Chapter Seven: Muninn vs. Thinpen (15 entries)
7.1
The noise was deafening, arguments, accusation and shouting. In between the non-audible noise the judges hammer strikes and call for order was silenced amongst the noise. Everything was in uproar!
Then, harder then hammer's fall on an anvil; a mighty crack and as loud as thunder a shatter! The half of the tumult fell silent and a second crack silenced the chambers!
"SILENCE!" Muninn's raised his axe from the floor revealing a deep cut into the stone floor, "The court demands ORDER!". The chamber was astonished at the strength of the old dwarf, he bowed before taking his seat again, "Our pardons, Lady Hammerfall and most esteemed judges!".
(By Duinn)
7.2
Goldthumb looked at Muninn and the silent crowd, nodded and slowly stood up. Everyone gazed at him. A moment ago he looked to frail to breath and now he was standing, be it rather shaken.
"Let me speak", spoke Ebenizer in a determined voice. "But master!, spoke Thinpen. "Hush you!, spoke Goldthumb, "I must say this... none here understand what happened that night, not even that elf... not properly at least... but I do."
"If you must", spoke judge Hammerfall," but no overlong statements master Goldthumb."
"The dwarf that ran away that night... was me!"
The entire hall gasped for air and looked in shock. Could this be the moment all was revealed?
"For it was Ebenizer Goldthumb... I and no other was the only one who survived that fateful night. I remember it as if it was yesterday. My mother, my father, my brother, my uncle and my dear sister... all gone in one night, including our guards. The dwarf in the sand... that was my brother Halinezer. I buried him as I was afraid the wargs would return and tear his body to shreds too. But I only had my hands to work with... only my hands!", Ebenizer dropped to his knees, tears falling from his cheeks.
"You don't understand, none of you do! That night wargs attacked and I climbed on the caravan, trying to save my family... I fought them, with every breath I had, for hours... hours I tell you... but one by one they grabbed one of us!", tears were streaming down the cheeks of Ebenizer as he continued, "they tore us to bits...".
"When at last the wargs ran off, there was only me left on the caravan, gravely wounded... my brother had fallen in the defense of my mother and had broke his neck on the large stone next to the shrubbery. I knew the wargs would return but did not have the strength to carry his body with me to Othrikar. So I gathered all our belongings, papers and gold. And buried my brother in the sand, in the hope to come and fetch him in the morning for a proper entombment. His clothes were torn and rent, so I removed them, hoping there would be less scent for the wargs to pick up on. I did not know my father had brought our journal with him... if I had known I would have taken it with me.", Ebenizer took a deep breath as he wiped the tears of his cheeks.
"But then I heard the elves approach and I was afraid, I had never seen their kind, so I ran. I ran all the way to Othrikar and hid there in one of the abandoned mines. I stayed there for days, surviving on roots and some mushrooms. At length I surfaced. To my shame I must admit I was a cowered.", Ebenizer cried again, this time softly, his head bent to the ground. "When at least I reappeared and returned to the site I noticed all was burned, even my brother... never had a chance to be entombed... thanks to these elves!", a flame of hate burned in Ebenizer's eyes.
"Weeks passed, I eventually went to Bree and found some miners. Months later I opened the GMC in Othrikar, where my family still had some ground. The rest is history. So you see... that journal there, who at first I believed was a fraudulent document, seems to be all I have left of my family. I would be grateful if it were to be returned to me".
Ebenizer sat back down.
The Hall was strangely quit.
(By Midarin)
7.3
"I thank you for the gripping testimony master Goldthumb, I'm sure that must have been difficult", she halted a moment, allowing Ebenizer to sit down, "however... ". Considering these charges against your person we need to be sure your story indeed matches with reality. Though we may at present have little reason to doubt your version of the facts, they after all seem to match the contents of this book and the account of the Elf Elreinion, I insist we continue the questioning of specific key figures, ensuring we have all the facts."
At this Thinpen jumped up and said: "but your Lady Hammerfall... you see that my master is telling you the truth, look at him, he is trembling and wiping his tears, for the love of Mahal do not tax an elder dwarrow in such a way.".
