Page 70 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part Two

“Let us sit down like reasonable people and reason over tea.”

I looked at Keir who nodded affirmation that it was a reasonable idea. Lochlan knows that you’re very good at working out problems out loud,” he said.

“Okay.” How could I argue with that? It was true.

Keir stepped away to ask Hengest to arrange for tea then joined Lochlan and I in the small conversation grouping where we were already seated. I’d unfastened the hooks that closed my robe and tried to relax.

“I know you can’t tell me what to do,” I told Lochlan, “but Onorato Achilla has truly scored a zinger by pointing out that tradition isn’t law. It isn’t even a rule. If there’s something fae-specific that I need to know to adjudicate this case, tell me now.”

Lochlan pulled his pipe out and stuck it between his teeth, but didn’t light it. I’d never had to set a rule about not smoking in my chambers because to date, he’d shown the good sense to never try to light it.

He took the pipe out of his mouth. “We don’t have a governing body whose job it is to write legislation. However, one shouldn’t discount the value of tradition. Tradition is a hallmark of behavior that’s been tacitly accepted by a majority of a people for a period of time sufficient to think of it as part of the culture.”

“Baked in,” I added.

After a pause, Lochlan said, “That is one way of thinking about it. Yes.”

“Laws, per se, seem to be necessary for humans. There are written codes that are thousands of years old.”

“I’m impressed that you know so much about human history, Clerk. Yeah. You’re right. I know that only because I studied art history and some of the tablets are thought of as art.”

Studying the richness of the dark red carpet, I mulled that over. Lochlan and Keir seemed content to watch me struggle in silence. A rap on the door announced tea. Just in time. I realized that, I’d been so interested in the subject matter of the afternoon’s trial, I hadn’t once reached for my Redwing.

Keir fixed me a cup of tea the way I like it, with way too much sugar and way too much cream, and set it in front of me reminding me that nobody in the worlds had it better than me. I took a sip. Earl Grey. Nothing like Bergamot when one’s mind has hit a brick wall.

I sat quietly sipping my tea, staring at the carpet now that I’d learned it makes an excellent focal point for clarity. After a while, I said, “Thank you. I know what I’m going to do.”

Lochlan smiled. Keir ate two handfuls of bacon. Bacon wasn’t a typical item at tea, but there wasn’t anything typical about the enforcer. I had a deviled egg and a strawberry shortcake made the way I like with a big, fat, fluffy American-style biscuit. Thank fate for my speedy metabolism. I didn’t care that I came by it thought magical means. I intended to enjoy it.

“What you’re saying,” I began, “and correct me if I’m wrong, is that fae have been able to rely upon a code supported by tradition because it was revered and respected as the standard.” I took three sips then continued, looking more at my focal point – the carpet – than my staff. “I know what I’m going to say.”

I looked up in time to see Lochlan and Keir give each other a look of high fives all around.

“Lochlan. Before we return, can you find someone in attendance who might be considered an expert on the capability of the shadavar’s horn?”

He took in a deep breath and pushed to his feet. Lochlan wasn’t nothing if not decisive. He was up and headed toward the door as he was saying, “Possibly.”

In fifteen minutes, with plenty of time left, Lochlan returned with a young woman who looked enough like Fie Mistral to be his daughter.

“This is Ardeshir. I believe she has the expertise you’re seeking.”

“Hello,” I said. Motioning to the chair across from me, “Please sit down.”

“Thank you.” She spoke with an accent, but not one I could place.

“I’m wondering if another person, someone besides Skaresh Farsid might use the shadavar’s horn to break whatever compulsions are presently in place.”

She didn’t smile, but her eyes lit from within. “Yes. If you bring me the horn, I can do this.”

“That’s excellent news. Do you, um, charge a fee for this service?”

“No. You may consider it a gift to the court.”

I turned to Lochlan. “Please ask Max to bring the horn to my chambers. Right away.”

Once again, Lochlan was half out the door by the time I’d finished.

I looked at Ardeshir. “Would you care for tea?”

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