Cathedral of Saint Alaric - Morning
The cathedral had been transformed. The pews removed. Rows of benches installed. A raised platform at the front where three judges sat—representatives of the Crown, chosen by King Aldwin himself.
In the center: High Justice Aldric Thorne. Sixty years old. Silver hair. Face like carved granite. Reputation for absolute fairness and zero tolerance for corruption.
To his left: Duchess Margaret of Ashford. Noble arbiter. Expert in inheritance law.
To his right: Archbishop Cornelius. Church representative. Here to ensure spiritual law was observed.
Behind them: the Crown's banner. Gold lion on crimson field. A reminder—this was the King's justice.
The gallery was packed. Every noble house within three days' travel had sent representatives. Merchants. Clergy. Commoners who'd won lottery positions. Everyone wanted to see this.
The trial of Marcus Arclight. Heir apparent to the Duchy. Accused of patricide.
