Chapter Three: The Trial Begins (5 entries)
3.1
An elderly dwarf lady with a long white beard, finely braided and covered in a myriad of adamants enter the noisy Hall of Law of Thorin's Halls. As she enters the noise turns down to only a few quite whispers, as she sits next to the two other judges giving them a gentle bow and taking in the rather large crowd that seems to be present.
"Very well, I see we are all present. We've all taken our vows of honesty and honor to King and Halls. So, let us not waste too much time with the pleasantries shall we. Master Duinn Drakenbane, son of Muninn, you have brought forward on behalf of Durin's Folk and as representative of the Royal House of the Longbeards multiple claims against Ebenizer Goldthumb and the Goldthumb Mining Company." - she opens up a long scroll, quickly reading through it and looks up again at master Duinn again - "As you have come forward with the claim, care to get these proceedings underway master Drakenbane by stating before myself and the other two judges your claims and wishes?"
Before Duinn can start she quickly raises her hand and says: "I am not one for show, so I trust no one will dare make a mockery of our laws and customs. Anyone here that does will find that I, Brina Hammerfall, Legislative Representative and Royal Judge of King Daín Ironfoot, am NOT one to challenge", she speaks determined while she nods at the Guards of Thorin's Halls and the Sabâj contingency near the great doors of the chamber.
The last whispers die a sudden death.
(By Fryjpora)
3.2
The silence lingered after Brina's last words. Duinn nodded and stepped forward, amongst him stood many dwarves and an elf.
""I have followed the customs and laws of my folk, all my years! On this day, I will follow them no less!"" Duinn exalimed in a booming voice, then he took a piece of parchment and began examining it.
""Firstly, I present before the court, the letter of correspondence between myself and the most esteemed Ebenizer Goldthumb. Secondly, I represent on behalf of the Durin's Folk Trading Company, Othrikar Division, master Tholdurin who in a ruckous instance hit Ebenizer Goldthumb after an ill remark from Ebenizer.
Ebenizer, as compensation claimed the following, and I quote from his first letter; "...I call for the immediate shut down of all DFTC activity in Othrikar, the ownership deeds of the DFTC mines of Othrikar, and the immediate departure of all DFTC employees."
In response to this claim, I made evident to Ebenizer that ownership of Othrikar lies with the King, and DFTC have a royal charter and operational privileges and grants. Judging his claim invalid, or call a law court to arbitrate the matter. Furthermore, I offered my services to investigate the incident so as to find a just outcome.
For this, I on behalf of Tholdurin as promised to Ebenizer, that he would be punished appropriately to our customs and protocol and Ebenizer would be given compensation in accordance with his injuries!
Under article 10. of the Way of Durin; "Disputes
Disputes between kinsfolk should where possible be settled between them, where this has not resolved the issue or the issue has become disruptive to the kin, then a higher ranking officer may be called in to mediate in the dispute. In the event that this fails to settle the dispute then the issue shall go before an officer's moot.
No officer should openly dispute with another officer in front of kinsfolk."
We have accordingly decided that Tholdurin will serve three moons of manual labour in the mines of Thorin's Halls and pay Ebenizer the sum of 50 silver coins! I confer to the judgement of this Court!""
Duinn pauses for a moment while the judges look through the evidence presented. Then he continued.
""I also present correspondence between myself and my folk in Othrikar and those involved, also those sent to investigate the matter. Instead of a reply from Ebenizer, which I expected, nothing was heard!
I received a letter from Hilfar, master of the DFTC that there had developed further troubles in Othrikar.
During a meeting at the offices of DFTC in Othrikar, a fire broke out, but contrary to what we might deem as accidental, the fact that the doors to the offices were barred infers it was deliberately set!
The investigation revealed nothing, as other DFTC workers were at work at the time, and GMC - Goldthumb mining Company - dwarves refused to talk and denied everything! I present the investigation report by Izbad Khlosi.