Judge Hammerfall gave Thinpen an icy look that seemed to nearly push him back in his seat and said: "It will be a very cold day in the deeps of Moria before I allow anyone to tell me who to tax and who not in what I deem the court of my fellow judges and I. Your master, though old, seemed to manage quite well to tell his account just now. An account he or yourself could have told this court earlier I may say... it would have saved us a great deal of trouble. For now your master may rest... for now", she stressed.
"There are few here, apart from the elves that could have had any memory of the line of Goldthumb before these dreadful events took place. Yet there is one here I wish to hear from. Muninn, son of Frerin." At the mention of this name the old dwarf stood up and bowed to the judge.
"Not only does this dwarrow know of Othrikar, but if not mistaken spent much of his life there. It is correct you were around the age of 100 when these events happened?", she asked looking at Muninn who stepped forward. "Aye, Lady Hammerfall, 103 to be exact."
"Seeing that you hail from the Lonely Mountain, where the line of Goldthumb also hailed from and you lived at Othrikar... ", she quickly looked in her papers to check something and went on, "until 2799, some 15 years before these events - my records show me... , I wish to hear from you all you know of the Goldthumb line. Have you seen the young Ebenizer, or perhaps knew some of his relations. Was it common knowledge they were to return to Othrikar, that at the time had become a mere ruin? In short all you know on the matter would be most appreciated master Muninn".
Her words were barely spoken when Thinpen jumped up again: "judge Hammerfall, I must object strongly against this requested testimony. Master Muninn is the father of Master Duinn. It would seem unlikely he would say anything that would damage the case of his son. Surely we can't allow this dwarrow to testify against my master?"
"I'm aware of that fact master Thinpen. I am not asking master Muninn to testify against anyone... I merely wish to know if master Muninn knows any details of the line of the Goldthumbs, that is all. You can be sure that both myself as the other judges here present will take into account that master Muninn's testimony.", she gestured to Thinpen to sit back down and invited master Muninn to make his account.
(By Fryjpora)
7.4
Tholdurin was unsure what to expect anymore, this court seemed a storm of emotions, testimonies and stories, all twirling at lightning speed. He forgot for a moment he himself was on trial and listened to the testimonies often with fallen jaw. Ebenizer in tears, he had not seen that one coming. Could this be the truth? Was Ebenizer merely a poor young dwarrow at the time, who lost all of his kin in a most dreadful and horrifying manner? Or was this merely the last trick up Ebenzer's sleeve... was he just one of the guards of the Goldthumb caravan and had he seized his opportunity when all were slain by the wargs... and profited from the death of the Goldthumbs? Tholdurin did not know what to think anymore... he just hoped the judges would come to understand the truth.
(By Kandral)
7.5
Steingi listened carefully to each one that was talking. He raised an eyebrow when the suddenly testimony of Goldthumb came up. Steingi looked up on Brina and then leaned in to whisper to his grandson next to him.
''Orhn, you see that judge? Brina up there, they made a good choice of her. She is hard and tough but still a fare one.'' Steingi said and then he leaned back in his seat, looking around the court a bit more, still wondering a bit why they let Elves to talk in the court.
Orhn himself just nodded as his grandfather had whispered to him. He was writing down things that happened in the court as it went on. He was going to send off a full ''report'' to his fathers cousin as he had promised.
(By Dhordur)
7.6
Muninn stepped forth, walking slowly towards the judges with his walking axe, then halting on the line with Duinn and Thinpin. Muninn then bows accordingly to the judges.
“Firstly, most esteemed judges, the tale of Othrikar. The settlement had been ruined in the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, in skirmishes from orcs ascending from the North and Gundabad...” Muninn paused slightly looking at Goldthumb before talking again, trying to remember his face, “The tumult of war warranted us to abandon it, since many heeded the call of the king for war, and attacks became ever more frequent!”
Muninn leaned slightly on his heavy axe before taking a deep breath, “Secondly, the Goldthumb Mining Company.... not quite sure of its origins, but it was known amongst dwarves as stout and professional miners! As I can recall, they were given grants to lease Othrikar, for mining operations”. Thinpin grinned and nodded, waving a parchment in the air to which Brina’s cold gaze in contempt halted. “The grant was given by the King of Durin’s Folk, Thorin Thráin’s son Thrór’s son! I know this, for I was in his company!” Muninn added.
