As they entered the barracks, Robert spotted Lord Hammond, the man who had betrayed his people, sitting in a corner with his hands bound. The once-proud lord was a shadow of his former self, his face pale, and his eyes hollow. Robert felt a pang of disgust but quickly pushed it aside. Justice had to be served, and mercy wasn't an option.
Robert approached Hammond, who looked up with a mixture of fear and defiance. "You will be judged fairly," Robert said, his voice firm. "But know that the punishment will fit the crime."
Hammond said nothing, his gaze dropping to the floor. Robert turned to leave but paused as a thought struck him. "Sabas," he called out, "make sure the villagers are aware of what's happening. This trial isn't just for us; it's for them too. They need to see how criminals will be handled in this community."
Sabas nodded, already moving to carry out the order. Robert watched him go, then turned his attention back to Hammond. The trial was about to begin, and the village would soon witness a side of their lord that few had seen before.
As Robert stepped back outside, he noticed the construction of a stage-like structure. His hands began to sweat. He had to play his part; ever since he entered this new world, he had taken on the role of the young, charismatic leader. Back on Earth, Robert had been just a young man in his second year of university, with so much left undone. The sound of people gathering reached his ears. He stepped forward to take a look—the villagers had come quickly, especially those who had suffered under Lord Hammond's rule. He could see the hate in their eyes.
The stage was simple—a wooden slab supported by four pillars, with a small ramp leading up to it. As he walked towards it, Robert reminded himself of why he was here and who he was now. He was no longer just Robert, the university student. He was a lord, with subjects under his rule. Standing at the center of the stage, he saw guards setting up a perimeter to keep the villagers from storming the platform in their anger. The village officials had gathered and were situated on both sides of the stage.
Robert was ready to address the people. "First and foremost, I would like to apologize to all those who have lost loved ones because of that man's greed." The emotions of the villagers were clear on their faces; some were saddened, while others grew more enraged. "It would be inappropriate to start reading the charges without the culprit present." He signaled for one of the guards to bring Lord Hammond forth.
Lord Hammond appeared, limping as he was guided to the stage. Not a trace of remorse could be seen on his face. Any pity Robert might have felt evaporated at the sight of him—someone who showed no remorse, even when caught, didn't deserve any pity at all. Robert stared at him for a moment before reading his crimes. "Lord Hammond, you are here to answer for your sins."
"Where do I start?" Robert said, holding a piece of paper that listed all of Hammond's crimes. "Ah, yes, let's start here. Your greed is unquestionable. You have stolen and mishandled the funds of your village, leaving your people to starve." The crowd hurled curses at him. "Not only did you rob from them, but you also killed and silenced those who spoke out against you." Robert faced him. "Is there anything you'd like to say for yourself before I read your verdict?"
Lord Hammond began laughing, staring at the angry crowd. "Do you people think we are the same? I am your lord. You should be happy to be in my presence. And those coins—what would simple farmers know about money?" The villagers, tired of his arrogance, threw stones and sticks in his direction out of pure spite. Hammond continued, "I am a figure above you all, like a father to a group of naughty children. I kept you safe, allowed you to live in my village, and this is how you treat me? May the goddess Sanaria curse you all."
Robert struck him, causing him to fall on his back. "You think you're so much better than everyone, entitled to all the wealth of the village?" Robert's anger boiled over. He knew too well the feeling of being screwed over by the wealthy and the government, who swore to protect the people but ended up exploiting them instead. "I will fulfill your dream. Wealth and idolization are what you desire, then that is what you'll get."
The villagers were shocked by these words. Wasn't this supposed to be a trial? Where was the punishment? They demanded a fair trial. The crowd grew restless, trying to push their way onto the stage, forcing more soldiers to join the guards in holding them back. Robert knew he had to address them. Only he knew what those words truly meant.
"Settle down. I promise you; those words carry a different meaning. Just wait and enjoy the show. His crimes will not go unpunished, I swear." The mini riot settled down; the villagers confused but curious about what was to come.
Robert headed straight for James. "I need a mold, like the ones used in crafting swords, but big enough to fit a human. Also, have some of the rusted gold and silver melted down—we're going to need enough to fill the mold."
James looked at Robert for a second, several thoughts filling his mind. Not wanting to confirm his suspicions, he left to complete the task at hand. Robert walked towards Lord Hammond, dragging him by his bindings all the way towards the crowd. "While I get some of the materials set up for his punishment, I want you all to treat him like a dog. Do not hurt him physically but destroy his ego. Show him who is truly inferior."
The villagers grabbed Hammond, forcing him to walk on all fours, taunting him and calling him all sorts of names. As time went by, Robert observed the villagers, seeing them enjoy breaking Lord Hammond bit by bit.
Thornton and Thabis approached him. The two had been getting along better ever since the mission. "What exactly do you have in mind?" Thornton asked. "I refuse to believe this is the punishment you intended, right?"
Robert nodded. "Of course not. This is too kind. We are not children; there are consequences to your actions." They stayed on the stage, eating and joking around. Even Sabas and Eugene joined in the discussion. This was exactly what Robert needed before the gruesome sight that would occur.
As time passed men could be seen carrying a huge mold, shaped like a human, behind a large pot of molten gold. The villagers all gathered back at the same spot. Robert called for the guards to bring Lord Hammond back. Fear was evident in his eyes, almost as if he knew what fate had in store for him. Robert stood up from the stage and walked towards the mold, dragging his fingers around it.
"Above us, he mutters," Robert glanced at the villagers. "He said he was above us, so I believe he does not want to be made of the material that composes our bodies. Our skin is below him, our bones." He paused, looking at Lord Hammond. "I want everybody to see you ascend above us."
He called for the guards to bring Lord Hammond's wife. A blonde older woman could be seen begging for help, pleading with the guards. She was brought right next to her husband, looking at his empty shell of a body, almost as if he had accepted his fate.
Robert continued with his speech. "His blood is better than ours, his words are wisdom we shouldn't dream of hearing, so let him not speak again." Robert grabbed Lord Hammond by the hair, pulling him towards the mold. Hammond fought against Robert's grip, managing to escape for a moment. Annoyed, Robert called Thornton over. "Break his spine."
Thornton, without hesitation, threw Lord Hammond onto his face, placing his foot on his spine. With all his strength, Thornton slammed his foot into Hammond's back. A loud "crack" echoed through the village, followed by an ear-piercing scream.
Robert grabbed Lord Hammond, who was still screaming, and placed him in the mold. The cries of Lord Hammond's wife could be heard throughout the village. The event that transpired that day would be remembered for generations to come.