Trials of Faith

Chapter XII

"Permission granted."

"I, Lord Wendon Schultz, would like to formally drop all charges against Mr. Peter Pevensie on the account of recent events in this court." The older man's eyes soften. "The kind of love and gentleness Mr. Peter Pevensie has displayed today, especially with the surprise visit of his father, cannot be mere imitation. I apologise for wasting your time, Judge Hendrix, ladies and gentlemen of the jury."

"Order!" Judge Hendrix yells as the courtroom begins to whisper. "Very well. Mr. Peter Pevensie, this case will not be put on record, as it was an informal case and was dropped by the prosecutors." The judge's eyes sparkle. "But, just for your information, every single jury member declared you innocent."

"As promised, I have spoken to the school board on your behalf," Headmaster Bryant stands and addresses Peter. "and you will be allowed to return for the remainder of this school year. However, you may not return once the year has been completed."

Peter, engulfed in the embraces of his siblings, looks up at him "Thank you-ow, Lucy!" Peter smiles apologetically. "Sir."

"Edmund!" Chloe calls from across the courtroom.

"You did amazing!" Edmund tells her as he meets her in the middle of the room.

"Me? I was stuttering the entire time! It was your defense that got Peter off," Chloe replies. "and it was brilliant having your father testify!"

Edmund shakes his head. "Everyone, including you, helped Peter." He says firmly.

"I was glad to have helped. Did you have any idea Jacob's father was commander of your father's unit?" She asks.

Edmund shakes his head. "Not until Dad said it."

Suddenly, Peter meets them in the middle of the courtroom. "I'm sorry. Am I interrupting something?" He asks, giving Edmund dubious looks.

"Shut up, Peter." Edmund groans, as Chloe laughs.

"Chloe, this git is Peter Pevensie, my older brother. Peter, this is Chloe Burke, Mrs. Burke's daughter. She helped me when I was accusing Carter of being a bully in Asbury Hall." Edmund introduces.

"It's a pleasure to officially meet you, Chloe. Edmund has told me loads about you." Peter says with a mischievous smile.

"Peter!" Edmund yelps, blushing.

"Speaking of, Edmund, that's my suit you're wearing." Peter puts his brother in a headlock. "I was looking for that all morning! But it looks better on you, Ed. Don't you think, Chloe?"

"W-well, I-I.." Chloe stutters, blushing much more deeply than Edmund. Edmund smacks his older brother's arm.

"How could you?!" He demands as Chloe walks off slowly.

"I'm sorry, Ed. I was only joking." Peter replies. "I didn't think I would upset her."

"Oh, you didn't upset me." Chloe says, returning with her mother. "My mum wanted to say hello, so I brought her over."

"That's a relief." Peter says.

Edmund begins to smile. "Yes, it is. Hello, Mrs. Burke."

Peter releases his brother from the headlock, and shakes Mrs. Burke's hand properly. "Hello, ma'am."

"I'm glad to see your charges were dropped, Peter." She says kindly. "Chloe has spoken highly of both of you." The teacher's eyes rest on Edmund for a long moment. Peter snickers.

Edmund discreetly jabs him in the ribs.

"I'm glad to see your Forensics and Debate class came through for you. Great defense strategies, Ed!" Mrs. Burke says. "I'm proud of you."