Chapter 28
Law and Order
Rimulus gathered his newest recruits of help for the Aula and went over protocol and expectations on the upkeep of the Aula. "I know this is a big place to take care of, but right now, until we get more help, we shall focus on one room at a time. Those who are assigned to changing the magma rocks will only do the East Wing for today. Those who are cleaning will only focus on the grande hall. This will be a three-day job so don't push yourself or rush on anything. We will meet for dinner at second low tide. So. let's get a move on so dinner will approach sooner than we know it." Rimulus said motivating the four servants in line.
While turning to the kitchens, one of the younger servants rushed over to him. "What about my mother? Will she be seen by a doctor?" The maiden asked. "Even better, she'll be seen by Coronum Reginae herself." Rimulus said smiling. "But she..." Rimulus cut her off. "Let me explain, she has healing abilities and studied about numerous of remedies and medicines. I've even tutored her on the common ailments and learning the symptoms for each of those illnesses."
"You tutored Her Highness?" The maiden exclaimed in shock. "Of course, she didn't make me her personal servant for just serving her every whim." Rimulus smiled. "What about, you know?" The maiden stared down as she asked. "Her Highness will take care of it. I made her aware of the situation and she will handle it." Rimulus said placing his hand on her shoulder. "I can't thank you enough." "You can start by waxing the floors at the hall. I'll see you around dinner time." Rimulus stated. "Okay, see you."
In another room, an older maiden was coughing and wheezed. Amelia swam in the room. "Your Highness..." The maiden coughed while trying to sit upright. "Lie back down, don't exert yourself on my behalf." Amelia said calmly. The maiden nodded and did what she was told. "I beg your pardon, Your Highness, but why are you here for me?" the maiden asked. "I'm here to nurse you back to health. Rimulus may not have mentioned it, but I have healing properties and he taught me some well-known remedies."
"You are indeed following into Cirra's footsteps. She studied medicine along with the priests and priestesses of Atlantica. It was a shame she turned out the way she did at the end. Sources say that her power led her to insanity and lashing out on her own kind." The maiden stated. Amelia froze after hearing the maiden's last sentence. She then continued to crush the herbs together and mixed it in with a thick liquid in a closed pitcher. She poured the liquid in the bowl where she crushed the herbs and mixed it together.
She handed the bowl for the maiden to drink out of. She drank it slowly and the coughed a little bit trying to keep the liquid down. Once she finished, Amelia left the woman to rest to recuperate. She felt a heaviness come around her chest feeling the impact of that statement the maiden said about what went about Cirra in her final days.
Rimulus was passing by and saw Amelia looking glum. "Something troubling you, my lady?" Amelia then regained composure, "I'm alright, just a bit exhausted from the healing process." Then he spoke up once more, "My lady, if you ever-"
He was cut off shortly after feeling presence at the main entrance. Amelia sensed it too and went to the door together. "May I help you?" Amelia said in a cold tone. "Yes, I heard you have the thief that stole food from my produce stand living with you." The merman said with haste. "Yes, and she is in servitude to make up for her transgressions." Amelia stated. "That's not what your little puppet told me!" He said pointing to Rimulus. "I did not misspeak to my lady. The situation is being handled." Rimulus said as well. "She needs to be brought to justice!" The mer chanted. "If you are aware of mer law, the child cannot be held accountable for her actions, but would be directed to their parents and from my first hand witness, the mother is not fit to stand trial. She has tuberculosis and is being treated as we speak." The mer stood back knowing how contagious the disease was to them. Amelia then continued on, "The child was only trying to find food to feed her ailing mother. Would you steal for the people who raised you or would you leave them to starve if there were no other options?"
"Don't try to justify..." The mer shouted and was cut off. "I am not, I am asking for perspective on the situation. Would you want to imprison a sickly woman whose child was looking out for them without their consent?" Amelia said curtly. The mer talked with one another thinking hardly on Amelia's harsh words. "We must still have trial regardless, the owner wishes for what is owed," Another mer stated. "Very well, but who will stand in council with me? Those who are sound mind and cannot be biased to one party of the other. For it is the way of the mer, we must stand in council, come together for judgment, and bring justice for each crime and discrepancy."