Many looked up at the mention of Thorin, and Thinpin stood up and about to say something, “Stay your tongue master Thinpen!” Brina quickly exclaimed, “you may continue, master Muninn!”.
“The grant was given to the Goldthumb Mining Company, a family company; consisting of no more than ten members. As were present in an audience with Thorin when the grant was given.” Muninnn said, then walking closer to the judges added, “Most esteemed judges, this is all I know of the matter. There was nothing to be heard of the company until years later, ere they had left!”. Muninn bowed.
Eyes quickly shifted to Goldthumb and Thinpin at the mention of ten dwarves. Whispers began to stir again.
(By Duinn)
7.7
Judge Skegrym leaned over to Brina Hammerfall and said something, too low for the court to hear. She nodded.
Standing up slowly, Skegrym pinned his shrewd gaze on Goldthumb. "This new information is most confusing...you say now that you knew there was a family book, yet when it was brought here, you denied all knowledge of it? Why, for the love of Mahal, didn't you shout to the rooftops - "Praise the gods, my treasured family book of records has been found?"
"And one more thing...we now have 2 testimonies stating that 10 bodies were found at the ruined caravan site. Ten...with a trail of an eleventh, leading away. Yet Lord Muninn has clearly said he was there on the day that 10 Dwarrows were given a lease over the Othrikar mines."
Skegrym faced the court and his deep voice rang from the pillars. "If you were the eleventh Dwarf who ran away, WHO ARE YOU!!"
(By Glorieskh)
7.8
Thinpen raised his hand, signalling he wanted to comment urgently.
“Let me guess master Thinpen... you object to master Muninn’s statement or judge Skegryms question?”, spoke judge Hammerfall with some annoyance, “Why don’t you answer the question of judge Skegrym first!?”.
“We do not object in the slightest”, smiled master Thinpen, “ in fact we will gladly answer the honoured judges and respond to the relentless accusations”, he continued, “... if you will allow us the time to explain in more detail, in a civil manner, instead of shouting at my poor master.”, Thinpen said as he patted his master kindly on his back, comforting him with some hidden confidence.
“Firstly, the Goldthumb company had ELEVEN members on their caravan, like everyone here has stated... we’ve never claimed otherwise, a fact you’ll find confirmed in that family book I believe. Six of them actual family members, as my master has already stated... being his father, this mother, his uncle, his brother, his sister and himself of course, five others were contracted guards who were not related by blood, four of which under GMC contract, but more on that later.... The names of all the company members are present in the last chapter of the book I believe, as previously mentioned by master Swiftbind, these are no new tidings.”, Thinpen continued...
“Secondly, my master did not jump up at this revelation when this book was revealed, as he believed the book had been destroyed in the fire by the elves, hence he believe it to be a fraudulent document made by the DFTC to accuse him of crimes he did not commit. Seeing that my master has not received a single minute to inspect the document in detail himself, you can hardly blame him for thinking that.”
“Again we do not wish to argue with that which master Muninn has said, nor annoy the court. On the contrary we agree with some of his statements... , “spoke Thinpen, “ Yet I emphatically wish to clarify a few matters here first, as I believe a few of the actual facts might have been confused by someone of such great age.”, Thinpen smiled devilish and bowed at Muninn, who clearly was annoyed by such an insult, gripping his large axe tightly but refrained from speaking.
Thinpen’s humour faded quickly when he noticed Muninn’s large axe. He swallowed, as a drop of sweat dripped from his brow, turning his eyes away nervously from the great dwarf. “I do not mean to insult master Muninn of course, but I have undeniable recorded proof of his incorrect memory”, Thinpen stressed his last words ending them with a satiric cough, while a gasp went through the room. “Proof that some of the facts have been somewhat juggled”, he continued, “... juggling them rather conveniently in the favour of his son Duinn and his company the DFTC.”
Duinn stood up enraged, barely keeping his anger in check, looking at judge Hammerfall clearly protesting. “I will allow your extremely strong accusations master Thinpen”, she said, “but you better get to the point and have this proof you speak of to strengthen your claim!”
