Page 68 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part Two

So he turned his attention to the best way to test the flute.

He was not thinking about the fact that he was breaking two rules that were considered by fae to be generally accepted practice. The first rule made the flute contraband because it broke the rule regarding importing a magic artifact from another magic-kind culture. The second was the ban on use of tools or talents to compel other fae without their explicit permission.

Upon his return, Skaresh went to work making his dreams come true. After the passage of several seasons, he’d become one of the wealthiest, most powerful fae anywhere. It hadn’t given him the joy he’d sought.

He’d played the flute for Trebiel. She’d agreed to marry him and did, but she wasn’t happy. Her energetic passion, her giggle, and the light that had shone from her eyes were gone. Whenever he asked if there was something he could do to make her happy, she asked him to sing. When he appeared unwilling to fulfill even her most simple request, she grew more and more unhappy.

Eventually one of his employees noticed that, when Skaresh wanted something accomplished, particularly politically, he played his flute and always got his way. The employee, who was paid to keep jewelry shiny, windows clean,and smile when customers were about, put it together. It was a magic flute.

The worker sent an anonymous communique to the Bureau. The Bureau had the inherent authority necessary to conduct searches when someone was accused of holding contraband. They brought a witch tracker who could sense secrets and hidden things and easily found the flute.

The following investigation revealed a history of Skaresh having used the flute to compel other fae.

As I sat down for the afternoon session, I noticed two things. First, the Redwing was carefully hidden by a plain, black koozie within easy reach, Second, Ms. Onorato Achilla sat at the defendant’s table next to a man who was ordinary-looking except for clothing that might’ve been made on Savile Row.

Onorato was one of the first graduates of my training course for would-be counselors. I considered the program to be a feather in my cap though I didn’t openly brag to anyone but Keir. She was, reportedly, top of her class and, the one other time she’d come before my court, I’d found her to be exceptionally sharp.

I admired her for pursuing a career, something I’d noticed few fae women did, and I knew she’d be pleased to be matched with Max. It was like getting to play Wimbledon.

“Counselor Pteron. I’ll hear the Bureau’s case.”

“Thank you, Your Honor.” Max stood. “The Bureau has confiscated contraband from Mr. Skaresh Farsid. Mr. Farsid is a well-known, wealthy jewelry merchant who is connected both politically and socially. The Bureau has no problem with those things per se, but in this instance, the manner in which he has attained them is in question.

“For at least the past two years, Mr. Farsid has been in possession of a shadavar’s horn.”

I stopped him there. “For the benefit of those who aren’t familiar, will you please give us a brief description?”

“Of course. The defendant came by a shadavar’s horn while traveling through the land of Persia in the human world. A shadavar is a magic-kind beast with antlers that can lend a bearer special abilities.

“In this case, that would be compulsion. Mr. Farsid has broken two of our society’s most important rules. He has imported the means to cause others to act against their wishes, and used the artifact to compel others to do his bidding.”

Waves of murmurs could be heard circulating through the crowd, and I noticed that Farsid shifted in his seat. It was the first time he appeared concerned about being brought before the court.

“We have determined that most of Mr. Farsid’s wealth and social standing are the result of compulsion. In addition to the accumulation of riches, the defendant used the artifact to manipulate the granting of privileges and the performance of services. In many ways, the latter is worse than the theft of material assets. It is the theft of the self-determination of others.”

Courtroom spectators erupted into an ear-splitting din. Those who understood the implications were understandably shocked. No doubt some in the crowd were wondering whether they’d been victims of Farsid’s wide-ranging scheme.

Hengest banged his staff. “We’ll have order in the court.”

It took a moment for the noise to die completely, but Hengest was respected and within a few minutes silence was restored.

Several questions came to mind, the first of which was, “What is the Bureau seeking in terms of remedy?”

“First, the flute will remain in the custody of the Bureau as it is considered an extraordinarily dangerous weapon.Second, we ask for permission to employ a mind sweeper, who can tell us what material things should be returned to rightful owners and what privileges should rightfully be revoked.”

“What exactly is a mind sweeper?”

“A person gifted with reconstructing a person’s history.”

“You’re suggesting this be done without Mr. Farsid’s cooperation?”

“We may agree to allow Mr. Farsid to keep most of his wealth, and not assess burdensome fines, if he submits voluntarily.”

“I see. Are mind sweepers born with this ability or are they trained?”

“The talent is innate.”

“What about reliability? I take it the Bureau trusts this method.”

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