The crowd stood silent knowing that they must come up with four other individuals or they would not get the trial they desire. An elderly merman stood out and shouted. "I nominate myself as one of the justices." Then another mer shouted. "This old coup? He's crazy as I thought thinking of prophecies and all this crap!" Then Amelia spoke up. "What is your name, elder mer?" "Cyraenan, your Highness. I am a priest of a lowly temple and jotted as the town's fool for my gifts that the gods and Neptune himself gave me. They have also chosen me to be a holy man." The mer snickered and laughed at him as he spoke. Amelia held her hand to silence the crowd.
"Alright, Cyraenan, I see that you do have a credible claim. Very well, you are appointed as one of the chief justices and also the Aula's high priest." Amelia declared. The mer looked astonished but they didn't dare speak another word because of her known ability. "Thank you, your Highness, it is an honor to serve at your request." Cyraenan bowed lowly.
"I nominate Hurley as the second justice!" A mer cried out. A giant, round mer swam out after being pushed up front. "Hurley, is it? What is your occupancy?" Amelia eyed him down. "I-I..." Hurley hesitated. "He works at the bakery down the hill. I think he would be a great asset to the justice council!" A maiden stated. A merman scoffed. "He would be too soft, we need a person with an iron mind. Let no criminal have mercy!" The other mer chanted at his statement. "A good justice system must have a balance between leniency and stringency." Cyraenan stated. "You are already speaking like a true council member, Your Excellency. He's right, we must balance the council system with these traits otherwise, how would we differentiate the harsher crimes versus the minimal crimes? Hurley, step forward," Amelia commanded. Hurley stumbled forward with worry in his eyes. "Raise your right hand." He did so as he was commanded. "Do you swear on your honor for Queen and country, to preserve and protect the laws of the mer, and do so with dignity and morality? Do you also swear that you will not abuse the law or undermine the judicial system for any political or personal gain?" "Aye," Hurley said loudly. "Rimulus, if you may," Rimulus handed her a blade and she cut into his hand where blood came pooling out and she cut her own hand with the same effect. "On the honor and witnessing of the gods and Neptune before us and the authority bestowed upon me Coronum Reginae Amelia of Atlantica, I hereby appoint you as one of the Utmost Court Justices of Atlantica." The crowd cheered.
Then another merman came out of the waters and stated, "I nominate myself, Strom, of imports and trading, to be the justice you look to make sure law never wavers and that those who are deserving have the punishment they solely deserve." He was burly and had long curly hair. He had scars around his arms and one on his right side of his chest. "Then step forward, Hurly of Imports, so that you may be sworn in to take in your new duty to the crown and law of the mer. He followed suit with the same procedure Amelia had down by slitting his hand and take the oath. After they grabbed both their hands together in unison, he was officially appointed as another justice alongside with Hurley and Cyraenan. The priest took the oath as well after Strom to make his appointment official.
The mer then counted and shouted out, "We still need one more mer to join the council!" They became restless as they were close to finding another volunteer to join the council. A mermaid swam forward silently. She had black hair like a black pearl. Eyes piercing like glaciers of a glassy blue. Her complexion is pale and her expression seemed neutral. Amelia eyed her and spoke up, "Maiden, state your name and occupation. Are you here to nominate yourself as the final council member?"
"Raina, and I have no occupation. I come from Arktis and I do nominate myself for council," Raina said with reservation while displaying a neutral expression.
"She's an outsider! She shouldn't get involved with Atlantica politics!" A mer cried out. "Lachlan was a native Atlantican himself before he established his kingdom in Samudra. Does that mean he had no right to get involved in Samudra from his birthright despite being born in another ocean?" Amelia spoke up. The mer remained silent. "If your intentions are true as what I see in you, then lend me your hand." Amelia commanded Raina as she swore her in.
"Citizens of Atlantica, may I present your judicial council!" Amelia announced and the crowd cheered in an uproar. "We will have a trial in a couple weeks' time to gather the case and have time for the defendant to recover from her illness to stand trial." The crowd did not have any objections after hearing that there would be a trial.
After the crowd dispersed from the exteriors of the Aula, Amelia and her new council members held up their first meeting about the trial upcoming.
