Daughter of Ogden

Chapter 11 - Court Adjourned

Under the scrutinizing gaze of a near hundred pairs of eyes, I felt like a criminal. Not a misplaced tie or wrinkled blouse in sight, I shifted uneasily in my make-shift formal outfit. I also didn't spot a single pleased expression. Only Fera greeted me with a curt nod. With whom I assumed were the few other members of the Shahid clan, she sat on the accused, my side. I noted dismally that very few members had chosen to sit among the Shahid clan. The rows on the left side were full, not a seat left empty. I suspected that many had been forced to sit on my side.

      "That's encouraging," I muttered sarcastically.

      "It's a formality," Aadya said, the sound of her clattering heels echoing in the silent room. "It's not representative of the inclination of their vote."

      Giving me a small push forward, Aadya joined Nathaniel at the accused table, and I was left alone at the stand.

      Awkwardly taking my seat, I straightened my shirt and smiled uneasily. Nathaniel had suggested that I take deep breaths, but I had completely stopped breathing.

       I didn't dare make eye contact with anyone in the crowd. Their thoughts were dizzying, I didn't need to put a face to them.

       A few moments after I took my seat, who I presumed to be the judge, walked in, and sat in the center stand beside me. Though I hadn't seen Ubel last evening, the familiarity of the man's mind beside me left no doubt. Of course, he would be the judge.

       "Calling the case of Avalynn Morales; an unidentified child of the Legion. Is the accused ready?"

       I really wished someone would have gone over court etiquette with me. I didn't know if there was a more formal response expected, but I kept it short. I leaned into the microphone. "Yes."

      "Jury members please rise and raise your hands."

      Somewhere around 20 individuals rose; I assumed one for each clan. Aadya had explained that each clan leader could vote on behalf of their clan.

      "Do you all swear upon the Force of Zid to judge this trial fairly and make your verdict in an unbiased manner?"

      There was a chorus of "yes" and "I do", that I wanted to counter with "bullshit." Most of them had already made their decisions, overpowered with fear.

       "The accused has gone sixteen years without coming forward as a child of the Legion," Ubel started again. My jaw tightened. Without coming forward? As if I knew of my heritage and hid – I mean I probably would have hidden if I knew. "We must question why this child has not been claimed and how she has remained hidden for all these years. Will anyone come forward and claim this minor as their offspring?"

      To no surprise, no one claimed me as their child. Clans looked amongst each other, silent as they waited for someone to come forward. When moments passed and no one did, hushed whispers echoed across the room. This had suddenly become more interesting than the case of Finlay's daughter. I was an even bigger anomaly. If people hadn't already made the connection to Lahila, I was sure the puzzle pieces were beginning to click.

      Ubel's expression was stealthy neutral, but he was pleased.

      "The defendant may approach the stand before we vote on the accused's punishment."

       They sure didn't beat around the bush. Why would I be punished for my parent not coming forward? Lahila forgotten, if my birth mother was in the crowd, ought they not pursue genetic testing to place the blame on them?