The World Below, page 20
My father nods. ‘We always believed so.’
My jaw tenses. ’But you didn’t think you should tell me?’
How could they believe I was better off not knowing I was being personally attacked? Why had they believed not accessing my magic was a good idea, or that not helping me to understand my abilities was for the better? They had forced me to fight with one hand behind my back.
A knock at the door jolts me. My father grabs my hand again; when had I let go of him and Mum?
‘There is not much time left, and we can explain everything to you later. What is more important at the moment is that you believe the charges against us are false. They’ve been trumped up as part of some political machinations down here. We are fighting them as best we can. If you want to help, you can try appealing to everyone’s sense of fairness and decency. The vote is close, and a plea from you may just sway some in our favour.’
‘How?’ I ask. ‘What should I say?’
Mum laces her fingers through mine. ‘Use all those skills you learned from debating. Listen to the arguments and use what you know to refute them.’
‘We believe in you,’ my father adds.
My stomach clenches. His eyes are bright with fear, and my father is never afraid of anything.
‘What will happen if you are found guilty?’ I ask.
I understand now that feathering your own nests while working above ground is frowned upon, but it isn’t murder or anything. How bad could this be?
Dad runs his thumb over the back of my hand. ‘Best case, we will be banned from returning above ground for a time.’
‘It is time we treated her like an adult, Malachi. Pris, there is a chance we will be banned from returning above ground—ever.’
The door opens, and one of the Bad Fairies who has been guarding the hallway enters. ‘It is time,’ she says. And just like that, with the threat of never being able to return to our old life hanging over my head, our reunion is cut short.
CHAPTER 13
Spring Court
Walking behind the Bad Fairy, I resist the urge to touch the wings gently swaying in front of me. My hand reaches out as if of its own accord, only to be grasped by my father’s large brown one.
‘Don’t. Touching them is a very intimate act.’
My hand drops down, and I am sure my face turns beetroot red. Before I have time to compose myself, we are led back into the ballroom.
Is it just my imagination, or has the room grown larger in my absence? On my right, a dais has appeared, and most of the creatures gathered in the rest of the room are turned towards it. On the stage itself are three chairs, only one of which is occupied—by a woman in a bright, loose-fitting dress with brown wavy hair tumbling free down her back. Her dark brown eyes are fixed on someone in the crowd. I follow her gaze and find Snake standing beside Earth and his father.
Dad folds me into a hug as my mum’s hand cups my face. ‘Here goes,’ he says as he lets me go. ‘Time to face the music.’ My gaze trails after them, wanting to follow, but I know I can’t.
‘Good luck, I love you,’ I whisper, then make my way across the room, slipping between creatures as I head towards Snake. Whispers follow my progress, and heads turn to stare at me.
By the time I make it to Snake’s side, I’m sure the whole room is talking about me. I sweep my gaze around the gathered creatures, holding my head high and taking them all in. Snake’s fingers entwine with mine, and at his touch, the confidence I am displaying becomes real.
As we wait for proceedings to begin, a group of severely dressed muscle-bound creatures enters the ballroom. They are similar to the square creatures I noticed before, but in amongst the glitter and dazzle, they alone stand out as drab. My eyes follow them as they span out around the edges of the crowd.
‘Who are they?’ I ask.
‘Dwarves,’ Earth says, his brows drawing together in a frown. ‘Few of them ever attend court. Too busy amassing their fortunes and disdaining decent folks.’
Snake leans into me, and his breath tickles my cheek as he says in a low voice, ‘Dwarves will do anything for gold or jewels. I wonder who here is paying them?’
My senses reel at his being so close, and my eyes are drawn to his lips as I remember our kiss. I close my eyes to shut out the distraction and consider his words. When I open them again, I find myself scanning the crowd, trying to work out who might be behind this display of force.
My gaze finally settles on my parents as they take their seats on the dais. As they settle, the man from the corridor steps in front of them and waits for the room to fall silent before speaking.
