The Trial

[00:00:00] Speaker A: Chapter 8 the trial it was a sunny morning in May. Archie woke up itching to pray. He stretched his arms up high in the air, deprived of hope, filled with despair, passing minutes became hours. If only he had superpowers, then he could break through the wall and fly home fast as a pinball. Finally, his cell door swung open wide and the police officer stepped inside. He was flanked by four ants, so tall they blocked all light coming from the hall. Good morning, Prisoner 15. It's time to meet our Queen. The officer handed Archie a striped sheet and put heavy shackles on his feet. Even though Archie was in great shape, he knew there could be no escape. The iron cuffs under his prison gown would slow all his movements down. So Archie shuffled amidst the guards, sweating heavily after a few yards, his ankles already feeling sore before he reached the street door. Outside, his situation got even worse. An angry mob had gathered to curse, waving their fists, kicking at his legs, showering him with tomatoes and eggs. For a moment, Archie feared for his life. How could he ever hope to survive this murderous posse of vindictive ants looking for blood like meat eating plants? But then the officer raised the alarm. The police ants swiftly formed a swarm, closely enveloping and protecting him, shields and sticks high, their faces grim under a heavy shower of flashing lights from the cameras of the press parasites. The officer pushed Archie into a tinted car as if he were a world famous movie star. And so they set off for Queen's Court, led by an impressive police escort, forcing the other traffic to move aside as if swept away by a powerful tide. Suddenly the convoy came to a stop and with an impatient chop chop, the officer urged Archie out of the car into a building shaped like a star. They waded through a maze of giant halls with majestic chandeliers and crystal walls to the left and the right, huge mirrors of gold copying Archie's reflection a hundredfold. Archie passed rows of royal guards standing sentry every few yards in their state dress, scarlet and gold, motionless, their gaze stone cold. Finally, the group reached a gate of massive silver, shiny and ornate. Fierce looking lancers blocked the way, keeping unwelcome visitors at bay. State your business or get out of here. One of them shouted, aiming his spear at the group, stopping them short from entering the dreaded court. The Queen is expecting us today, so please get out of our way, said the officer in a firm voice, leaving the lancers with no choice. Six ants used their full weight to push open the heavy gate. Archie entered the royal hall, dragging his heavy chain and ball. With a loud bang, the gate slammed Archie felt he was at his wit's end when he saw the heavily guarded zone with the gorgeous queen on her throne. [00:05:05] Speaker B: So this is our famous enemy of the state who has come here today to face his fate. [00:05:13] Speaker A: The Queen's voice sounded kind and wise, but also bemused. With a hint of surprise, Archie remembered a book he'd read. He stopped, knelt and bowed his head like a noble knight before his queen. He acted respectful and serene. In a soft voice he said, your Majesty, I beg you, please hear my plea. If you'll let me tell my tale, I'm sure the truth will prevail. Prisoner, you are not at the zoo, so do not speak until spoken to, said an ant in an embroidered tunic, waving fiercely with a golden stick. The Queen didn't seem to mind. Her voice still was soft and kind. [00:06:03] Speaker B: In this court, when passing judgment, you're guilty until proven innocent. So tell me, is there anyone you know, a friend, a fellow or even a foe who can speak in your favour and be a witness to your good behaviour? [00:06:22] Speaker A: The family Brown crossed his mind. No one else here would be so kind as to defend him against all odds, risking the scorn of ants and gods. Wes, Brown, Fay, Pete and Abigail, four lovely aunts who could unveil the truth behind his unlucky attack, thus giving him his freedom back. Archie feared that Fay, Pete, Abby and Wes, if summoned here, would proudly confess to helping him time after time, which in this city was a terrible crime. Archie didn't want the Browns to go to jail, so he looked up, straightened his tail and said, no, your Majesty. It's a pity, but I don't know any aunts in your city. Archie's words put the trial to a stop. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. [00:07:23] Speaker B: We'll pass sentence now, said the Queen. [00:07:27] Speaker A: Cool as if the verdict was a daily routine. [00:07:30] Speaker B: She said, what a remarkable ant you are. Still so very young, travelling from afar, yet you'd rather put yourself through hell than condemn your friends to a prison cell. Little Archie, I've decided to let you go. And I have four good reasons for doing so. [00:07:52] Speaker A: The old ant tapped the septum on the floor, a cue for opening a small hidden door. Four figures stepped into the light. Could it be? Yes, he was right. The Browns, big smiles on their faces, running towards him at rapid paces. Abby yelled, you did it. [00:08:17] Speaker B: You were free. [00:08:19] Speaker A: Then hugged him warm heartedly. Fay smothered Archie with kisses, causing a lot of grunts and hisses. Please, girls, don't strangle the boy, said Pete with a face Full of joy, Wes Brown patted Archie on the back. We all told the Queen it was no attack. So the Queen knew we'd met. Archie asked, a little upset as the police removed his chain, relieving his ankles from the pain. [00:08:49] Speaker B: Yes, Archie, said the Queen. I already knew. Your friends all spoke highly of you, so I wanted to test your loyalty to see if you deserve to be free. Today you showed us what honor is, a virtue that I sometimes miss when I look at the ants in this city. Cold, egotistical, greedy, and without pity, you are warm, faithful, and true. That's why I'd like to propose to you that you teach us the values we lack. At least if you decide to come back. [00:09:27] Speaker A: Hope returned to Archie's big eyes. Does that mean? He asked in surprise. [00:09:34] Speaker B: Yes. No more need for you to roam. We're finally going to take you home. [00:10:33] Speaker A: The Dragon Flyer on the Runway would leave soon, without delay. The wings already roared as the ants climbed on board. Archie felt happy and yet a bit sad. He was flying back to Mum and Dad, but the friends with whom he'd part would always have a place in his heart. Mother Fay had tears in her eyes when she mumbled her goodbyes. Father Pete wished him all the best, shook his hands, straightened his vest. Wes, both right arms still in a brace, clumsily kicked against Archie's suitcase and joked, if you ever need a warm bed, do drop in. But please, not on my head. Abigail handed him his boarding pass, and with a quick glance at her hourglass, she embraced him and whispered in his. [00:11:30] Speaker B: Ear, I'm gonna miss you. See you next year. [00:11:33] Speaker A: Archie smiled and kissed Abigail. I'll rate you by bird or snail meal. Then he climbed onto the plane, ready to go back home again. As the Dragon Flyer started to propel, Archie realized this was no farewell, but rather a see you later, friends, because true friendship never ends. Sa.