Encircled

by Robin Roseau

  I didn’t let it bother me, although I didn’t understand why Jessla would even bother with such a lopsided event.

  I waited until the guard finished with the restraint and then said, “Might I ask a question, Lady Olivia?”

  “Does it apply to the case we’re debating?”

  “No. It applies to why we are all here.”

  “You may ask. We may not answer.”

  I waved my wrist. “This can’t surprise a single person here. Judge Jessla may be discussing these points based on unfamiliar law, but she is trained and highly experienced in these matters. I am nothing but a barmaid.”

  “You are more than a barmaid,” Lady Olivia said. “But I see your point.”

  I gestured. “The room is full, with people standing in back two deep. And we have our illustrious panel devoting their time. And I don’t understand why. I can’t believe it’s to watch a respected, experienced judge beat up a barmaid. That’s like hosting an event to watch someone kick kitty cats. But for the life of me, I haven’t figured out why we’re all here. I’m also not sure why Judge Jessla would choose this event. If she wishes to change the color I wear, she has other ways to do that. But that’s a question I can ask her in private. Why are we all here, Lady Olivia?”

  “You ask such interesting questions, Cee,” she replied. “I could suggest-”

  “No.”

  “Excuse me.”

  “I’m capable of making my own guesses. If you’re not going to give a real answer, I withdraw my question.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think I wasn’t about to offer a real answer.”

  “You are one of the Ressalines who likes to preface an answer with Perhaps. When I answered earlier, I was using it as a joke with Judge Jessla. You, Lady Olivia, like to say ‘Perhaps this’ or ‘I would suggest that’, and then make a statement that alludes to an answer but doesn’t really say anything I couldn’t guess. And that would be fine, except the uncertainty left behind leaves me wondering ‘perhaps this, but probably something else’.”

  “I don’t do that.”

  “Oh, please,” said the woman to her right. “You do it all the time.”

  “I do?”

  “Judge Jessla does it, too,” I said. “And it causes trust issues.”

  Olivia stared at me. “You would like a real answer.”

  “I would.”

  “All right. Some people are here because Jessla has a reputation, and people wanted to see her on that side of the bench.”

  “I don’t blame them for that.”

  “Some are here because you also have a reputation, and kitty cat isn’t it.”

  “They’re here to watch the woman who, through more luck than I can shake a stick at, captured five slaves during one group event. They wish to see me taken down six pegs?”

  “Yes,” she said. “Although some wondered if you were going to surprise us all again.”

  “I might have some surprises at the end, if I last much longer, but certainly not enough to matter. Are there other reasons?”

  “We’re here,” she said, indicating the panel, “because we wanted to see Jessla handle a case involving unfamiliar law, especially this case.”

  “I wish she’d been here with a more worthy opponent,” I said. “Although I don’t understand half of what she’s saying. I can’t imagine I’d understand any more if you were standing in this box instead of me.”

  “For what it’s worth, Cee, while I wouldn’t be wearing that restraint quite yet, if I were standing there, I’d be wearing it soon enough.”

  “Are there other reasons?”

  “It may be, but I don’t know, that there are some here who have an interest in you, and they’re learning your strengths and weaknesses.”

  I looked out at the crowd. “I am unlikely to accept events of this nature. I’m here at all because of my admiration for Judge Jessla. If Lady Olivia is correct, I’m sorry, but knowing I won’t win a logic fight isn’t going to be much help to any of you.”

  There were a few laughs at that. I turned back to the bench. “Thank you, Lady Olivia.”

  “You are welcome, Cee. I believe it is your turn to speak first.”

  “May I ask another question?”

  “I’d rather you didn’t.

  “Is the goal of this event to convince the panel of a particular decision? Or perhaps to determine how the case was originally decided? Also, is it valuable to discuss how this case might affect future cases? Well, not future from today, but in the years after this case came to court.”

