82: Finrod’s Court

Artemus and Derek returned to Edhellond around two the next day to look over their statements. Zach was also there as were Valandur and Daeron, who spoke with them.

"Even Elves are not immune to making mistakes, so please take the time to read your statements carefully, make sure there are no errors, for what is submitted to the court will stand."

Derek and Zach did not take long to read their statements and declare that they were correct and signed them but Artemus’ statement was many pages longer than theirs and he did not rush. At one point, though, he looked up from reading and gave them a grin. "If you all are just going to sit there staring at me..."

Derek and Zach blushed. "We’ll go take a walk or something," Derek said and stood. "Holler when you’re done." Then he and Zach left.

Artemus sighed, shaking his head, then returned to his reading while the two Elves busied themselves with other matters, quietly speaking to one another. After another five minutes or so, Artemus looked up, handing the papers to Valandur. "This appears to be correct."

Valandur handed him a pen and showed him where to sign his name on the last page while Daeron stated he would find Derek and Zach. "We need to go over the procedures so you know what your part of it all will be and then you’re free to go," he told Artemus as he headed for the door.

A few minutes later, he returned with Derek and Zach in tow and for the next few minutes explained how the court would be conducted, where they were expected to stand, how they would address Finrod and the Questioners and several other matters. Daeron ended his explanation with, "Be aware that Farrell and the other agents will be there and there will be other witnesses. Even Finrod may speak about his own part in what happened, though more than likely, he’ll leave it for Glorfindel to tell his part, since Glorfindel will be asked to describe how Finrod was wounded and why. Do you have any questions at this time?"

"What about counsel?" Derek asked. "I mean, if we’re unsure how to answer something, will we have benefit of counsel?"

Valandur and Daeron nodded. "You may ask whomever you wish to act as counsel, or you may allow the court to appoint counsel to you. My suggestion is that you wait until and unless you feel the need to consult with someone before requesting one."

"But who would we ask for?" Zach enquired. "I mean, I can’t suddenly call up my next door neighbor who is a lawyer and ask him to trot down to the Grange Hall for consultation."

Everyone grinned at that and Daeron answered. "No. That would be impractical. Any of the Elves who are not themselves acting as witnesses may be called upon to act as your counsel as long as you give your consent. Those who come from Valinor would be the most logical choice, since they are well acquainted with the procedures of the court."

"Okay, then, if we need counsel, we’ll ask for it, otherwise, we’re pretty much on our own as witnesses usually are even in our own court system," Artemus said. "So what time should we be there?"

"Court will begin promptly at seven," Daeron answered, "barring any unforeseen delays. I recommend you be there no later than six-thirty. So you have about three hours. Try not to be nervous. Yes, I know. Easier said than done, but you are not the ones on trial here. You are merely witnesses and if you stick to the bare truth and offer no embellishments it will go easier for you. Finrod may or may not ask his own questions. If he does, then turn and address him directly."

"So how do we address him?" Zach asked.

"‘My lord’ or ‘sir’ would be appropriate in your cases," Valandur replied. "Finrod is well aware of your people’s, shall we say, more relaxed manners and will not take offense if you fail to address him properly."

There were no other questions and the Mortals were dismissed. Artemus offered Zach a ride, which he accepted. As they drove off, Derek said, "This is so screwy. What does Finrod hope to gain by holding this court?"

"Who knows?" Artemus replied. "At any rate, any decision made is not binding to us. Farrell and the others will have a proper day in court, assuming Maddy and her legion of lawyers don’t manage to get them sprung beforehand."

"Maybe that’s the point," Zach said. "Maybe whatever happens at this court isn’t binding by law, but it will be on everyone’s mind when they are released and there is no trial before Judge Harrison or whoever."

Artemus and Derek nodded in agreement. As they pulled up to Zach’s apartment building, Artemus offered to pick him up later, but he declined, saying that Jud would bring him.

"I’ll see you there," he said before heading into the building.

"Well, let’s get back," Derek said, "and see if we can scrounge up some formal duds for ourselves. I forgot to pack my tuxedo when I came here."

Artemus grinned. "You have a tuxedo?"

"Doesn’t everyone?" Derek retorted with an innocent look and then they were both laughing as Artemus put the car into gear and drove on.

