ATTENDEES
Queen Dara Khsan ibn Trrrol, Judge Samaira Valentina, Queen Nathalie, Karima, Ehline, Roxe, Sir Peace Furst, Willow, Ambassador Yasemin von Engelhardt, Afraa al Abid, Dr. Albert, Stephanie Brown, Haeda, Marcus, RubiRoy, Sonia Tairov, Tina Wo.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The administration of Justice in Kalahari has had a checkered history, to say the least, with an array of seedy judges, defendants who bribed judges, defendants unfairly convicted, and some weak sentencing based on the attractiveness of the female criminal, or the wealth of the male evildoer.
But long-time observers in the Justice Centre for the "Trial of Ehline," believe they have seen a new beginning to Justice in Kalahari, with a fair trial, and a harsh but deserved sentence.
The trial began with dear Roxe, a slave beloved of all in Kalahari, victim of a harsh assault by career criminal Ehline, recounting the harrowing tale of the attack:
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| Roxe tells the story of her horrific assault by Ehline |
"I was working as usual at the spinning wheel, turning our
local goat's wool into useful thread for the Kingdom. The conversation around
the wheel touched upon Ehline's long since vanished fiancee. I stated that during
the medical examination, I thought he was a bit handsy. I added that in my
opinion, one does not need to be naked for an examination and Dr Ali might not
have been completely virtuous."
"At this, the defendant flew at me, hitting me so hard I fell
from the spinning wheel to the ground of the workshop. She hit me a second
time, kicking me while I was sprawled on the floor. I picked up a heavy
wooden shuttle and held it up to defend myself, telling her to back off.
Luckily she did before I was forced to hit her in return."
"I suffered a slight sprain as I tumbled over the wheel and
limped for the next several days. There is something
else the court should be made aware of. After Ehline's
arrest, a friend of hers came to the house of Sir Peace. After John Lo found out that I planned to testify today he offered to take me away for a few weeks of "intense training." Which would have
conveniently prevented me from testifying. I can only imagine that was the
intention."
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| Judge Samaira and Prison Governor Stephanie observe the defendant Ehline |
The Courtroom fell silent, both at the story of slave violence detailed by Roxe, and the rather shady attempt by Sir John Lo to take Roxe away during the trial. Despite murmurs of joy from Ehline when she heard of the plan of John Lo, she said nothing incriminating herself in respect of the plot.
The wise and lovely Prosecutor Afraa (yes, OK, Afraa is writing this article, be quiet!) then called two witnesses of impeccable credentials to verify the testimony of Roxe, the widely admired physician and textile worker Karima, and the colorful Queen of Romania Nathalie.
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| Karima gives her testimony |
Karima stated:
"I was at this place when
this quarrel between Roxe and Ehline occurred. Ehline and Roxe spoke about some
Dr. Ali. Roxe complained that this doctor wanted her naked for an exam and
called him 'handsy.' Ehline got in a rage about this and grabbed Roxe's
hair, pulled it heavily and said: 'I strangle you!' Then, there was some
quarreling back and forth until Roxe left the place."
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| Queen Nathalie seated in Court while testifying |
Queen Nathalie was not only able to testify to events, but, undoubtedly due to her royal blood, also looked deep into the heart of Ehline to testify against her:
"Ehline is not that kind: she has devil skills in her eyes, she lies
a lot, and she uses drugs. And I saw Ehline attack Roxe."
Even though this testimony clearly underlined the guilt of Ehline, the kind and compassionate Judge Samaira gave Ehline the chance to defend herself, by asking the question:
"Ehline, why did this
passing comment make you behave in such a violent manner?"
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| Ehline prepares her questionable testimony |
Ehline's rambling answer, composed of truth, half truths,
and simple lies went as follows:
"Doctor Ali was a hero, a free and respected man, who sacrificed his life fighting the plague. This simple slave dared to slander him and no one stopped her, (looks at the cowardly minister,) so I had to correct her."
But the Judge pointed out the contradiction:
"Is it not true he
deserted his post here and his bride to be?"
Ehline (covers her head in tears)
(supposedly moved by the thought of the noble doctor) stated:
"He left to fight the plague, Judge. He is a hero, and a hero should not be slandered by a slave! And he had such a beautiful beard."
Samaira's skepticism,
"Hmmm is that so....and left you to a life of slavery?"
is added to the fact that no one has heard of any outbreak of plague anywhere!