  “It would be interesting to hear you both argue how you would decide the case, and why,” Olivia said. “It would also be interesting to hear you predict how the original case was decided, and on what grounds. And yes, a prediction of how this case might affect events leading forward might be intriguing.”

  “Based on events so far, how many rounds would you predict before I am unable to speak effectively?”

  “No more than six.”

  “As the final results are clearly obvious, I wonder if the panel would indulge me.”

  “Most likely not.”

  “Unless my opponent is uninterested in the three questions I raised, I wonder if perhaps the panel would announce when they would like us to address them, and I would also like Judge Jessla to speak first on the first two questions, but I would like to go first on the final question.”

  “Judge Jessla?”

  She smiled. “I accept Cee’s proposal.”

  “Very good. We’ll wait a round or three. Proceed, Cee.”

  * * * *

  I acquired the remaining restraints, but they weren’t yet pulled taut. I clanked as I walked or otherwise moved about. Jessla looked pleased to see me this way, and I didn’t think she was the only one.

  Once I took the final restraint, Lady Olivia said, “Judge Jessla, perhaps it is time to discuss a decision. I would like to hear how you would decide this case, if it were presented to you and following Charthan law.”

  “Of course. This case is not whether Ms. Elderleaf or Ms. Bestbud should inherit their grandmother’s estate. This is really two questions: Is Ms. Elderleaf eligible to inherit a share, and is Ms. Bestbud eligible.” She went on to argue, through legal terms, why both women should inherit one share. “I am, of course, speaking based on Charthan law as outlined in our notes.”

  “Very good, Judge Jessla. Cee?”

  “The judge is correct. This is, as she said, two questions. At the time in question, in the absence of a will, inheritance flowed through the elder son. In this case, that is Ms. Elderleaf’s son. However, that is in the absence of a will. We have a will, penned in the hand of the grandmother, Ms. Ossie Sharpbranch. And thus, the will should apply.”

  Then I paused. “Except, according to our copy of the rather brief will, it was not signed, dated, nor witnessed. Perhaps that is an oversight in the preparation of the materials.” It wasn’t. “Legally speaking, the will is invalid. If so decided, then inheritance would follow the standard rules and flow through the eldest son. However, while Mr. Sharpbranch was the only son, he had no known boys, according to our materials. Legally, the estate reverts to the state.”

  I paused. “That answer is morally reprehensible. There is no evidence given to us that either lawyer argued from that position. That would have been an argument contrary to the best interests of their clients. Nor is there any indication the state assigned a third lawyer to make that argument.”

  “Legally speaking, the will is invalid. Inheritance would fall to the eldest son of the eldest son, whom did not exist. The assets revert to the state.”

  Jessla was digging through the papers then looked at me. “Well, well.”

  The panel conferred. “Four points to Cee. Two points to Judge Jessla. Please tighten Cee’s leg restrains by two turns.” She waited for the guards to do that then said, “Judge Jessla, would you care to state how you feel this case was decided?”

  She stare
d at me. Finally she said, “There is no indication anyone questioned the provenance of the will. Nor is there any indication the point Cee brought up was discussed. I believe the court split the estate in two.”

  Olivia called on me, and I said, “A simple answer. I disagree. I believe that not only did no one question the provenance of the will, but everyone was sure it was written by the deceased’s hand and accurately reflected her wishes. If a legal will, none of the legalese involved is the critical manner. She clearly wished her estate divided between her grandchildren. She made absolutely no qualification otherwise. And so I believe the court recognized the issues associated with the poor provenance of the will but awarded to both women.” Then I smiled. “However, I believe the ruling council disagreed with the court and applied a strict interpretation of Charthan law at the time. The assets were seized and the two women received nothing.”

  Jessla’s jaw dropped. “You know this case.”

  I smiled sweetly and waved the restraints at her. “That hasn’t done me very much good.”

  “Six points to Cee,” Lady Olivia said.

