Richardus had come through with the charges, and the soldiers had picked him up at the gates exactly as arranged.
But something felt wrong.
Hernais knew Jolthar's reputation, not just from the papers, but from his own investigations into the man who had taken everything that should have been his.
Jolthar wasn't the type to go quietly. He was decisive, sharp, and dangerous when cornered. The reports from Tekkora painted a picture of someone who acted decisively and sometimes brutally when necessary.
Yet he had surrendered without resistance. He had walked peacefully with the soldiers, allowed himself to be shackled, and was now being paraded through the capital like a lamb to slaughter.
Why?
Hernais felt a prickle of unease along his spine.
Either Jolthar was playing a deeper game, or he was confident enough in his position that he didn't fear the charges.
Neither possibility was comforting.
