The council chamber was packed.
William walked into the arena and saw faces he knew—Greer, the scarred woman, the old farmers from the Core, the merchants from the Spire. Five hundred citizens, chosen by lot. They sat in rows, their eyes fixed on him.
Greer stood at the center.
"William Draven. You left the city without informing the council. You traveled to the eastern mountains. You entered restricted areas. You brought back objects of unknown origin."
William stopped a few feet from her.
"I brought back knowledge."
"Knowledge you kept from us."
"I kept nothing. You didn't ask."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Greer raised her hand for silence.
"The council voted to keep the black sword sealed. You disagreed. You went behind our backs to find another way."
"I went to save li