‘Elias, the Queen’s Prime Minister,’ Earth tells us, just as a hush falls over the crowd.
‘On behalf of Queen Anastasia, welcome to the Spring Court. The Queen is a little indisposed and will join us for some of the later events. In the meantime, I will be chairing this evening’s proceedings.’
The crowd murmurs. Someone behind me says, ‘When was the last time anyone saw her?’ And another adds, ‘I doubt she will be here tonight or any other night.’
‘Our first order of business is to deal with some terrible accusations levelled at three members of our community who carry out work for us in the World Above. They are charged with using their magic for personal gain.’
The room gasps collectively.
‘It isn’t like they didn’t already know. They have been talking of nothing else for the last couple of days,’ Snake’s father says through gritted teeth.
‘I am sure many of them thought the charges would be dropped before it was taken to full court,’ Earth said.
‘How can you impartially oversee this trial when one of the accused is your beloved cousin?’ a voice shouts from the floor.
Elias squares his shoulders and stares down his nose at the man in the crowd.
‘I will refrain from getting into an argument about our cousin, Bernais. As always, if you are not happy about how I carry out my duties, you are within your rights to appeal to the Queen. Now, if we are ready.’
I crane my neck, trying to catch a glimpse of the man speaking from the floor. He is almost an exact match for Elias on the dais, except his hair is lighter, and more auburn like my mother’s. Looking from one to the other, I see the family resemblance. So, this is what having family is like, I think as I wonder if I might have been better off not knowing.
‘Many of us would prefer this matter to go before the Queen herself. We are prepared to wait,’ Bernais says.
The crowd shuffles restlessly, and I can’t tell whether it is because they support this man, Bernais, or whether they are annoyed that he is causing a scene. Whatever the reason, the air thrums with tension. I catch movement out of the corner of my eye as some Bad Fairies move to place themselves in front of the dais.
Bernais opens his mouth to continue his argument, a few more Bad Fairies appear, and he steps back. When everyone settles down, Elias carries on.
‘Now that is settled, I call upon Ginth fo Drefin’s accuser to present their case.’
As the crowd parts, I quickly shuffle the letters of Snake’s mother’s name. ‘Finder of Things,’ I mouth and smile as Grossman Green moves to the middle of the dais. My smile freezes.
‘What’s that slimy creature doing here?’ I mutter, sneering at the goblin.
‘I’ve no idea, but it can’t be anything good,’ Snake answers.
One of the creatures in front half turns and shushes us. I am about to give them a piece of my mind, but then Grossman starts speaking, and I find I have bigger things to worry about.
‘I, Grossman Green, Senior Goblin in the World Above, accuse Ginth fo Drefin of profiting from her skills while living amongst humans. I have received reports from our kind who have seen her using her gifts to steal from shops and pick pockets.’
There is a collective gasp from the room.
‘Her own kind turn a blind eye to her transgressions, and this must stop. She must face up to the consequences of her actions.’
‘Bloody goblins. They have always resented us.’ Snake hisses.
‘Why?’ Pris asks.
‘Because we are close to the elves, closer to the power they desire,’ Earth says.
‘You have evidence to back your claims?’ Elias is asking as Pris’s attention returns to the front.
‘Not specific evidence—’
‘You mentioned reports?’
‘Um… they were verbal.’
‘But you can produce witnesses,’ Elias prompts.
‘Of course, given a little time.’
‘Give him enough time, and I am sure he can bribe as many witnesses as it takes to convict my mother,’ Snake mutters.
Not put off by Elias’s requests for proof, Grossman carries on. 'I can work out what she earns from her work for us, and I cannot believe she can afford to live in London without helping herself to things she shouldn’t,’ Grossman says, searching the crowd for support.
‘Okay.’ Elias draws the word out. ‘In that case, will anyone speak on Ginth fo Drefin’s behalf?’
