By order of Solomon Windblade, leader of the Triumvirate, Allen Fleming was taken into custody, suspected of high treason. It was under good authority that Allen had stolen the Windblade family sword, Windrus.
News quickly spread across the academy of Allen's indictment. Many were left bewildered and confused with the sudden news. Could the Proven Mage Allen Fleming, winner of the annual tournament this year, really do something like that?
It was no secret that Allen's sword was very strange, and very powerful. It had been a source of his strength, allowing him to best the most powerful of student mages in the academy, and earning him his first title of "Weakest Mage", and then later earning him "Proven Mage".
Stephen Windblade himself has chosen to try to find answers from his father, the head director. However, William Windblade offers no answers or assistance. Stephen is left angered at his father's lack of action. Stephen is left to take action in his own hands, and turns to a few he learned he can trust.
With many students and teachers left conflicted, they were all left wondering: just what will happen to Allen Fleming? Will he be found innocent, or guilty?
Just what is going to happen to me?, Allen thought, as he left shivering in his cell. Is there anything I can do?
After being escorted by the magical knights alongside Triumvirate official Edmund, Allen had been taken into the prisons within the Triumvirate building, where he was told he would wait there until his trial was ready. It has already been several days since his indictment, and Allen has already started to grow with worry, and for good reason.
The prisons themselves were by no means comfortable nor heartwarming. The lack of color surrounding him in his cell made him anything but calm. The only human interaction Allen had at all was the few magical knights that passed by every few hours to make sure the prisoners were still in their cells, including Allen. The cells remained eerily quiet, except for when an echo of a scream could be heard, presumably from some other prisoner Allen could not see.
Will William and the others come to finally help me?, Allen thought, his eyes remaining glossed to the floor. Or is it finally the end of the line?
Allen did not want to imagine what could happen if they somehow found him guilty of a crime he did not commit. He knows for certain that his sword is his own, handed to him by none other than William Windblade at the end of his training several years ago. But now, that same sword that helped him throughout the years is now the same reason he's here in this cell.
Was this really worth it?, Allen thought, distraught. I overcame my weaknesses, polished my skills, and even won the tournament, just for this to happen? Why to me? And why now?
Just as Allen continued to wonder how long this game of waiting would continue, a sudden sound came from the outside of his cell.
"You're to come with us, now," a magical knight commanded, as they opened his cell open.
"Is my trial finally happening?," Allen asked, hoping for some good news.
"Correct, now get out of your cell," the same magical knight demanded. "And you'd better keep that sword sheathed at all times. Try anything funny, and we'll forcefully put you right back"
"Right," Allen nodded, as he hastily got up from the floor. He checked to make sure he had his sword with him, sheathed away as they instructed, and then exited his cell.
Since no one else could successfully hold his sword due to its strange nature Allen has yet to figure completely out, they have had Allen hold on to his sword in the meantime, even while in his cell. They've kept a stricter eye on him as such, to make sure he wouldn't try anything with his sword.
Allen wouldn't dare try anything, considering the situation at hand. If he tried to escape, just where would he go? He was in the Triumvirate building, surrounded by magical knights stronger than him in magical power. It would take everything he had to get out of London without sustaining high injury.
After tying Allen's hands together, the two magical knights quickly escorted him down the long hallway, passing by several other prison cells just like Allen's before. Allen noticed a few other prisoners in some of the other cells, who all looked like they had lost any will to do anything.
After climbing a set of stairs, they approached a hallway that led to the courtroom where the trial would take place. The two magical knights opened up the large double doors for him, and escorted him inside.
The courtroom was a fairly large size, with chairs spanning everywhere on the sides. In the middle of the room, were two desks on the left and right side, with several chairs behind them. In the front of the room, was an elevated desk.
Allen noticed that Edmund was here, sitting alone at the desk on the right in the middle of the room. He noticed Allen walking in, giving him an emotionless look before turning back towards the front.
An elderly man sat at the elevated desk in the front of the room, with a serious look on his face. Upon noticing Allen and the magical knights walk in, he gave Allen a short glare before turning his attention back to the magical knights.
"Your honor, we have brought the defendant," one of the magical knights informed him, as they stood by the door.
