Archon Vesperian set aside the vellum he had been reading, its edges curling slightly from the handling. He lifted his staff once more, tapping it twice against the stone floor—a sound sharp and final.
"The Tribunal," he declared, "having heard the accused's testimony regarding the matter of arson, and finding no new evidence to be presented at this time, shall set aside judgment on that charge for now. And pass to the next"
Not like we have a lack of them, he mused as a slight murmur, like a ripple through stagnant water, passed among the assembled priests, but the archon pressed on without pause.
"We shall proceed," he continued, his voice gaining a cold gravity, "to the next indictment: Rebellion. Bearing arms against the rightful Crown of Yarzat. Leading armed men into battle. All these acts, committed while bound by sacred oaths to forswear the sword and shield."
He leaned forward slightly, the deep lines of his face casting shadows in the torchlight.