Thinpen nodded and continued: “It is true that the father of master Ebenizer received a grant from the King of the Longbeards, in the newly established Halls of Thorin’s Halls in the year 2802, to be precise on the 9th of 7th moon, to form his company called “Goldthumb Mining Company”, Thinpen left the area of the table of his master and started to stroll before the table of the judges once more.
“According to historic records HOWEVER, Thorin was NOT the King of Durin’s Folk in 2802....He was a prince, a young dwarf of a mere 56 years at the time, and would not take the title of King till after the disappearance of his father King Thrain II decades later, long AFTER this tragedy occurred. As we all know... a dwarf of a mere 56 years old, even one of Royal blood does not have a company yet, they are deemed far too young. Only at the travel ready age of 65, at the very least, would this be possible.”, Thinpen grinned. “If master Muninn can’t even remember who was King at the time, in which company he was... or the fact that it was an entirely different dwarf who gave the grant... then honestly how much can we really rely on his words?”, Thinpen shook his head slowly at Muninn, as if moved by pity, and then turned back to the judges.
“In addition, the grant King Thrain II gave to the father of my master in T.A. 2802 has nothing to do with LEASING the lands in Othrikar, not in the slightest. I have it here with me and you are welcome to inspect it.”, Thinpen held the parchment in the air for a moment. “This grant merely allows for a company by the name of GMC to commercially utilise the lands and mines located in Othrikar. Lands previously given to one of the ancestors of my master in T.A. 2590, a date already established by this court, by a young King Thrór I, for his services in the War of Dwarves and Dragons.”, Thinpen took a deep breath and continued energetic as if his very voice was on fire.
“You see here in my hands two entirely different documents, in my left hand the land-grant given by King Thror I in T.A 2590, making the Goldthumb family legal OWNERS, under rule of and tribute to the Longbeard Kings, of some of the lands and mines in Othrikar... while in my right hand the company-grant given to the Golthumb family in T.A 2802, given by King Thrain II, allowing them to establish commercial operations on these lands. “, Thinpen placed both documents on the judges table.
“As master Muninn has correctly mentioned, the Goldthumb Mining Company became operational in Othrikar much later... in the year T.A 2816 to be exact, 14 years after the company grant was handed to the Goldthumb line, when my master returned from Bree and established him there permanently. One of the only facts master Muninn seems to have remembered correctly”, Thinpen grinned at Muninn who by now was enraged at the point of attacking Goldthumb’s assistant.
“As for master Muninn’s testimony that the grant was given to ten family members of the Goldthumb family, that – once again – is sadly not entirely correct... it was given to 10 MEMBERS of the Goldthumb company, only six of them actual family members, as previously stated. At that time the company employed 4 contracted guards , the fifth guard...”, Thinpen rummaged through his papers quickly, “going by the name of Walin Stormhand”, he continued, “... was hired merely to accompany the family on their dangerous journey from Thorin’s Hall to Othrikar. He never was at any time a permanent member of the company! It would have been impossible to give the grant to ten family members, as there were only six family members! So once again I fear master Muninn’s great age has let his memory down. It is understandable however that after such a length of time one would be confused and might believe some of the hired guards were actual family members, yet obviously they never were.”, Thinpen halted a moment, allowing everyone a moment to grasp the facts as he stated them.
“The only actual wrongdoing of my master in this case”, he continued, “ – if one may call it that - is that he has slightly infringed article four of the company-grant of T.A 2802, where it states – The Goldthumb Mining Company will operate as a Company of no more than ten members, within the constrictions of the granted lands of Othrikar - . Seeing that ten members were present on the day the contract was granted to them, on the 9th of the 7th moon of 2802.”
“As we all know my master had lost his family and the guards contracted by his family,”, Thinpen continued, “so at a later point in time he hired others to replace the other nine permanent members of the company, something which is legal after all, otherwise in a few generations the company would cease to exist. Later in 2816, more employees were hired to cope with the high demand from Thorin’s Halls. Currently master Goldthumb has a total of 29 company members under contract in Othrikar, being 12 miners, 8 guards, 8 administrative clerks and himself. “
Thinpen reached underneath the table and grabbed a rather large bag and said: “We anticipated this matter would be discussed, thus my master is more than willing to pay an appropriate fine to the Royal House of the Longbeards for this infringement, which we suggest would stand at 100 silver pieces per year of infringement. Which would, after 203 years of infringement come to the sum of 20 gold coins and 300 silver coins.”. The entire room gasped at hearing this astronomical amount, making many wonder how rich Goldthumb really was.
