The trials began one week later.
We'd spent that week rounding up the remaining Shadow Blessed members Master Finn and Lady Sarah had identified. Most came quietly, knowing resistance was futile. A few tried to fight and were killed in the process. By the time trial proceedings started, we had forty two prisoners in custody awaiting judgment.
The trials were held in the great hall, open to public viewing. Nobles filled the front sections while common people crowded the back. Kael and I sat on raised thrones, but we'd made clear we were observers, not judges. A panel of three justices would hear evidence and determine guilt or innocence.
It was important that justice be seen as impartial rather than royal vengeance.