****

At six-thirty, Artemus was pulling into the parking lot of the Grange Hall and when he and Derek entered the hall they stood at the door gaping. On the small stage at the other end of the hall was an oak chair with a low back, richly carved and covered with blue silk. Bright banners stood on poles behind it and a beautiful Persian rug lay before it. There was an oak table with two chairs to the right of the throne, while another chair was placed to the left. From the rafters above the stage and along the walls of the hall were hung other brightly colored banners, most of them without any embroidery — deep blue, scarlet, and bright yellow being the predominate colors. A few appeared to have some sort of heraldic device on them though they were unfamiliar to the two Mortals.

Chairs were set up before the stage with an aisle between. Already, many of the seats were filled as people began arriving, including some of the students from the Academy who were residents of Wiseman. Rangers were stationed at the door and elsewhere, directing people. Artemus saw Paul Pettingill holding a clipboard in his hands, consulting it, and he and Derek went to speak with him, having been told earlier by Daeron to check in with the ranger.

"Hi. We’re witnesses," Artemus said in greeting. "Alex Grant and Derek Lowell."

Paul checked his clipboard and nodded, pointing to their right. "See that roped off area? That’s where you will sit when you’re not giving testimony."

The two men nodded and wended their way towards their seats where they saw Zach and Fred Steiner as well as Calandil and Elennen and some of the other Elves who had been a part of the rescue mission. All of the Elves were dressed in flowing robes and brightly embroidered tunics. Zach and Fred, like Artemus and Derek, were wearing shirts and ties with dark jackets and slacks.

"Hey, how are you guys doing and where’s Lawrence?" Derek asked as he and Artemus sat after greeting everyone.

"We are doing well," Calandil replied, "and Finda has his own part to play in this, though he will also be called to give testimony."

"Looks like half the town is here," Artemus commented as he looked around.

"More than half."

They turned to see Amroth, also wearing a flowing robe, approaching them. Nimrodel was beside him, looking very queenly in her long gown.

"Cool duds," Derek commented. "I’m afraid us Mortals are rather like pigeons next to all of you bright peacocks."

The Elves laughed. "You look just fine," Amroth assured him. "We are dressed like this at Finrod’s behest. He means to make this a pageant that the people of Wiseman will not soon forget. You see those cameras and all the microphones above the stage? This will be recorded for posterity, but there is also a live feed and those who cannot come here can still watch it on the local community access channel from the comfort of their homes or at any of the bars. Now if you will excuse us, I will see Della seated and then join you as I, too, am a witness."

With that, he gave them a regal nod of his head and the two made their way to a section of the audience which had been reserved for all the Elves who were not taking any part in the event. Amroth rejoined them, accompanied by Vorondur. There was a commotion at the door and they craned their necks to see what was happening. Artemus grimaced as he saw Farrell and the other agents bound with hand and leg cuffs, being escorted into the hall by several police and sheriff’s deputies. He watched as they were led to another section on the left side of the hall which he had not noticed before. This, too, was roped off and the prisoners were made to sit while the police officers and sheriff’s deputies stood behind them. He saw Dave Michaelson and Carl Graff coming in, along with Judge Harrison. They spoke briefly with Paul before finding their seats.

And right behind them came Maddy and Sanderson. Seeing them, Artemus excused himself and made his way toward them. Maddy saw him and stopped, waiting for him to approach. Artemus slipped a hand inside his coat and pulled out an envelope, handing it to Maddy without a word.

"What’s this?" she asked, not taking the envelope.

"My resignation, effective immediately," Artemus said quietly, with little emotion.

"Your what?" Maddy exclaimed. "You can’t resign."

"I can and I have," Artemus said stonily. "You can take this or I can mail it. It doesn’t matter to me either way, but as of now, I’m no longer one of your agents."

"You need to return to Washington and be debriefed," Maddy said, her eyes flashing in anger. "Then we’ll discuss your resignation."

"Not going to happen, Deputy Director," Artemus retorted. "I have written up a full report of everything related to this case and have already sent it on to Washington by registered mail. I’ll arrange with someone to go to my apartment and pack my personal belongings and have them sent here, but I will not return to Washington now or ever. So, here is my resignation." He reached over, grabbed Maddy’s hand and shoved the envelope in it, then returned to his seat without looking back.

Derek gave him a shrewd look. "Can you really resign?"

Artemus shrugged. "We’ll find out, won’t we?"

"Well, the show is about to start," Zach commented, nodding at the clock on the wall. Artemus looked and saw that only a minute remained of the hour. By now, the entire hall was filled to capacity and quite a few people were standing in the back, determined to be a part of the spectacle. Then, as the hour hand reached twelve, an Elf, whom Artemus recognized as Erestor, came onto the stage from the back and strode purposefully toward the front, carrying a tall wooden staff, richly carved. Everyone went silent at his appearance. He struck the staff three times upon the stage floor before speaking.

