Chapter 4 - Before the Crane Court
A few miles later, the birds slowed down and descended at the edge of the marsh. Before them was an entranceway made from the plants and trees of the jungle.
“We are here.” said a crane to Amethyst.
“But...where exactly is here?” asked Amethyst.
“You are at the entrance of the Crane Kingdom of Thyatira, human.” said another crane. “Now, come with us. We are taking you to see the queen.”
“The queen? What...” began Amethyst, but the two cranes grabbed him roughly and led him through the entranceway. It grew dark as they went down the tunnel, becoming almost pitch black. But then, it brightened again, and they emerged on the other side. Amethyst was amazed at what he saw.
Amethyst had never seen so many cranes before. Thyatira was a great Crane city, bustling with cranes. Beautiful buildings made of baked earth and mud loomed far above. Cranes walked and flew about, attending to the things they needed. As Amethyst was led into the city, many cranes stopped what they were doing and watched. No one stopped to ask what the human had done, but they knew they would find out sooner or later. They moved aside as the crane procession hauled Amethyst towards the House of the Royals. The queen, her council, and their servants all resided within that immense house.
As they neared the building, the gatekeeper saw them coming. He came to the entrance and waited for them. When they stood before him, he looked them over. He looked at Amethyst with a critical eye.
“So...why do you bring this human, Lieutenant Rak?” asked the gatekeeper.
“This one killed Laertes, and we believe he is responsible for other crane deaths.”
“Hey! I did not!” shouted Amethyst.
“Shut up, human.” said Lieutenant Rak. He turned back to the gatekeeper. “May we enter?”
“Certainly. You may enter.” replied the gatekeeper. He opened the door and escorted them inside. They filed into the main throne room. The queen and her council were not currently present. The gatekeeper went and knocked on the door of the council chamber.
“Come in.” said a female voice. He opened the door and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. A few minutes later, he opened the door and stepped out.
“Queen Saria will be out momentarily.” he stated. He bowed slightly and then returned to his chambers. A few seconds later, a graceful young swan stepped into the room. She walked over to the throne and sat down. Behind her came eight other cranes, who each took their seats on either side of the queen. Once they were all settled, the queen spoke.
“So, Lieutenant Rak, what do you bring before me today?” she asked.
“This human here.” said Lieutenant Rak. He brought Amethyst forward. “We caught him in the marsh earlier. He was by the dead body of Laertes, our beloved poet. He must have killed him. And we believe he may be responsible for the other deaths, your majesty.” With that, Rak stepped backwards, leaving Amethyst standing in the center of the throne. The queen looked at him for a minute, then she spoke.
“And did you do these things, lad?” she asked him.
“No, your majesty, I did not.” replied Amethyst.
“Explain yourself then. Why were you there?” she asked. And so, Amethyst recounted his story. He told her how he was approached by the Eastern Sun clique that morning, and how they invited him to go somewhere after school. He told her about being blindfolded and being brought to a mysterious location, which turned out to be the marsh. He told her about the gun and how Sahib and the others were behind the killings, and how he had tried to stop him.
“And then, I stepped out and saw the crane, whom you call Laertes. I fell by his side, heartbroken. It was the saddest, most terrible sight I have ever seen. Your majesty, I would not have done such a thing, nor could I. I love cranes. Truly, I do.” he said to her, trying to be as respectful as he could. Queen Saria sat there, thinking about what Amethyst had said.
“Hmm...My council and I shall deliberate in the council chamber.” she finally said. She got up and went to the chamber, and the others followed her. The last one closed the door, and muffled voices could be heard from the chamber.
“Now.” said Saria, as she sat with her council. “This lad says he is innocent. He has presented his story to us. What do you think?” she asked the council.
“I don't know.” said Elder Karan. “He is a human, and they can be pretty tricky. It might be an act.”
“I agree.” said Elder San. “You can never trust a human, I am sure of that.”
“Wait.” said Elder Maskanai. “You are judging merely by what he is, not who he is. True, he is a human. True, humans can be quite crafty. These facts I do not doubt. But one must see beyond his appearance. His story I find quite believable, and I do not believe it was made up.”
“And,” added Elder Pir. “He seemed quite sincere. His emotions were heartfelt, he was not acting grief over the death of Laertes. He was expressing it.”
“I see no murder in this one.” said Elder Jhya. “I watched his eyes. They spoke not of bloodlust, but of a kind and gentle spirit.”
“And what do you believe?” asked the Queen, turning to the other three, who sat silently. “Yae, Skio, and Ke-ash, speak your mind.”
“Well...” began Elder Ke-ash. “I still feel rather nervous of the human. I'm not totally sure he is innocent.”
