A New Novel, Part 279 He Gave Me into Your Custody

10 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 279 He Gave Me into Your Custody

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is on trial in Wien, Austria.  The judge brings up the question of Aksinya's immigration status and international requests to extridite her...

The judge continued to speak.

Aksinya almost clapped her hands together, “Now he will tell me the truth about my guilt.”

Father Dobrushin shushed her.

Judge Richter stated, “Although, this Schöffengericht finds the Princess Aksinya not guilty, the State of Austria has received international letters concerning the Princess.  Both of them request her return to Russia, one for political reasons and the other as extradition for criminal prosecution.  The State of Austria has asked me to make a recommendation and a judgment based on the case at hand.  Since this is not directly related to the charges, only to any potential sentencing, there is no reason for the prosecution to respond.  Defense councilor would you like to make a statement in regard to these requests?”

Father Dobrushin stood, “Yes, Your Honor.  I have reviewed both letters as well as the laws of the State of Austria as it applies to this circumstance.  It is not in the Princess’ best interest to entertain either request from either Russian claim to authority.  She desires to continue as an émigré in Austria and be allowed self-determination in all related issues.  If the court will not grant her this freedom then she is willing to petition the State of Austria for asylum.”

Judge Richter wrote on the paper in front of him, “There will be no need for that, council.  I am granted the authority to reject either or both requests as a recommendation of this court.  It was only in the case of a guilty verdict that the Princess would be extradited to Russia without her consent.  Therefore, by the authority of the State of Austria granted to me, I declare again that you are not guilty of any crime tried in this court and that you are immediately released to the custody of Father Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin.

Aksinya stood and the rest of the court stood.  Aksinya put out her hand, but by the time she could get out a single word, the judges were gone.  She stuttered, “Wait…”

Father Dobrushin asked, “What did you want, Princess?”

“He gave me into your custody—why?”

“I asked for it in the court papers.”

“But why?”

“Because, I want to be the one to help you from now on.  It is official.  You report to me in all issues of your employment, schooling, and living arrangements.”

I continue with Judge Richter from yesterday to move into the piece.  The Court found Aksinya not guilty, but they must also determine her immigration status.  As we see, the White Russians and the Red Russians both want her.  Judge Richter and his court has been asked to make a decision on what to do with Aksinya.  You can guess that if she had been found guilty, she would have been sent back to Russia.  The problem on both sides would likely lead to her death--one would have tried her, the other would have used her as a pawn.

Father Dobrushin cuts off any chance the court might deport Aksinya.  He uses his knowledge of the law to defend and protect her.  The actions of Father Dobrushin are very important as they relate to the Austrian law.

Father Dobrushin's statements lead Judge Richter to repeat his verdict and release Aksinya.  Note, the judge releases Aksinya to the custody of Father Dobrushin.  Now, this is a turn of events, and one that Aksinya doesn't miss at all.  We discover in the ensuing conversation that Father Dobrushin asked for the custody of Aksinya.  This is not that uncommon for women under 21 and indeed could be granted for unmarried women under 30.  You can see that Father Dobrushin has something in mind for Aksinya.  The question is what.  Tomorrow, leave taking.