"Humans are unaware of the existence of the other dimension, Praediti-"
Chapter 5: Jurist Court
Praediti,
Present
Jury Wistal observed the rest of the appointed juries. Everyone was settled in a circular table which they often use for discussions. All members of the 12 Jurist Court were present and indulged in a heat exchange of personal convictions.
The man in his early 50's, Wistal, leaned placing his elbow above the brown circular table, his hand massaging his chin. He stayed quiet, listening.
The room was enough to fit 20 people, it was a big room. In the middle is where the circular table was placed. The walls are painted with creamy brown colour, lightening the wooden floor. A small chandelier hung in the middle, directly above the center of the table.
The left wall was covered with bookshelves filled with Praediti's law books and history records of the dimension and its respective continents. The opposite side contained a beige leather sofa set with a coffee table in the middle. Finally, from the far end, opposite to the wall where the door was located, is where the fireplace was intact. A few interesting paintings occupying the spaces of the wall.
The court office was buzzing in intense conversation for the last 2 hours and counting. The appointed juries exchanged their personal logical opinions in regards with the human who arrived in Praediti last night.
It was in fact unbelievable for a human to see a demon beast which was one of the escapees that managed to breach through the Bermuda gates.
Half of the party agreed to investigate the matter, the other half insisted on following law protocols- annihilation. It was an even decision, a reject. However, one side must always outweigh the other. They needed to set a final agreement most importantly for an official announcement.
Stuck in discrepancy, Jury Wistal decided it was time to hold a decision.
"Jurists, pardon me for slicing through your discussions but I believe we no longer have enough time to extend this meeting." The Jury spoke truth, it was not a scheduled meeting after all.
Last night one of the 7 Fortem Knights, who were sent to dispose of the demon beasts, arrived in Praediti with a passed out girl. A human. It was not done before, especially with the mere fact she was handled directly by the Knight.
Humans were not in kin with the Praeditians, in fact they were not seen by the naked eye of a regular earthling nor was direct touch. That was why the arrival of the girl alarmed the Jurist Court. The following morning, the emergency meeting was held.
The king of all, who lives in the Light Central District, was given a promise to receive an official decision from the Jurist court when the sun rises to the west. The situation was kept confidential among the high Intendance, respectively- The Palace, Jurist Court, The 7 Fortem Knights and a few guards.
The table fell into silence. The juries thinking among themselves, slowly assessing the aberrant problem they suddenly have faced.
"If I may, will all permit me to voice out my partaking decision?" Jury Wistal said, voice filled with professionalism.
"You are granted, Lord Wistal." Jury Linnard permitted waving his hand as an indication to continue, he was sitting diagonally across Jury Wistal.
Jury Wistal cleared his throat and eyes on everyone at the table. "I partake with the decision to investigate the human. "A few faces bothered to show their disapproval with a frown. However, Jury Wistal had a strong stand. "Not once in the history of Praediti has this kind of- phenomenon occurred."
"Lord Wistal, I believe this one we need rid of." As expected, an objection. Jury Adrius said. "I partake on the decision of annihilation."
Jury Wistal nodded in respect. The court was one of the hardest jobs in Praediti, they held the end point of every problem there is within the world. They produce final decisions with the scales of justice. Indeed, they were the wise men.
"If I may add, I see no brightness in thee," Jury Nicholas supported. "If a human breached the border-"
"Pardon me Lord Nicholas, a correction, she was taken by force in accordance with the law of Praediti following the 'Articles of Human Encounter'." Jury Charlston joins in. Despite cutting Jury Nicholas, he delivered the correction with utmost respect from which Jury Nicholas considered.
"Apologies," Jury Nicholas continued. "We have yet to determine the possible dangers of bringing a human here in Praediti." He finished.
"Now now, personally would you not all want to flip the negativity?" The juries gave Jury Wistal a puzzled look. "We can hold the human to our advantage." He added.
Everyone thought to themselves considering the suggestion.
"Lord Wistal, the human will need companion." Jury Esben raised.
"Ah yes, Lord Esben is correct. If the human lives, who will take responsibility for her." Jury Christofer supported.