  “I take it I have not yet accrued sufficient points to see a shackle upon Judge Jessla’s wrist.”

  “No, I’m afraid not. Would you care to discuss the implications of this case?”

  “I would,” I said. “This case has had absolutely no bearing on future decisions. It has never since been used as precedent.” I smiled. “Do you want to know what else happened?”

  “If you like.”

  “The decision by the ruling council was deemed morally reprehensible and deeply greedy. The council was skewered in the press and on every street corner. The entire council, even the two members that voted to uphold the court’s ruling, were replaced in the next election. The law at the time did not allow a new council to override decisions of this nature made by a previous council. The laws were changed to allow the council to do so on future issues, but only through a unanimous decision. Furthermore, the laws were clarified that when the provenance of a will is without question, written in the hand of the deceased, barring another document of better legal standing, the will would stand. And that is why this case did not become precedent.”

  Jessla shook her head. “I can’t even comment.”

  Lady Olivia spoke to the other two for a moment and then said, “We’re not giving you six points for that. Three points to Cee. The panel underestimated Cee.”

  “That seems to be a regular occurrence,” Jessla said. “Our challenge is not yet complete. Perhaps my opponent has a suggestion.”

  “We could discuss this case based on the current laws of this city,” I said. “That should result in six turns of my restraints every minute or two.” The audience liked that response. Jessla and the panel didn’t laugh, but they smiled.

  “As interested as we are in viewing Cee’s backside,” Olivia said. “Perhaps we could follow the panel’s existing plan. We have ten points of philosophy to debate. These are unrelated to the case discussed.”

  “How delightful,” I said.

  “We will toss the coin to determine who answers first,” Olivia said. “And I believe Judge Jessla will call it first.”

  Olivia tossed the coin. And darned, but if Jessla didn’t call out, “Lions!”

  The entire room erupted in laughter. I certainly laughed. The answer surprised Olivia so much, she failed to catch the coin. It bounced off the table, landed on the floor, and then bounced once or twice more before coming to a rest somewhere. “I’m not even going to go look for that. Cee, you will respond first.”

  * * * *

  I scored a few points. Jessla scored far more. They tightened my legs first, and I found myself pressed against the railing, my legs pulled widely. That wasn’t a surprise.

  It took a few more rounds before I was entirely bent over, my arms stretched forward and my stomach against the railing.

  I missed giving her a restraint by several points. I hadn’t expected to win my side wager, but a girl could hope.

  “Did we forget something?” I asked.

  “I’m sure we forgot nothing,” Olivia said.

  “I don’t see any resin. Shouldn’t I be standing in a tub or something?”

  “Not to worry,” Olivia said. “Whenever you are ready, Judge Jessla.”

  Jessla opened the gate to her area and stepped down. I watched as she crossed the space and then continued to watch as she stepped up behind me.

  She took her time, stroking me and talking softly. But then she entered me with her device. As she worked it, I saw where the resin was; the padding. It flowed into and over me.

  Five minutes later, black from toes to neck, I gave out a little cry and felt the enslavement spell take command.

  * * * *

  I worked at Government House for two days. I spent another stint as a house slave. And then for our last day together, she turned me red, and I spent the day giving her physical pleasures. In all, it was an intriguing two weeks.

  She freed me, and I asked if we could make love one more time. And then she sent me home.

  Mother

  “Hello.” I turned to see a woman of perhaps fifty years, dressed in the leather of the Ressalines.

  “Welcome to The Baby Blanket Inn,” I said. “We have open seating, so feel free to grab a table anywhere you like, or you may sit at the bar if you prefer.”

  “Actually, my name is Giselt. I wonder if Kathareet Rosebush is available.”

  I stared for a moment and then recovered my composure. “Giselt,” I said. “I am Claary Rosebush. Kathareet is my mother.”

  “Claary,” she said, offering her hand. “A pleasure.”

  “A pleasure,” I echoed. “Let me see if Mother is available.”

