CONDEMNED
The Northern Council convened twelve days after the Ashvale compound incident.
I had expected it. An alpha crossing contested borders without sanction was never something the council would ignore. Roger had known it too. His response had been prepared with the precision of a man who didn’t intend to deny what he’d done.
What I hadn’t expected was the second item on the agenda.
The chamber sat in neutral territory between Silverwood and Ashvale claims,old stone, high ceilings, and chairs designed by someone who had never sat in one. I took my place beside Roger, Soren on my other side, Lucian across as liaison.
Seven council members entered with practiced detachment.
At their head was Elder Cavendish,white-haired, sharp-eyed, and long past surprise.
The first matter was ha
