Page 38 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part One

“Do you ever consider reaction before you rule?” Blaes looked at me expectantly while the magic pen hovered and bobbled now and then, like it was losing patience with the silence.

“Whose reaction?”

“Everybody’s? Anybody’s?”

“Oh. I think I see what you’re getting at. The answer is no. I don’t. I think only about the parties involved and the merits of the case. Objectivity is my goal. The way people feel about my rulings changes depending on what side of a thing they’ve chosen. So, I can’t be interested in that and prefer not to know.”

“Not even if it’s a close friend?” I shook my head. “Relative?” Shook my head. “Spouse?”

“Not for anyone. I take the job seriously. Look, every case is going to make somebody happy and make somebody else mad.”

“That is certainly true.”

“I decide what I think is right and trust fate to work out the rest.”

“Let me stop you there. Your fans want to know more about this idea of ‘right’. How do you know what’s right?”

“Sometimes I forget you don’t have a guide. For the entirety of our history, humans have been trying to distinguish good behavior from bad behavior in terms that everyone can understand and abide by. We abbreviate the concept by referring to it as right and wrong and codifying it into law.”

“So, you don’t know what’s right? It’s like a…”

I smiled. “I see the problem you’re having with the concept. You’re wondering where the logic is. If I was looking at it objectively, as an alien, for the first time, I’d probably have questions, too. But the bottom line is that it’s a system that allows humans to occupy the same world without obliterating each other.”

It was her turn to smile. “We’re notthatbad.”

“Based on what I’ve seen? It depends on who you ask.”

“Could the same thing be said in human courts?”

Oh man. She had me there. “Yes. Okay. Let me put it another way. The human standard for living together peacefully and productively is love and respect. We do fall short. Often. But it’s aspirational.”

“Aspirational,” she repeated. “I see how the principle of respect is reflected in your rulings. You think that a gargoyle ought to be respected the same as, say, a fae princess.”

“Yes.”

“To many that makes you both fascinating and annoying.” As soon as she said that last word, her eyes flew open wide, and her hand covered her mouth. Simply put, she looked horrified. “Gods on fire. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

I laughed. “Relax, Blaes. I’mmorethan aware that everybody doesn’t subscribe to Rita Rules. There are those who’d burn me at the stake if not for the fact that I’m in good with the sephalion.”

She offered a small smile, seemingly suddenly shy. An odd look for her. “I’m grateful you’re not angry.”

“Why would I be angry? You just told the truth.”

“Gizella told the truth about what she wanted and got exile.” Again, her hand went to her mouth.

This interview process was going to be altogether more entertaining if Ms. Heronimus continued to say what she was really thinking.

“You’re right. In the eyes of fae, humans have odd traditions and manners. I should’ve taken that into account and given her a second chance.” Blaes relaxed visibly. “Are you friends with her?”

“Perhaps not friends, but she was so distraught at the missed opportunity that I felt… something.”

“When someone feels bad because another person is hurting, we call that sympathy. It’s an awesome trait.”

“Does that mean that…”

“Yes. You can bring her next time.”

After the interview, I started toward the village green planning to say hi to Esme on the way to a quick pub toddy. I stepped out onto the porch in a lightweight cardigan and came straightaway back for something warmer. I reached for my thick cashmere jacket and pulled it on as I made my way back to the front door.

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