Ark Lore Part 4: The Conclusion

In the Courtroom

The Royal court room was filled to capacity with spectators from every corner of Phayor. Every possible news station had sent in a camera crew and reporter to capture this historical event. Murmurs filled the room as the jury entered. Shortly after the main door opened and everyone turned to see Lars followed by Anya, Raymond, Alvin, And Zac enter the room and make their way to their seats in the front of the room. Afterwards, a side door opened revealing Clark in an orange jumpsuit, his black hair was long and matted. Clark's hands were tightly bound together with heavy cuffs preventing him from using any magic. Clark was escorted by an elite team of guards. Next to Clark walked the Benedict Royal family attorney Emmett Moon, a short tan man with a triangular face, his curly brown hair topped his head. He wore an immaculate black suit that perfectly formed his body. The two took their seats at their table in the front of the room on their side. A few long seconds later the judge entered the room. He was an older ark, his blue fur was greying in multiple areas on his head. He wore traditional black judge robes, and a golden halo floated above his horns. The judge made his way to his perch atop the stand and took his seat.

"All rise for the case of McKnight, V.S. Benedict," the judge said in a monotone voice. Everyone in the courtroom rose. "Your majesty do you, and the prosecution solemnly swear to tell the truth and the truth only,"

"Yes your honor," Lars replied.

"Your highness do you, and the defense solemnly swear to tell the truth and the truth only?" the judge asked, his voice getting more monotone. Clark stood but did not speak or look up, he looked down at his feet. "Your Highness?" the judge asked again.

"Yes, your honor!" Emmett Moon replied.

"Everyone may be seated," the Judge said as everyone sat back down in their seats. "The prosecution may begin with their case," the judge said. Lars and Raymond stood up from their seats. Raymond brought a hefty briefcase with him. He placed it down on the table and opened it to reveal multiple stacks of papers and tan folders. Raymond picked up the top folder and pulled out multiple laminated copies of a report.

"Your Honor this document is a compilation of reports and accounts of various crimes committed by His Highness Clark Benedict," Raymond said as he handed the report to the judge. Lars handed a stack to an assistant to give to the jury. Everyone flipped through the report and various facial expressions were elicited from the jury. Raymond walked over to an overhead projector. He flipped on a switch causing a yellow light to turn on and it projected on the white wall above the stand that everyone was facing. Raymond opened a second folder, this one had clear plastic sheets with lettering and images on it. As Raymond placed the first sheet on the projector its lettering projected up on the wall allowing the whole courtroom to see the contents of Raymond's document. The crowd went silent before gasping as they read the atrocities that Clark committed in Steelville.

"Dr. Conway this is a compelling case indeed. But may we hear the testimonies from the witness directly?" the judge asked.

"Yes your Honor. I call Queen Benedict to the stand," Raymond said with confidence. The crowd began to murmur against themselves as Crystal Benedict stood from up from her seat. She wore a blue dress with sparkly sequences that created stripes going up and down. Her black hair was cut into a bob that complemented her golden brown skin. As she walked towards the stand her black high heels clicked on the hardwood floor.

"Your Majesty, do you swear to tell the truth and the truth only?" the judge asked.

"I do," Crystal replied.

"The prosecution may begin its questioning," the judge said as he slammed his mallet down creating a loud noise that silenced the courtroom.

"Your majesty, may you tell us what happened when Steelville was attacked?" Raymond asked in a calm tone.