Chapter 12 - The Trial of the Serpent
The Great Hall was packed to absolute capacity for the tribunal of Chancellor Vane. Every noble house, general, and high lord sat in dead silence as the ledgers of bribery, the signed execution orders, and the confessions of Vane’s hired mercenaries were laid out across the mahogany dais.
Vane stood chained in the center of the hall, his posture slumped, his once-powerful voice reduced to a desperate rasp as he tried to plead his case to the empty sympathies of the court.
"It was for the stability of the realm," Vane stammered, looking up desperately toward Kalin. "The old king agreed that—"
"My father was poisoned by your lies, just as this kingdom was bled by your greed," Kalin interrupted, his voice echoing off the vaulted stone ceiling with terrifying authority.
The king stood from the throne, stepping down the dais until he towered over the disgraced chancellor. Beside him stood Eloin, radiant and unshakable, her hand resting comfortably over the golden bond humming in her palm.
"For high treason, the abduction of a royal princess, and the unlawful execution of innocent subjects under fabricated charges," Kalin declared, drawing his ceremonial broadsword, "Chancellor Vane, I strip you of your title, your lands, and your life."
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Before Vane could utter another word, the sword swept downward in a clean, decisive arc.
The betrayal that had poisoned Ashenmore for seven long years was finally purged.