There is movement beside Snake as Earth steps forward. He is beaten to the dais by Eleanora.
‘I would like to speak for Gin. Since her husband has been unfairly held in the World Below, I have given comfort and support to Gin in my role as Protector of London. Ofttimes, I provide food and money when the powers that be below stop family funds from reaching her. Other times, I give her and her son little gifts and luxuries to make life more bearable. Perhaps it is these items Goodman Green is referring to.’
Elias smiles. ’Thank you, Eleanora, and thank you for the work you do for our people above ground. I know many would not be able to cope without your generosity.’
The witch lowers her head as she accepts Elias’s thanks and steps back. As she does so, Earth makes his way to the front of the gathering.
‘I, Earth Fieth, speak as the Senior Gnome in the World Above. My nephew's disappearance left Ginth struggling, and she was initially too proud to ask for help. A few years ago, she was caught stealing food for herself and her son. We brought this matter before our own council and agreed that as she only took what she needed to survive, making this a minor transgression. We placed Gin on probation, and since then, to the best of our knowledge, she has not strayed again.’
‘Thank you, Earth. If this is all, then I propose we drop the charges against Ginth fo Drefin as already dealt with by the Gnome Council,’ Elias says.
Grossman Green moves as if to step down from the dais. I watch in stunned silence as he catches Bernais’s eyes and stops. Bernais shakes his head, and Grossman lets out a sigh. So, it is this elf, Bernais, pulling Grossman’s strings.
Grossman clears his throat, then says, ‘The original accusations were never brought before the full court. How do we know Earth is telling the truth and the charges were dealt with fairly—after all, Ginth is married to his nephew.’
Grossman is clutching at straws. It is written on the faces of the crowd around me, and even I can sense most creatures have no appetite to uphold the claim. Unfortunately, it appears he has struck a chord with Elias.
‘I will need to check the fine print of the laws governing lesser council’s dealings with offences under their remit. In the meantime, we will suspend Ginth fo Drefin’s trial.’
Grossman steps down from the dais, and before Elias can release Snake’s mum and announce the details of the next case, Giles Regis leaps onto the platform. He is followed more sedately by his wife, Amandine. The pair stare expectantly at Elias.
‘Oh, um… I guess you are here to present the case against Princess Cecily and Malachi Crown.’ Elias appears to be a little flustered by the influx of elves, but he soon regains his composure. ‘Princess Cecily and Malachi Crown are accused of using their position and skills above ground, specifically their glamour, to benefit themselves at the expense of humans. Giles Regis, if you would like to state the case against them.’
Amandine virtually pushes Giles into centre stage, leaving no doubt about who is behind these accusations.
‘Hm. Although the Crowns hold prestigious positions, their income from those roles does not explain how they can afford their house, private school fees for their daughter, regular overseas trips, designer clothes, high-end cars….’ His voice drifts off, as if he has run out of steam.
‘How can Amandine Regis stand there, dressed in something so obviously not off-the-rack, and accuse my parents?’ I fume.
Snake’s fingers reach for mine, and I gratefully grab hold of his hand.
‘Our time will come before the vote. Just keep it together until then.’ His breath tickles my ear as he leans in to whisper. He moves closer, and I lean into him for support.
‘Have you specific evidence, or just suspicions?’ Elias asks.
‘You only have to look at what they own,’ Amandine spits.
‘Says the woman who lives in Grosvenor Square,’ I murmur.
‘All right, who will speak on behalf of Princess Cecily and Malachi?’
My father stands up to respond, and a voice from the crowd yells, ‘Outsiders cannot speak in the court.’
‘What the?’ I ask, thrown by the vehemence of the accusation.
Snake turns wide eyes towards me. ‘I have no idea.’
My mother rises gracefully. She may not be decked out in designer clothes, she may not glitter, but she is every bit a princess as she takes centre stage.
‘That was a mistake,’ I say. ‘They obviously have not seen my mother in court.’