To summarize, Ebenizer's willingness to cooperate in the investigation - which now included arson - was apathetic! Barring investigation and cooperation at every turn. I ask the court to note, that my intentions for sending an armed group was peace-keeping, which Ebenizer threatened to use force instead of cooperation!""
Duinn again paused, turning slowly towards the crowd, eyeing Ebenizer ere returning towards the gaze of the judges. Then bringing forth book before the court. Duinn again spoke;
""Ebenizer, then contrary to cooperation and investigation to procure some reasonable justice, claimed autonomy and private rights of his holding did not warrant him accept any of my attempts to be lawful. Which to some extent he his within his rights to do, of course. However, his willingness to indifference in this matter made any attempt of mine dubious!
There is no evidence of the arsonist to the fire, what remains is though, is wild speculation, which I think the court will find useless, though I could easily go forward if the court wishes it! I, however, infer the judgement passed on master Tholdurin as valid and that it concludes the matter of the brawl between himself and Ebenizer.
As for Ebenizers claims to his holdings and disinterest in cooperation in this matter, I call the elf, Dearon Celeb of Lin Giliath as witness to the authenticity and ownership of the book presented!
This book holds the trade record and notes of the Goldthumb family. 200 winters old! It says that wargs attacked and that bravely Ebenizer defended Othrikar against them and saved Othrikar! Sadly, though Ebenizer Goldthumb died and passed into the halls of waiting during that attack and left no heir.
It is therefore, I conclude that this person, is not Ebenizer Goldthumb and has no holding whatsoever here, and call into question the legitimacy of this company named GMC! And defer the payment of compensation until his true identity is made! Furthermore, raise the charge of fraud, deception and unlawful operations!""
Duinn turned bowed towards the judges, "I, for now rest!". Duinn then returned to his dwarves, looking around at the clammering whispers and astonished faces. What would happen now? Duinn was marching into the unknown.
(By Duinn)
3.3
The gasps and whispers grew into marketsquare-level-chatter. But Brina Hammerfall would have none of it and slowly and determined raised her hand calling the chamber to order. In mere seconds the room was drenched in a tense silence once more.
"Very well master Drakenbane, you may take your seat again", she paused for a while, taking her time to very silently discuss with the other judges to her left and right, nodding as they did. After a while she spoke again.
"Strong accusations to say the least.", at which she paused again and looked Duinn straight in the eye, "Let it be understood master Drakenbane, that if these accusations cannot be proved and are deemed false you may face consequences for dishonoring the name of a dwarrow never before charged of any wrongdoing". Slowly she looked back to the parchment and read out loud:
"Master Ebenizer Goldthumb, as the three judges deem it, you... at this point in time ... stand accused of committing the following crimes against King and fellow dwarrows...
Hindering of Lawful Investigations
Fraud in official records
Deception of employees, legal officials and King.
Orchestration of Arson with the intent of killing other dwarrows
Unlawful acquirement of lands, mining-rights, titles and company
Running and profiting from unlawful operations
Stealing from King Dáin of the Longbeards, by claiming gold, silver, iron and gems obtained on Longbeard land in an unlawful manner"
At this last charge a gasp of utter surprise went through the room, as all knew very well that if this charge was to be proved Ebenizer could face a harsh sentence indeed.As the whispers faded away slowly judge Hammerfall continued...
"and lastly...
Obtaining the identity of another dwarf and profiting from his demise
These are the charges as they stand at present. We will hear your defense on all these claims Master Goldthumb, and claims you wish to make of your own - if any... but I must state now that the weight of these charges is not to be taken lightly. If even one of these can be proven without a doubt...", she paused looking Ebenizer in the eyes as the tone of her voice dropped, "... the consequences would likely be life altering". She turned to the two other judges on her left and right and noticed determined nods by them.
"I hope there is no doubt to any of you that our law dictates that at any stage in this court hearing, accusations and claims may be removed or added to either party by the judges as they see fit, based on evidence or testimonies from either parties heard here. Now, master Goldthumb, your defense to these charges and your claims, if you please.... "
The room seemed to hold his breath as Ebenizer lifted his chin to address the judges.
