Chapter 448: Quiet

An hour later, Tirio was seated in a large oak chair, in the middle of the polished and waxed floor of the courtroom. In front of him is a huge platform, decorated with four throne-like chairs. In the middle of the platform, directly in front of him, was a large prayer platform where the judge was to administer. On the top of the platform is a large white flag with the blue letter L written as an artistic word, which signifies the meaning of the Lordaeron Alliance. Along the walls of the room are other large flags, representing the seven kingdoms of the Alliance. A large blue flag embroidered with a golden lion, which represents the Kingdom of Stormwind. There is also a flag, black with a fist with a red iron gauntlet, which represents the kingdom of Stormgard. Tirio was flustered right now, not bothering to look around him.

Although he could not allow himself to turn to look at the accusatory expressions of his comrades, he could at once hear the voices of hundreds of people whispering or muttering to themselves as they passed through the grand room. Through the cacophony of guò, he realized that everyone present was surprised to hear that he had betrayed them. Many of these bystanders served under his command during the war, and many others he regarded as close friends. He could feel their shared confusion and contempt and ridicule coming at him in waves. His judgment will not be taken lightly.

In the distance to his right, he saw Bathrath sitting among the attendees. The young paladin, as he stared intently at Tirio, had a look of condemnation in his eyes. Tirio wanted to understand why the young man had attacked him so thoroughly, and wanted to bring him to shame so much. When another paladin in armor walked to the front of the platform, he stopped looking at Buthras and turned to the side.

"Lordaeron guardians," the paladin said in a clear voice, "today we are formally judging one of us. The trial of Tirio Verding is now officially underway. ”

Tirio realized that his palms were sweating. He had to try to control his body from trembling. He knew that the four jurors would soon enter the temple. Every trial in Lordaeron is presided over by the four highest-ranking officials in the Alliance. Tirio was sure he would recognize quite a few people of his stature. When the first juror entered, the onlookers in attendance fell silent.

"All salute Admiral Dalin Prodmore of Kul Tiras," the paladin said, as a tall, lanky figure walked across the platform. Proudmore sat on the throne-like chair on the far right, his proud face looking apprehensive. Tirio knew Prodmore well. Not only a strategic genius, but an admiral was the greatest hero of war. His officer's uniform and large ceremonial round-brimmed hat were dark blue and adorned with gold medals and small insignia, indicating that his rank was the head of the Union's navy.

The paladin spoke again. "All shouted salute to Dalaran's ** teacher, Antonidas," he said, as the second juror strode in. A sudden silence hit the crowd, and the mysterious wizard sat down. His lavender-colored robe with hood was trimmed with gold and black, and he held a long, large, shiny staff in both hands. Having distrusted magic in the past, Tirio hadn't had much contact with wizards in the past few years, and was now a bit of a haste, finding that his fate was now in the hands of a wizard. He turned to the paladin, and the last two jurors were announced.

The awe-inspiring Archbishop, Alonsus Fao, who had been a paladin a long time ago, had performed the sanctification of Tirio, and he walked in and sat down next to the chanting platform.

Following the archbishop was the young prince of Lordaeron, Arthas, who had only recently become an official paladin. Tirio had never seen the young prince before, but he could see that the handsome young man exuded kindness and wisdom, though he was quite young. Tirio strongly wished that Bathras had the same composure as the prince had a few days ago.

The jurors gathered, and the paladin motioned for everyone to stand for the Inquisitor's entrance. All the men and women present stood up, and at this time Uther Lightbringer entered the temple and walked up to the ornately decorated chanting platform. The mighty, holy priest and master of the Knights of the Silver Hand, scanned the participants with the eyes the color of the storm of the sea, with a determined and unwavering look. His ornately etched silver armor seemed to reflect every light source in the vast hall—bathing Uther in a beautiful halo of shimmering light. Uther was the first paladin and was considered the strongest warrior in the Alliance's army. He is also considered to be the wisest and noblest of all the holy paladins. Everyone in the room was amazed by his majestic demeanor.

Tirio's consciousness seemed to spin. Up to this point, he was determined to stick to his decision and accept his fate with honor. However, looking up at the stern countenance of his powerful boss, his courage was shaken. Maybe Arton was right? he thought frantically. Perhaps he should have begged the court for mercy and forgotten that he had sworn to a human enemy?, his thoughts were interrupted as the powerful and beautiful voice of the Lightbringer poured into his ears.

