Decide the case of the cow
The thing has had 1,046 years. You get one tap. The button is connected to the network, which sends the ruling downstream to all six stones.
The case has been decided … times.
Examine the evidence
Four objects have been presented in the case over 1,046 years. None has been examined, since an examination would require a decision to examine. You may.
Exhibit A · The cowObject of the case
- Ownership
- Disputed. Ulf Blackcloak claims ownership. The cow claims nothing, but has, through counsel (Gudrun), registered an objection to the term "object". The objection is adjourned, so for the time being the cow is an object that protests.
- Testimony
- "Moo." (980). "Moo." (1572). No statement (2012, as it was possibly a cat).
- Expert assessment
- Red-and-white, c. 1,046 years, good condition. The vet finds the age "unusual" and recommends the cow not be subjected to further proceedings. The recommendation has been entered into the minutes.
- Status
- Presented. Not examined. Standing at the fourth stone.
Exhibit B · The shieldAsgeir's
- Ownership
- Asgeir Shieldbearer. Undisputed, as nobody else has wanted it.
- Testimony
- Asgeir: "Not relevant to the case." The axes: no statement. The dragon: "not relevant either", according to Asgeir.
- Expert assessment
- Limewood, iron fittings, carved dragon in Urnes style. The conservator notes the shield is in remarkably good condition for something that has leaned against a stone for 1,046 years, and that it appears to have been polished. Asgeir has declined to comment on the polishing.
- Status
- Presented. Not relevant. Polished.
Exhibit C · The stoolGranted to Toke
- Ownership
- The thing. Right of use: Toke the Younger, per § 8. The right has not been exercised, as the question of whether one may sit is adjourned.
- Testimony
- Toke: "I would like to sit down." (repeated 1,016 times, once a year since 1010). The stool: no statement, but it creaks when passed.
- Expert assessment
- Three-legged oak stool, never loaded. The cabinetmaker rates it "as new" and adds that it is the saddest thing he has seen.
- Status
- Presented. On the bank. Moved 4 cm (unexplained).
Exhibit D · The spearThe chair's
- Ownership
- Passed down to the chair, per § 5. Current holder: Chieftain Tingsvad (the First), who has not handed it over, as he has not stopped.
- Testimony
- The chieftain: "It is used for pointing." The spearhead: sharp. Ragnhild: "I have two axes."
- Expert assessment
- Ash shaft, iron head, never used for anything but pointing. The weapons historian notes it is the only Viking spear in the North still under full warranty.
- Status
- Presented. Pointing. Leaning against the tree.
Convene the thing
Pick a date. The network checks whether those present can attend. They cannot. But the reasons differ.
Ragnhild can always attend. She has been able to since the year 1000. That is not the problem.
- No summons yet. The thing is waiting. It is what it does best.
Certificate of attendance
Everyone who has visited this page has attended the thing. That is more than most can say. Enter your name and receive a certificate with date, case number and Gudrun's stamp.
Write in runes
Younger Futhark, as on the Jelling Stone: 16 characters for the whole language, so k and g share a sign, and d becomes t. Brian writes like this. That is why there is only one word.