Sylvanlight, Book I by slflew

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Chapter 15. The Courts.

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Sunlight crept across the City of Broken Dreams. It filtered through the windows of Elwe's house and fell softly across Elwing's shoulders as she sat in a chair.

The first lash of the whip lanced between Gwen's shoulders, sending fire up her spine.

Seer leaned against the window, stomach curdling at what Gwen must be going through. She had tried to convince her father that it was not Gwen's fault that they got lost, but Gwen was to look after the children, and fallen short of her duties. Blame must be assigned somewhere, and her father had reluctantly ordered Gwen to be lashed twenty times for her disobedience.

Gwen lay prostrate on her bed, since any move she made was painful. Snow drifted past her window, and her door creaked open. She turned her head, but didn't see anyone. Then Amrod's furry face filled her view. "I'm sorry," he said.

"You always seem so sorry. Stop it, it's not your fault."

Elwing walked in behind him; Gwen smiled to see her. She sat down at the end of her bed. "No matter the cost, it is wondrous to be somewhere else, talking with people. I am grateful for your help in rescuing me."

Gwen murmured, "It was nothing."

Elwing rose, coming up beside her, then kneeling to her height. "I can help you," she said, and placed her hand on Gwen's back. Gwen flinched at the touch, which was cooling, then icy. The cold spread over her back, then receded, and she tested her back, amazed it didn't hurt.

"I had heard of Elves with the power to heal," Amrod said softly, "but I have never before seen it. You are truly lucky, Gwen."

She got up, putting on a robe, and hugged Elwing gleefully. It was at this point that Seer walked in and frowned. "What are you doing up?

"Elwing healed me!" Gwen blurted, and Seer's eyebrows rose in surprise. "That's incredible!"

They traipsed down for dinner, Amrod and Gwen heading down to the kitchens. "Why are you coming down with me?" she asked.

Amrod looked at her quietly with his icy blue eyes. "I'm not exactly welcome at the dinner table. I require meat, and thus it wouldn't be polite to eat so in front of children."

She sat down, helping herself to a hearty beef stew. The gardener, Ned, sat down heavily across from her. "How could you possibly be here after the beating you got?"

She bit into a buttery roll, smiling. "Elwing healed me."

Glances were given across the table. "You've caused quite the uproar around the house, leaving the children like that," one of the servants said.

"Seer told me they'd be alright."

"Is it true?" One of the girls leaned in. "You nearly got lost forever in the library?" Gwen nodded seriously.

One of the cook's assistants put a pot on the table, wiping her hands on her apron. "That's why people should never go in that place. It's wretched, horrible, how people get lost down there."

"Oh, I don't know," Gwen said, playing with her spoon, "there were some amazing places down there."

*

At that night's revel, Feanor stood uncomfortably on the sidelines, watching the lively dancing. In a singularly strange occurrence, the last batch of Elves brought with them two halflings, for some reason. They were sitting off to the side as well, conversing with one another. The Valar sat in their usual spot, heading the feasting tables. He noticed a messenger run in, quietly whispering something to Manwe, the head Valar, who frowned and murmured to others, who seemed visibly agitated.

One of the other Elves on assignment under Manwe drifted over to Feanor. Feanor turned to him - "What's going on?"

The Elf said, seeming disturbed, "It seems as though Elwing has escaped from her tower."

He frowned. "How is that even possible? The Valar sealed her in."

"That's precisely the problem. There's no conceivable reason why that should have occurred."

Perhaps the world was ending, after all. But if there was a way to thwart the Valar, he desperately needed to find out more. A week had gone by, and he had three more weeks of service. One of the Valar stood and left, most likely to examine the situation.

Later that night, he stole out into the cold fog, taking a lantern with him. He came to a stop a couple blocks before the Tower of Elwing. The Valar were gathered around it, conversing in low voices. Around them workers were scurrying, checking the base. A sewer dwarf hoisted himself out of a grate in the street, walking over to the Valar.

 

Dwarves, due to their highly underground nature, were usually given over to the industrial building projects of the city. After burrowing out many of the train tunnels and water and sewage pipes, they now maintained them. It was rumored that there were underground Dwarven cities that reached under the ground like latticework but, of course, it was just a rumor.

The dwarf confirmed that the door had been left open, and Feanor heard the Valar discussing what they should do - namely that they had to find Elwing.

*

 

The troops came for Elwing at dawn. Elwe stood opposite the masked face of Caranthir, with Melian clutching Elwing behind him. "She is my kin, my flesh and blood," Seer translated his words for Gwen, "I do not by law have to hand her over to you."

Caranthir spoke in turn. "However, this is matter of the Valar. It supersedes all law."

"Are not all things governed by law? How would the Valar be responsible if they were not bound by law?"

