Read Lore of the Underlings: Episode 8 ~ The Trial for Free Online

and her hero if
she falls. Blood-bound I swear not to falter, come hell or high
water, gloom or doom.
    “Justice, I am the voice. Call your
tune.”
    Fyryx, tongue-stung, stared her down then
broke into a surprising swoon. “Noble words good lady Yo… Loyalty…
that’s a trait I value…” He all but bowed. His voice nearly
cracked. He choked back a tear. “Accept my respect.”
    That said though, he let out a “But” and a
bark. You know, your typical Fyryx.
    “Did you really expect an exception, a pass
for this loved one, nun of the above? Let me assure you, lass, that
you’re mistaken. I have a host of questions…”
    Just then an outer Guard rushed in.
    “Pardon, m’lord!” He was winded.
    “What is it?”
    It was the fearsome northerner warrior
Goth-syr, and he carried something. “Special delivery, sir my
sir!”
    The white-clad fighter goose-stepped across
the room in no time. Everyone watched. Even the Hurx boys had a
look-see, poking their heads out the fore chamber hatch.
    The pale pikesman handed over his package,
whispered a message, and fled the hall.
    Fyryx unwrapped the bundle. His eyes lit
up.
    He hoisted a girly journal.
    “Now, what a fortuitous turn of events… My
friends! Some timely new evidence!”
    Xoxo recognized it and shuddered.
    “The diary of this Miss Apprehension.”
    Fyryx tried to crack it open. A hawk’s jaw
lock prevented him. “Seems to be sealed. If you’ll do the honors…”
He thrust the book at its teeny owner.
    Author Yo, though, proved reclusive, acting
reluctant to show her hand. Judge Hurx all but threw the book at
her, shoving it in her direction again.
    This time she reached out a trembling limb
and bared an arm, her soft bronze skin.
    “Take it!”
    She took the prized possession. Then, holding
the journal in her left, she used the right to unveil herself.
    Smaller than Qoqo and cuter still, Xoxo was a
kewpie doll. Her face was rounder than her sister’s, her hair
longer — a full, flowing mane. Mother nature set the tone, the hue
of her locks like virgin soil. Sweet and fertile, a farm boy’s
dream. Pick of the crop. Top of the cream.
    Treygyn looked drunk from drinking her in. He
gazed at Xoxo. She at him. Each one mouthed the other’s name.
    Treasured, her eyes glowed heavenly gold. And
yet molten. Vulcan hot.
    Fyryx looked not too sure what he witnessed,
but he wanted to break it up. “I see that you see your leaver-boy
Yin. So, let the record show, you’ve ID’d him. Happy?
    “Now on with the unlocking!”
    Xoxo slipped a ring from her finger and put
it in the keyhole. Click. Leaves unfolded by the hundreds.
    “Read it,” Fyryx ordered. “Quick.”
    That commandment made her cry. She was
speechless, petrified.
    “Objection!”
    It was Minyon Myne.
    The elderman stood on his makeshift bench,
holding a pale palm up in protest. Yet he was calming in dissent. A
voice for the voiceless. Public servant.
    Poor folk had no better advocate. His black
coat was good as a law suit.
    “Your honor sir, if it pleases the
court…”
    Judge Hurx grumbled. “It does not.”
    “This kid’s book isn’t a legal exhibit.”
    “Legal schmegal, elderman. Sit.”
    “But…”
    “Overruled. You’re trying my patience.”
    “What about self-incrimination? Badgering?
Hearsay? Leading the witness?”
    “And your point is…”
    “Justice sir.”
    “I am justice, minister…”
    Minyon winced but sat back down, saving his
breath — at least for now.
    Fyryx resumed. “Without further ado… assuming
none of you object…”
    Xoxo and Qoqo traded looks. The older Yo girl
snatched the book of secrets. Then she faced the music.
    “It’ll be okay sis. I’ve got this.”
    Fyryx assessed then acquiesced — though not
without his signature gesture. He waved dismissively at the pair
with the air of a temperamental conductor.
    “Much a duo about nothing. What’s a maestro
supposed to do? I know…” He reached for his sky-high hat and pulled
out a