The Collapsing Tunnel - Chapter 12

 

12 – Ana – Disorder in the Hall of Disputes.

She feels uncomfortable and nervous, but it’s different than last time. It’s not the uniform, but the whole atmosphere. Her entire team is here. They all look as uncomfortable as she feels. Walking up to Dovren, she quietly says, “You did nothing wrong. When you helped them with the prisoners, they asked you questions, and you returned. You did nothing wrong.”

Dovren places a hand on Ana’s shoulder. “I know, but they still blame us for the death.”

Neshka says in a soft tone, “I searched the area while the tunnel was repaired. I found prints, but they lead back across the border.”

Ana nods, “I read your report.” She holds up the collected barkskins that were written after the incident.

Waad stands near the shaped stone doors, the Aashkibwe‑maan belt draped across his shoulder and the slag bead in his hand. “It is just another trial. It will go like all the others.” He tries to reassure them.

 

The doors open, and he enters, going through the ritual. This time, there are additional witnesses lining the dwarf side of the hall. As Waad holds the belt, dwarves from the crowd spit.

The Stone-Judge hits his hammer twice. “There will be Order. You will respect the Laws, or I will clear the Hall.”

There is an angry murmur for a moment, then silence.

Waad walks to his position and holds the slag bead.

Ana and the scouts all enter the circle. It feels so much smaller this time. She looks to the Justices and says clearly in Durask. “We have a grievance. Miners violated the border. One was killed.” Waad hands the slag bead to the Weaver-Who-Hears-Meaning.

“Murderers”

“Shadow Killers”

The crowd yells.

“There Will Be ORDER,” the Stone-Judge yells again, his hammer blows echoing in the Hall.

The doors on the dwarf side open, and an unfamiliar Senior Peacekeeper enters first, holding the bowl of judgment, but also a slag bead. He performs his ritual and then takes his place.

Senior Peacekeeper Hurn and Peacekeeper Lora both enter carrying slates.

They enter the circle, “We are here as witnesses, but we also have a grievance. The border scouts exceeded their authority and killed a dwarf.”

Excited voices murmur once again.

The Stone-Judge quiets them once more and then looks at Hurn. “Let us address their grievance first, then we will decide on yours. That is the order of things.”

The crowd grumbles, but both Peacekeepers nod and stand straight.

The miners are brought in, all still bound by manacles. With them taking their place in the circle, Ana feels a tightness and tension she’s never felt before. It’s like being in a cavern ready to collapse.

She holds up her barkskins and clears her throat.

A member of the Mining Guild quickly interrupts, holding up a scroll. Ana sees that it has seals. The Hammer of Durn from the Priests, and the symbol of the royal family, the dwarves use on their coins.

“Your Honor. I have pardons for all of these men.” He says as he approaches, uninvited, to the justices’ table. He places the scroll in front of the Stone-Judge, as the crowd cheers.

Ana yells, still using Durask, “How are they to be pardoned. They haven’t been found guilty yet.”

The cheering grows, but changes to “Now arrest the real murderers.”

“Seize the Shadow Killers.”

“Arrest Zhul-rakkaz!”

Ana looks at Hurn and Lora; they seem as surprised as she. He quickly whispers, “Get ready to go. I think things might get ugly.”

The Mining Guild representative is using a key to unlock the manacles as the Judge reads the scroll. The Peacekeepers try to stop him, but he loudly says, “I have Royal support and Durn’s Holy blessing.”

The crowd cheers and rushes towards the goblin side of the hall.

“Move!” Ana yells at her people. Waad grabs the Weaver-Who-Hears-Meaning and the belt, pulling the Listener-of-Bruna along too.

The Hall Protectors hold the doors and help all the goblins out as the Peacekeepers try to restore order.

Ana glances at the Loom of Peace. A man in a dark brown cloak climbs smoothly up Durn and cuts the strands with a small knife. The beads crash to the floor and scatter as the stone doors shut with a slam.