"Lady Elda will take it from here," Talia finished as she stepped off the platform.
Elda turned to face the crowd. The mercenaries and criminals stood in silence, hundreds of eyes watching her every move.
She nodded at the Intermediate Herald.
The Herald removed its massive leg from Jack's back and stepped back. Its armour gleamed in the morning light.
Jack remained on his knees with his head hung lo and his shoulders shook. He was breathing in short, shallow gasps… He did not look up nor did he speak.
Elda nodded he head again.
A Basic Herald came forward from the side of the platform carrying a wooden cross on its shoulder.
The wood was rough and unpainted with the crossbar already secured to the vertical beam.
The Basic Herald set the cross down on the platform allowing the wood to thud against the planks of the platform.
Elda turned to the crowd with her voice was cold and flat. It carried across the clearing like a blade cutting through silk.
