"May the Valar give me strength to do this, Almarie." - Thranduil

28th March/Gwaeron, 3017, The Great Hall.

When Thorwen and Celephinniel entered the Great Hall in black mourning robes. They noticed the feasting hangings had been removed and in their place were flags displaying the sigil of the house of Greenleaves. Seating had been arranged around a stone circle on the floor. It was bustling with Wood Elves, both Sindar and Silvan. Thorwen noticed Aragorn and Gandalf sitting at the front with a clear view of the proceedings.

High above, more Elves crowded the Archways, alcoves and walkways. All jostling to get a good view of the proceedings. The Circle had thirteen chairs placed at intervals around the edge, including the king's feasting throne. Legolas sat solemnly in mourning robes, in the chair to the right of the throne. With a polite nod of his head, he acknowledged Thorwen and Celephinniel's arrival.

On seeing the two ladies, a hush of anticipation came over those in the Great Hall. Bregwen approached them and bowed. "Hiril Thorwen, Hiril Celephinniel, your places are over there." She indicated the two chairs to the left of the throne. Thorwen walked towards the second chair, but Celephinniel stopped her. "Your place is beside the King now," she whispered. Thorwen nodded and walked over to the chair to the left of the empty throne. Her footsteps were the only sound breaking the uneasy silence.

As soon as she took her seat, a herald sounded a long single note on his horn. All assembled rose and Thranduil, flanked by the rest of the Hurscarls, entered the Hall. His crown was bereft of any adornments, and his black robes gave his hair an unearthly glow. His sheathed sword hung upon his hips and his staff thudded as he crossed the floor with the rhythm of a death knell. As Thranduil seated himself upon his throne, his expression was both sombre and determined. He acknowledged no one, no doubt his mind set on the task ahead.

By now, the Great Hall was deathly silent, all present watching in anticipation of King Thranduil's words. After a few moments of silence, the King stood to speak. "My good people. Sometimes a king's duty is unpleasant. Today I must carry out such a duty. This is the darkest moment in our history since I returned from the south after Dagorlad. Even the Battle of Five Armies cannot compare to what we face today. Traitors! Among our people, sort to bring I, your King down. Corrupted souls who do not deserve to live among you!"

There were shouts to kill the traitors and cleanse the realm. Thranduil calmed the voices of his people. "As your king, I am both wise and just. Therefore, in the presence of both my people and honoured guests, I will grant these traitors a fair trial and just punishment!" Although his face was emotionless, she could see the pain in his eyes. "May the Valar give me strength to do this, Almarie." Thorwen nodded in reply. Thranduil resumed his throne and motioned for everyone to be seated.

He then commanded those sitting in judgement to rise and swear the oath. Celephinniel had instructed Thorwen on what was expected of her during the trial. Not only was she counted among the Nobles or the Woodland Realm, but she also represented the Dunedain whose people had been most cruelly wronged by the traitors. Thorwen, Celephinniel, Legolas and the other nobles chosen, each swore an oath before the king that they would listen without prejudice to the evidence put before them and judge fairly.

The guards brought forth the prisoners in twos. Some confessed their wrongdoing and pleaded for mercy. In such cases, the king made them swear fealty to him on pain of death and they were returned to the cells to be released at a later date. Others were found to be innocent and released immediately. But some stood silent as their charges were read out to them and witnesses had to come forth. And a few proudly confessed their corruption, showing no remorse or plea for pardon. For those, death would be their punishment, though Thorwen could tell that each sentence pained Thranduil greatly.

Death was a sentence rarely carried out as the very idea of kin slaying was abhorrent to Elves, and so it was only carried out as a last resort. Finally, the last prisoner was brought forth. Thorwen drew in a large intake of breath as Eressil stood in bonds in the centre of the circle, her head bowed.

"Eressil Maidhel, you are charged with high treason. I gave you the honour of serving my Ward, Lady Thorwen. However, not only did you spy on her, but you also attempted to poison her during a failed attempt to overthrow myself, my household and all those loyal to the King. You even assaulted a fellow attendant when she tried to raise the alarm. One of these crimes alone is enough to forfeit your life. However, I can be merciful to those who repent and reaffirm their loyalty to me."

Despite everything that Eressil had done, Thorwen hoped she would confess and seek the king's pardon. Whilst she could never attend to her again, at least Eressil would have a chance to redeem herself. But her head remained bowed, and she did not reply.

"Eressil, do you understand the seriousness of the charge? But even you I will offer mercy if you show repentance."