"Such disputes are best settled by a dual. I see you have little choice in the matter, old man. Your family is implicated in her escape - a punishable offense against the Valar."

Elwe's eyes flamed. Melian spoke to him softly, "He's trying to incite you, Elwe. We can take this to court."

"No." Elwe's eyes were hard. "Let's finish this."

He signaled for the butler to bring him his sword, which he did. The troops gathered around to watch as both of them drew their swords, both things of great beauty, but crafted to kill. Both of them held their swords comfortably, seemingly used to combat. Seer sucked in her breath. "I have never seen my father fight," she said.

"Is the duel to first blood?" Gwen asked.

Seer looked at her strangely. "Of course not. It's to the death."

Gwen's stomach turned abruptly. Then Caranthir leapt into the air, bright sword blocked by Elwe. Thus they fought, in a way that would have been beautiful if it had not been so deadly. Several times one of them would take a hard fall, or a slash to their arm. Then Elwe stumbled, and Caranthir grabbed him, running him through brutally. There was a collective gasp from the family, and Gwen screwed her eyes shut, wishing she hadn't watched, glad that the younger children weren't there. When she opened her eyes, Elwing was being led away, a hollow look in her eyes. Melian was kneeling by her husband, snow accumulating on her cloak, murmuring something. Gwen glanced at Seer, who was blinking back tears.

"What happens now?" Gwen asked her.

She took a shaky breath. "We burn the body and wait for him to return. This happens all the time, apparently." Melian took off her cloak, draping it over her husband's body. Two of the butlers came forward, picking up the limp body and taking it inside, with Seer and Gwen following. Gwen grabbed the twins as they came rushing forward, not wanting them to see their father in such a state. Melian turned to one of the servants, saying, "Call a carriage."

As the carriage pulled up, Seer and Melian putting the body inside and climbing in with it. Melian beckoned for Gwen to come with them, and Gwen climbed up onto the outside seat, beside the driver. Snow whipped in her face as they drove towards the edge of the city, the Desolate district. There was great column of smoke coming up from their destination - a large section of funeral pyres, with Elves bringing their dead. The driver slapped the reins, stopping the carriage, and Gwen got off. Melian stepped out; Gwen helping a servant with the body. Two tall figures in black approached them, servants of the Vala Nienna in dark cloaks with no faces. They picked up the body, taking it over to the nearest pyre and heaving it into the flames.

The snowy wind lifted the putrid smoke, carrying away the reek of burning bodies. Seer clutched her coat around herself, and Melian's expression was vacant, as though she was remembering past events.

*

The fire crackled in the fireplace as Gwen colored with Amy on the floor. Seer was folding a piece of paper, and when she finished, she handed it to Amy, who took it with glee. It was a paper bird, and Gwen bit her lip. What was going to happen to Elwing?

Melian swept into the room, and all the children looked up. "Seer - you and Gwen get the children to bed. We must go to your father's office."

Gwen pulled back Bo's covers as he got in. "What's going on, Seer?" She looked worried. "I have no idea - my father's office is open all hours of the night, and he often is gone all night. But even though he died, I don't know why I'm needed."

She laid Amy in her crib. "But has he ever died while you've been alive?"

Seer shook her head and shut the door behind them. Gwen grabbed her cloak, which was still wet from their previous trip. She shivered as she slid it on, running to catch up with Seer as she went down the staircase. Melian was already waiting for them, opening the door and going out to the waiting cab. Gwen got in with them, snow forming a frosting on her shoulders.

"What's this all about, Mother?" Seer asked as the carriage jolted, beginning its journey.

Melian pursed her lips. "Your father, fool that he is, was going to leave tonight to negotiate an important trade agreement. Someone from the family needs to do it."

"And I'm doing it? Offworld?"

Melian nodded. "Glin has gone to the army, and I must stay and manage the estate. Besides, you're the only member of the family who has a functioning permit. Your father got it so you could go with him soon."

Gwen frowned. "Am I coming along?"

"The permit does not allow a servant to go along with her, no."

"But I can't-" Seer was really worried. "But I don't know how to negotiate treaties."

Melian gave a wan smile. "I'm sure you can figure it out, for the sake of our family. You'll be briefed on the details by some staff."

There was at least six inches of snow outside when they stepped out in front of a tall skyscraper. The elevator dinged when they reached the twenty-fourth floor, doors opening to a bustle of activity. People were talking, typewriters clicking, papers changing hands. The elevator opened, with two of the house servants bringing in Seer's luggage. Melian was speaking with one of the staff, then came over and handed Seer a packet of papers. "Here are  your papers. The ship is leaving within the hour."

"Within the hour?" Seer gasped.

"Yes," Melian said firmly. "You need to get going now."

