Descending Road - COLL JUDGMENT by Dana W. Paxson

COLL JUDGMENT

1541 4D

The nine Assayers, Coll judges of Coll crimes and disputes, took little time, and surprised everyone. “We see no good in reparations or penalties on either hand,” the woman who was the chief of the nine said. “The colls fight each other, and all of us lose, to the satisfaction of those who would see us weak and powerless. Instead we will affirm and require that the Astran and Darko Hejj Colls join now in blood.

“We understand it is the love of Andrew Luce Hejji Anassi and Leil Adrili Hartrei Terxil Astrani that triggered these deaths. The chiefs of both colls are hereby bound to approve and defend the marriage of their bloods in these two, Andrew and Leil. If their wishes oppose this union, their dismay is punishment enough. This is our judgment of law.”

All nine judges lowered their heads in affirmation; the families in the white-domed Judicial Assembly chamber stood in stunned silence to file out through the gray-green stone doors. Triesh Adrili, Leil‘s father, turned from his wife and daughter and strode out alone, breaking protocol.

Andrew and Leil stared at each other with relief and fear, and embraced. Then Leil looked toward her departing father, and her eyes filled; but at last she turned again to Andrew, and they stood facing each other, her right hand in his left.

Mentrius broke the moment, thrusting himself between Andrew and Leil, forcing Andrew back a half-step. He hissed in Andrew‘s face, “Best wishes, cousin-to-be. Now that you’re in the family, you’ll want to watch behind you.” Before Andrew could respond, Mentrius turned and pushed others aside, striding in fury from the chamber.

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	COLL JUDGMENT 1541 4D The nine Assayers, Coll judges of Coll crimes and disputes, took little time, and surprised everyone. “We see no good in reparations or penalties on either hand,” the woman who was the chief of the nine said. “The colls fight each other, and all of us lose, to the satisfaction of those who would see us weak and powerless. Instead we will affirm and require that the Astran and Darko Hejj Colls join now in blood. “We understand it is the love of Andrew Luce Hejji Anassi and Leil Adrili Hartrei Terxil Astrani that triggered these deaths. The chiefs of both colls are hereby bound to approve and defend the marriage of their bloods in these two, Andrew and Leil. If their wishes oppose this union, their dismay is punishment enough. This is our judgment of law.” All nine judges lowered their heads in affirmation; the families in the white-domed Judicial Assembly chamber stood in stunned silence to file out through the gray-green stone doors. Triesh Adrili, Leil‘s father, turned from his wife and daughter and strode out alone, breaking protocol. Andrew and Leil stared at each other with relief and fear, and embraced. Then Leil looked toward her departing father, and her eyes filled; but at last she turned again to Andrew, and they stood facing each other, her right hand in his left. Mentrius broke the moment, thrusting himself between Andrew and Leil, forcing Andrew back a half-step. He hissed in Andrew‘s face, “Best wishes, cousin-to-be. Now that you’re in the family, you’ll want to watch behind you.” Before Andrew could respond, Mentrius turned and pushed others aside, striding in fury from the chamber.