Mum clasps her hands in front of her and gazes around the room, meeting the eyes of all those judging her.
‘Many of you know me. You grew up with me, or you oversaw my education. I would love to believe that was enough for you to judge my honesty, but there is something else going on here, and I am forced to open my life to your scrutiny to meet some political objective.’
A wave of whispers goes round the room. Some creatures shuffle uncomfortably, others cannot not meet her gaze, but quite a number stare openly at her. I cannot tell if that is because they are offering support or because they are revelling in her embarrassment.
‘It is a matter of public record that my husband’s family has amassed great wealth in the World Above over the centuries through legitimate means. Prince Malachi’s brother offered us the use of one of his London properties while we live in the city. When our daughter began experiencing frequent attacks on her life, he also offered to pay for her to attend a private school. This was discussed in the Elven Court, and it was agreed that we would accept the offer. Everything was open and above board.’
Now the muggings have grown into full blown attacks on my life? What is going on here? My parents have a lot of explaining to do when this is over.
Snake squeezes my hand. ‘We can sort this later,’ he whispers, his words mirroring my own thoughts.
‘Our frequent overseas trips are for work purposes. We do sometimes add on a holiday at the end, paid for by ourselves. The rest of our luxury items are bought with our salaries. We work long hours, often at the expense of family life, in jobs that help the world become a better place. Do you begrudge us these small pleasures?’
The crowd falls silent as Mum’s gaze roams the room and finally falls on Bernais. I shiver at the intensity of it, but she doesn’t say anything as she turns and takes her seat.
‘What? Is that it?’ I ask. ‘Why doesn’t she mention the fact that she had Dad make large donations in cash and give time to many charities, and that they make me work half of my holidays volunteering for various organisations?’
‘Perhaps that will sound better coming from you when you make your plea to The Court,’ Snake offers.
The room is humming with low conversations as Giles and Amandine step down to rejoin Bernais and Goodman Green. That man is at the centre of this, I am sure. But what has he to gain from all of this? He turns, as if he senses I am watching him. His eyes meet mine and he smirks. Fury wells up inside me.
‘Before we vote, is anyone here to make a plea on behalf of the accused?’ Elias asks, raising his voice to be heard over the crowd.
Snake and I go to step forward, but I find myself taken in a gorilla grasp from behind as a hand clasps over my mouth. Turning my head, I find Snake in a similar position. Where are Earth and Snake’s dad? I try to catch a glimpse of them through the dwarves, who have made a tight circle around us. I just make out someone hauling Earth to the back of the room. There will be no help from that quarter.
I am turned so I can watch Bernais step onto the podium and shove Giles out of the way. ‘Let us vote and get this trial over and done with.’
The anger that has been slowly boiling inside me since this farce began threatens to explode. I struggle against the strong arms, but my efforts are futile. My captor tightens his grip, and I almost suffocate as the hand extends over my nose.
That is it! I did not spend all those hours training in karate to escape this very sort of situation for nothing. Sensei’s voice sounds in my head. ‘Channel that anger, use it to sharpen your attack.’
I close my eyes and assess the situation just as she taught me. My attacker is taller and wider than I am, and his centre of gravity is lower. I will not be able to take him off his feet. What I can do is attack his weak points.
Shifting my weight slightly so I can breathe, I force my teeth to clamp down on his hand. He grunts and his grip slackens imperceptibly. Reacting immediately, I stomp down on his toes, making full use of the sharp point of my heel and, at the same time, swing back with my elbow, taking him by surprise.
He lets me go, and instead of moving away like he expects me to, I turn and bring my left knee into his groin with all my force before stepping back and punching him in the jaw.
I am in ready stance, breathing heavily, waiting for him to retaliate, when a Bad Fairy slips in between us. I’m not sure whether he is protecting me or the dwarf. I don’t relax yet because I am not sure what is happening. The room has divided into two, with a small clearing around Snake, the two goons who held us captive, and the Bad Fairy.
