The atmosphere in the grand hall of Biringan was charged with tension as Elder Luthar called the assembly to order. His eyes, sharp and calculating, surveyed the room, taking in the faces of the other elders and the assembled citizens. The incident with Mag's dark magic and the injuries to the crony had provided the perfect catalyst for his plan. He intended to portray himself as the champion of justice and the guardian of Biringan's future.
"Ladies and gentlemen of Biringan," Elder Luthar began, his voice resonating with a tone of solemn authority. "We have witnessed a grave incident today. It is our duty to address it with the seriousness it demands. The integrity of our city and the prophecy that has sustained our hope for centuries are at stake."
He paused, letting his words sink in. The audience, still reeling from the chaotic events, hung on his every word. Begenday and Mag stood to the side, their expressions a mix of anger and frustration. Nicole, or Nik Owl, observed silently, aware that the situation was spiraling out of control but unsure of how to intervene.
"Elders, citizens," Luthar continued, "we must address the conspiracy against the person of prophecy, our hoped-for savior, Nik Owl. The actions of Begenday and Mag cannot be ignored. It is time to hold a public trial to determine their culpability and decide their fate."
The murmurs among the crowd grew louder. Some nodded in agreement, while others looked unsure. Luthar, sensing the momentum, pressed on.
"I stand before you not as an accuser, but as a protector of our traditions and our future. We cannot allow any individual, regardless of their lineage, to endanger the fulfillment of the prophecy. Begenday's rule has been marked by suspicion and now, it seems, by treachery."
He turned to the elders, his eyes hardening. "I propose that we remove Begenday as regent until this matter is resolved. Let us place our trust in a council to guide us through these turbulent times."
A chorus of voices rose in response. Some elders, who had long harbored ambitions of their own, quickly agreed. "It is time for a change!" one elder shouted. "We cannot allow personal ambition to jeopardize our city's future."
Others, loyal to Begenday and his father, the great warrior and ruler, protested. "This is a travesty!" another elder retorted. "Begenday has done nothing but serve this city with honor."
More than a third of the elders remained neutral, their faces inscrutable. They weighed the arguments carefully, understanding the gravity of the decision before them. The audience, caught between their respect for Begenday and their fear for Nik Owl's safety, remained in a state of confusion and anxiety.
Elder Luthar seized the moment to rally support. "People of Biringan, do not be swayed by sentiment. We must act for the greater good. The prophecy is clear. Our savior must be protected at all costs."
The crowd's indecision was palpable. They looked to the elders for guidance, unsure of where their loyalty should lie. Begenday's lineage as the son of their greatest warrior weighed heavily on their hearts, but the promise of salvation through the prophecy was equally compelling.
Mag, her eyes blazing with fury, could hold her tongue no longer. She stepped forward, her voice trembling with anger and desperation. "Who are you?" she spat, directing her ire at Nik Owl. "You are not our savior! You are trying to divide us! Who sent you?"
The hall fell silent, all eyes turning to Nik Owl. She felt the weight of Mag's accusation but stood firm, her resolve hardening. She knew that proving her innocence and true purpose was now more critical than ever.