Thread: The Witch and the Alchemist (closed)

Landon smiled and nodded his head as he watched her speak in front of the townspeople. He felt a little bad that he hadn't said more, but his waking had been abrupt and he'd rushed here basically unprepared. He'd just figured all he'd have to say was She's not a witch and the girl would cry in front of everybody and they'd accept it. But as she brought her case before them, even thoroughly interrogating Dag Coplin--one of Father Justin's most devout disciples who knew everything there was to know about witches and all the other fairytales he preached about--whom everyone knew to be nothing but a ne'er-do-well who liked to cause trouble, he felt a bit surprised at how complete her dissertation was. She put everything out just perfectly, using common knowledge to discredit the claims while still keeping everyone liking her by not bad mouthing Father Justin. With how extensive her argument was, there was no way they could deny the pure logic in front of their eyes. Then as she brought up what had been done to her, Landon knew they had won the case. She didn't over do it and there was just enough tears. He figured they were real, after all, she'd found out a lot about what had happened to her during her blackout since the last time she'd put on the waterworks and he got a sober expression on his face at that. Glancing over at Father Justin, he watched as the man's expression darkened from confidence to loathing and then outrage at her tears. He faltered when she mentioned being raped and his eyes looked at Abigail quickly before going back to the girl in the middle of the room. But the sympathy in the priest's eyes was only momentary. Lan shook his head as he looked away from Father Justin. Sometimes, persistence got to the point where it was just prideful stupidity. The judge's sour expression had changed during her course of speaking as well, one might have said it softened a bit, even if it was only a minuscule change. But when he spoke, at first it seemed like his opinion of her hadn't changed at all. Young lady, he began in his gravelly voice after she'd taken her seat again. Despite what you say about all men making mistakes, it is an insult to Father Justin's station to so boldly imply that he made such a grievous error. His expression was hard as he glared down at her, but his eyes lightened a bit at his next words. But, hearing your explanations, I am inclined to agree-- Your honor! Father Justin exclaimed angrily as he stood up from his seat, but the judge talked over him cutting off whatever he'd been going to say. Sit down, man! he said, shifting that old withered gaze at the priest. You may be a man of God, but in my courtroom, I am the highest authority. I will not have you speaking out of turn. Father Justin's face smoothed and he folded his hands in front of himself. But he did not take his seat and instead spoke in calm, humble tones. Your honor, I must object. It is obvious to me, the witch has placed a bewitchment on the court and clouded the judgment of the people with her lies-- The judge swung his eyes back at the priest, the beady orbs boring into the man fiercely. Are you suggesting that my judgment is not sound? Do you not think I have enough sense to make this decision? You bring me here, in the middle of the night last night to try this case for you and you have the nerve to suggest my mind is clouded and seek to usurp my authority here? You are out of line, Father! Sit down and shut your mouth or I will find you in contempt of court! Father Justin's lips pursed and he deliberately did not look at the faces of those watching, as he turned and took his seat quietly. Landon almost broke out laughing, seeing the man so thoroughly cowed. He only wished he could have been the one to do it. Nodding curtly when the priest obeyed, the judge turned his gaze back to Dorelia, his eyes gaining that softness as they landed on her. As I was saying, he said with a small smile, as if implying ' before I was interrupted ', practically nodding at silly Father Justin, as if he were sharing a private joke with her, laughing at the priest's expense. I'm inclined to agree. The charges brought against you seem to be seeped in error and misconception. From the words of the alchemist and the woman charged, the evidence presented against her does not hold up to harsh scrutiny. But, as this court was left open to the public, the people of this town have the last word. We will hold a vote of raised hands. All who say 'Aye' she is a witch, lift up your hands now. Landon was surprised with the way things were going. He wasn't sure but he didn't think this was how things were normally decided. But after Father Justin's claims had been so severely poked through with holes, the judge was probably too tired to go the more formal route. The man was probably eager to have this over and done with so everyone would be happy and he could get home to his own town. For the vote of her being a witch, the three men who had brought her here, Dag Coplin and his cousins, sat there smiling and raised their arms, stupidly confident. Out of the whole courtroom, they were the only ones to vote that way. Father Justin glared as the next vote was called and a small hissing noise filled the room briefly from people all lifting their arms at the same time. As soon as the judge brought the gavel down and declared a not guilty verdict, the priest got up from his seat and strode out of the hall, not saying a word to anyone and stalking away like a wounded man. After that, the hall erupted in noise as people got up from their seats and discussed the goings on or bustled about to leave. It was over. Just like that. She wasn't a witch and everybody now knew it without a doubt. As the Mayor stood and shook his hand, going on and on about how grateful he was he could make it, Lan looked around the courtroom wonderingly. This was a great victory for this town today and he felt closer to these people than he ever had before. There was hope in their future. He got distracted momentarily watching Maggie Coplin confront her son and nephews who'd all voted Aye and even smacked Dag on the back of the head angrily, while the man looked sore and like he didn't understand what he'd done wrong. But he shook his head and smiled, excusing himself from the Mayor and walked over to the table where Dorelia was. Now there were important matters to tend to and he'd gotten glimpses of her back during the trial. Men and women came by the front of the room to utter words of support to the woman they'd all been so sure was a witch merely an hour before, and Lan interrupted a few, drawing Dorelia and Abigail's attention to him. He helped the woman stand and looked at her back seeing the blood staining her nightgown and quickly took off his jacket and draped it over her. Quick, Abby, he said in a professional tone, fully entering doctor mode. We need to get her over to the hospital now and patch these up. And with that, he led the way through the crowd, with Abigail supporting the girl as she walked and went straight to the medical wings of the hospital.