Back at the repairmen headquarters, hours had passed excruciatingly slowly. Inside the council chamber, the council members were still huddled together, their faces pale and sweaty under the bright lights. They had finally reached an agreement, mostly because they were terrified. Whatever happened next, one thing was certain: Zevran's treacherous acts could not leave this room. The integrity and reputation of the organization had to be protected at all costs.
Commander Melvin, looking like he had aged twenty years in a single day, reached out and rang a small silver bell. The sound chimed through the heavy silence. A guard stepped in, and Melvin gave a stiff nod. "Inform the King and his companions that they may return to the council chamber."
