Word: Lese Majesty

lese majesty

[lez, leez]

noun

Law .

1. a crime, especially high treason, committed against the sovereign power.
2. an offense that violates the dignity of a ruler. 
3. an attack on any custom, institution, belief, etc., held sacred or revered by numbers of people: Her speech against Mother's Day was criticized as lese majesty.

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               The courtroom was deathly silent. Men in well-polished, slightly dented armor stood stock still, spears or swords at the ready.  Others dressed in robes stood by the walls with floating gems suspended between steepled fingers.  The judge loomed over them all, staring down at the accused, while those few who had been allowed to view the trial kept as still as the armed guards.

               The accused had been bound to a sturdy chair with thick ropes.  His face sported small stubble, but was otherwise unmarked.  His dark eyes showed none of the fear that others in his position usually did, and his dirty prison clothes did little to diminish the aura of power and authority he exuded.

               The judge’s powerful voice rang out, filling the courtroom.  “We are here for the trial of Venital Brenma.  The charges are treason, speaking of slanderous words, spreading false information, inciting rebellion, and the practice of forbidden magics.  How do you plead?”

               Venital cocked his head from side to side.  “None.  I plead for nothing and no one.”

               The wrinkles on the judge’s face deepened.  “Hm.  Well, as much as I would love to consider that a plea of guilty and see you hanged immediately, the rule of law says otherwise.  As such, this court will recognize it as a plea of not guilty.”

               “Whatever suits you.”

               “We shall now commence with the trial.  Present the evidence of the first charge.” 

               Men dressed in fine clothes came forward with various documents and gems loaded with recording magics.  They were played for those in attendance of the trial.  Everything pointed to the bound man’s guilt.  It was the same with his other charges.  Everything brought forth painted him as one aiming to bring down the country with magic that was unthinkable to those who practiced the craft.  And through it all, Venital’s calm demeanor never changed or waivered for a second.

               “All the evidence has been heard.” The judge said when the last piece of evidence had been heard.  “Before the verdict is delivered, does the accused have anything to say?”

               “Oh, many things.” Venital said.  “First of all, none of that which I have done should be considered a crime.”

               “The laws say otherwise.”

               “Yes, the laws.  Those old, outdated things that have not been changed in well over two hundred years.  Hardly a good standard of modern justice.  Actually, you should all be thanking me.  You see, this country has stagnated.  It is rotting from the inside out.  It needs to change.  It needs to be brought forth from the pits into a newer, better form.  But, as it is now, that won’t happen.  Everything will stay the same and continue to rot until the country dies a slow and painful death. 

               “You need me.  You need me to save this country from itself.  In fact, you might even say I’m one of the few true patriots left.  Everything I’ve done is to advance this nation.  To keep up with our neighbors that don’t shy away from experimentation, development, and new practices.  Without me, or someone like me, we will be wiped out easily.  So, you see, you cannot put me to death.  I’m the best hope all of you have.”

               “I see.” The judge said.  “If all you have are the ravings of a deluded madman, then I see no reason to delay your sentence any longer.  I find you guilty of all charges.  You will be executed before the public via beheading.”

               “I see.  Such a shame.  I was hoping not to have to kill so many people today.”

               “You, sir, truly are deluded.  How will you kill anyone now?  You have no mage gems to call upon your unearthly magics, you bear no weapons, and are tightly bound.”

               “You see?  This is why things need to change.”

               The way the bound man said it put the guards and mages on edge.  They gripped their weapons tighter or started placing magical power into their chosen gems. 

               Venital continued, ignoring the increased preparedness of those around him.  “Had things been allowed to progress, you would all know something.  The mages especially.  This is something your, ahem, fine institution either doesn’t know, or has been hiding.”

               “And what is this information that would allow you to escape?”

               “Mage gems are a useful tool.” Venital said smoothly.  “They allow us to channel magic easily, and can even hold a spell almost indefinitely, ready to cast at a moment’s notice.  As far as our mages are concerned, they are the only way to use magic properly.  But, the thing is that as long as one is sufficiently familiar with the spell, mage gems are, in fact, not necessary.”

               The ropes glowed for a moment before being consumed by brilliant light and heat.  Venital stood and smiled.

               “Now then, I believe I shall start the reformation of this country with this very courtroom.”  

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 Sorry for cutting it off before the inevitable, no doubt totally awesome action scene.  Hey, I gotta save something for another day.  Maybe I'll revisit this in another story, or even in a longer format.  You never know.  It might happen.  Just because my track record says otherwise, it doesn't mean it won't happen.  

STOP LOOKING AT MEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!