The horse-drawn carriages came to a slow stop. The soldiers on guard immediately stepped forward to open the doors.
Soon, three figures emerged from each carriage. At the center stood a tall, well-built man dressed in a black robe, the symbol of the balance of justice pinned to his left breast.
A black scarf hung around his neck, and in his left hand he held a long black staff. He was Louis Carvin—the fifth judge, sent by the palace to preside over the court.
To his right stood a stocky man with a stern face, wearing an exquisite, gleaming red robe. This was Rick, the representative of the Red Obsidian Trading House.
Beside Rick was a man of average height, neither tall nor short. He had a somewhat handsome face framed by dark red hair, with a thin mustache resting on his upper lip.
He was Erland Tovtar, the head of Count Tovtar's family.
The moment Aston and Alvaron saw him, a flicker of surprise crossed their eyes.