(By Fryjpora)
3.4
Tholdurin looked on in utter tension, pearls of sweat running off his forehead, down his cheek into his beard. All he heard in his mind were the words of Duinn: "We have accordingly decided that Tholdurin will serve three moons of manual labour in the mines of Thorin's Halls"
He couldn't care less about working in the mines, he had done so most of his life... it was the Thorin's Halls bit that got to him. He was dreading the fact that he had to return there and face his brother and the miners. No doubt they would not have forgotten the "beryl-incident". He felt like running off there and then, but didn't. Reluctantly he looked on, dreading what Ebenizer had to say.
(By Kandral)
3.5
Skegrym sat back in the carved oaken chair and shifted the heavy golden chains of office on his chest. He was new to the area, which he assumed had made his selection as one of the three judges in this sensitive trial a fitting decision. Also, the fact that he owned a large hall to the west, and wasn't exactly a pauper, must have contributed to his choice.
The courtroom was crowded to capacity. This trial had drawn every Dwarf in Thorin's Hall, it seemed - and an elf, whose presence near the Uzbad drew more than a few stares. Skegrym glanced at the chief judge to his left, Brina Hammerfall. A doyen of many winters, she ruled her court with a steel fist. Yet, he'd heard stories, before he came here, of her younger days, when her wit and beauty had been cause for many a duel and broken heart. He caught the sudden twinkle in her eye and looked down hastily at the scrolls before him. Obviously her fabled powers of observation and deduction hadn't deserted her, even at such an advanced age.
Skegrym listened as the Uzbad Duinn Drakenbane stated his case. So far, it seemed fairly straightforward. Tholdurin had hot-headedly smacked Ebenizer in the nose, and feelings had been hurt. Ebenizer had then made wild demands that the DFTC mine at Othrikar be turned over to him as compensation, which clearly was not going to happen on Duinn's watch. Then the DFTC offices were deliberately set on fire, but no one from Ebenizer's GMC mining company could (or would) give evidence on that.
He kept these salient facts in the forefront of his mind as he pored over the legal parchments and copies of correspondence on the large table before him. Something was rotten here, but he couldn't quite see yet what it was. Past the legal mutterings in his head, he heard Duinn announce a witness: Dearon Celeb, that elf. Skegrym looked up, intrigued, as the elf authenticated the identity of a large book, said to be the Goldthumb family records. Skegrym wondered how an elf came to know about that book, but his musings were cut short by the Uzbad's next statement.
"Therefore, I conclude that this person is not Ebenizer Goldthumb!"
Skegrym may have been astonished, but no emotion passed across Brina Hammerfall's aristocratic features. She bent to her 2 judges from the high seat, attentive to how they had received this startling new development. Skegrym gathered his thoughts.
"How can this be? Not Ebenizer Goldthumb? Could such a deception have gone unremarked for so long? If this is a false accusation, heads will roll. And who is this elf, upon whose word we are now told to rely?"
Brina nodded. Encouraged, Skegrym went on. "But if true...the consequences for this self-styled Ebenizer Goldthumb are dire. Falsifying records, unlawfully operating the mine, stealing gold and gems, even burning property! To say nothing of impersonating another dwarf. And where is the real Ebenizer's body? For if he truly saved Othrikar from warg attacks, his remains must have been honoured in Dwarrow fashion."
The other judge gave his views, and Brina turned without delay to the packed courtroom. Her words rang in the tense air like the hammer of her name. "I must state now that the weight of these charges is not to be taken lightly. If even one of these can be proven without a doubt...", she paused looking Ebenizer in the eyes as her voice dropped, "... the consequences would likely be life altering".
Skegrym leaned forward eagerly, the better to see Ebenizer come forward to answer these charges. Suddenly, this case was more interesting than the tales of an old warrior in his cups.
