13 Escape Route: All Set

The officers were busy discussing their plans. They had already bribed the jury. They had made sure that Aster gets nothing less than a death sentence. Handling the jury was easy enough. Of course, he protested at first. But what mortal's eyes do not glimmer at the sight of a handsome pay? The ministry threw a bag of currencies at his face and he was ready to give up his so called integrity and truthfulness to his profession. The officers were sure that the jury won't be a trouble in their plans. The next issue was Amelia. She was a strong mage and her loss would be unfortunate if the mages were to strike again. The officers wanted Amelia to work for them. But, the chances seem low as she is even ready to die for her brother. Then, there was the doctor who knew a lot more than what was he had to.

The car speeded up seeing the less traffic on the road.

They reached the court in about an hour. But for Amelia and Aster it seemed a year. The officials got down from the car one by one. They asked Hogman to remain in the car and keep a watch on their prisoners. Hogman remained in his seat, whereas the others went in to check on the necessary court procedures. Aster saw the high walls of the court . He felt that it was a prison rather than a court. The gates were high too. The gates had high iron steel bars that almost touched the sky. The walls were originally made of red brick, which now gave way to a blackish-green colour due to all the algae growing on it. Aster was scared to the bones watching the gates. For Amelia the court was nothing new. She had come there several times when she was Aster's age. She had come there as a witness first, then as a victim. She had played several roles in the court. She felt that all those events which happened three years ago had undeniable connections to the mysteries connecting Aster.

Hogman watched the siblings curiously and bit his lips. He did not want Aster to die. He had already taken several measures to save Aster. He had almost created an escape route for him. Hogman looked at the doctor who was in his own world too. Hogman decided to tell his plans to them right away. He broke their chain of thoughts and told them his plans. The plan was good if not excellent. But that's all one can expect at the time of a crisis like this. They didn't completely believe Hogman. Hogman could read that from their faces. They did doubt him. They weren't sure whether to believe him or not. His words were convincing, but still it came from a person who conspired to arrest and kill Aster. They couldn't believe him completely, but still what choice did they have?

The three of them shared meaningful glances. They decided to move according to Hogman's plan. The other officers returned and asked them to get down from the car. They did as they were asked. They moved past the giant gates of the court house. The place terrified Aster. Amelia did not show any fright, but it was clear that she was tense. Walking through the cold, dark corridors of the court house, Amelia could not hold back her memories. All the lawyers, clerks and other officials at the court house glared at them as they walked past. They were led into the courtroom were Aster was to be trialed.

The courtroom was well lit and well furnished. The jury took his usual place on the highest desk. Amelia was both surprised and shocked to see the jury. The same one. The same jury whom she had seen three years ago. Mr. Rhinestone, the jury, was a fat sloppy man of 60. He was humorous but greedy. He had a high reputation for being the most faithful yet most corrupt among juries. The jury was surprised to see Amelia too. He hadn't expected to see her in a trial like this. He was actually a bit afraid of Amelia as he knew that she was not a fool.

The trial began and as expected Aster was given a death sentence. But, that was just the beginning. Amelia defended Aster in every way she could. This made the jury think twice. Actually, he had expected this from her. He reduced the punishment from a death sentence to a 12 years in prison without meeting anyone else. Amelia wasn't satisfied. Now it was Hogman's turn to play. He had sufficient control over the jury with or without the support of the ministry. He turned to jury and started questioning him. The jury ran out of answers and said that Hogman had no right to question the judge. True. Hogman however completed what he had started and proved the fact that Aster was essential for the world. The jury had to accept him. Other members from the ministry were already turning red with anger. Hogman cheated them. He advocated for Aster. They were not going to let him live in peace.

The jury declared that Aster, Amelia and the doctor were free to go. They were about to leave, when others in the court suddenly stopped them. They weren't convinced by Hogman's and Amelia's arguments. They still considered them as potential threats to the society. The members of the ministry started it. They started blocking their way. Hogman used small spells to push past the ministry officials and other lawyers who watched the trial from blocking the way. That's what they wanted. Hogman used a spell. Now it was a crime. Hogman attacked them inside the court. Hogman was accused too. A fight broke out inside the court. It was a four against thirty battle. Spells arose from both the sides. Mighty spells.

It was not easy for Aster to escape. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins. For the first time in all these years he felt that his spells were powerful. Amelia watched in awe as Aster casted each spell. 'Where was he hiding it?' She thought. They; Aster, Amelia, Schwann and Hogman fought them all and finally got out of the courthouse struggling past several who wanted them dead. Their nerves were tense. They could hear their heartbeats clearly. They had no time to stop. They had to get out of that place as soon as possible. Schwann saw the car in which they had come to the court, he opened the front door, pulled out the driver and landed some heavy punches on his nose. His nose started bleeding.

"Get in! FAST!!" He ordered.

The others obeyed. They sped off from the court room and was about 50 miles away from it when the doctor pulled the brakes and let out a deep sigh. Aster, Amelia and Hogman sighed too. Now, they couldn't go back as they would be jailed if they did. They would have been branded as criminals by now. All they could do now was to hide somewhere and get Aster ready before the armoured mages strike again....