Sylvia looks between them, allowing the silence to stretch for a second or two longer in case either of them suddenly remember something they want to say. With no further comments, she rises, and so do the rest of the Night Council.

"Thank you, Lancelot and Nancy. You may return to your seats. The Council will now retreat to discuss your case. We will resume shortly."

This is how every case plays out: the five Representatives disappear into a back room where they can discuss what they have learned in private and come to a decision. In the meantime, the audience in the courtroom disperse for a break. Sometimes the discussions take only a few minutes, sometimes half an hour or more.

In this case, the decision is a relatively speedy one. After eighteen minutes the Representatives return to take their seats and Sylvia calls for Lancelot and Nancy to stand.

"Thank you for your patience," she says, addressing the entire courtroom. "We have now reached a verdict."