"Good. Bring him to the other desk, and keep a close eye on him," the man commanded, with a straightforward gaze. "If he tries anything, you have permission to restrain him further"
"Understood, your honor," the two magical knights acknowledged him, as they quickly began to move Allen towards the desk on the left side in the middle of the room.
"What's going on? Is this the trial?," Allen spoke up, both curious and nervous.
"You are not to speak until the trial begins young man," the elderly man in the front commanded. "Are we clear?"
Allen only gave a quick nod in response, as he did not want to cause trouble. But, that didn't help the fact he had no idea how this "trial" would go, and how he could do anything to try to convince them that he wasn't guilty of anything.
"Now, bring in those who will speak on behalf of the defendant," the man in the front commanded, pointing towards the doors in the back of the room.
Wait, those on my behalf?!, Allen thought, remembering how they referred to him as this "defendant". Is William here to help clear up the misunderstandings and get me out of here?!
While the first magical knight kept their eye on Allen, the other walked over towards the double doors and opened one to let two unexpected guests walk in.
Both Walter Garet, vice director, and Danet Florence, Allen's teacher, quietly walked in, holding a few documents. They walked towards where Allen was seated, followed by the magical knight who let them in.
"What's going on?," Allen asked, as he looked at the two of them for answers. "Where's-"
"Not now, and quiet down Fleming," Ms. Florence said as a strong whisper. "Just listen for now, and we'll try to explain things as we go.
Before Allen could protest, Mr. Garet and Ms. Florence took their seats on opposite sides of Allen, with the two magical knights keeping their eyes on all three of them. The man up front cleared his throat before speaking.
"Since this looks to be Fleming's first trial, I shall give a brief overview," he began. "I will be the judge of this case, on the Triumvirate's behalf. You are only to refer to me as 'your honor'. You are not to speak unless spoken to, or instructed to. Are both sides clear?"
"Yes, your honor," Edmund, Mr. Garet and Ms. Florence all answered at once, as Allen looked between the three of them.
"Good, now let's go over the outline of this case," he said as he picked up a few documents from his desk in front of him.
"Today's trial will consist of the prosecutor Edmund, on behalf of the Windblade family, and Allen, the defendant. Both Walter Garet and Danet Florence are here on behalf of Allen. Am I correct so far?"
"Yes, your honor," the three of them answered at once, as Allen remained quiet.
"The prosecutor accuses Allen Fleming, the defendant, of having stolen the Windblade family sword, Windrus. Both sides shall present their evidence, when instructed. I, the judge, shall determine at the end if Allen Fleming is found innocent or guilty"
As both sides once again acknowledged the judge, Allen was left wondering, just why is Edmund here? He was the one that brought Allen in under orders, but here on behalf of the Windblade family? If the Windblade family is accusing him of stealing their sword, why aren't they here? Why isn't Solomon here, head of the Windblade family? And where was William? Isn't he a Windblade who can testify in Allen's defense?
Curiosity getting the best of him, Allen spoke up. "Where is William? Why are-"
"If you're smart, you'll quiet down Fleming," Mr. Garet whispered. "Just leave this to us, alright?"
The judge looked over at them for a moment with a glare, before turning back to his documents. Luckily he did not say anything, but Allen didn't want to cause any more trouble for himself. He decided he would have to place his trust in them two. They were the ones who assisted him during Ellen's time as temporary head director, perhaps they could get him out of this?
"Prosecutor Edmund, begin," the judge instructed.
"Very well, your honor," Edmund nodded, as lifted a document from his desk.
"The Windblade family has it on high authority that Allen Fleming has stolen their family sword, Windrus. The sword has been in the Windblade family's possession generation after generation, last used by the honorable Christina Windblade. Shortly after her horrific death, the sword mysteriously disappeared from the Windblade family's home, and unfortunately has not been seen for years, despite numerous investigations carried out"
"However, they have reason to believe that Allen Fleming's sword may be the answer. With Allen Fleming using the sword in the tournament and seen by all, the properties of the sword seem to match the description of Windrus"
"And Fleming's sword is present today?"
