Before the Calestarch and the Lords of each nation could turn their minds to the greater purpose of the Conclave....discussing the fragile alliances, drawing new borders, and deciding how the nations might dwell in peace...the bitter feud between the Lord of Aiseryn and the Lord of Emberhold had to be resolved.
It was not merely a personal quarrel. If it went unsettled, the tension between their Nations would fester into open war.
All the Lords and Councilors of Caelmont had gathered in the Hall of Balance for the trial.
The Hall of Balance was a cathedral to power and judgment...its marble pillars shaped into towering likenesses of ancient kings and queens, the forebears of Caelmont's law.
The domed ceiling arched high overhead, painted with scenes of divine arbitration: gods weighing the hearts of mortals, heroes swearing oaths in the light of celestial fire.