“I believe he is innocent.” said Elder Yae.
“As do I.” said Elder Skio.
“So...all who believe he is innocent, raise your wing.” said Queen Saria. She raised her wing, along with Maskanai, Pir, Jhya, Yae, and Skio. “So, it is six in favour. The matter is settled. Despite whatever misgivings Karan, San, and Ke-ash may have, the human is without a doubt innocent of these charges.” She swore under her breath. “That damn Rak, he is always jumping to conclusions. He has brought an innocent lad here. We must go and settle this.” Saria stood, and the other Elders rose and followed her back to the main chamber.
Amethyst looked nervously at them as they filed back into the throne room. What's the verdict going to be?, he thought, and if it is guilty, what will they do with me? When they were again settled in their seats, Queen Saria spoke.
“We have discussed the matter at hand.” she said, looking at Amethyst, and then at Rak and his crane officers. Amethyst held his breath. “And, based on the evidence presented, we have come to the conclusion that the defendant, the human, is not guilty.” Amethyst breathed a sigh of relief. “Lieutenant Rak, please step forward.”
“Yes, your majesty?” he asked, stepping forward.
“I am not pleased with you. This is not the first time you have brought a case before me without at first being completely aware of the situation or evidence.” Rak hung his head. “I wish you would not jump to conclusions. Next time, you better be completely sure of the defendant's guilt if you are going to lay charges and and bring them before me. I hate to have my time wasted because of your incompetence. You are dismissed.” Rak shuffled sadly out of the throne room, followed by his officers. Rak had just been dishonoured by the Queen. He had just lost kora, or honour, and therefore was looked down upon. When they were gone, Queen Saria turned to Amethyst.
“Pray, tell me your name, human.”
“My name is Amethyst Crane.”
“A human surnamed Crane? Now I have seen everything.”
“I thought I had seen everything, that is until I found out cranes could talk.” he replied with a grin. “I am sorry that this happened, Queen Saria. I wish I could've stopped them, but I wasn't fast enough.” he said, kneeling before the queen. “If only it had been me instead. He did not deserve that fate.”
“Amethyst, rise.” said Saria. “I am somewhat surprised. I never thought a human could be so humble and respectful.”
“I was just raised that way, your highness.” replied Amethyst.
“And yes, it is a sad thing that happened to Laertes. A thousand curses upon those humans who took his life and the lives of the other cranes. I do not understand that cruelty.”
“Neither do I.”
“Now, Amethyst, I do find you innocent of these charges. Of that, there is no doubt. But...”
“But what?” asked Amethyst uncomfortably. He began to feel wary. What is she going to do with me?
“Calm down, Amethyst. Although I find you innocent, I feel as if something should be done. You were with these boys, and although you did not share their ill intent, I do not think I should do nothing with you. I think it would be best if you remained the night.”
“But...but I really do need to get home. My parents are going to be worried.” said Amethyst. “Besides, I've got school tomorrow.”
“I said you will stay. I need to think about what I shall do, and I need the evening to think. Are you trying to go against my orders?” she said firmly.
“Uh...” began Amethyst, about to object again, but then he conceded. “Yes, my queen. I will stay. I did not mean to question you.”
“Good.” said Saria, a smile forming on her face. “Kani?” called Saria. A minute later, a beautiful young crane, about roughly the same age as the Queen, flew into the throne room.
“You called, Queen Saria?” asked Kani.
“Yes. Would you please show Amethyst here to the guest quarters. He is going to stay the night.” replied Queen Saria. Kani turned and saw Amethyst. She jumped slightly, surprised at seeing a human, but then she turned back to the Queen.
“Yes, right away.” she said. She approached Amethyst. She was slightly nervous, because she knew the reputation of humans. Still, she held out her wing. “Would you come with me?” she said.
“Most certainly.” said Amethyst, taking her wing in her hand. He allowed her to lead him to out of the throne room. Saria watched them leave, headed for the guest quarters. When they were gone, she looked skywards.
“Skyah, give me strength.” she said. The last hour had completely changed the day for her. She was upset with Rak's incompetence, and she was confused as to what to do with Amethyst. She recalled the words of her mother, the previous queen: “Even the innocent should not go unpunished.” Although the saying seemed rather harsh to her, in a way, it made some sense. She knew she must do something with Amethyst. She was afraid to let him leave, in case he may accidentally bring disaster upon more cranes. You know that wouldn't happen, her mind told her, he's a good lad. Don't be too hard on him.
“Okay.” she said quietly. “I won't.”
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Submission Name: Story of Amethyst, Ch. 4