"All rise. The court of his Highness, Findaráto, Prince of Eldamar, is now in session."

All the Elves rose and the Mortals quickly followed. Artemus craned his neck to see what was happening as a side door opened. First came two ellyn whose names Artemus could not remember. They were carrying what appeared to be spears. Behind them came Valandur, Daeron and Glorfindel. Findalaurë followed, bearing a naked sword, his expression solemn. Then came Finrod, who outshone them all in regal splendour. Bringing up the rear were Elladan and Elrohir, dressed in matching blue and silver, also carrying spears.

When they reached the stage, the two ellyn leading the procession split up, going to stand at the edges of the stage parallel to the throne, facing it, their spears point up before them. Valandur and Daeron stood behind the table while Glorfindel and Findalaurë stood on either side of the throne with Glorfindel on the left. As Finrod climbed the steps, every Elf in the audience bowed or curtsied, though none of the Mortals did. Elladan and Elrohir also split up to stand at the corners of the apron, facing the throne. Erestor, who had moved to one side while everyone processed onto the stage turned to Finrod and bowed to him then stood between Glorfindel and the lone chair.

Silence hung heavily over them all as they gazed at the Elf prince who stood before his throne looking at ease. After a few long seconds, he sat. "Please be seated," he said politely and everyone took their seats. Once everyone was settled he spoke again. "We know that what is decided in this court will not be legally binding by the laws of your country, however, We have decided that this court is necessary for all our sakes. Certain events have occurred recently about which most of you are unaware, but they will impact upon your lives in ways you may not understand immediately. For this reason We have summoned you to bear witness to elven justice. We would warn you that no outbursts or disruptions will be tolerated from any of you. You will be summarily removed from this court."

He paused for a moment, then looked to where the prisoners were. "Please remove their bonds," he said.

The officers hesitated for a moment but when Michaelson nodded they complied.

Finrod gave the prisoners a hard stare. "Our warning applies to you, as well. If you attempt to disrupt these proceedings, you will be removed."

"You have no right," Farrell snarled as he leaped up. Two of the officers pushed him back into his seat. "Who are you people, anyway? And why are you all dressed up like a bunch of ren-faire rejects?"

Before Finrod could reply, Judge Harrison stood, giving Finrod a slight bow. "I have allowed this hearing to take place. As has been pointed out, any decisions made here have no legal binding under our laws, but what happens here may well impact the trial for these men. By rights, I should recuse myself from the bench, and I may well do so, but for now, I will remain an interested bystander to these proceedings."

"And you have Our thanks for allowing this," Finrod said graciously. Then he turned to Farrell, his expression cold. "As to who we are, that will become apparent soon enough. My Lord Erestor, please swear in the witnesses."

Erestor bowed and turned to the audience. "I am aware that you Mortals have a different custom of swearing in than we do and so I will ask one who has the authority to do so to help me in that regard." He gestured and Judge Harrison stood and made his way to where the witnesses sat. He held in his hand a bible.

“Please stand and place your left hand on the bible and raise your right hand,” he said, gesturing to the four Mortals. They complied with the request with Zach standing somewhat awkwardly as he had to lean over a bit because of his cast and the Judge intoned the words which were said in every court proceeding. Once the oaths were administered, Harrison turned to Erestor and nodded before going back to his seat.

Erestor gestured for the Mortals to sit while all the Elves acting as witnesses stood. "Do ye give oath in the name of the One Who is above all thrones that the testimony ye are about to give is free of falsehood?" he asked them.

"We do," the Elves said in chorus.

"Then be mindful of your oaths to lord and land and remain in the light of Truth."

The Elves sat and Erestor bowed to Finrod and resumed his place. Finrod turned to the Questioners. "My Lord Valandur, my Lord Daeron, you may call the first witness."

Valandur rose and bowed to Finrod. "The crown calls Artemus Gordon Meriwether, also known as Alex Grant."

Artemus started, not expecting to be the first one called. There was a rising murmur of surprise among those from the Academy when he stood. He checked to see that his tie was straight and forced himself not to check his head. His hair had begun growing back and now he was not so bald looking but he still felt naked without a hat. Derek gave him a thumbs-up and then he made his way to the stage remembering to bow to Finrod before he climbed the steps. Erestor gestured for him to stand before the chair so that he was facing Valandur and Daeron. It was Daeron who spoke.

