[The Next Day — Council Hut — Sah'Rumeh Village]
The atmosphere inside the council hut was heavy, far heavier than before. The discovery regarding Ashkarath had changed everything. Outside...the village continued its daily routine; children played, and hunters sharpened their weapons.
Villagers carried on with their lives. Completely unaware that the fate of an entire empire was being decided inside this very hut.
Grand Duke Lior sat at the head of the table. Kael stood beside him. Several elders occupied the remaining seats. Opposite them sat Zeramet; beside him stood Duke Aren. Levin remained beside Zeramet, watching, listening, and judging.
Then Zeramet finally spoke; his golden eyes settled upon Grand Duke Lior. "The Lunar Moon. We will request judgment."
The words landed heavily. Immediately several elders stiffened.
Grand Duke Lior frowned. "The Lunar Moon?"
Zeramet nodded. "Yes."
Silence.
