The guests had nearly all arrived, and a low hum of mutters, whispers, and occasional prayers for protection filled the great hall. But while the people gathered at Dame Sybyll's summons all knew their lives would change in some way or another tonight, there were a few people for whom that change was even more imminent, and likely far more drastic.
At the front of the hall, standing just beneath the dias that held the gilded throne and several other ornate chairs, three men stood, bound in heavy iron shackles and looking like they were about to die.