"Mr. Meriwether... or would you prefer Mr. Grant?"

"Meriwether is fine," Artemus answered. "Alex Grant is merely an alias, one of many which I have used over the years."

"Very well then, Mr. Merriwether, please tell this court who you are and how you happened to be attending the Northern Lights Community College’s Elf Academy."

"My name is Artemus Gordon Meriwether, though I am known here in Wiseman as Alex Grant. I am a former intelligence officer from an agency connected with Homeland Security."

"Former intelligence officer?" Finrod asked with a lift of an eyebrow.

Artemus turned slightly to face him. "Yes, sir. I tendered my resignation, effective immediately, only a short time ago to Deputy Director Washburn, who is present at these proceedings."

"Very well, Mr. Meriwether. Pray continue with your testimony."

Artemus nodded and faced the Questioners again. "About fifteen years ago one of the top agents at the Agency, Ambrose Elwood, who was also my primary instructor and mentor, went on assignment in Kuwait and died there. Or so we thought. Earlier this year, I was called into Deputy Director Washburn’s office where she showed me a set of photographs in which one of them was the man I knew as Ambrose Elwood, now apparently living here in Wiseman under the name Ryan McKinley, one of the self-defense instructors at the college."

"Who sent these photos, and who else was in them?" Daeron asked.

"We never learned who sent them, or at least I’ve never been able to find out. Others may have done so, but that information was never passed on to me." He didn’t quite look at Maddy sitting three rows back from the front. "As for the photos themselves, they were of the people who run Elf Academy: Loren DelaFiore, Dan and Roy Ronaldson, Darren Harper, Ron Brightman and others."

"How did you know that the person in the photo was indeed Ambrose Elwood?" Valandur asked.

"Beyond the fact that the person in the photo could’ve been his identical twin brother, I didn’t, and neither did the Agency, which is why I was sent here, to find out the truth of the matter."

"What were your instructions?" Daeron asked.

"The Agency arranged for me to apply and be accepted as a student at the Academy. I was to infiltrate, evaluate and then report my findings. If I had proof positive that Ryan McKinley was also Ambrose Elwood and not just a look-alike, the decision as to what I was to do next would come from higher up. In fact, there would be only two options available to me, either to convince the man to return to the fold, as it were, or terminate him with extreme prejudice."

At that, many in the audience began to murmur and there was a rising tone of anger, especially among the Academy students and those Mortals associated with the college. Erestor strode to the front of the stage and banged his staff. "Silence!" he shouted, casting a cold look upon the Mortals, who reluctantly settled down again. "You will hear much that is surprising or displeasing to your ears," the Elf continued after a moment. "Remember, you are here on sufferance and at the pleasure of his Highness. If need be, he will hold this court in an empty hall save for the witnesses and prisoners. This is your one and only warning."

He stood for a long moment gazing out at the audience before turning to bow to Finrod and then resuming his place.

"Please tell us what occurred while you were at the Academy," Daeron then said, "including your relationship with the prisoners, especially Mark Farrell."

Artemus licked suddenly dry lips, wishing he could have a drink of water. For some reason, at the mention of Farrell’s name, he felt his heart racing and his palms beginning to sweat. He recognized the signs of a panic attack but didn’t know why he was having one now or how to ask for help, casting a desperate look toward Vorondur seated below.

Vorondur stood and bowed. "My lord, if I may approach."

Finrod gestured and Vorondur made his way to the stage, speaking softly to Finrod, who nodded. "My Lord Erestor, if you could find some water for the witness and Mr. Meriwether, please sit," the prince said and Eretor left the stage while Artemus gratefully sat down. Vorondur came to him, kneeling before him.

"What’s wrong?" he asked quietly.

"I don’t know. Darren said Farrell’s name and I started to feel panicky. Why?"

"I do not know either," Vorondur said. "Can you continue with your testimony or would you like to be excused for now?"

Artemus shook his head. "No. I just want to get it over with."

Erestor came back bearing a glass of water, handing it to the Mortal who drank it almost in a single gulp. Vorondur stood and walked back to Finrod’s throne, speaking softly. Glorfindel also joined the conversation but no one could hear what was being said. Finally, Finrod nodded and Vorondur went back to Artemus. "Finrod has given his permission for me to stay by you. If at any time you feel you cannot continue, do not hesitate to say so. I will monitor you and if I feel you need to be excused, I will speak up as well."

Artemus nodded. "I don’t know what’s come over me. Hell, I’ve given testimony before Congressional panels for pete’s sake and that’s a far more grueling experience than this."