(By Glorieskh)
3.5
To everyone's surprise old Ebenizer slowly rose from the chair he was sitting in, firmly gripping the arm of the chair for support, trembling as he rose. As he stood the silence in the room was deafening. Everyone held there breath to hear what Goldthumb would say next.
"I apologize.... ", he spoke in a crackled yet determined voice.
Everyone in the room was looking at each other, mouth open wide, utterly baffled by what Goldthumb had just said. In seconds silent whispers grew into a raging storm of chatter, as if one had just landed in Frerin's Court Market on sunday morning.
Once again judge Hammerfall raised her hand firmly, looking to the Sabâj and Guards as she gave a nod, signaling order would return to the chamber. The guards dropped their heavy hammers to the floor, startling the dwarves in the Hall. In an instant all was silent again, except for one dwarf that seemed to be rather hard of hearing and continued to chat to his neighbor about what had just happened: "... well I never, apologize he says, you think he did it then? I wouldn't be surprised to be honest... ".
As the old dwarf continued to chatter and share his views, oblivious of the fact that the rest of the room was shrouded in silence, one of the Sabâj at the door looked questioning at judge Hammerfall. With a simple nod by the judge the Sabâj got up and grabbed the old dwarf by his robes. Like clockwork the doors of the chamber were opened by yet another Sabâj and in an instant the old dwarf was gently put outside of the chamber door, as if he was a plant set on the balcony for a bit sunshine. As the old dwarf looked shocked and baffled the doors of the chamber were closed again and judge Hammerfall said: "master Goldthumb, continue. I pray we will not have any further interruptions". She eyed the room with an icy glance.
"As I was saying... ",continued Ebenizer in a rather frail voice, "I apologize... I apologize for not being able to give this honored court the respect it deserves." He bowed at the three judges slightly as he trembled. The dwarves in the chamber looked rather surprised, but none dared to make a sound after the earlier incident. "You see, honored chamber, my precarious health will not allow me to speak to the court at length, due to the brutal attack of the savage going by the name of Tholdurin", he took a deep breath seeming to gasp for air and struggle to speak, "thus the dwarrow Lini Thinpen, my assistant and trusted servant, will for the remainder of this court session have the authority to speak on my behalf... I apologize". The old dwarf sat back down slowly, uttering a long sigh as he was slightly trembling, and as he did Thinpen rose like a jack-in-a-box, his sharp voice cutting through the chamber.
"Thank you honored chamber... let us investigate the so-called CHARGES against my master, the respected Ebenizer Goldthumb.", he stepped determined in the direction of the judges as on a leisurely walk.
"Hindering of Lawful Investigations... what LAWFUL investigations?", stressing his words carefully, "I wish to clarify that my master had only received a PERSONAL letter of master Duinn Drakenbane and had not received any letter from any OFFICIAL party. Master Drakenbane may be the esteemed head of the kinship of Durin's Folk in the West, YET he is NOT an official representative of the courts and holds NO authority over master Goldthumb or his enterprise. As such, the requests made were done in a private format. Master Goldthumb thus never received any tidings of an official investigation from the courts and as such did not require to comply to requests made.", he paused again weighing his words carefully as he turned now facing the public. "Furthermore I believe that no such official investigation was ever launched. The Sabâj may be a vessel of the courts and also offer their services to Lord Duinn and his kinship, yet the courts did not create any official parchment instructing the Sabâj to investigate the matter, it was master Drakenbane HIMSELF!", Thinpen pointed at Duinn Drakenbane as if he was a brigand pointed out by an angry mob, "... who started this so-called OFFICIAL investigation!", he paused allowing the chamber to take in what had been revealed. "So... esteemed and honored chamber... this charge is FALSE... and thus I call for its immediate removal." Thinpen turned slowly to Goldthumb, the two exchanging a quick grin.