“Yet, let it be understood, that if it were not for the tremendous demand for ore from Thorin’s Hall and later Erebor, my master would never had needed to infringe this article in the company-grant. Nor did anyone suffer from the fact that master Goldthumb employed more dwarves than was allowed in the contract, in fact it provided job opportunities and allowed the town to grow strongly as it has done. Though he acknowledges his wrongdoing on this point without further argument and I’m sure you’ll agree that sum is more than appropriate for such a trifle of an infringement”, Thinpen continued as he put the large bag of coins on the table of his master.
“So, in conclusion... I pray we can AT LONG LAST, focus on the true matter at hand here and dismiss these other falsehoods and quite frankly relentless shameful accusations! The true matter here is clearly being ignored by master Duinn and his company... which is the fact that Tholdurin brutally attacked my master and got away with it. That is all... ”, Thinpen bowed to the judges and then turned back toward the table, treating Muninn and Duinn to another smug grin as he sat down.
(By Midarin)
7.9
Hilfar read through the statement given by Augir regarding Jornum's death. He read it again and weighed Augir's words, he was right of course. But the statement lacked solid proof.. Hilfar looked up from the letter and saw Thinpen defying the great Muninn. That smile, for a moment Thinpen revealed its nature, only just thin moment. Hilfar stroked his beard looking from the statement to the ongoing trial, humming with worry.
(By Hilfar)
7.10
After that comment of judge Skegrym, Tholdurin was convinced Goldthumb would not stand a chance and the miner relaxed and started to smile. After all, he perhaps would not need to testify after all, something he had dreaded from the start.
Yet with every line and every word Thinpen strengthened Goldthumb's story and position. And as Thinpen was wrapping up his solid arguments Tholdurin began to sweat excessively. He could not understand how it was possible the strong and ever honorable Lord Muninn could have been so wrong.
At the mere mention of his name again by Thinpen, Tholdurin's hands began to shake. The strong young miner wasn't made for court rooms or testimonies. What if he said something wrong, what if he made the case for Lord Duinn worse? Thinpen not only looked convinced of his words, he had solid arguments.
Tholdurin put his head between his knees and breathed heavily.
(By Kandral)
7.11
Thalamath watched proceedings with a keen eye, casting a glance over to Tholdurin to see if he'd finally managed to don a shirt. Yet apparently not even a court case was worthy of such an eventuality. Glowering, he looked at Master Hilfar, and flashed him a questioning look. Were things going well?
(By Thalamath)
7.12
Muninn raised himself from his seat, grabbing his axe. "Esteemed judges, if I may!" Muninn exclaimed. Duinn was fully aware of the error made and wondered why his father had made such a mistake. Muninn continue as judge Hammerfall gave permission,
"I will change my testimony, for seeing it carried errors, on my part! I do find it appropriate seeing as though Thinpen's statements change by the each hearing!" Muninn turned a fiery look at Thinpen knocking the shaft of the axe on the floor and turned to the judges, he continued, "Yes, it is of course true Thráin II was still king, but Thráin was consumed by the losses of riches of Erebor and of our folk at Azanulbizar! What duties a king has, and a leader ought to do were ever since coming to the Blue Mountains Thorin's!"
Muninn stopped and bowed, "I ask for pardon in my usage of titles that had grown accustomed to me for use when speaking of Thorin. For though not titular king Thorin was for all intents and purposes king, while Thrain suffered in solitude ere leaving decades later."
"Thráin's stamp, but I swear by Mahal's Hammer!" Muninn's voice became louder, "There was only Thorin conducting the lease of Othrikar, which was written to a company of ten, no less and no more! Need I remind anyone that dwarrows of Durin's Line are more than capable at a young age to conduct business." Muninn sat down once more.