  I stepped in back and grabbed Lisbon. “Giselt is here to see Mother.”

  “Really? Where?”

  “You know why she’s here, right?’

  “To see Mother.”

  I stared at her for a moment. I wasn’t going to try to explain. I headed for Mother’s office. “Giselt is here.”

  “Really?” Mother asked brightly, turning around. “She is?”

  “She would like to see you. Should I tell her you’re in.”

  “No!” I felt a rush of relief, quickly dashed. “Tell her I’ll be out in a few minutes. I need to freshen up.” And then she pushed past me, heading for the stairs to our home above the inn.

  Well, shit.

  When I returned to the front room, Lisbon was talking to Giselt. The two were thick as thieves. I sighed, but I told them Mother would be out shortly.

  Shortly turned out to be ten minutes later. Mother had changed and applied some makeup. When she appeared, she simpered over Giselt. The woman in question smiled and asked Mother if she’d be willing to go for a walk with her.

  * * * *

  I fretted. Mother wasn’t back, and the dinner hour was just beginning.

  I fretted even further when Marda and Bess appeared. I stared at them then gestured towards the back. We collected Lisbon and headed to Mother’s office. “What can I do for you?”

  “We’d like you to go to Government House with us.”

  “Now?” Lisbon asked.

  “We’re aware this is a poor time,” Bess said. “It needs to be immediately.”

  I sighed.

  * * * *

  Bess and Marda led us to Olivia’s office. Jessla was there. Marda and Bess left us. We exchanged greetings before taking seats. “Have they already done it?”

  They ignored my question. “Lisbon. Claary,” said Jessla. “Approximately an hour ago, Giselt and Kathareet met with me in my office. They petitioned to hold a challenge and asked permission to do so immediately.”

  “They didn’t even talk to me first,” I said. I turned to Olivia. “It’s too soon! Mother hasn’t taken any practice challenges. She’s still hung up over that woman.”

  “That was my position,” Jessla said. “I denied the request and suggested Kathar
eet do just that.”

  “Why would you do that?” Lisbon asked.

  “It’s not a practice challenge, Lisbon,” I said. “It’s the real thing.”

  “And your point?”

  “If Mother loses, she’ll become Giselt’s permanent slave.”

  “Which is what she wants, so what’s the problem?”

  “Are you insane?”

  “You’re the one who keeps telling me how much you enjoyed it. You’ve been a slave for your first. And then you were a slave again with Lady Olivia, then with Bess, then with Jessla. You’ve told anyone who asks you’ve enjoyed it.”

  “It was temporary,” I said.

  “So she’ll be permanently happy,” Lisbon said. “What is so wrong about that?”

  “There’s nothing wrong with being happy,” I said. “But she’ll be a slave.”

  “I think you’re hung up on that word.”

  “She’d have to do anything Giselt tells her to do.”

  “How is that different than how you’ve treated me my entire life, and you’re not my mother? When I was five, that made sense. But why do you get to tell me what to do now that I’m 18?” I stared at her and didn’t have an answer. “At least when I was Olivia’s, I loved doing what she told me to do. I loved it, and you loved it when you belonged to her.”

  I didn’t have an answer to that, so I changed directions. “Don’t you see, Lisbon? It’s all part of their plan.” I gestured to Olivia and Jessla.

  “Yes, they arranged for us to invade their country so they would have an excuse to come here and make Mother happy.”

  “Now you’re just being ridiculous.”

  “You’re always like this. You think you know better than anyone else, and if we want different choices than you do, we’re always wrong.”

  “I do not.”

  “You’re doing it right now. Mother knows what she wants. Everyone in this room knows she’ll be happy, insanely happy. Mother told me that Giselt was exceedingly kind to her, and it appeared she was that way with her other slaves. Because of the magic, she’d have been happy regardless of how she was treated. But she could look back even when past the effects and know that’s what she wanted.”