Kent stood stiffly on the stand, chained hands held in front of him as if he were praying. But Kent was far from asking God for help. Instead he was contemplating some last act before the judge had him carted off to prison, or worse, executed.

"All the evidence is against you Mister Kent," the judge announced, leaning forward from his elevated seat. Kent did not miss how the judge drew out the word Mister as if he hesitated to use it. Why not? Kent was no gentleman. "You are sentenced to life in Mildergren prison. Have you any last statements?"

Kent considered, his sky blue eyes roaming through the large courtroom. Mildergren Prison was an insult, Kent deserved better. Once again justice’s pride in their corrupt and faulty system was opening up a window of chance for him. Kent bowed in a mock example of humility.

"Besides the fact that I would like to congratulate your honour on graduating with honours from stupid school? None." Whispers ran through the courtroom. Had they not been such stiffs some might even have laughed. He looked up at judge, grinning to see the man was fuming. "Oh! And I forgot. Your wig looks like a dead rat." The judge’s face turned scarlet and Kent could imagine him with smoke coming out of his ears. He smiled and shrugged, he never had been very good at cooperating with the law.

"Take him away!" roared the judge. Guards instantly grabbed Kent, who did not struggle. As they began to drag him from the room an idea came to him. He grinned wickedly and looked back over his shoulder.

"So how old are you judge? Definitely over 75! Don't work yourself up too much. You might have a heart attack." Kent's last words were laced with a subtle yet powerful energy he had spent almost a year of his life learning to manipulate. The judge, who had indeed been working himself up, suddenly started gasping and clutching at his chest. Realising Kent was somehow responsible, one of the guards hit Kent over the head, knocking him unconscious. But not before Kent got in a laugh.

◄☼►

There is more of Chains and Deals already writen, but I wrote the whole thing for fun so I'd like to see how I can make it better and more interesting for other people before I consider putting forward anymore.