Doctor's Opinion

"Yes, your honor." The old doctor steps forward to retrieve the vile. He removes several instruments from his bag and lays them out on the marble desk. Among the items removed are a rack, test tubes, several vials full of strange liquids and a silver rod. He opens the mystery vile and sniffs its contents. Wrinkling his nose, he takes note if his observations on a piece of paper. He puts on gloves on his pudgy hands before proceeding with his examination. He gingerly spoons small amounts of the powder into several test tubes, which he balances on the rack. He follows by adding different chemicals into each tube. Some fizz, while others turn bizarre colors. He places the silver stick into the last of the tubes. The silver blackens on contact. He notes each reaction on his piece of paper.

Once each test has run its course he claps his hands and announces, "I have my conclusion."

"Good, I am ready to hear it." Judge Laurent never took his eyes off the doctor; admiration and fascination are easily to read in his regard.

"This is a rare poison called ciguë, is derived from the root of a plant only found far to the north. It is slow acting and must be ministered in several doses. Although it isn't initially fatal, it will be crippling in any dosage. It is nigh undetectable once administered, but will darken silver, like most poisons. Its onset resembles the influenza with vomiting and a fever and therefore can easily be misdiagnosed."

"With the amount here would it kill someone?"

"Several times over." The doctor confirms with a curt bob of his round head.

"Is there any other use for this substance?"

The doctor purses his lips, then shakes his head side to side. "No, it is deadly when ingested, and even brief physical contact with the skin can cause mild irritation leading to a rash."

"Where can it be acquired?"

"I imagine the black market. As I said there is no other use for it then poison."

"Thank you. General Maxime, what do you have to say about this?"

"It isn't mine." The general snarls.

"Is there any more evidence?" The judge raises his head slightly, looking down his long nose at the general.

"No." Raphael retains his professional posture as he answers.

"Do you have a suspected motive?"

"Yes. We have two hypotheses, both leading to the same conclusion. First, he was hoping to weaken Lady Pierrette-Danielle in administering the poison, thus allowing him to manipulate her. Second, and more likely, he planned to kill her and take over as the highest ranking person left in Villefranche."

Judge Laurent nods and says, "Men have killed for less. I think it is time to hear General Maxime's version of events." He turns in the chair to face the accused.

"I have never thought about hurting her Ladyship. The poor rabbit is terrified for her life. Look at how she is pale and trembling even now. She blindly follows those who can't be trusted to lead our people…"

"Speak clearly who you are blaming for this predicament." Judge Laurent cuts him off and glares at him. "And be respectfully of her ladyship. She is your superior and appears to be handling her new position with poise and grace."

The general's face reddens deeper at the correction, but he continues his accusations. "I blame General Raphael. He is pursuing my position and lying to Lady Pierrette-Danielle to get it." He spits my name but uses the correct title and doesn't demean me further.

"What do you have to say about all the witnesses?" The judge cocks his head to the side.

"Paid of course." The general stares at him, daring him to disagree. The judge doesn't bat an eye.

"And the poison?"

"Planted during the search."

"How do you explain that the witnesses are spread out between different general's men?"

"Money can turn any man."

"Your defense is bribery?"

"I am sure you see it all the time."

"Yes, but I can spot them when they open their mouths." I bit my lower lip to stifle my laugh. This judge is savage. "I am not stating that is my opinion now; my fellow judges and I need to deliberate before I can do so. Is there anything else that anyone wants to add?" The judge scans the room. The men all shake their heads.

"I maintain that I am framed, and that General Raphael is using lady Pierrette-Danielle to take over Villefranche."

"I understand that General Maxime." The judge practically rolls his eyes. I almost giggle. Does he not see he is annoying judge Laurent?

"Before we break for deliberations, I need to hear from Lady Pierrette-Danielle, as the noble overseeing this proceeding." He turns to me expectantly.