Tirio sat in a small cell, adjacent to the Temple of Justice, where his trial would take place. Through a small window carved into the prison wall, he could hear the sounds of business and the sounds of activity in the noisy and busy market of Stratholme. Occasionally, he could hear the sound of a series of banging from the main square. The noise of the city is very different from the light-hearted, rustic noise of the castle of Maldenhold. He had a strong desire to go back there now. He didn't know how his trial would go, but he clearly understood that no matter what happened in the courtroom, his life would be irrevocably changed. He thought of his family, and the affluent, laid-back life he shared with them. Leaving him alone, he wondered if he had abandoned his family and had a fanciful idea of only caring for himself.

He has been in custody for 3 days. Today he will be judged for betraying the land he has spent his life defending. He could not believe it, but according to the court's decision, he could face either death or life imprisonment. Carandra would never forgive him, so he took such a risk out of honor. He wondered if his wife would forgive himself if he was forced to raise the child alone. He laughed softly at himself. He used to believe that the only thing that could get in the way of him and his beloved was the enemy. What did I do?

He was surprised to hear the echo of footsteps across the adjoining hallway. Surely, the proceedings hadn't begun yet, he thought uncomfortably. He heard the guards outside the door question a man, and then the latch clicked and the door opened.

Alton walked into the room gloomily. Tirio was a little pleased, shaking his friend's hand up and down.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Arton. Have you ever been home since I was arrested? Have you spoken to my wife?" He asked hurriedly.

Arton shook his head and motioned for Tirio to sit on his canvas bed. "Nope. They won't let me go, until the trial is over, sir," said the captain indifferently. "I don't know if Carandra was told. ”

Tirio's face sank. He knew she would go insane with anxiety. "What about the orcs?" Tirio asked. "What did they do to him?"

Arton tensed. "Why do you care, Tirio? It's your enemy! I don't understand why you care so much about it! That creature can't have saved your life! It's a brainless brute!" Arton cursed.

Tirio looked into his eyes. "Just answer me, Captain," Tirio said as calmly as he could. He had to pay attention to his tone—Arton was probably the only friend he had left.

"They've been interrogating the creature for the past few nights," Arton said. Obviously, it doesn't give anything they don't know yet. I've heard some of the local guards brag about how they beat it to death. They are ready to hang that vile and shameful beast in the square tomorrow morning. ”

Tirio's heart sank. It's all his fault, and it's all his fault. Somehow, he had to find a way to make amends - to make amends.

Arton sensed Tirio's nervousness. "Sir, they might execute you for this," Arton began. "If you confess and say that you have lost your mind, maybe they will have mercy and let you go. It's certainly not worth dying! You're a paladin, for the Light's sake! People depend on you! You need to get out of this situation quickly!" The captain finished his speech with great enthusiasm.

Tirio just shook his head. "I can't, Arton. It's a matter of honor. I swore to protect that orc, and I betrayed that oath. They deserve whatever punishment they accuse me. ”

Alton became frustrated, his hand quickly running through his hair. "You're talking nonsense, Tirio. Think of your wife and children!" Arton shouted.

Tirio stood up to face him. "I'm thinking about it, old friend. If my words are worthless, what kind of example would I set for my son, and what kind of person would I be seen as that way?" Tirio asked.

Arton spun to the side, angry. "It's not that simple, and you know it!" The captain roared. "Just admit that you made a mistake! Admit that you wrongly supported that orc, and they will be merciful and lenient! Why do we have to talk about this? Have you completely lost your mind?"

Just then, the door opened, and two guards walked in. "You have to leave now, Captain," said one of the guards. "We are now going to take the prisoners to the temple. Arton finally gave Tirio a pleading look and angrily exited the door.

Tirio straightened up, trying to look as self-respecting and confident as possible. "I'm ready, gentlemen," he said to them. They bound his hands and took him out. The bright midday sun made the muscles in Tirio's face twitch slightly. His limbs felt tired and cramped a little because he hadn't moved for the past few days. The guards escorted him across the square towards the imposing building, the Temple of Justice. Out of the corner of his eye, Tirio's gaze fell on the gallows, the scaffolding already assembled. He assumed that the sound of hammering he had heard before came from here. For a moment, he imagined Itreig standing on the gallows, a rope tied around his neck. Tirio had to struggle to hold on to his barely confident image. If Itreg were to die, all his efforts would be in vain. (To be continued.) )