Page 53 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part Two

“The Olympians are insisting Medusa’s trial go ahead.”

I looked at Lochland and could tell he was as confused as I. “Why?”

Max sighed. “They want her to be tried because they’re seeking banishment that’s both permanent and official. Themis, herself, will attend and represent the Olympians.”

“Okay, first. Banishment? I hope this doesn’t sound too clueless, but again, why? I don’t get it?”

“Confidentially, and this is nothing more than a guess, I think Athena is embarrassed by the whole thing and would rather forget it ever happened. She’s supposed to be the epitome of intellect. She doesn’t want to be known for hotheaded acting out.”

“Well, too bad. You break it. You own it.”

“What?” Max said.

“Never mind. The other thing is who’d Themis?”

Lochlan answered, probably because he never missed an opportunity to be a smart aleck. “Goddess of law, order, and justice. She’s supposed to be gifted with foresight and prophesy.”

“Well,” I said, “why bother if she knows what’s going to happen?” Max and Lochlan both chuckled. “What?”

“Foresight and prophesy are… you know,” Lochlan said.

“No. If I knew, I wouldn’t be asking.”

“Not absolute,” Max supplied.

“Like jello,” Lochlan added.

“Wiggly?” This was my attempt at clarification.

“Precisely,” said Lochlan.

“Precise jello. Got it. So,” I turned to Max. “She’ll be sitting at your table.”

“I’m flattered that you refer to the plaintiff table as mine,” he answered.

“I’ll take that as a yes. Will you be there as well. Second chair or whatever you call it?”

“I’ll be in the courtroom, more out of curiosity than anything, but I’ll not be representing the Greeks.”

“Can I expect her to abide by the rules of the court? Remember the last time we had a god in the court? Tyr tried to have his horse hoof me in the face?”

“Unforgettable,” Max said. “The Bureau will make sure the Olympians have agreed to court rules and decorum.”

“Is that the best I’m gonna get?”

“Afraid so,” Max said.

My dogs suddenly scrambled to see who could get to the mudroom door first.

I looked at Lochlan. “Go see.” Lochlan followed the dogs. To Max, I said, “Thanks for letting us know. I assume you’re also collecting Medusa.”

“Yes. We’ve arranged for quarters and company while awaiting trial.”

“Good. Having things be relatively normal for a couple of days will be welcome.”

I let Max out and rushed out the mudroom door.

Sigrid had already unharnessed Angus and Aisling and sent her chariot off to wherever it awaits her command. The dogs had turned back to Border Collies before Lochlan had reached the garden. They seemed more energetic than usual and were playing with their pups like they were pups themselves.

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