"Okay, I know that law around here is kind of ambiguous since the fall of the kingdom, but that doesn't mean we cannot change the laws and abide the old mer laws as well." Amelia started out.
"Agreed, it's about time the kingdom and its people have its set of laws in place where it's pretty clear, cut, and dry as they say up in the terra land," Hurley said.
"Change laws?! The nerve!" Strom slammed his fist on the table. "If you really study in the archives there were only three punishments back then and there are numerous of crimes that doesn't really fit in today's environment." Raina intervened with no emotion. "She's right, and this is a child who had committed the crime without the mother's acknowledgment nor the mother was not fit enough to watch over the child at the time." Cyraenan reminded the council.
"They still must be punished!" Strom shouted. "And do what? Cut off the child or sick mother's hand for theft? Imprison the mother, leave her there without medical attention, and leave the child an orphan?" Raina sneered at his response. "There does need to be a sentence to be carried out, but neither of those really feel right for this situation." Hurley added.
"What if we added different punishments for the lesser crimes? Besides, I really feel dismemberment does not show any benefit nor any best interest in the court to be carried with how the kingdom's stability really is and how many more citizens there are now." Amelia suggested.
"What is your suggestion, Your Grace?" Cyraenan asked. "I have a few in mind that can benefit either the Aula and the community. The punishment I think we should add is servitude." Amelia responded.
"Servitude? What's that?" Hurley asked. "Basically, a form of a service to the community or the palace whichever is best recommended for either criminal that is eligible for that punishment. And of course, the church if that is what you would be interested in, Your Excellency." Amelia explained.
"What would this servitude entail and for how long?" Strom asked intriguingly. "However long and whatever you want them to do during their service time. A maximum no more than twelve months." Amelia said reassuring him. Strom took a moment to think. "Well, some of the public buildings do needs some refurbishing, the mines are always needing an extra hand mining those stones and precious minerals we so hold high to, and there is quite an amount of waste from these blasted terra that they think they could pollute our waters with!" Strom stated.
"Alright, all in favor of this new form of punishment for the lesser crimes such as theft and vandalism say 'aye'," Amelia asked. Everyone in unison said aye. "Alright, a unanimous decision, new punishment of servitude is now an option for the court to sentence. "So let me get this straight, we can suggest punishments and sentences for us to discuss?" Strom asked Amelia. "Of course, otherwise, what are we hear for? All input is welcome as long as you see reason as to why it would benefit the kingdom and not a certain group or individual." Amelia explained.
The council deliberated further in result of adding other punishments for lesser crimes and frames of how many years of imprisonment depending on the crime. They concluded for the day and the others were dismissed. Cyraenan remained here along with Amelia to speak with her.
"I see that Atlantica is gaining its stability back all thanks to you, Your Highness," Cyraenan said praising her. "I didn't do it alone. I've had help from outstanding individuals that needs to be recognized more than me. For me, it was expected of me." Amelia stated. "Expected or not, the people now have something to look forward to and someone to look up to."
"That's what I'm afraid of. Sure, Atlantica is starting to become prosperous, and order is being set in the ocean realm, but I fear the worst is yet to come." Amelia quivered. "There will be turbulent times ahead of you. That is a guarantee. But not because of the fate that you were chosen to be Cirra reborn. All leaders have their times of struggle. It is up to you on how you handle that struggle. Yes you have Cirra's abilities, but you, are still Regina Amelia.
"No disrespect, Father, but you are not the only one that has told me this." Amelia scoffed. "And I will be the next person that will tell you this advice. That's all you can do in a position you hold. Wait out and prepare for the bigger tide."
"Right, well, I'll let you get back to what you need to do, Father." Amelia said her goodbyes to the priest. "Amelia?" She turned back without a word. "Worrying too much about it will quickly lead you to your demise. Take a page in Cirra's history, worrying was what lead her to go insane quicker." Amelia nodded at Cyraenan's words of wisdom. She then made her way out of the room.
Lynae sat there in her room in the dark holding her head with her hands. She then heard a knock and a familiar voice. "Princepessa Lynae, you have a letter addressed to you." Rimulus bowed and set the letter next to her on her bed. She sat there motionless and then Rimulus spoke up. "Will there be anything you need from me, Your Grace?"