"A guardian." Jury Wistal nods. "Those in favor considering the investigation upon the human, raise your forefinger." He raised his own.
Juries Linnard, Charlston, Esben, Calix, Viena, Carmen, Douglas raised their forefingers. More than half agreed. Before they determine the final decision, they must plan ahead what to make out of the human.
The Jurist Court spent another extra hour wrapping their plans to handle the accepted guest. Albeit the rest hesitated, they still however offered their insights handling the investigation. This was how the council always worked, free from restraint. They practiced openness, all the possibilities weighing down the good and bad of every situation. Always considering the laws and personal benefits, 'the law is not always right', that was what they believed in.
"Your thoughts? Lady Viena?" Jury Wistal asked.
Lady Viena was believed to be the wisest of all Juries. Age was of course a factor, but her experience as a Praeditian and her exceptional wisdom earned her the honor being called the wisest. She was a humble old lady in her early 80's.
Jury Veina smiled. "I stood thee by the investigation." Everyone listened to her every word, eager to hear the Lady's opinion. "This human is exceptional, breaking what we believe was impossible. If that wasn't the case however, I believe she was brought here for a reason."
All the juries seemed to have forgotten the Gods. And Jury Viena reminded them about their existence, after all the Gods were always doing all the things they did with a purpose.
Jury Wistal recovered. "A unanimous decision has been made." He announced. "The human lives," He inhaled deeply and stood straight. Saluting, his right hand to his heart, his left folded to his back. "I, Jury Wistal, the King's wise advisor, Lord and Jury of the Jurist Council of Praediti. In the name of the six Gods, I swear thee accountable for the Human guest." An oath he took by heart.
The Jurist members nod at him in approval, some shook their head in disbelief he was taking such a big responsibility and some admiration to his devotion for Praediti. Lady Viena nodded at his saluting form, eyeing him respectfully and proudly. If there was anyone crazy enough to take huge risks within the council, it was Jury Wistal.
After a while, in the palace.
"That is all, your majesty."
The young King stood before the large vertically stretched window overlooking the Palace garden. He admired the bed of Anemone flowers beautifully swaying along the calm wind. It reminded him of the late queen. He shook his head low and turned to face one of his palace men who delivered the judgements of the Jurist court.
"Very well, thank you. You may leave." He waved his hands to dismiss the lad. The latter bowed to pay respect before leaving the King alone in the room.
King Erwan pulled a chair from his desk and sat.
The King spent most of his time inside his study. The room was humbly an average size, all the walls were covered with bookshelves containing rare books in a variety of genres. The right wall intact with a fireplace to keep the room warm for cold seasons. The King learned everything that was needed to be obtained to become a king in this very room, especially when the late King himself taught his son personally. It was a room full of memories indeed.
Picking up the quill feather from the ink bottle, the King adjusted the paper the palace man left. He read through the text containing what he needed to know about the final decision of the Court. All it needed was the King's approval, his signature, to carry the plan.
'A human? Mmm, I believe the Lord has a strong stand on this.'
Lord Wistal was his advisor. As far as he can remember, the Jurist Member was unpredictable and was one with excellent decision-making skills. He was a risk taker as well, and no matter how risky it was the Lord always had his ways of correcting what could go wrong.
King Erwan dropped the quill pen. He leaned his head back and sighed. What was the council thinking deciding to spare the human, he thought. He knew the basic laws acted upon a human discovering Praediti was that of death.
However, he was equally aware, dead or not, humans were powerless against Praeditians.
But wasn't the law more important?
The King took another hour to decide, imagining every possible scenario about welcoming the human to an elemental world. It all however came back to the human who will be at great disadvantage. Nevertheless, he believed a little change could always bring all the rainbows of impact. All good things to hope for, for the next approaching days and months of Praediti.
Maybe this was what the world needed, an established connection between the two dimensions. It could be a start, the first step towards change. The young King made up his mind. He adjusted the paper back neatly. With a hopeful heart, clutching the feather dipped on black ink. What the King was about to do was the most historical decision he'd ever made.
He signed the agreement.