*

Gwen gaped at the size of the ship through the window of their carriage as they pulled up beside it. There were a great many passengers in line, handing their papers over to sullen soldiers as they hauled their luggage up the ramp. They stepped out, Seer sighing heavily. She struggled to carry all her luggage as Melian kissed her on the forehead. Gwen watched Seer trudge forward, the soldiers leafing through her papers, disappearing into the inside of the ship.

The ship was entirely different from the streaked grey one Gwen had been taken on. This was painted blue, with white symbols that clearly meant something. It was a bit larger that the ship she had been on, and its immensity was lost in the distance as the carriage took her away.

 The children ran out the front door when they saw their mother coming up the snow-dusted drive. She gathered them in her arms, in a way that made Gwen's heart ache, then herded them inside.

*

A week passed by, a rather dull one, since Chen, Bo, and Seer missed their siblings quite badly. Gwen was fortunate enough to be offered once more to go to a slave's revel, and, after carefully washing her dress, met with the others outside the house. It was raining, soaking into the snow and freezing into slick ice. Gwen had to watch her step to make sure she didn't slip. She hugged her cloak around her to ward off the chill.

The lot of them packed onto the train, which was filled with others going to the dance. Gwen found herself squeezed between the cook and the professor she had met at the party a week ago. She smiled while trying her best not to touch either of them.

The doors opened when they reached their stop, and they poured out into the snow, feet crunching over the new layer as Gwen followed them towards a great storehouse that had been converted into a dance hall. They entered through the great wide doorway, stomping their feet to get rid of the snow. It was brilliantly lit by lantern light, already full of people, as the band played loudly over the clamor.

Many of the servants were already dancing a line dance, the type Gwen loved the most. While the Elves at their ball had danced merely as couples, alone in one another's arms, the slaves were laughing and talking even as they danced. Another woman came to her - "Come," she said, smiling. "I'll teach you to dance." And she took her into the fray.

As she began to fumble with the steps, she suddenly froze, violent memories coming forward. The woman took her hands, looking into her eyes with mirroring grey ones. "It'll be all right," she said. "Don't be nervous." Gwen's irrational fear dissolved, and she joined in the dance.

 *

A cold rain washed away the snow, and the twins were beginning to go a little stir crazy until the rain finally let up and the winter sun shone down weakly. Gwen let them play in the garden as Melian worked on it, planting bulbs in the dark dirt.

A servant came rushing out of the house. "There's news from Seer!"

Melian got up quickly, brushing dirt off her skirt, then ran into the house. The children were still interested in their game of tag, so Gwen decided to stay outside with them.

Perhaps an hour passed, maybe more. The servant who had fetched Melian came out and called to Gwen. "Come in, please, and bring the children."

It took a while for Gwen to get the children to come inside, but when they got in, all of the servants had gathered in the main foyer. Melian was standing on the staircase, nodding as the few servants remaining came in. The gardener came to stand close to her. Then Melian began speaking in Breech, with the gardener translating for Gwen.

"I'm sure you are all wondering why I've gathered you here," she began. "One of our shipping lanes has been overtaken, one in which we had considerable investment. One of our major deals has also fallen through, and our family is now falling on some deep financial trouble." She held up a piece of paper with slightly trembling hands. "I've decided that we must sell some of you to take up some of the cost, and rent some more out impermanent. I deeply regret this, but I must do what must be done." She took a breath, then began reading out names.

Some began weeping, others were more stern, but Gwen's heart sank when she heard her name mentioned to be lent out. To whom would she go? How would she be treated?

Later that afternoon, Gwen stood before Melian in her study. She was looking at Gwen evenly. "It's not unheard of to lend out a slave that has been lent. Slaves whose masters are gone for five or more years are commonly lent out again."

Gwen shifted her weight. "Have you already found a buyer for me?"

"Indeed, an ambitious apprentice priest in the Temple District. You are lent at quite a price, Gwen, and this priest has taken out a loan to pay for you, wishing to impress his superiors. You'll have quite an interesting time there, of that I'm sure. You'll be leaving this evening."

Gwen bowed and left, going up to the playroom. Amy looked up at her with a tear-streaked face, Chen and Bo coming to hug her legs. "We don't want you to go," one of them said, and she reached down to hug them. "I must do what your mother says," she said in reply, and went to pack.

 *

 When Melian had told Gwen her new master was a priest, she had expected to be closer to the Temple District, but when Melian handed her the name of the train stop, she frowned, but nevertheless boarded the train. She got off at the stop, standing among the crowd, waiting to see her master.

The train stop was the closest to the mountain on her side of the city - right in front of a large stone building, with tall pillars glinting in the sun, and a copper dome that had turned green with age.

