell turned at the last minute and spied Artemus, giving him a dark look, before being hustled out of the courtroom. The two attorneys were speaking quietly to one another. Sanderson went over to introduce himself to them. They all shook hands and Artemus, still sitting in the back row listened to their conversation.

“What kind of man is Judge Harrison?” Sanderson asked them. “He struck me as being... um... rather lax about the law.”

“Who, Jimmy?” Ken Talbot said. “Ol’ Jimmy is one of the sharpest judges you’ll ever meet, Mr. Sanderson. He sat on our state’s highest court for over twenty years before he retired for health reasons. Now he deals with Saturday night drunks, speeders and the occasional barroom brawl and is happy as a clam in sand. Nothing gets past James Harrison and I would advise you to watch your step with him. You did not impress him one bit.” He turned to the young woman. “Deborah, you leaving for Chandalar?”

“Yeah. Just as soon as I can get out of here.”

“Well, say hello to your folks for me and have a Happy Thanksgiving. I’ll see you Friday?”

“Oh, I’ll be there,” Deborah said with a smile. “I wouldn’t miss this hearing for all the tea in China. Have a Happy Thanksgiving yourself, Ken, and say hello to Kathy and the kids.”

“Will do,” Ken said. “Here. I’ll walk you out.” And the two attorneys gathered their briefcases and headed out the door, leaving Artemus alone with Maddy and Sanderson.

Sanderson walked back to where Maddy was waiting for him. “Well, Deputy Director. It appears that for the moment we are stymied.”

“What do you think are our chances of getting this case thrown out?”

“I have no idea,” Sanderson admitted. “I’ll have to do some research and see if we can at least get the venue changed to federal court, or, at the least, have the venue changed to, say Fairbanks. I understand one of the alleged murder victims came from Wiseman? We could petition the court for a change of venue on the grounds that it is unlikely our people will get a fair trial here.”

“I don’t want any trial at all,” Maddy said as she slipped on her coat. “I want those men released into my custody and the whole lot of us back in Washington.”

“I know,” Sanderson said, “but at the moment our hands are tied. I have some ideas but our first order of business is to get rid of the court-appointed attorney and have someone who is allowed to practice here in Alaska take over. I can still be kept on as a consultant, to make sure the Agency’s interests are not ignored.”

Maddy gave him a resigned look. “Do what you can,” she said.

“And this special hearing on Friday,” Sanderson said. “I don’t understand that. It is highly irregular.”

“Well, I guess the only way we’ll find out what it’s all about is to attend,” Maddy said with a wry look. She and Sanderson headed for the doors, both of them patently ignoring Artemus.

Sitting in the courtroom alone he pondered all that he had heard and finally realized that the request for a special hearing had to have come from Finrod, or more likely, Glorfindel, calling in a number of favors. He imagined that he, Derek and Zach would be asked to attend and, like the fair Ms Baines, Artemus wasn’t going to miss it for the world. After a few minutes, he stood and went out to his car. As he headed for the campus, he made a sudden decision and turned left at the intersection, intending to stop at Edhellond and speak with Glorfindel.

****

When he got to the mansion he found the place bustling with activity and before he knew it, he was sitting in the kitchen pulling bread apart for the stuffing. Glorfindel, Daeron, Ercassë and Serindë were there, the ellith putting together some pies while the ellyn were busy with the trimmings.

“I was at the arraignment,” Artemus said.

“And?” Glorfindel prompted as he peeled potatoes.

“Bail was denied. Also, Maddy called in one of the company lawyers to take over the defense but the judge refused him. Apparently Sanderson’s not qualified to practice before the Alaskan courts, only the federal ones. Not sure what they’ll do next. Probably find someone who is qualified to practice in this state. Judge has ordered a trial for after the New Year, but then he said something rather odd.”

“What was that?” Serindë asked as she rolled out the pie crust.

“He said that a special hearing has been called for Friday evening at the Grange Hall and he’s allowing it.” Artemus gave Glorfindel a shrewd look. “How many favors did you have to call in for that to happen?”

Glorfindel gave him a winning smile. “Fewer than you think. I have a very good relationship with many of the movers and shakers of Wiseman, such as they are, and they were very accommodating, even Jim Harrison.”

“So Finrod will have his day in court, but it’ll be his court,” Artemus said. “How is he anyway?”

“Resting,” Glorfindel replied. “How’s Derek doing?”

“Better, though his night was restless with bad dreams. He wanted to accompany me to the arraignment, but I convinced him to stay in bed and rest. He wasn’t emotionally ready to see Farrell and the others just yet, though I didn’t tell him that.”

“Zach’s much the same way,” Glorfindel said with a nod. “Jud’s keeping an eye on him.”

“Do you think Derek should speak with Ron? I know my sessions with him have been fruitful.”

“I can certainly ask him,” Glorfindel said. “By the way, you and Derek are invited for Thanksgiving dinner. Why don’t you plan to come out around noon? Dinner won’t actually be until around four as we need to wait for Amroth to return with the ellith, but perhaps we can manage to get Derek and Ron together for a chat.”

“Sure, and thanks. I know Grace and the kitchen staff are putting on a nice spread for the students, but I’m happy enough to have dinner with you. Will you be inviting the rest of your friends?”

“Zach will be here as we’ll be discussing Friday’s court and he, you and Derek will need to speak with Valandur and Daeron about what happened. They will be acting as Questioners for the Crown, as the term is used in Aman.”

“We gave our statements to the police,” Artemus said with a frown. “I’m not sure Derek is up to having to go over the whole thing all over again and I doubt Zach is either.”