(By Duinn)
7.13
When Muninn had sat, Duinn arose and bowed to the judges gesturing for a chance to speak, "If I may, honoured judges?" Skegrym and Brina nodded, "We'll allow it, but to the point!".
"I would like to conclusively refute the claim that Thinpen as this supposed Ebenizer make! Firslty, they have brought no evidence to the contrary of testimnonies of our witnesses but changed their story every single time! Incoherent!"
Duinn paused turning towards Thinpen sending him a fiery stare then glanced the judges, "TEN were at the lease of Othrikar before Thorin, as attested by Berylbeard, The Eldest Dwarf! TEN are mentioned in the book of the Goldthumbs! TEN were the bodies discovered by Elreinion!" Duinn's voice was loud and consistent as you make it clear that these were the pillars of his argument, "Yet, my esteemed judges, to explain the existence of this dwarf....." Duinn pointed at Ebeninzer, "...they conveniently add an Eleventh! Though ALL the evidence says otherwise!"
Pausing Duinn returned to his seat, still standing began to address the judges, "Then there are these letters! One claiming ownership then a grant for ones own property? This is utterly folly and at the heart of the inconsistencies of their claims, that were taken from the dead of the caravan in the North Downs! Or most likely forged" Stopping, Duinn allowed the assembly to understand the dishonor of stealing from murdered dwarves. "If we put this into perspective, it would be the same as myself asking my neighbour for a grant to use my own latrine! No, this is folly and holds no weight!".
"Since when does the king give lands small mining companies? Since when did king grant peerage that no one has knowledge of?" Duinn questioned everyone turning from side to side, "I would like for Swiftbind to examine both letters!"
Skegrym turned towards the crowd, "very well! Master Swiftbind, if you will!" he exclaimed.
The frail dwarf arose and approached the judges and examining the letter before the judges table, considering its content. A moment passed as Swiftbind smelled and stared intently at the letters, "Well, master Switfbind?" Skegrym added.
"Yes! The letter pertaining to the lease, which is a grant of leasing for mining operations is from around 2814, judging by the chosen ink and imprint on the paper and parchment style. This, seems to coincide with the book!" Swiftbind nodded slightly to himself, "You can see that the ink is a darker color, and the parchment has a specific binding pattern, quite intresesting... " Swiftbind explained almost to himself, "Yes, but the second letter, the older one?" Skegrym interrupted him.
"Ah... yes!" Swiftbind replied while looking at the parchment, "Interesting, though a bit off! The parchment styles itself to be from around late 2500 or early 2600, though the binding is wrong and crude! A forgery! Moreover, I conclude that the ink is not from that period of the supposed parchment; it is too light, the colour is not strong! I think it is from around the period of 3160, no later than that and quite sure not Longbeard make!" Swiftbind nodded. "Thank you!" Skegrym added.
(By Duinn)
7.14
Judge Skegrym drew in a sharp breath at the bookbinder's expert testimony. He leaned over to whisper again to Brina Hammerfall, then picked up his notes and shouted loudly, startling the court.
"Master Swiftbind, I'm assuming that we've not been catapulted into the future, as per your statement that the ink was made 'no later than 3160', so I'm going to proceed with the understanding that you meant to say 3016." He paused while the elderly bookbinder opened and closed his mouth in embarrassment. Brina Hammerfall made a note.
Skegrym nodded grimly towards Ebenizer Goldthumb and went on. "I've heard all I need to hear now on this accursed issue of your supposed ownership of the Othrikar mines. Master Swiftbind has testified that your grant from King Thrain was NOT penned in 2590, but rather around the year TA 3016...which I think we can agree is closer to the present day!" He flashed a quick, mocking smile at the court. "And if King Thrain or his son Thorin gave it to you, you must have been dealing with ghosts."
The judge's face hardened into anger. "But, equally as serious, is that it wasn't even written in Longbeard-crafted ink. I look forward to hearing what kind of ink, and from where, it may be. I won't postulate Dourhand involvement yet..." His expression made it clear, however, that 'yet' was not far off.
"Lastly, something worms in my brain, a name mentioned: the fifth guard, Walin Stormhand. Does anyone here know of such a family?"
Skegrym sat down and waited to hear what the sly ferret Thinpen might invent next, while the court roiled and roared like a hailstorm.
