Chapter 28

“I am Judge Amery,” the mermaid said. The kids were still standing in the aisle right at the front of the court. “You may take your seats at this table.” She gestured to the table on the other side of the divider, right next to the witness stand. Ryan pushed open the divider, and the kids filed in and took their seats.

“Thank you,” Judge Amery said. “Now,” she began, “Chloe, Julie, and Ryan, you are on trial for trespassing on Merfolk Paradise. Furthermore, you are accused of colluding with the evil Olozar, and we believe that he sent you here with a plan to harm our people.”

Julie held her tongue. She wanted to speak up to defend herself, but she knew this wasn’t the right time, so she just allowed the judge to continue speaking. Julie looked at Ryan and Chloe and thought they must have been feeling the same way because they looked frustrated by the judge’s words.

“I will give you a chance