Innocence Plea (I don't know what to call it...)

Screaming, laughing, hunting, barking, and copious amounts of blood are the only things I remember from the horrible nights I spent on Ship Trap Island. Whitney told me he found me passed out in silk sheets, covered in both General Zaroff’s and my own blood. He declared I was lucky to be alive, for there was a four-inch-long cut along the side of my face. Unfortunately, I was not lucky enough, for I am being charged for the death of General Zaroff and Ivan, his servant.

The judge rambles on about the consequences of murder and the charges that are against me. After what feels like decades, the attention of the courtroom turns towards me.

Clearing my throat, I begin, “ I do not remember much of my time on the island, but I do recall the conversation General Zaroff had with me the first night I was on the island. He informed me of his ‘new game’ which consisted of shipwrecked crewmembers. He said he trained the crewmembers to get in near-perfect physical condition for the hunt. He then gave them option of participating or being tortured by Ivan. That night when I slept, they locked me in. The next afternoon, I was given the choice of being beaten to death or hunted. I chose the second option. I don’t remember anything until I…” I hesitated, unsure if I could state it out loud. “Until I killed him.” After I finish describing the bloody battle to the courtroom, the judge takes his time rereading my file. The Jury hands him a small slip of paper that has my fate summarized into one word. After a long period of time, the Judge starts to speak.

“Mr. Rainsford, the Jury finds you guilty for the murder of General Zaroff and his servant, Ivan. The jury has decided that you will receive the death penalty as punishment. Case dismissed.”