Eressil looked so feeble and helpless, but there was nothing Thorwen could do. She had brought this upon herself. "No reply Eressil? Then I must call the Witness to your crime!" Thranduil summoned Golviel, who tearfully made her testimony. She had discovered Eressil putting strange herbs into Thorwen's evening drink. When she confronted her, Eressil threatened her and claimed that no harm would come to the lady. That it was all part of the Brotherhood's plan. But Golviel tried to alert a guard and Eressil attacked her. Eressil still did not raise her head. She remained silent and emotionless.

After completing her testimony, Golviel was dismissed. Thranduil then asked Eressil if she had anything to say in her defence, but she chose to remain silent. "Eressil, you leave me with no option but to ask your peers to proclaim you innocent or guilty." Starting with Prince Legolas, the word guilty rang out around the halls like a death knell and with a heavy heart, Thorwen did likewise. There was no doubt of her guilt, but it still broke Thorwen's heart to say the word.

Once Thorwen had spoken, Thranduil looked down on Eressil with a look of sad resignation. "Erressil Maidhel. A court of your peers has found you guilty. Therefore, I must pass judgment upon you. But before I pass sentence, I shall give you one more chance to repent of your crime and ask for the King's pardon."

The Great Hall was deathly silent. Everyone waited with bated breath to see how Eressil would respond. Slowly she lifted her head to face the king and Thorwen was sure she could see the hint of a tear. Eressil took a deep breath but as she opened her mouth to speak a Herald sounded his horn. "What is the meaning of this?" demanded Thranduil.

"Prince Calenamath has returned and seeks an urgent audience!" said the Herald.

A murmur went up around the Great Hall. Prince Calenamath was back. Where had he been and what had he been doing?

"You can inform my brother I will speak with him after I conclude this trial."

Calenamath marched into the circle, dressed in a tattered brown travelling cloak. He was dragging a Silvan scout captain on the end of a length of rope. He grabbed the Captain by the neck and threw him to the ground before the throne. "Muindor, it's crucial that I speak with you! I bring this prisoner for your judgment! I charge Daedor with both treachery and murder!"

The whole of the Great Hall gasped in surprise and began to murmur among themselves. Aragorn got to his feet. The Captain wiped a trace of dirt from his lips and lifted his gaze to Thranduil's. "I am a kinsman of the King by right of wedlock! By what evidence am I so charged?"

Thranduil slowly raised his hand, and the hall fell back into silence. Gandalf encouraged Aragorn to resume his seat. The king then turned his gaze back to the prisoner before him. "Daedor! Of all the accused, I have had the displeasure of passing judgment upon. Your presence grieves me the most. You have always been a most loyal captain, not to mention a kinsman of my late wife, Lasseth. However, some very serious accusations have been made against you, and you must be tried accordingly. Calenamath, you have brought one of my captains in bonds to me with serious accusations. Therefore, you must declare your evidence before this court!"

Calenamath bowed low to Thranduil before giving his testimony. "I have been following this traitor for some time. Gathering the names of those who called themselves the Silvan Brotherhood. Alas, I could not prevent the tragedy of the young Dunadan's death. But I did witness him consulting with black-robed priests on our borders. No doubt that is where he got the poisons from. This Elf sort to take your very throne cast us out and hand your betrothed to our enemies. I heard it from his own lips as I observed him."

By now Daedor had got to his feet. He shot an icy glare at Thorwen as he turned towards Calenamath. "And how did you hear my words, Brown Prince? Sneaking about the forest like the snake you are."

Calenamath was impassive. "I have stood before you and among your folk, but you did not see me. Such is my skill. You only saw what you wanted to see."

Daedor snarled and turned back towards Thranduil, standing before him with a defiant air. "I do not recognise your court, Sindar King. I am a Silvan noble and I deserve to be judged by my own kin."

"That can be arranged. If any Silvan Elves are willing to stand in judgment." Thranduil addressed all the Elves assembled in the Great Hall. "Are any Silvan Elves willing to try the accused?" Many fearfully shook their heads, but a few came forward who were willing to be sworn in, eleven in all. This left Thorwen unreplaced.

Daedor eyed Thorwen with a smug look on his face. "I will not have her to sit in judgement either, and you cannot put me on trial without the circle of twelve."

"And who are you to speak so disrespectfully of the King's betrothed? I have already made more concessions than you deserve. She is a Dunadan, and you are accused of murdering a Dunadan guest."

Thorwen knew Daedor was playing for time. She could sense the corruption deep within him. Perhaps he hoped to clear himself and draw more Elves into his corruption. She looked up and caught Aragorn's eye. All at once, the solution was clear to her. "My Lord King! Daedor is right. It would not be wise for me to sit in judgment. But I am not the only Dunadan present and if my Kinsman is willing. With your permission, he could take my place."

