To see the previous installments, click on the following links: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6
Tonight, an insistent sleeplessness prevented me from falling asleep. The dampness of the cell seeped into my bones. I have just been escorted by two guards from my dungeon to this courtroom. As I entered, I bowed slightly to show due respect to the court. The samurai present, including the judges and the presiding judge, have responded with a lighter bow, befitting their rank. I have knelt on a black cushion with my hands tied, feeling the awkward posture that I have not yet been able to get used to.
I sense that everything is in its proper place. The presiding judge, probably a high-ranking samurai from Date Masamune whom I don't know, takes the floor.
“In this courtroom, under the roof that protects the honour of the Date clan, we begin the trial of Rodrigo Tanaka, accused of grave offences against the law of our lord and the shogunate. This court seeks not only justice, but the maintenance of balance and truth in our domain. Rodrigo, before this council, you will have the opportunity to defend your honour.”
After the reading of the charges, the presiding judge turns to me to ask if I am aware of the charges against me. I reply with a firm negative, pointing out my innocence.
There are new witnesses in the courtroom atmosphere, tension and a solemn silence occupy their space.
To be continued
Header Image:
Seijaku kanji. Source: Internet
I like this first person point of view because it’s more engaging. Plus, I can better understand how Rodrigo feels.
In a previous installment, Rodrigo was being accused in the courtroom, but the point of view was in third person. Now, it seems like the scene has been rewound so that I can now see everything from Rodrigo’s point of view from the time he’s being escorted to the courtroom. It’s an interesting technique that I have seen used in movies. Was this shift in POV and replaying the scene intentional?
On the grammar side, I suggest using the simple present tense in the first paragraph. You’re using it in the other paragraphs.
I’m very curious about Rodrigo Tanaka’s fate. What will happen to him?
Thank you very much for the corrections, @SEQ77 and Uly ( @CocoPop ). I am now at a crossroads in the telling of my story in Journaly because I am articulating the issue of the porcelain with Christian symbols and that is the proof of the accusation against Rodrigo of professing the Christian religion, Yumi @yumiyumayume . It is exciting but complex. Rodrigo is a Christian because of his Spanish tradition but he has given no outward sign of his faith. Also, well...to be continued....
I can't wait to read the next post!