"But your experiences here have not been, shall we say, conducive to your emotional well-being. Remember, you are still under psychiatric treatment. I have not declared you well, yet."

"Are you ready to resume your testimony, Mr. Meriwether?" Finrod asked. "We will allow you to be excused if necessary."

"That won’t be necessary, sir. I’m fine now, thank you," Artemus said.

"You may continue sitting, if that will be more comfortable for you," Finrod said.

"Thank you, sir, and perhaps some more water?"

Finrod nodded to Glorfindel who gave him a brief bow and left. "In the meantime, we will continue," Finrod said, gesturing to the Questioners.

"Do you need to have the question repeated, Mr. Meriwether?" Daeron asked but Artemus shook his head. "Then please continue."

Glorfindel came back at that moment, bearing a pitcher which he handed to Vorondur who poured the water into Artemus’ glass. Artemus drank some more water then took a deep breath and began to relate the steps he had taken to learn the truth about Ryan McKinley, describing the conversation he had had with Farrell and his attempts to learn the identities of the other agents. He had to stop and briefly explain the usual procedures for when he was in the field and why Farrell’s presence and the presence of the other agents was against the norm.

The audience remained silent during his telling. Artemus found that as he continued describing all that had happened, his sense of panic subsided. Perhaps it was the comforting feeling of Vorondur’s hand on his shoulder that helped. He left much out about his own trials and tribulations, sticking only to the bare facts of his attempts to find out if Ryan McKinley and Ambrose Elwood were one and the same and his continuing battle with Farrell. When he started to describe the kidnapping, Daeron held up a hand.

"Thank you, Mr. Meriwether. We will get to that at another time. There are other witnesses that need to be heard first. Please return to your seat."

Vorondur clapped Artemus on the shoulder and the Man rose, giving them a bow and then followed Vorondur back to where Derek and Zach greeted him. "Good job, gwador," Derek said softly. Artemus’ only reply was a grateful sigh.

"We now call Lord Amroth, known by the name Ryan McKinley," Daeron said and Amroth stood and went to stand where Artemus had during the giving of his testimony.

"My lord, if you would explain how you came to be at Wiseman and what relationship you have with Mr. Meriwether and Mr. Farrell."

Amroth nodded. "Many years ago I worked for the same Agency as Mr. Meriwether and was his primary instructor when he first joined us. Fifteen years ago, I was sent on an assignment to Kuwait. I normally did not go into the field and had not done so for several years but in this case, I was needed. I had been planning to leave the Agency for some time but knew that, for a variety of reasons, I could not simply resign or walk away, so I saw this assignment as my opportunity to finally leave the Agency by faking my own death."

He then went on to describe how he had managed it and what he did afterwards. He was about to explain how he had come to be in Wiseman when Farrell jumped up, eluding the hands of the officers attempting to force him back down, and ran to the stage. He was stopped by Elladan, who held him with his spear against the Man’s chest.

"Liar!" Farrell screamed, struggling against Elladan, while two officers who had followed him were trying to drag him away. "You didn’t tell them the rest. You didn’t tell them about Sam Bradford and how you lured him to Kuwait and murdered him. You didn’t tell them why you murdered him. Tell them, you bastard! Tell them the truth. Tell them why you murdered my uncle or I will!"

Many in the audience reacted at that, standing and shouting. Erestor banged his staff for silence, but no one paid him any heed. Artemus gave Derek and Zach a grimace of disgust. "Now I know why he wanted me to kill Amroth. This isn’t about the Agency dealing with a possible rogue agent. This is about revenge. I wonder if Maddy knew about this from the beginning?"

"If so, then she has much to answer for," Vorondur said.

Artemus nodded, watching as the officers dragged a still screaming Farrell away while the other agents looked on with dismay. Erestor was still banging his staff for silence when Finrod stood.

"Na quildë!" he shouted above the clamor and his voice rang across the hall, reducing all to a stunned silence. His eyes flashed with anger. "This court is recessed for fifteen minutes. In that time, I suggest you all get yourselves under control. The next outburst from anyone and I will dismiss you all. My Lord Amroth, Judge Harrison, please attend me, and you, too, Mr. Meriwether."

With that, he made his way down the steps with Findalaurë, Glorfindel and the others hastily following. Amroth gestured to Artemus to join them and, together with Judge Harrison, they left the main hall.

****

Note: Recuse is a legal term meaning ‘to withdraw from a judging to avoid any semblance of partiality or bias’.