Chapter 319: Trial Begins
_The Execution Platform_
The Hall of Verdicts was packed. Thousands of Elves filled the marble stands—nobles in silver, commoners in green, and the Silver Guard in shining plate. In the center of the amphitheater, the roots of the World Tree had formed a raised dais.
Professor Lysandra was kneeling there.
She looked bad. The glowing vines binding her wrists had tightened, cutting into her skin. Her mana was being siphoned off in visible waves of blue light, feeding the roots beneath her.
Standing over her was Elder Valen. He held a ceremonial dagger made of obsidian—a Soul-Severing Blade.
"Citizens of Sylvaren!" Valen's voice boomed, amplified by wind magic. "We stand at the precipice! The Rot spreads! The King lies on his deathbed, struck down by human treachery!"
The crowd roared in anger.
