Kilthanis walked up the broad marble steps of the judicial palace in Dekiyem. He paused halfway up the steps to read the large words carved upon the face of the massive edifice. “Alu Utos-Merethil tur alu Kiyem-Tethos.” Stated at the beginning of all judicial proceedings and before any judgment was rendered, this simple phrase spelled out the basic precept of justice for all Imperial citizens.
Kilthanis fervently prayed that this golden rule would be observed on his petition. He was taking a risk, he knew, challenging the power of the Emperor. Yet that was why they had law – to prevent the excesses of power that were all too common throughout history. Enough of the kingdoms that formed the Empire had suffered under despotism. The Empire had brought freedom from oppression in the form of the rule of law. Those words were why Kilthanis had pursued his career choice. Because under the law, all men, even the Emperor, were equal.
The will of the people is the law of the Empire. He mouthed these words as he always did when entering this building. He continued his climb up the steps and walked through the massive, gold-bound doors.
He approached the Clerk of the Court, reaching into the bag he always carried with him to Court. He pulled out several copies of a document he had spent the morning putting together. He handed it to the Clerk.
“How may I help you today, Lord D’Endray?” the Clerk asked, as he took the documents and briefly glanced at them. He knew Kilthanis well and he knew they would be in proper format. All that was left to be seen was where Kilthanis wished to file them.
“I come here, on behalf of the Citizens of the Empire, to request a hearing before the High Court,” Kilthanis responded, intoning an ancient request.
The Clerk’s eyes widened slightly, and straightened up. “And what is the nature of your suit that the High Court’s attention is necessary?”
“I challenge the power of the Emperor to deny rights to citizens of the Empire. His exercise of power contravenes the laws of both men and Gods.” That last phrase virtually guaranteed the High Court would at least examine his petition.
Lower courts were designed to hear infractions of Kiyem-merethil, the Laws of Men. But only the High Court was empowered to rule on violations of Kiyem-bo, the Laws of the Gods. Together, they created Kiyem-tethos, the Law of the Empire.
Kilthanis had just accused the Emperor of violating the laws handed down by the Gods. A suit involving the Emperor was enough to justify High Court review, as was the charge of a violation of Kiyem-bo. But combining both made review an almost foregone conclusion.
The Clerk paused for only a moment. “The High Court will hear your request. Deliver a copy of your complaint upon the Imperial Solicitor and the Court will grant you audience in two week’s time.”
Kilthanis bowed to the Clerk. “I thank the Court for its indulgence.” Kilthanis turned and headed in the direction of the Solicitor’s office.
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