A thin smile grew on Thranduil's lips. "Lady Thorwen, you speak most ... wisely." He turned in Aragorn's direction. "Lord Aragorn, are you willing to sit in Lady Thorwen's place and judge this prisoner?"

Thorwen held her breath as Aragorn stood. "King Thranduil, I agree!" Relieved, Thorwen stood and crossed the circle to where Aragorn had been sitting. He gave her a nod of approval as they passed, and Gandalf winked at her as she sat beside him.

"You are beginning to get the hang of this," he whispered.

A smug grin crept across Thranduil's face as he looked down at Daedor. "I trust that this court meets with your satisfaction."

Daedor's sneers betrayed his delight in annoying Thranduil. "I have but one more request, Sindar king. Release me from my bonds. The Brown Prince has thoroughly searched me and there are enough guards to ensure I will not escape. But as a noble and Kinsman, I demand to be tried unbound!" Thorwen could sense the king's patience was waning, but he silently gave the command and Calenamath obliged.

Again, those who sat in judgment were sworn in and after Aragorn had given his oath, Calenamath resubmitted his testimony.

Daedor swaggered up to Calenamath. "That is all well and good, Hiril Cóon nin, but surely I cannot be tried on your testimony alone. And those who can bear witness to your claims are back in the dungeons, awaiting their doom."

"Not all" called Thranduil. His eyes fell over Eressil, flanked by guards, still awaiting the King's judgement.

As their eyes met, Eressil gave him a weak smile, but his face dropped. "Say nothing," he seethed.

"Are you trying to intimidate a potential witness before this court, Daedor? Eressil, I have yet to pass judgment upon you. Elves cannot lie, so if you have anything to say that may help this court, I promise you a full pardon and my protection. A fresh start, Eressil, you need only speak the words."

Thorwen was sure Daedor had corrupted Eressil and if she could only find the strength to break free, she could redeem herself.

Oh break free, Eressil, do not let Daedor take you with him.

For a moment, Eressil looked in Thorwen's direction. Her eyes were moist and full of regret. She seemed to nod, then looked back towards Thranduil. She collapsed to her knees before the throne in an outpouring of grief. "Hir Aran Nin, I have been a fool. Daedor swore he loved me and made me promises of betrothal if I helped him. He said the Sindar were tyrants who led us into war. He said the Dark Lord would have left us alone if we had not interfered.........."

Eressil looked down in horror as the end of a dart now protruded from her chest. Calenamath was now restraining Daedor again, assisted by Aragorn. Eressil sank to the ground, but the King's arm caught her nimbly. He crouched on the ground as anger erupted around the Great Hall. "Murderer!" "Execute Him!"

Foam bubbled from Eressil's mouth. There was nothing to be done. Thorwen rose to try to help, but Gandalf touched her arm and shook his head sadly. "SILENCE!" called Thranduil.

Eressil's breathing was laboured, and she was shaking. "Fear not, Eressil!" Thranduil whispered gently. "You repented, you have overcome darkness and are pardoned. Go to peace and Mandos and be reborn into bliss." Eressil's tears splashed upon the floor and the light left her eyes. There was silence in the Hall again.

Tears streamed freely down Thorwen's face, but she did not brush them away. Thranduil laid Eressil gently on the ground and two guards brought on a stretcher to carry her away. He stood up to address his people. "Eressil repented with her last breath. A life so cruelly taken before you by the accused. There is no doubt of his crime and that alone seals his fate. But what of the other crimes he is accused of?"

The crowd erupted again. Thranduil ordered that Daedor's mouth be searched for poisons and a tiny leaf with a mysterious powder was discovered. This was given to Celephinniel so that she might study its properties and create a cure. Daedor tried to justify himself to the crowds that the Silvan needed no Sinda King. But cries of loyalty drowned out his words. He showed no emotion as the Silvan Elves and Aragorn found him guilty. Thranduil cooly sentenced him to death at a time of the King's choosing.

But Daedor was arrogant to the last. As the Huscarls were removing him from the court, he pulled away from them for a moment. "King Thranduil. You think you are so powerful. But you are nothing compared to Lord Sauron the Great. You cannot protect your little pet for much longer. She belongs to him, as does the ring, and he will have both in time. Then all will serve the Great Master!"

There was an uneasy silence around the Great Hall and the Hurscarls regained control of him, still calling out. "Hand the girl over to Lord Sauron the Great, then our people will be safe. We cannot defeat the Great Master, but if he gets what he wants, he will leave us alone. If not, he will destroy us."

"Do you wish to Kill him now, Hir Aran Nin?" asked Bregwen.

Thranduil shook his head. "Put him with the others. I will not soil my blade with his treacherous blood. Court dismissed!"