"Yes, your honor," Edmund answered, as he turned over to Allen's group. "If you would present the sword, Fleming"
"Shouldn't we have someone else present the sword?," the judge asked, confused. "If he were to try anything…"
"Unfortunately your honor, no one seems to be able to hold or wield the blade but Fleming," Edmund grimaced, remembering how it felt holding the blade himself previously. "We would need Fleming to show the sword"
"Interesting," the judge answered, eyeing Allen suspiciously. "Present the sword!"
The two magical knights forcefully got Allen out of his seat, leaving Mr. Garet and Ms. Florence to step out of the way temporarily. Putting Allen in front of the judge's desk, he did the best he could to unsheathe his sword while his hands remained bound. He lifted the sword up, allowing everyone to equally see the sword.
"Let's see here…," the judge spoke out loud as he took a document out. "The Windblade family describes Windrus as a sword with fair length. A black hilt with a four sided white star, and a grey blade. Does this match Allen Fleming's sword?"
"It appears to be, your honor," Edmund answered, as everyone got a good look at Allen's sword themselves. "In addition, I would also like to add that Windrus has the unique ability to cut through magic, which is the same as Allen's sword"
"Hmm, very interesting…," the judge kept his gaze on Allen's sword, and scribbled something down on a document in front of him. "That's all for now, Edmund"
Edmund took his seat once more as Allen was escorted back to his own. Edmund kept his gaze on the documents in front of him, completely ignoring Allen's gaze.
Just what does he think he's doing?!, Allen thought, getting frustrated. Did he plan this all out? There's no way that my sword could be-
Allen stopped for a moment, reminded of his conclusions he drew as he was being indicted. What if his sword was Windrus? What if William, a Windblade himself, had taken the sword, and given it to Allen? Was Allne's sword truly his mothers? Did William lie to him?
No, William wouldn't lie like that, would he?, Allen thought, as he began to sweat. Sure he keeps things from me, but he doesn't lie! This just has to be a big misunderstanding! After all, if my sword is Windrus, what does that mean for me?
"Now then, the defendant side, if you will," the judge spoke up, fixing his attention on them.
"Thank you, your honor," Ms. Florence answered, as she stood up from her desk, followed by Mr. Garet.
"We have reason to believe that Allen's sword cannot be the Windblade family's sword. Allen Fleming received his sword from his adoptive parents several years ago, before attending the Magical Knights Academy. The sword used to be his mother's, and in her will she left for Allen to inherit it"
Wait what?!, Allen thought, confused by their explanation. My adoptive parents didn't give me my sword. William did! Just what are they doing? Are they intentionally-
"We are unsure exactly what the sword is, if it's a magical artifact or something similar," Mr. Garet spoke up, and cleared his throat before continuing. "But, it cannot be Windrus. While Allen's sword may be similar as prosecutor Edmund claims, there is a notable difference between the two - Allen's sword can release magic after cutting through enough. This has been shown multiple times throughout the tournament, those in the stands as witnesses"
"I see…," the judge said out loud as he wrote something down. "You may be seated"
Mr. Garet and Ms. Florence sit down once more, as they compare documents to one another. As the judge continued to write, Allen tried to whisper to the two of them.
"What's going on with that explanation?," he asked quietly. "William had given me my sword, why isn't he here-"
"Don't," Ms. Florence commanded. "If you want to walk out of here safely, you leave this to us, understand?"
Allen grit his teeth as he heard her words. He was frustrated, but he couldn't lash out at them, especially when they were helping him with this whole ordeal. What he still didn't understand why William wasn't present. If he had shown up, surely he could easily clear up this large misunderstanding? Or at least try to do something, right?
"That ends the first round of discussions," the judge announced. "Now we begin the second round of discussions. Once enough evidence is collected on either side, I shall make my final statement. Edmund, if you will"
Edmund stood up once again, holding another document in his hands. "While the evidence the defendant side may clear up suspicions, there are a few other notes I would like to present, your honor"
"Continue," he nodded.
"While as far as we are aware that Windrus cannot release magic like Allen's sword can, there's the possibility that there's untapped potential within the Windblade family's sword. You see, the sword had remained mostly an honorable decorative piece for years, until used by Christina Windblade. It was then discovered that the sword could cut through magic, as that knowledge was either lost, or unknown until then.