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| Ehline gives her testimony |
There is no doubt that Ehline, whatever her faults are, is a clever woman! Her testimony contained a strange comparison, false statements, and questionable legal citations, all designed to confuse the Judge and the spectators. It must be said that similar tactics have worked for her in the past!
"If I break a glass, who is the victim? The glass? Or the owner of the glass? The owner of the glass, of course. Roxe belonged to my father. My father is the victim, and Thorgrim
is not here, so this trial is against the law. I am surprised the minister doesn't
understand this. And I belong to Magdy the Wizard.”
Minister Afraa disproved some of Ehline's testimony immediately:
"Sir Peace is the legal owner of Roxe,
sale certified by the
beloved King Hassan."
(Passes documents over to the
Judge)
Ehline then tried to divert attention from her to
the innocent and highly moral Minister Afraa:
"I will also refer to lex Afraa:
Afraa almost tried to kill the King and got three days suspension!"
Afraa affirms that this is obviously a false statement
"I did NOT try to kill the King----well, not really."
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| King's wounds from Afraa's attack: It looks worse than it was. Really! |
Ehline then made an absurd suggestion for her sentencing:
"I will accept three days suspension from my work as
a basket maker.
Afraa can take my place."
And then added:
"I have corrected Roxe for slandering a free
man.
I should be rewarded not punished."
Having heard enough of this sort of testimony, Judge Samaira announced:
"Thank you, Ehline, the Court will adjourn
while I consider
the arguments carefully."
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| Judge Samaira Valentina reflecting on verdict and sentence |
Within a few minutes, Judge Samaira returned to the Courtroom,
with a grim look on her face, and, after calling the Court to order,
immediately began her announcement:
"This was a wicked and unprovoked crime by a known criminal.
After long and
careful consideration, it seems to me that the only just punishment for this
career criminal is.....to cut off her head!"
Gasps and screams filled the Courtroom, Ehline's face turned a deathly pale, and even Prosecutor Afraa's countenance registered utter shock. But the wise and solemn Judge Samaira soon showed that she could mix mercy with justice, all in the service of redeeming this hardened criminal,
and putting her on the righteous path:
"However, it seems unfair that someone else should have to
clear up her mess and maybe for once in her life she should do something useful
to the Kingdom.
Therefore, I sentence Ehline to work in the Mine under Stephanie Brown's supervision until
she has produced 10 baskets of iron ore. She will have two weeks to complete
this sentence.
If anyone is found
helping her, two extra baskets of iron ore will be added to the punishment for each basket they produce.
and the persons helping her will face their own
punishments.
Failure to reach this
target in the allotted time will cause the court
to reconsider her beheading."
Despite the protests of Ehline, ("But my hands are too soft to work in the mines! I will get blisters." Looks worried at her hands.), the vast majority of the spectators in Court greeted this fair sentence with approval,
happy that this criminal who has avoided work her entire life,
will finally be productive for the Kingdom.
Queen Dara gave the Royal Approval when she said:
"And I may say that the Crown is happy with the justice
being served once more in Kalahari."
while also adding an ominous note for Ehline:
"Or maybe we can send
the good doctor to practice with the axe!"
There is a clear message that the prisoner Ehline had best complete her sentence in the allotted time.
As Ehline and Marcus were led away to captivity by the efficient Prison Governor Stephanie Brown, to be ready to work in the nearby Mine:
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| Prisoner Ehline awaiting her Mine service |
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| Slave Marcus waiting to work with Ehline in the Mine |
meanwhile, a happy band of Kalaharians repaired to the Tavern,
to celebrate the rebirth of Justice in the Kingdom!
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| Tina Wo offers a toast |
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| The lovely Ambassador Yasemin entertains with diplomatic tales |
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| Sonia Tairov dances, amidst much feasting and enjoyment |
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MEDIEVAL MURMURS
KALAHARI TREASURE HUNT
(Notecard in the Welcome Board at the Landing)
(Read our online blog: Kalahari Herald Chronicles, https://mykalahariblogaddress.blogspot.com)
Welcome to this Treasure Hunt,
which will allow you to discover the Kingdom of Kalahari.
Find the small banners of Kalahari, these banners are in public places,
it’s forbidden to go to private homes.
During the treasure hunt, you will obtain a secret code.
Take note of it for a royal prize!
Good luck !
All glory to Kalahari!
