The second trial of Ezekiel Solace commenced at last.
There was none of the usual quiet formality that marked the start of court proceedings. Instead, an air of unease hung over the entire room.
The judge's jaw was set tight, his eyes shifting over the gathered jury, every one of whom wore the same look, anxious, uncertain, as if they were already walking on thin ice.
The bailiff's call for order barely cut through the low murmur that rippled through the gallery the moment Ezekiel was led in chains at his wrists, guards flanking him on either side.
Proceedings opened directly on the matter of the missing artifacts. There were no preliminaries, no opening pleasantries. The prosecution and defense stood at once, and the argument began.
Cain spoke first, his voice steady and unyielding.
