Page 127 of Made

Evie saw it on my face. “Sorry,” she said. “Just the messenger here.”

“Not your fault. Thank you for the upgrade. How long does it last?”

“Duration of this case.”

“Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

I tried to control my expression so as not to show too much pleasure at being able to see the three sprites. They seemed to have trouble being still. It looked like they were taking turns flying straight up for a couple of feet, pacing across the table, and jumping up to land on Max’s sleeve. Their mistletoe-green wings were taller than they were. They wore green costumes of the same color, but each was different. Two females. One male. All three had bright, coppery-red bedheads. Undeniably cute.

After I was settled back into my elevated position on custom comfy cushions, I said, “Counselor Pteron, would you ask your clients to approach and introduce themselves?”

He said something inaudible, then the three promptly flew to the wooden bar before me and landed. At that close distance, I could see their features perfectly. Big eyes. Upturned noses. Skin as flawless as a porcelain doll.

“I’m Beorhtsige,” said the male.

“How do you do? I’m Judge Hayworth.”

“Hello,” he said, seeming supremely unimpressed.

“And you are?” I asked one of the females.

“I’m Ry,” said one.

“I’m Tata,” said the other.

“Tell me what outcome you’re hoping will result from suing the Druids.”

The trio looked at each other, then the one self-identified as Ry spoke up. “We want the Druids to leave us alone. They’re no longer…”

“What?” I asked. “No longer what?”

“True,” said Ry. “They’re not true. They now serve personal gain.”

My smile was genuine. “Thank you for coming close enough so that I can see you well. You may return to the plaintiff’s table.”

When they made no move to leave, Max whistled. Loudly. Hearing that, the three looked his way, took flight, and took up their little exercise routines where they’d left off. I got the impression they were present because they’d drawn short sticks and couldn’t wait to get out of here.

“For the benefit of court attendees, let’s spell out the facts of the case, shall we?” I looked at Max. “Why are your clients suing the Druids?”

Max could be counted on for brevity and economy of words. Always. He summed up beautifully.

I turned to the defendants. “Who’d like to tell me your side of the story?” The Druid at the end of the table farthest away from Ms. Merriwether raised his hand. I could see Merriwether’s objection register on her face, but she said nothing. I’m sure she’d prefer to manage her clients’ testimony, but people are sometimes insistent on self-sabotage. “Alright. Stand up and state your name.”

“Talon Dax, Your Honor. I’ve been chosen to speak for our fraternity.”

“Very well. Proceed.”

“As said by Mr. Pteron, we consider it a holy duty to gather mistletoe at the beginning of the Yule season. We bless it then offer it free to all those who celebrate Yule according to the ancient tradition. One of our fraternal secrets is the key to communicating with the Mistletoe Spirits. It’s a sacred privilege far older than more modern religious practices, such as Christianity.

“We are, frankly, hurt and distressed that the Spirits have chosen to name us in this proceeding, claiming we’ve done harm when, in fact, part of our mission is to prevent harm from being visited upon nature’s blessed spirits. We are innocent and hope the Spirits will withdraw their accusation.”

“Is that all?” I asked when his silence indicated the end of his remarks.

“Yes, Your Honor.”

“Alright.” I motioned for him to sit and turned to Max. “Rebuttal, Counselor?”

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