Page 71 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part Two

After more than a year, I was still surprised by how fast things can happen in the world of fae. In less than ten minutes, Max was in my chambers handing the horn over to Ardeshir.

When it was placed in her hands, she lit up like a Yule tree.

Those of us who were present were so enraptured by the music she played, I began to wonder if we were being compelled.

“It is done,” she said simply, smiled beautifully, and vanished taking the horn with her.

“Let’s hope I wasn’t just conned,” I said looking from Lochlan to Keir to Max. “I guess we’ll find out sooner or later.”

I didn’t need to wait until later. When I arrived in the courtroom, two of Hengest’s men were trying to pull an enraged woman off Skaresh Farsid. By the fury she demonstrated with flying fists and screeches that would get props from even Maggie, I guessed the woman was Farsid’s wife and that she had, perhaps, been compelled to become Mrs. Farsid.

Thank you, Ardeshir.

When court was called to session, I began by turning to the defense.

“On the matter of confiscation of the shadavar’s horn. It’s been given to an authority for safekeeping.

“On the matter of the defendant’s counter claim that his reputation has been wrongfully damaged, I dismiss the claim as frivolous.

“As to Mr. Farsid’s mind being swept, the court denies the Bureau’s request.”

I looked at defense counsel. “Ms. Achilla. I believe your argument that the fae code is not actual law was directed at my humanity. You were hoping I’d confuse human legal perspectives with the view of fae. While I admire your wit and strategy, we are not in a court bound by law. Mr. Farsid lives and works in a culture that honors fae code.

“Some humans break laws. That doesn’t mean the fault is in the law. It means the person is guilty of refusing to honor the standard set by the society in which they live. The comparison is clear. Mr. Farsid understood that he was violating the code that forms this civilization. He made his choice and must live with the consequences.

“This court is not going to allow mind sweeping for the same reason I uphold a ban on the abhorrent practice of compulsion. Both are without redemptive qualities. However, I believe those who’ve been victimized by Mr. Farsid in the past will find their will has been fully restored.

“Mr. Farsid. You are free to go. The consequences you will pay in the future, at the hands of other fae, will be far worse than any means of punishment the court might devise.”

I banged my gavel and left the courtroom thinking justice had, indeed, been served that day.