"No, you can leave," Lynae responded coldly without facing him. "Of course, Your Grace," Rimulus said as he exited from her room. Lynae looked at the leaflet letter and opened it to read it.
Dear Lynae,
How's are you guys? Ernest and I made it to Samudra and let's just say we did not get a warm welcome from the natives. Don't worry, we're fine. We're actually learning a lot about the culture behind Samudra and their traditions. Like for example, there is a sport where Samudrans fight sharks and try to take one of their teeth. Basically, it shows dominance over these carnivorous beasts and shows who is more fearless out of all the mer that participate in this sport. Don't worry, we don't kill the sharks. Actually, I was told that when you take a tooth from a shark, two things can happen. When they see you have their tooth, they either become submissive or leave you be knowing you've ousted them, or they try to take revenge from their humiliating defeat. In short terms, whoever collects a lot of teeth from different sharks gets bragging rights, but the catch is you can't collect from a shark that already has a missing tooth or otherwise you are not eligible for these honors. I don't know if that is where those shark tooth necklaces came from originally, but if it did, it makes sense.
Anyway, Samudra right now still needs me around, but once everything is settled down enough, I'll come back to Atlantica and show you my necklace and how many teeth I have collected so far. I miss you and Amelia so much. Let me know how Atlantica is faring without me. Can't wait to hear from you.
With Love,
Meredith
Amelia then swam into her room. "Letter from someone?" Lynae jumped up in surprise. "Uh, yeah, Meredith was giving me an update from Samudra. She says she misses us." Lynae said as she gathered her neutral composure once more.
"I know you miss her and your parents. You don't need to put on a show that nothing bothers you." Amelia stated. "I never thought I would miss them so much. Before you came over, I would give anything to be away from my family cause I thought they were so annoying. But now, I would give anything to be back with them. But you know, I feel torn about staying like this �� you know, being a mermaid and all that," Lynae explained.
"What? You actually enjoying being a mermaid? I never thought I would hear those words come out of your mouth!"
"Sarcasm does not fit your personality." Lynae said rolling her eyes at her. "Anything to cheer you up. Speaking of, we have a trial coming up. I was wondering if you would join Haruto as spectators in court?"
"Court? Already? What's the case about?" Lynae asked. "The woman and the girl Rimulus took in. The girl was caught stealing food for her sick mother. The mother is still being seen under my care."
"Oh my, knowing mer law, the mother doesn't stand a chance!" Lynae said furiously after remembering the laws. "That is why we are having trial and why the council was formed. We've also implemented new ways of punishments for lesser crimes and save the other penalties for the more serious crimes."
"At least you're really getting yourself invested in the best interests of the people here in Atlantica rather than just hold the title and sit on your ass on that hard rock throne." Lynae said slyly.
"I take it you're not wanting a throne for your palace once you claim your right to Arktis?"
"I don't know if there are any mer living up in Arktis. I mean, the water is cold and a lot of fish aren't accustomed to those climates."
"Actually, I have one of the natives in my council. I'll have to have her meet you sometime to get yourself acquainted. Maybe you can ask her about what the status the realm is in and what it's like." "Wait, how did – nevermind, what's she like?" Lynae paused at the realization of her question then proceeded to change the subject.
"Like you, tone is colder than these tides, neutral expression, analytical, bright, but she lacked apathy." Amelia said after her observation of her. Lynae glanced with disgust after hearing the first example from Amelia, but couldn't argue with her on that observation. "I'm surprised you didn't ask Haruto to join the committee."
"He's got an ocean to worry about ruling. Besides the whole idea of the council is to bring citizens of Atlantica together in restoring order here." Amelia explained. "But after this trial, I want to travel around to search for the final successor for Australis.
"You think it would be easy to find them?" Lynae questioned Amelia. "My own power has its limits. I can't find them using my ability because I don't know who I am supposed to look for." Amelia sighed. "And to think I thought you would be the next Charles Xavier." Lynae teased Amelia. "Very funny." Amelia rolled her eyes.