“And you?” Glorfindel asked, giving him a shrewd look.

Artemus shrugged. “I’m all right with it. Been there, done that, as they say. I can handle it. I’m just not sure Derek and Zach can, at least, not so soon.”

“I know, and I hate to put any of you through this again, but it’s important that we follow the correct procedures for such a court. It will be quite different from what you are used to.”

“Well, okay,” Artemus said with a sigh, “but I think once we’re done speaking with Valandur and Darren, Ron is going to be very busy.”

The Elves chuckled at that.

“So, just how will Finrod conduct his court?” Artemus asked as he helped cut up some celery and onions for the stuffing.

“Well, for one thing, Finrod is judge, jury and executioner,” Glorfindel answered. “Valandur and Daeron will act as Questioners, sort of like the prosecuting attorney. People will be called individually to speak before the court, answering such questions as are put to them and that will include the prisoners. You are allowed counsel if you wish and that goes for everyone, including Farrell and the others. Once all parties have been heard, Finrod will pass judgment.”

“But it’s not binding,” Artemus pointed out, “at least not here. Maybe in Aman, but here, whatever decision he makes, even those who are in favor of it will protest that he has no legal right to make such a decision and make it stick. I doubt Michaelson or Graff would allow it and certainly Maddy and her lawyers won’t.”

“Perhaps,” Glorfindel said with a shrug. “This is more for Finrod’s benefit than for ours. He will not tell me why he feels it necessary to hold this court. I do not think he trusts the Mortals to do what is right.”

“He needs to have more faith in us,” Artemus said with a scowl. “You all do. We may not have all the answers and we may not always get it right, but you know damn well that our system of law works more often than not. Farrell and the others are not going to walk scot-free. I watched Judge Harrison. He’s nobody’s fool and he was not at all impressed by Sanderson. I doubt Harrison will let anyone, even Finrod, run roughshod over his court.”

“And I agree,” Glorfindel said, “however, I have the feeling more is going on than even I know. Finrod is being very cagey about this. Anyway, the Powers That Be in Wiseman have agreed to it, so we’ll just have to wait and see how it goes.”

“High entertainment for the peons, if nothing else,” Artemus said with a grin and the others snickered. As he was speaking, Vorondur came in and Artemus spent a few minutes speaking to him of his concern about Derek and Zach and the ellon agreed that counseling sessions for both of them would be appropriate.

“Once you, Derek and Zach have given your statements to Valandur and Daeron, why don’t we all meet in the sunroom for a chat?”

“Me? I don’t need counseling, at least, not for that.”

“Perhaps not, but you three were together during your ordeal and I think it would be beneficial for Derek and Zach to have you there.”

“Okay,” Artemus said reluctantly. “So, should I tell Derek about it?”

“No. Once you three have given your statements, I will make the suggestion that the four of us should go somewhere private to talk about how you all are feeling. Friday’s court is going to be emotionally draining. I want you three to be more at peace with yourselves before that.”

“Okay. I can see that. What about Lawrence and his gwedyr?”

“We’ve already been speaking with them,” Vorondur replied. “They’ll give their statements to Valandur and Daeron later today. This is nothing new for them. They’ve all been exposed to such court proceedings. Indeed, Finda has even sat in such courts with Finrod and with the Noldóran.”

“Well, I had better get back to the Academy and see how Derek is doing,” Artemus said, standing up.

“Have you decided if you are going to do your tour on Monday, yet?” Glorfindel asked.

“I’m still thinking about it. Let’s get past this court and all first.”

“Fair enough. We’ll see you and Derek tomorrow, then.”

With that, Artemus made his farewells and left. For a few minutes the Elves remained silent as they continued with their preparations. Finally, Vorondur spoke as he helped his wife put the pies in the oven. “I am not happy about any of this. I respect Finrod, but I think he’s going too far insisting on holding court.”

“I’m not too keen on it myself,” Glorfindel said, “but Finrod outranks us all. We’ll just have to see how it goes. If nothing else, it’ll be high entertainment for the good people of Wiseman, as Alex said. They will have never seen anything like it before.”

“What’s his game? What does he hope to accomplish?” Vorondur asked.

“Your guess is as good as mine,” Glorfindel replied. He looked to say something more but Finrod, leaning on Findalaurë, came in just then.

“What are you doing out of bed?” Glorfindel demanded.

“I was feeling bored and decided to come out here and give you grief,” Finrod answered with a grin as Findalaurë helped him to the breakfast nook. “Now, I see you are preparing for tomorrow’s feast. As long as I’m here, I can help.”

“You should be in bed resting. Do your healers know you’re up?”

“My healers all seem to have disappeared and so I was unable to consult them,” Finrod said with an arch look. “Now, stop treating me as if I were an elfling and hand me that knife. I can sit here and cut something up. Finda will help as well.”

“Fine,” Glorfindel said with a huff of frustration. “Here, you can finish peeling the potatoes, while Finda can cut them into quarters.”

“Where are you going?” Finrod asked in surprise when Glorfindel headed for the back door.

“Out. I need some space, as the Mortals like to say. If I stay here, I’m likely to strangle someone.” He gave Finrod a dark look, but the prince appeared less than impressed. He gave his gwador a disdainful sniff.

“I’d like to see you try.”

Glorfindel turned to Vorondur as he opened the door. “Now you know why I left Aman,” he said as a parting shot.

Even out in the garden he could hear Finrod’s merry laughter and in spite of himself, he found himself grinning. It was good to have his gwador with him once again.