Chapter 23: The Cardinal’s Trial
Previously-
The crowd fell into stunned silence for a moment, the weight of Henry's words hanging in the air like a thick fog. Then, murmurs broke out—hesitant, unsure, questioning.
Henry, reading their confused expressions, spoke again, his voice cutting through the murmur of the crowd like a blade. "What I mean," he said slowly, his tone heavy with gravity, "is that Duskrane has dealt with the Church's attack successfully."
The crowd sighed with relief. Henry turned on his heel, his steps towards the cardinal.
"Let's begin the questioning, shall we?" A grin stretched across Henry's face.
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The grin Henry wore wasn't of joy, it was of a predator savouring his prey. He strode towards Cardinal Anselm and grabbed him by the few remaining hair on head.
"Let's get started, Cardinal?"
He yanked the Cardinal towards a wooden chair.
"Hmm... So Cardinal Anselm, first question." Henry circled him, like a vulture circling prey.
"Did you order the templars to attack the Duskrane County?" Henry's voice echoed throughout the court.