Time passed to the day of the trial came. The mother recovering from her illness stood on the podium to testify in defense in front of the council. "State your name," Strom said looking down at the stand looking over the case work. "Torlan, seamstress," Torlan declared looking down. "How do you plea?" Amelia asked looking at Torlan.
"Guilty."
The crowd uproared and Amelia slammed her gavel like item on the stand. "I will have order!" Amelia shouted. "Torlan, we are asking how you plea as yourself and not for your daughter. Do you understand what I'm asking?"
"I understand, Your Majesty," Torlan looked down.
"Alright, Torlan, you stand accused of theft from the local marketers. The stolen goods contained four pickled urchins, a bushel of red algae, and a tuna. The situation is being charged to you since your daughter Sirena is not of age. Even though you had nothing to do with the theft of food, you still admit guilt. You may state your testimony." Amelia regained her composure on this shock of events.
"I plead guilty because I let my children down for my illness. I placed the heavy responsibility on my oldest daughter Sirena to care for her siblings. I did not ask for her to steal anything as this was not what she was taught growing up to do. But I take full responsibility for my child's choices. Whatever the punishment may be, I will accept as it is my duty to protect my children the best way I can." Torlan said with grace and sorrow.
"A mother that will take the punishment in the stead of her daughter. A selfless love act I must admit." Hurley stated. "Whether it was noble or not, it still does not justify what has been done here." Strom said eyeing Hurley and then continued on. "However, the council finds that this case has a special sentence indeed. Thank the gods for your fortune today." Amelia then spoke. "Torlan of Atlantica, after much deliberation and with the plea you have entered, the court has decided to sentence you with servitude to the royal court for three months without recompense. The children are welcome to stay with His Excellency with the church until your sentence is up. I will allow the eldest daughter to continue to work with recompense while she and her siblings will attend school. As my first order for you, you will tailor your children's uniforms."
"You should be thankful that Her Highness and the rest of the council has placed pity on your situation. The next time this happens, we will not be so forgiving." Strom glared at her to strike fear.
"It will not happen again, thank you for your mercy, your honors, Your Highness. Neptune be with Regina Amelia." Torlan spoke in disbelief and joy.
"I thank everyone in attendance of this trial, and this trial has been dismissed." Amelia strikes the gavel in confidence to support her statement. Everyone got up from their seats and started fleeing out. They did not break out in riots or disagree. They were relieved with justice being served and the marketer was promised compensation for the stolen goods from Amelia.
"Congratulations on making through to your first council trial," Haruto praised Amelia as he met her up. "Thank you, and I do hope these trials will help keep the peace and order around Atlantica. And hopefully they won't be as complicated as this one was." Amelia stated. "Quite honestly, Your Highnesses, without these gray toned trials, it wouldn't be quite as interesting as one that were to be cut and dry," Raina spoke up. "I quite agree with council member Raina's statement. It challenges us on what the right call would be making us better of sound judgment in the future." Strom said proudly. "Honorable Strom, this is quite a turn around from your views I must say!" Amelia exclaimed. "I may be hard headed and more of a traditional kind of mer, but even now I see that imprisonment, dismemberment, or execution does not really suit this type of case. Besides, I've seen maiden Torlan's work myself and dismemberment would be punishment for not only her, but for the rest of us in Atlantica who admire her work." Strom said with pride.
"Well, I'm glad that everyone agrees with the sentencing we've discussed and that we are close to bringing unison and harmony to Atlantica once more. Raina, I'd like to introduce to you, Her Highness Lynae, reincarnate of Eira and heiress to Arktis." Amelia introduced to one another. "It is an honor to be in your presence, daughter of Eira. I've never imagined to this day I would meet the reincarnation of Eira in person." Raina kneeled down before Lynae. Lynae then gestured her to rise up.
"Forgive my prying, but how was Arktis before you came here? What is it like?" Lynae questioned Raina.
"Many of us had fled to the southern waters. Food is scarce, and the people who remain here are either fighting each other for food or dying of starvation." Raina answered with an uneasy tone despite keeping her composure.
Lynae was shocked hearing that her people were in trouble. Her thoughts for once were conflicting one another. She was unsure of herself and whether she could step up and help her people. However, she had one question she had since last year. Can she help herself?