Page 60 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part Two

“So, you do. Thank you for coming. Albeit late,” I quipped. “As you can see, we have some physical limitations. Are you able to take shape suitable to the furniture on hand?”

She frowned slightly then followed my line of sight to the table and chairs reserved for the plaintiff’s counsel. Her hesitation told me two things. She could change size, and she didn’t want to.

“The court will appreciate your cooperation,” I urged.

At that, she collapsed, rather than transformed into a six-foot frame. It was more abrupt than I’d been expecting, but I’d never quibble over getting what I want.

“Thank you. Are you ready to present your case?” I asked.

She clearly hated looking up at me. “Yes.”

“Very well. Proceed.”

“We, the gods of Olympus, want Medusa banished for all time.”

When she said nothing more, I prompted her. “Is that the extent of what you have to say?”

“Yes.”

“I see.”

I turned to the defendant’s table. “Counselor Pteron. What say you to the Olympians’ request to ban Medusa?”

Max got to his feet. “First, before we begin, Your Honor, forgive me, but I must enter into the record a matter both private and personal.”

I couldn’t begin to imagine what he was talking about, but there was little choice regarding allowing him to continue. “Proceed,” I said.

“I understand that you, yourself, were recently victimized by my client. I’d be remiss in my duty to the defendant if I didn’t ask whether justice would best be served by your recusal.”

The crowd burst into rolling murmurs, no doubt asking each other what recusal meant. I had no doubt that no magistrate had ever been recused. It would just make more sense to not take the case to begin with.

“Your dedication to duty is commendable, Counselor. However, that will not be necessary. My understanding is that your client has very little, if any memory of her actions from before her transformation. That being the case, I harbor no hard feelings.”

“Thank you for your statement, Your Honor,” Max said. “With your permission, the Pais Alexilia is going to speak for our client.”

“Of course.” I looked at Alex.

She rose and cleared her throat. The person before me was a far cry from the spoiled, cruel princess I’d encountered during my first court session. She even looked different.

“Thank you, Your Honor. Medusa doesn’t understand the language used here at court.” She gestured toward the person next to Medusa. “We’ve brought an interpreter so that she might know what’s being said, if you’ll allow it.”

“I will so long as it can be done reasonably quietly.”

“Understood, Your Honor,” Alex said. When she glanced back, the interpreter nodded. “My client was human long ago, but Athena liked her enough to want to enjoy her company forever. That’s how she came to be immortal. We all know the story of Athena’s curse…”

Themis rose. “Athena is not part of this proceeding your honor. This is about Medusa’s banishment from Olympus. Nothing else.”

I asked Alex, “How is Athena related to the Olympians’ request?”

“We’re going to propose a settlement, Your Honor. We won’t be overly detailed, but we must convey some brief history for the settlement to be understood.”

“Very well,” I said. Turning to Themis, “There’s no harm in hearing what the defense has to say.” Looking back at Alex, I said, “Continue.”

“She willnotcontinue!” Themis stormed in a manner that conveyed she was used to having her way.

I turned back to Themis. “Your people agreed to abide by the rules of this court. And this court doesn’t tolerate outbursts that resemble tantrums.” There was a gasp from the crowd. Honestly, I shocked myself by saying that. It was as if I had no regard for life nor limb.

When she didn’t move, I pressed on, “Everyone besides the Pais Alexilia is to be seated while she presents her defense.”£

---