The Great Hall of the Provincial Circuit Court in Sunder-Foot was built of native mountain granite. Massive six-foot cut stone blocks dressed sixty years ago by the grandfathers of the men who now crowded into the public gallery. Three hundred quarry workers filled the oak benches. Their hats were held in their hands, their breath condensing in the chilly morning air.
Behind the raised walnut bench sat Magistrate Jonathan Vane, a stern, sixty-year-old jurist with iron-gray hair. He was flanked by the High Sheriff of the Sunder District and two court clerks with quill pens poised over parchment rolls.
At the defense bar stood three senior barristers from the capital, dressed in fur-trimmed velvet robes, led by Advocate Malric. A sharp-featured attorney who represented the Imperial Quarry Trade group.
Advocate Malric rose right away, waving a thick stack of thick parchment charters. “Your Honor, we move for the immediate summary dismissal of this petition and the instant arrest of the crowd outside for illegal assembly. The Gray Pit is operated under Private Imperial Charter Number 402. It grants the Trade group sole, sovereign turf over all employment contracts, commissary debits, and underground safety operations. This court has no lawful turf to inspect company ledgers!”
