[JAYDICK] Under the Ice

Prologue

The heat of summer has already fled from Gotham.

On nights like these, even when the fireplace blazes at maximum capacity, the temperature in the room remains frigid. A queue of candles lights up the long dining table, their weak flames wavering from the salt tang of a sea breeze; they barely illuminate the faces of each person sitting at the table. The stark white masks are silent, a parliament of snowy owls.

They are elegantly dressed, rich patrons having dinner after attending theatre. The tables are empty, however, but for the rows of tulip glasses, their contents the colour of blood.

An elderly man sits at the head of the table, the hair at his temples fading grey. The straight cut of his clothing is unable to disguise his sickly hunch. Instead of a chair, he cowers in a wheelchair, a blanket draped over his lap. Beside him towers a well-built man wearing black armour and an owl mask, a stark contrast to his noble counterparts.

"A rare occasion for all the members of the Jury to gather here, all for the sake of our city's future....." He breaks off coughing. His bodyguard hurries to adjust the blanket.

"For centuries past, Gotham, under our jurisdiction, has maintained her methodical status quo," he continues. "Until Batman's appearance disrupted this balance we have protected for so long."

He looks around the seated members. "As a result, we will now pass judgement on this criminal, and deprive him of all his rights. Please raise your hand if you agree."

All arms lift without hesitation, their shadows converging with those of the trees swaying outside the window.

"Excellent." The elderly man glances at his bodyguard. "The Court of Owls finds Batman guilty and sentences him to death. Our prosecutor will lead the Talons to carry out the Court's decision. I believe that all this will end in the immediate future. Meeting adjourned."