 A man approached her, clad in long robes of embroidered velvet. "Are you Gwendolyn Llewellyn?" She nodded. "Come," he told her and turned to go. She picked up her suitcase and ran to catch up.

As they entered through large wooden doors, Gwen was impressed by the building's clean grandeur. Gilded pillars lifted a vaulted ceiling high above them, and Gwen stood there for a moment, taking it in, before hurrying after her master. "What is this place?" she asked him. Barely glancing at her, he answered, "These are the Halls of Judgment, ruled by the Valar Namo, whom I serve. It is here that his courts convene." He turned and stopped. "Can you write?"

"Of course."

"Then you can help me transcribe court proceedings."

Gwen frowned. "I do not, however, speak Breech or Elvish fluently."

Anger flashed across the elf's face. "I paid expecting someone who could speak something other than this filthy tongue."

"I can help in other ways!" Gwen blurted desperately. "I clean your office!"

His jaw clenched. "No. I want you to be present in court with me, so instead you can copy what I write. I have to make duplicate copies anyway, and perhaps you can learn our language that way."

He shoved a stack of paper into her arms, striding up to the set of large wooden doors, pausing to compose himself before striding into the courtroom. Gwen followed, clutching the papers, taking in the sights as she followed her new master. She would have mistaken the room, built with white stone, to be a cathedral if she had been on Earth. Light from the sunrise streamed through stained-glass windows, while those on the other side were dark, covered by the shadow of  the Great Wall. Great pillars lifted her gaze up to the ceiling, adorned with a painted sky with clean airy clouds. On either side of the aisle were wooden benches, already filling with elves to watch the trials.

Before them was a wide space, then stairs leading up to three thrones, which were at the moment empty. Her new master turned left abruptly, leading her to a row of desks where a few other priest-scribes and their servants were sitting. He stopped before one, indicating to her that she ought to place the papers down, then sat down. She sat down beside him, noticing that he opened a box before him filled with quills, selecting two and cutting them carefully to make pens, handing one to her. He then took out an intricately decorated stone, which had a depression in it that he began to rub an inkstone against. After a while of scraping the two together (as the other servants were doing, she noticed), he poured water on the stone, creating a black ink. "Use this," he said, then pulled a piece of paper towards him. She imitated him, then carefully began to copy what he was writing, most likely the date.

"Why are there three thrones?" she asked, fully aware she sounded like an idiot. Her master pursed his lips. "At every trial there are to be three Valar present to pronounce judgment."

At this point there were elves standing in the wide swath of floor in front of the thrones, one standing in handcuffs with a guard, and three others standing together. They gave one another annoyed glances, then fell to their knees as a herald came out to announce the Valar. Gwen looked over at her master, who got out of his chair, kneeling. When in Rome, Gwen thought, annoyed, and got down on hers as well. As the great door behind the thrones opened, all in the assembly bowed prostrate, foreheads touching the ground. She pursed her lips and did the same. When her master got up, she slid into the chair and began copying his furious writing, tongue sticking out of her mouth as she struggled to form the script correctly. When he finished, she looked up, noting that one of the three Valar was Ulmo. The other two she didn't recognize, but ventured to guess that the Vala sitting in the largest seat was Namo.

"This case," her master murmured quietly, "is sure to be a quick one. This elf's neighbors are accusing him of suspicious activity, of being in collaboration with rebel factions. The law is simple - three witnesses are needed to accuse someone, then the Valar can discern the truth from his mind." Gwen's eyes widened - she had been unaware that this was possible. Then she returned to writing.

As the Valar pronounced their judgment, the elf struggled against his bonds shouting. Her master raised his eyebrows, but kept writing. "What was his punishment?" she whispered.

"He's an important leader," he said softly. "He is to be executed, then tortured until further notice." She winced, then watched as the rebel was led out. He walked calmly, a confident air about him, then broke free of his guard. The courtroom was reduced to mayhem as the rebel pulled out a knife and charged up the stairs towards the Valar. Gwen's heart stopped as the drove the dagger towards Namo' heart.

To her surprise, however, the elf's hand passed through the Vala as though he were made of mist. The knife broke against the stone seat as the guard pulled out a pistol and shot the elf where he stood. Namo looked on, unperturbed as the elf slumped to the floor. Servants came forward and removed the body, cleaning up the blood. Gwen started, realizing her master was still writing. A smirk crept across his face. "A futile gesture," he said quietly. As she worked hard to catch up, the court room began to fill for the next case. As her master reached for a new piece of paper, she looked up and noticed that the room was quite full of Elves murmuring amongst one another. Even the Valar were talking amongst themselves, exchanging worried looks.

Even her master looked tense. "I thought this was all to be a quiet affair," he said. Then the crowds drew silent as the accused was brought in. It was Elwing.