The ceremony at grey Shadow Hall was brief. Elder Veylan Lie did not believe in extending formal proceedings beyond what they required.
All five clan groups assembled in the main hall—the same dark stone room where Robert had sat across from Aria Valen weeks ago. Different arrangement now. Five clan groups along the walls. Elder Veylan Lie is at the front. Elder Delvin is beside him.
Aria Valen is in the elevated position to the right. Varis is behind her.
Robert stood at the front of the Osborn group with Sai beside him and John two steps back.
Harvey Walker stood across the room with his left arm in its binding.
He did not look at Robert.
Robert did not meet his eyes. Elder Veylan Lie announced the results with a serious tone. No extra words, just the scores. In third place, we have the Clark Clan, racking up one hundred thirty-five points.
The Clark Clan received it without visible reaction. Rachel Clark gave a single nod.
Second place — Brown Clan secondary ranking.