"Paladin Ferdin," Uther began. "You have been charged with collaborating with the Coalition and refusing to obey direct orders from your superiors. As you know, this is a terrible accusation. These noble ones have gathered here to hear your case and then judge you accordingly in the light. How do you defend against the charges against you?" Tirio clenched his fists, keeping them from shaking. He could barely make a sound to answer.

"I plead guilty to the charges against me, sir. I take full responsibility for my actions," Tirio said.

Hundreds of angry voices filled the room at once. Obviously, many bystanders believe that the accusations are exaggerated and do not correspond to reality. The rallyists were shocked to hear Tirio so bluntly admit his guilt. Tirio looked behind him, watching the crowd's boisterous reflection. He saw Arton sitting behind him on his right. The captain's embarrassed expression looked like he was begging Tirio to reconsider his situation. Tirio had to look to the side. Arton trusted him and always served him loyally, but the captain never understood......

Uther's voice rumbled, and the powerful paladin demanded that the assemblers be quiet. Many of the people gathered together fell silent, as if struck by lightning. Tirio could almost feel the tension in the air like an overelectricity. He steadied himself.

"Very well," Uther said calmly. "Please note that Paladin Ferdins has pleaded guilty plea. ”

Tirio watched, and the four jurors exchanged a brief moment of conversation with each other. Prodmore ended the discussion and motioned for Uther to continue.

"Ask the commander, Saida Dasohan, to come forward and give his testimony," Uther demanded. The crowd was a little commotional, and Da Sohan walked in the direction of the platform at this time. He stopped, and stood solemnly next to Tirio's chair. The two friends exchanged glances in an instant. Da Sohan could only nod sadly to Tirio.

"Commander Da Sohan, you charge this man with collaborating with the enemy. Please explain to the court what happened and the nature of the illegal act that this person is being accused of for the time being," Uther said.

Dasohan cleared his throat and straightened up slightly. "My lords, I really wish to make a statement for the transcript that Tirio Fording has always been an honorable and noble man. But I can't deny what I've seen with my own eyes. Four days ago, I led a detachment into the Forest of the Valley of the Hearth to find the orcs who had turned their backs. Fordin assisted me in that operation, and helped me track down the orc, the one we are now in prison for execution. When I gave the order to arrest the creature, Fording suddenly attacked my man and attempted to free the orc. I repeatedly asked him to stop, but he didn't relent. I have a rather heavy heart to give such a testimony," Da Sohan finished. Again, whispers and whispers flowed through the temple. The jurors discussed Da Sohan's words while Uther spoke again to the courtroom.

"Can anyone here give credit to Commander Da Sohan's testimony?" Tirio's entire body tightened, and he saw Bathras snap up from his seat.

"I can, sir," said the young paladin excitedly. "I was there, on the orders of Da Sohan, at the time of the incident. I can testify directly to Tirio's betrayal. When he said the name of his boss, the contempt in his voice was palpable. Tirio could hear Arton behind him**.

Uther told Dasohan to retreat and motioned for Basshras to come forward. As they passed each other, Dathohan shook Basshras, staring at him with burning eyes. Obviously, the young man struggled desperately for the favor of the commander, but not as smoothly as Baseras had planned. With an unexpected composure, Basshras stepped up to Tirio's chair. His face was proud and eager.

"State your claims, young paladin Batheras," Uther said coldly. He was visibly unhappy with the young paladin's lack of respect for his superiors. Guilty or not, Tirio should still be called by his title.

Seeing that he was not hindered, Bathras continued. "As Commander Dasohan said, sir, I saw Fording fight so that the orc would not be captured. He said he had a pact with the creature that if we imprisoned it, he would be cursed," Bathrath said with a factual focus. "You see, I know he's trying to do bad things. Even before we set out to capture that orc, I had a feeling that this despicable traitor could not be trusted. ”

"Quiet!" Uther shouted, his voice echoing through the room like thunder. He lured Batheras, who was now trembling, with an overwhelming gaze. "You have to learn to control your tone, young paladin. I have known this man for years. More than once we saved each other's lives, I can't remember how many times, we persevered in victory in the face of the enemy. Whatever he did, he certainly shouldn't be exaggerated by an unworldly kid like you. Bathras's face turned as white as a piece of paper, and he looked as if he was going to faint. "Your testimony has been heard, and it will be reviewed by the court. Go back," Uther finished. Embarrassed and blushing, Basshras hurried back to his seat. Tirio watched, and the jurors began talking to each other again.

The four ended their deliberations and said they were ready to continue. Uther turned to stare at Tirio below. His gaze seemed to penetrate Tirio's heart, searching for an explanation for his friend's unprecedented behavior. (To be continued.) )