When their turn came, Chopyk stepped inside the jury cage with the mirror opposite to Isolda in another one. His eyes fell on Bartholomew, who was emitting confidence even from such distance. Roderick cleared his throat.
“Isolda has committed adultery. I have proof.” Roderick said, which made people present in the court mutter.
Roderick took the mirror from Chopyk and said to it, “Mirror, show everyone what Isolda used to do with Bartholomew in his pyramid while Chopyk went for hunting.”
The mirror glowed. It showed Roderick threatening him, “Speak in our favor in court or I’ll break you.”
Roderick fell in shock. He covered the backstabbing mirror with the cloth, but his stifled voice came through the cloth.
“A forced witness.” Judge said, “If judgment goes on Isolda’s favor, then you will also go to the prison.
“Does this man own you, mirror?” Judge asked after a long pause.
“Isolda owns me. I am her gift.”
“Then I can’t take your showing as solid evidence either. A gift never says bad about its owner.”
“Didn’t you see this man threaten him?” Isolda roared.
“This mirror isn’t enough to pass the verdict. But I must say, this has helped you to gain advantage. Bring me a proof which denies his accusations and I’ll rule this case on your favor.”
Court door slammed open. Receptionist came inside the hearing area with some guards running behind him. Even the guards stopped once they spotted Judge in his duty.
“Arrest them, your honor.” Receptionist devil pointed at Roderick and Chopyk.
“You are interfering.” Judge snapped, “Two years in prison.”
Judge slammed his hammer. The guards who had come along with him grabbed the devil by his arms and dragged him out of the room. The devil kept quiet because he knew arguing could add more time to his sentence.
“Isolda, you can tell your part of the incident.” Judge adjusted his position in his chair.
Bell chimed before Isolda could put her statement. Judge glanced at a guard near him and said, “Order roasted deer for me.” Then he left his table with Chopyk’s file clutched in his armpit.
“What should we do?” Chopyk said in his Roderick’s ear.
“I’ll bribe the damn judge. Give me some money you have got.” Roderick said.
Chopyk saw it as a last resort. Yet he was not sure how Roderick was planning to make it happen. A human bribing a devil was unheard in the devil’s community.
