Chapter 36
The court was gathered in the thing hall. Asgardian people swarming in to witness rare proceedings of the millennia. Three high chairs for deemed judges ‘the Norns’ were arranged at highest place. Under them 9 chairs for representatives of nine realms were set.only five chairs were occupied. Freyr and N’jord sat as Alfheim and Vanaheims jury. Jotunheim had sent their councillor as Midgard had sent director Fury of their SHIELD. Odin sat in middle as Asgard’s jury.
Herald announced the starting of proceedings.Thor stood up. He was acting as a prosecutor. He had thought giving the role to someone else, who is well versed in court matters.Someone like Loki, but there was no one as good as silvertongue. Nobody knew the incidents as clearly as he did. Nobody cared about Loki as much as he did.So here he was, gambling his and Loki’s future on a skill he didn’t possess.
He cleared his throat and boomed, “ My lords and ladies, We are here to assess an appeal against punishment of Loki son of none, royal concubine of Asgard by the decree of Allfather. Since we are reviewing his judgement, I fear Odin Borson should not be acting as jury. It will be against natural justice. I request him to leave the seat for a suitable jury, and also appoint a defender for his own case!”
His plea was rational so jury approved his demand and Odin had to leave his high chair with a displeased huff. Thor had discussed Odin’s choices with Loki. They both had agreed that Odin would not choose a councillor, they were not bright enough. In fact the council was merely a bunch of lickspitters who agreed to everything Allfather said.So that was not an option. Warrior clan had some members to offer. Tyr was loyal but not bright enough,Hogan was a foreigner and Volstag never cared for court formalities. Actually most of warriors would be rejected for these reasons. Odin would want someone who is intelligent, loyal , with good reputation and who will never favour Loki or even Thor. Odin would pick Sif, if he thought as whole of Asgard thought. And sure enough, Allfather chose lady Sif as jury in his stead. Thor tried to rearrange his smile into scowl. This was a plus! This was what he had expected when he asked her to keep her friendship to Loki a secret. He knew Odin would be counting on rift between them. This was a win but he was startled that Allfather announces that he will plead his own case without a defender.
The court was adjourned for a while when he went to meet his midgardian friends. He had wished to meet them earlier but the preparations and strategy planning were more important. So he had left them to guest residence after brief welcome. Now he smiled at the wonder written all over Tony’s face and stoic apprehension with which Steve Rogers took in his surroundings.
“ So where is your sweetheart? You had us surprised there thunderpants!”, was Tony’s greeting.
“ Loki is resting. I do not wish to expose him this more than we have to.Steve, are you ready?” He asked
“ Yes. As long as I have to say the truth, I am fine.”, was captain’s answer.
“ Very well, you won’t be able to lie under the spell. But truth comes in many forms and Odin is not called wisest for nothing. He will be cunning, be careful.”
“ We will. And now that we know the truth we wish to do everything to help you and off course Loki.”
“ One more thing, how am I supposed to show the video clips, I didn’t see any screens. “, Tony asked.
“ Just give it to a volva, they will display it for the court.”
“ You mean magical technology? I would love to see how you do that.”
“ Then you can see, man of iron. In fact you will have all the materials you need for study after this is over.”, Thor assured.
Now that he me them and got them ready…. They left for the court hall. They didn’t speak walking solemnly as Thor’s heart thudded with apprehension, air around them thick with tension ! This had to be done, Loki had to be freed… for his happiness and for that of their child. Thor was a warrior,not a statesman but this was a war! They were fighting for their lives and future and Thor never backed down from a Challenge… or so he was telling himself. He knew if he could take Loki and run away, hide somewhere for the rest of their lives he would have done that. But it was not an option… so he moved forward. The game was on!