Court was a busy and chaotic affair in the ninth circle of hell. Some could say it was no different with the political machinations during the hundred years war when England and France were at war with each other as well as the various duchies of the Holy Roman Empire. Only in hell, political intrigue, deals, bargains and betrayals are generally met with bloodshed and the rare death in court. Such was the case with a palace guard that was charged with guarding Cruciata Carronfly.
While Lucifer and Enoch were mistrustful of Nergal; they could not deny that the chief of the secret police was good at his job. Whether that job was in service for Lucifer or saving his own skin. The guard was surprised when Nergal deftly slit his throat before the court as he explained that the creature allowed Cruciata to escape. Both Enoch and Lucifer knew this to be a lie, as it was Lucifer who allowed the former demon, now an angel thanks to praying for Pava’s well-being. Such prayer not only saved Pava but subjected Cruciata to a form of a metamorphism typical in an insects lifecycle; pupating from a larval form into a beautiful butterfly. Yet Lucifer quietly listened as Nergal spouted what were clearly lies and borderline half truths.
“It’s a pity you killed the guard,” Enoch looking at Nergal with disdain; “he could have corroborated what you had to say with his testimony.”
“And now we will never know,” Lucifer adding; “have you anything else to report?”
“Only suspicions and unverifiable rumors,” Nergal responded.
“Were is the wretched creature,” a court member shouting; “where are you in finding out where she scurried off to?”
“That is one of the unverifiable rumors I am referring to,” Nergal replying; “my sources suspect she is hiding in Purgatory.” Nergal lying; he truly had no idea where she was. “But I did uncover something unsettling,” Nergal pulling out some papers; “When investigating Adrammelech, my investigators came up with these documents.” Nergal handing the papers to Enoch; pausing so as to allow the wolf-taur demon a chance to review before explaining what he found.
“Cruciata is innocent in the death of Beelzebub Carronfly,” Nergal being truthful. “Adrammelech conspired to kill the arch-duke by enlisting the help of the Iron Knights that were loose in hell,” Nergal lying; rehearsing this part of the speech before hand, even getting a few pointers from the resurrected Beelzebub himself. “Adrammelech somehow had knowledge of the forbidden chaos magics and used them to enslave Cruciata to bring the human vermin down here,” A half truth; but one the Beelzebub wanted Nergal to clearly state. “As Cruciata was a young demon,” Nergal sighing; “roughly one thousand years old, she lacked the mental fortitude to withstand an assault on her psyche.”
“This is a serious allegation,” Belial bellowing; “where is the evidence?”
“I am reviewing it,” Enoch answering flatly; “if it bears weight, then this court will owe Cruciata and apology.” Enoch looks up and at Nergal; “and the Iron Knights, where are they?”
“My sources tell me,” Nergal pausing; “that Kusheil has them. Rewarding them with heavenly splendor for killing Beelzebub.”
“This is outrageous,” Belial shouting as he decapitates a nearby servant. A servant that was a former slave owner during the American Civil war. “This is a violation of the treaty,” Belial approaching the dais; “we must ready the armies and force god to hand those four over.”
“Back off Belail,” Enoch placing a hand on Light-bringer; “let us not do anything rash. Enough blood has been spilled in court already,” Enoch staring down the larger demon; “surely your lust for violence has been properly sated, or do you wish to challenge the champions in the gladiatorial pits?”
“I’d kick their asses,” Belial snorting; “damned human souls forced to fight each other for sport. But you are correct,” Belial looking at dead guard; his blood pooling on the ground, “my lust for violence has been sated. For now that is,” Bowing to Lucifer has he heads back to his appointed spot.
“Enough of this,” Lucifer getting up; “diplomatic inquires shall be dispatched for the return of the four iron knights that are suspected of killing Beelzebub. As for the charges levied against Cruciata,” Lucifer looking at Enoch; “what is your opinion chief justice Enoch?”
“Despite her admission to bring the iron knights here,” Enoch sighing; “the evidence in these documents does provide the proof that she may have been as the humans say whammied. I motion a dismissal of the charges.”
“Very well,” Lucifer nodding; “unless anyone else objects, Cruciata Carronfly is hearby declared innocent of the charges placed before her. Court is dismissed!”
Nergal smiled on the inside, while looking professional; observing as the court petitioners slowly filed out. He wanted to approach Enoch but he lost his chance when Lady Miasma and Lady Tenebra approached the Grand Chamberlain. Only able to catch a snippet of what they were talking about, he was intrigued at what was being discussed.
‘Therapy in Purgatory,” Nergal wondering; what is this about? His desire to know more however was prematurely terminated when he heard Enoch informing the two demon’s that he had to deal with the sentencing snafus that Beelzebub did, in complete violation to the treaty with heaven. Those snafus stemming in the form of sentencing enhancements based on any addictions or weakness that human had and could be exploited.
“We can discuss this later this evening,” Enoch speaking; “right now I have to get dad to agree to dealing with the vacant titles or he can expect more of this drama tomorrow. In the meantime,” Enoch giving his sister a kiss; “go to mom. I believe she has wedding plans to discuss. Oh and interesting tattoos,” Enoch winking one of his snake like eyes.