"With no disrespect, as Allen Fleming lacks almost any magical power, barely able to cast a simple spell, there's a high chance he managed to discover other properties of said blade, to make up for his noted weaknesses. Said additional properties of the blade most likely weren't necessary for Christina Windblade, as her strength and power was enough to help her win through tournaments and establish her authority"
"I see…," the judge said as he shook his head, scribbling more information down. "Anything else?"
"I also want to make it abundantly clear that Windrus has been missing this entire time, despite many investigations. And yet Allen Fleming comes out of nowhere, using a sword almost like it, and manages to win the academy's annual magical knights tournament with it. I can hardly believe this to be a coincidence, your honor"
"Hmm very… interesting," the judge nodded as he finished up his writing. "Clearly… hmm"
The judge seemed to be thinking about the case as a whole, already drawing his own conclusions. Was this already over? Did they already lose?
This can't be it, right?, Allen thought, growing with worry. There's no way that my sword could be the same one they are looking for, right?
As if sensing his worry, Ms. Florence put a hand on Allen's shoulder to reassure him, to Allen's complete surprise. Ms. Florence then stood up, as the judge began to speak again.
"Anything else for the defendant's side?," he asked, with curious eyes on them.
"There's… one last thing that we would like to bring up," Ms. Florence answered. "Or rather, a question we would like to ask the prosecutor"
"Very well," the judge sighed. "What is your question for the prosecutor"
"There's one missing detail that you neglected to mention regarding Windrus, did you not?," she asked, looking over at Edmund. "Given that the sword is of Windblade property, I would assume only a Windblade can use the sword, yes?"
"What are you getting at?," Edmund asked, his eyes narrowing.
"Just answer the question, Edmund. Can the sword be used by anyone other than a Windblade?"
Edmund stood there for a moment thinking, before finally answering the question. "Yes, from what I understand, only someone of Windblade blood can use the sword. Wait…"
Edmund began to realize what Ms. Florence was getting at before he could change his answer.
"Let's assume that Allen's sword is Windrus. Only a Windblade could use the sword. Therefore, Allen's sword cannot be Windrus, and must be a separate sword altogether. Isn't that a fair assumption?"
"Well perhaps," Edmund nodded. "But you did mention that Allen's 'adoptive mother' was the one who had the sword beforehand. This unknown mother could have been of Windblade descent, perhaps a branch family of some sort. This could be the reason that Allen is able to use the sword, but does not disqualify him from taking it without permission!"
The judge seemed to nod in response, almost convinced of Edmund's side. This didn't really look too good.
Ms. Florence and Mr. Garet looked at each other for a moment, speaking without words. Mr. Garet had a concerned look on his face, but in the end gave in. It appeared that whatever Ms. Florence was going to try to do, wasn't in their original plans.
"Then fine, let's assume Allen is of Windblade descent," Ms. Florence began. "And let's assume that Allen's sword happens to be Windrus. Wouldn't that mean something, altogether?"
Edmund seemed to be staring at her in confusion at first, before he began to realize what Ms. Florence was trying to say subtly. The judge seemed to be catching on, not really amused with what Ms. Florence was about to claim.
"The sword was lastly in possession of Christina Windblade before she died," Ms. Florence continued. "Allen's biological mother wished for Allen to have the sword. The sword has a restriction for only Windblades to be able to use it. Allen Fleming must be Christina's long lost son!"
Edmund's eyes began to widen, in almost fear for just a moment. The judge watched down with suspicion, as though he wasn't ready to believe such a statement. But out of everyone within the courtroom, Allen was by far the most bewildered.
Me?, Allen thought, as his eyes widened. The son of the Christina Windblade? The one who was named "Prodigy of the Academy"? The former Windblade head, older sister to both Solomon and William. Me, who struggles with a simple spell is the son of the former Council of Magic leader? I-
As Ms. Florence and Mr. Garet began to prepare themselves to try to convince the judge of such a high claim, Allen once again retraced his thoughts, all the way back to when William trained him. It began to make sense, in a way. But, was it true? And could they convince them? And would it really help their case in the end?