"Orchestration of Arson with the intent of killing other dwarrows", he continued now as if a fire was awakened deep inside him, turning again to the judges, "another ridiculous charge if ever there was one. The courts of the dwarrows are based on proof, not on wild accusations slandering the honor of esteemed members of our community. There is not a single shred of evidence to strengthen this claim, nor a single testimony that provides proof on these events. As such, this charge is once more FALSE... and thus I call for its immediate removal. In addition, I wish to clarify, that my master Goldthumb, though in his rights to seek financial compensation for such slander, will distance himself from these disgraceful statements without claims for compensation, yet wishes to remind the judges and all present that HE is the victim here.", once more Thinpen stopped, allowing the chamber to take in his words.
"Which takes me to the matter of the ATTACK on my master, by the miner Tholdurin, employed by the Durin's Folk Trading Company!", Thinpen stretched his arm slowly singling out Tholdurin with his boney finger. "Master Drakenbane suggests for this wild-dwarf to receive a SENTENCE of manual labour in the MINES.", he smiled while raising a dramatic eyebrow clearly seen by all in the chamber. "Do my ears hear this well? As a punishment for a miner, you ask him to... MINE? If a baker beats an innocent dwarf to the point that he nearly dies, would you ask him to bake pies for three months!?! No, you would not! Furthermore, master Tholdurin is no gentle BAKER... he is a strong and powerful dwarf in the prime of his strength, by many accounts the strongest miner in all of Othrikar. One could not begin to imagine the damage his massive fists have done to my elderly master. The healers that cared for my master in the days after the incident we astonished he held on to life as he did. And only with their greatest care and personal determination to see another day is master Goldthumb here with us today. Is Master Drakenbane's suggested PUNISHMENT fitting?? NO, it most certainly is NOT! We ask that the brute Tholdurin be subject to SCOURGING from sun-rise to sun-set, as defined by our laws. A most just punishment for one so eager to use his fists on the innocent."
"As for the other charges made to my master... ", Thinpen took a parchment from the table his master was sitting at and began to read loudly and without any hesitation: "Fraud in official records, Deception of employees, legal officials and King..Unlawful acquirement of lands, mining-rights, titles and company... Running and profiting from unlawful operations... Stealing from King Dáin of the Longbeards, by claiming gold, silver, iron and gems obtained on Longbeard land in an unlawful manner... and obtaining the identity of another dwarf and profiting from his demise... ", he laid the parchment back down on the table, "in the same form and fashion of the previous claims these are as absurd, and my master has no objection to clarify to this esteemed chamber why this is so.", Thinpen turned determined to Duinn Drakenbane and said in a determined voice: "THIS dwarf here claims to have proof that my master is not who he says he is. And what does he bring as proof... the accounts of an ELF no less! And a so called book that was hidden from all eyes for two-hundred years. Where did this book come from? Why does it appear now? Does no one find it extremely convenient that this book should suddenly appear? My master has no doubt of his decent or blood, he IS Ebenizer Goldthumb. A loyal subject of King Daín as were his forefathers. Forefathers that were honored in battle by the Kings of the Longbeards. Ever has he sent the King's share of his profits to the Royal House, so the claim that he steals from the King is not merely a shameful lie... but the greatest dishonor.", he paused giving Duinn Drakenbane a look of contempt.
"To my master and I there is no doubt why such blatant lies have been brought against my master. The Durin's Folk Trading Company wishes to control all of Othrikar! And wishes to nullify the existence of my masters LEGAL mining-rights, handed down from father to son, given by the King of Longbeards hundreds of years ago. Do not be fooled by these lies, and see these charges for what they really are... an attempt by the DFTC to get rid of their main competitor! And thus I ask for Lord Duinn Drakenbane himself to be punished for continued slandering the good name of my master and for attempting to gain hold of the mines rightfully in the possession of my master.", Thinpen paused as the entire chamber gasped. "My master is not an angry, nor revengeful dwarf, he merely wishes justice for crimes committed to his person. Thus we believe SCOURGING would be a just punishment for both Tholdurin AND his master Drakenbane. We await the wise judgement of this chamber", at that Thinpen sat down as jaws dropped.
(By Midarin)
