The Tribunal reconvenes III
Queen Ada announces, "Due to several alarming revelations, we all must break into smaller groups and discuss the charges and severity, then turn in your ballots to the Bailiff at the Dock. We usually put a time limit on the judgment decision, but the hideousness of the charges and the implications of replacement of headships are also to be considered. So after two hours, if all have not yet concluded, we shall have the judgment on the new day."
A runner approached the bench, "King Samir and Queen Ada. We found Lady Elissa Connet nee Spencer. She is prepared to give testimony and is in the Witness room."
A second runner was beckoned to approach the bench. "Lady Libee, The Duchess of Sexton, has been released from the Dungeon of the Duke of Sexton. Lady Libee is also in the Witness room. And, Sir, King Samir and Queen Ada, the Duke of Sexton, has been arrested. His charges are unlawful and cruel imprisonment, beating, cutting, whipping, and starving, Lady Libee. The Duke of Sexton is now with the more depraved prisoners."
"Attention all," King Samir announces, "We have two new direct Witnesses and another prisoner."
Queen Ada says, "The most grievous charges are unlawful imprisonment, beating, cutting, whipping, and starving. The prisoner is the Duke of Sexton.
"The Tribunal is called to listen to the two witnesses," announces King Samir. "Bailiff bring in the first witness, Lady Elissa Connet nee' Spencer. Mother of Mercy Tomilson and grandmother of Lilee, Lyree, and Alee."
Queen Ada said, "Lady Elissa, I understand you have been in bondage for thirty-two years?"
"Yes, your honor, Queen Ada."
"Please tell us about your experiences over the years." Queen Ada prompts,
Lady Elissa says, "I was taken into Cornwheel and sold to the Significant Alehouse and remained in that Alehouse for twenty-five years. At first, I was a barmaid where I delivered drinks to the customers, but I was there briefly, a couple of months, when the piano player died. I was the only one working there that knew the piano. Several years later, the woman who was our singer married and moved away. Again, I was the only one that could or would sing. The owner of the Alehouse wanted to marry me, but I could not, as I am still married to the Earl of Edenboro. However, the AleHouse, within several years, became an eatery and a family lodging. I was kept as the entertainment during dining hours, but I was given a small cottage, and I became respectable and took in children pupils to teach music, piano, and singing. I have been doing that for the past ten years. I forgot I was a lifetime indentured servant until I was released from my bonds yesterday."
King Samir said, "Is there anything you wish to ask from the court?"
'Yes, your honor, King Samir, I ask for a complete and final divorce from the Earl of Edenboro. I also ask that I be allowed to marry the owner of the Eatery and Lodging, Sir Rupert Jefferson. Cousin of the Earl of Edenboro."
King Samir asked, "Prince Alaisdair, will you grant these requests?"
"The Land of Myst grants these requests from this day forward," says Prince Alaisdair as he takes Lady Elisse's hand to escort her out of the court.
King Samir asks the Bailiff to bring Lady Liberty, AKA Lady Libee, Duchess of Sexton, nee's daughter of King Purses. A Pegasus with grievous bruising, whip marks, and emaciated enters the court space. "I wanted you to see the nature of depravity King Purses sent his only daughter into sixteen years ago. Bring in the triage tent - while we wait for this transformation so you may see and hear of the horrors she was subjected to - her crime in her father's eyes? She lived while his wife died giving birth to the child she named Liberty, AKA Libee."
The tent was removed, revealing a tiny, frail woman attached to lifesaving drips.
Queen Ada softly asked, 'Libee, are you strong enough to answer any questions?"
"Yes, your honor, Queen Ada."
"We all see the torture you have been subjected to, and we are amazed you have survived. Please tell the court what you wish on your behalf."
"I did not know what was to happen to me other than my father told the Duke it mattered not how long I survived or how I died. That was a long time ago. The torture started slowly and intensified each time he visited me in the dungeon. It tapered off at times because he had other people in the surrounding cells he tortured. There are so many still in cells. Please try to help them."
"Is there anything else you wish to ask of the court?" Queen Ada asked.
"I ask for an end to my marriage. I have no children."
Prince Alaisdair said, "Granted without contest." He followed the bed and started to play his flute.
Healing notes fluttered into the court and amphitheater.
King Samir said, "Now you have all the facts as we know them. Please resume and mark your ballots. They will be collected and tallied."
Within a short period, all ballots have been scanned and tabulated. They are handed to Queen Ada, who, in turn, hands King Samir the first judgment to be read.
"All have been tabulated, and judgment is as follows," says King Samir, "King Purses is guilty on all charges with an added order of cruelty and attempted murder of his daughter, Lady Libee, Duchess of Sexton."
Queen Ada hands the second judgment to King Samir.
King Samir says, "The Earl of Edenboro is judged guilty on all courts with an added count of Bigamy with his present 'spouse.'"
Queen Ada hands the third judgment to King Samir.
King Samir says, "The Duke of Sexton is judged guilty on all counts against Lady Libee, The Duchess of Cornwheel, and the daughter of King Purses."
"In addition, an investigation has been opened regarding the depravity engaged in the dungeons of the Duke of Sexton. It will be concluded before morning when sentencing on the judgment will be rendered."
"There is one further duty passed on to all who voted on the judgment; we shall reconvene early mid-day to pronounce sentence on each of the prisoners plus a sanction sentence on King Solomon and Queen Ada, King and Queen of the Land of Myst."
"As you all know, King Sol and Queen Maud were told TomTom and Mercy were feral cats who caused massive havoc. The surrounding areas of the Pegasi courts had been pronounced in danger from these two feral cats who were sedated to be taken to a place where they could live without harming anyone in the Land of Myst and the Outlier lands. This was years ago when King Sol and Queen Maud believed that all the kingdoms around were doing the best for their citizens. They have found that all is not as peaceful as it seems."
King Samir concluded. "Please take the evening to enjoy your family and friends and determine on sentence in the morning - you have ballots to fill and should be handed in by noon. Good night, all."
'Bailiff remanded the dangerous prisoners to their cells and released King Sol and Queen Maud until tomorrow at sentencing time."