(By Glorieskh)
7.15
Thinpen looked at Goldthumb who was shaking his head and sighed.
The two talked in whispers for a brief minute then Thinpen spoke in an angry voice:
"It seems obvious that, every piece of fact or every evidence we provide is deemed void, a forgery or irrelevant. My master has had enough of these ridiculous charges and claims. Master Muninn, who all hold in such high esteem, may change his testimony at will, and not one judge objects, claiming we do the same, yet we have always claimed the same arguments, never changing them once. But it matters not, it is now clear to us that these judges are far from impartial and this entire court is a charade to give Duinn and his brigands all the rights to Othrikar!". The crowd gasped and the judges frowned.
"Even this so called expert in parchment", he continued, "states that a document comes from the future!!! He stated, and I quote, - it comes from 3160-, we are the year 3019... some expert! But what does it matter, if the testimonies are incorrect, the judges themselves will correct them! Never in my life have I seen such a farce!", Thinpen shouted, shook his head and then sighed, "look around you people... this is the court of the Durin's Folk, with judges and experts speaking in their favour exclusively! No matter our proof, no matter our claims, no matter our evidence, it is claimed void!", Thinpen spoke in a fiery voice convinced of his words.
"Master Thinpen!", spoken judge Hammerfall, "that's enough!".
"What's the matter judge, don't like the truth being told in your court!", Thinpen exclaimed in a high voice, as the crowd gasped at his defiance and conviction. "One more burst like that master Thinpen and I hold you in contempt and you will face the same punishment as your master", Hammerfall spoke in a booming voice.
"Oh, I see", spoken Thinpen, "so it has already been decided then, what punishment has been selected esteemed judges??", Thinpen asked, not allowing the judge to respond as he continued in utter defiance:
"Lastly, I would wish master Muninn would open those old ears of him, then maybe he would have heard our earlier statement. TEN were present when the company-grant was given in 2802, we never claimed otherwise. Yet when the family traveled form Thorin's Hall to Othrikar they had an eleventh member, who was a hired guard, going by the name of Walin Stormhand, as previously mentioned. So on that night there were ELEVEN!! members. I hope that concept is not too difficult to grasp for you master Muninn, at your old age. Otherwise I'm happy to provide a piece of paper and draw out the concept for you. Oh, and master Muninn, the fact that you repeat the word LEASE a million times doesn't make it so... then again with this court you'll likely be proven right in the end. And if not, then don't fear, you can always chance your testimony", Thinpen seemed furious at Muninn, treating him with utter contempt.
"In conclusion, we have NOTHING more to add to this ridiculous court session... change all your testimonies as it seems most convenient to you, have experts come and go making insane statements... . Let's make it easy for you all shall we... as you all seem dead set on convicting my master anyway, regardless of the actual facts", Thinpen took a deep breath and shouted at the judges: "My Master is old, recovering from injuries and tired of this theater, and thus will no longer make any testimonies and statements. We merely will stick with our previous facts provided and repeated at several occasions, and the LEGAL documents we have showed again and again.", Thinpen took all his legal papers and put them in a case next to the desk he and his master were sitting at.
"Go ahead, you want to convict him, do it....", he continued, "let's get it over with shall we, my master and I will be at his residence here at Thorin's Hall!", to everyone's surprise Thinpen and Goldthumb got up and walked to the door.
"What do you think you are doing master Goldthumb, you can't leave this chamber! We will convict you if you do!", spoke one of the judges.
"What difference does it make? You'll do so anyway...", spoke Goldthumb in a reluctant voice. "Take what is not yours, "shouted Thinpen as he guided his elderly master to the door, "claim my master a fraud and not the real Goldthumb, change your statements a thousand times, have experts make insane claims, go ahead.... we await the verdict at his residence here in Thorin's Hall. By all means have a Sabâj join us, so you can see we won't be running". Thinpen pushed open the doors of the chamber and lead his master out.
"Stop them!", spoke one of the judges.
"No!, spoke Hammerfall, "they have the right to leave if they accept the judgement, have a sabâj join them... ".
The judges looked on as Thinpen and Goldthumb left the chamber, the entire chamber in an uproar.
(By Midarin)
