CROWNED
The council ruling arrived on a Friday morning.
A formal document, sealed and precise, Elder Cavendish’s signature at the bottom with the unmistakable confidence of someone satisfied with her work. I read it at the kitchen table with Roger beside me, Soren across from us, and Mia at the counter pretending to make tea while reading over my shoulder.
The ruling was comprehensive.
Ashvale’s territorial claim dismissed permanently. The two suspended council members removed and barred from future service. A formal investigation opened into four years of documented manipulation of council proceedings. Garrett of Ashvale summoned to appear before the full council within thirty days to answer for the kidnapping, the border violations, and the attempted forced bond.
And then, at the bo
