Session 92

We open to the massive trial room, full of citizens of Azmarin and the Empire, with King Theo sitting in the center and a group of nine people to his right to represent the people of Azmarin. The audience is full of faces both familiar and unfamiliar to the party. Alexander sits in a circular section of the courtroom with 10 other people: Leona, Atlas, Kesra, and Elden and the members of the Lightbringer family: Godfrey, Lady Catherine, Uri, Apollo, Zain, Dawn, and Meira. The entire Lightbringer family is blonde and blue-eyed.

As the trial begins, the members of Fate's Chosen sit in waiting. Aureo has not yet arrived, so Leona uses Sending to let him know the trial is about to start, he responds nervously that he is being held up. Atlas asks what happens if Alexander is found guilty. Thomas Anthony, Alexander's halfling lawyer, turns to Atlas and says it's not a matter of whether or not he is guilty. There are people out for blood, and the character witnesses will be asked what should happen before the council decides. Alexander reassures Atlas that he won't lose his privilege to be the one to kill him. Leona reminds Kesra to focus on the good things about Alexander and not get defensive while on the stand. There is a slight commotion as King Theo rises and whispers with Grand Mistress Adelaide, Elden reads their lips and finds they're wondering where Xytharia is before they decide to start without her. Another figure enters the room, Perseus Declaire, the oldest child of the Declaire family, and bows to King Theo. Perseus will be acting as the prosecutor for the trial. He lost his wife in the incursion, and called for the execution of his parents when the incursion ended. Leona leans forward to reassure Alexander that everything will be fine, and discretely casts guidance on him.

Adelaide Wolfwood casts Zone of Truth on a chair. King Theo declares that anyone who sits in the chair will be subject to the truth, and if they choose to resist the spell, they will know. King Theo calls upon Alexander Lightbringer to stand. He reads Alexander the charges against him of Necromancy, and then asks for his plea. Alexander pleads guilty. The audience ripples, but the Lightbringer family does not react. The King remains impartial, but explains there will be 12 character witnesses on Alexander's trial.

Lord Godfrey Lightbringer is called to testify first. Perseus questions him first, asking about Alexander. Perseus asks when he first became aware that Alexander is a Necromancer—"practiced necromancy" interjects Thomas—to which Godfrey says he learned not long ago. Lord Godfrey explains that he lost his high position in the church of Pelor because of Alexander's necromancy, and that his reputation has been ruined. He has been ostracized from the church where he has practiced for most of his life, because of Alexander's use of necromancy. Godfrey does not approve of Alexander's necromancy, or of the arcane in general, and believes that necromancy goes against everything Pelor stands for—and it's illegal. Godfrey wants the council to know that Alexander is not a bad person, and that none of his evil acts were done to be inherently evil. Alexander is still his son. At Perseus' prodding, Godfrey explains that Alexander spent much time away from his family, but that if he had suspected that Alexander was up to something nefarious, he would have reported it.

Thomas takes Perseus' place. Thomas asks if Godfrey has ever seen Alexander practice necromancy, he has not, and if he knew he was capable of this magic, he knew he was capable of magic and that necromancy was a form of magic, but that he had hoped that Alexander would keep necromancy out of his house. Godfrey reiterates that necromancy is against the laws of nature—"according to your religion" says Thomas—and defends that Pelor and several other religions agree that necromancy is wrong. He adds that the loss of his position has broken a part of him, but that Alexander did not mean for it to happen because he is not cruel. King Theo asks what he recommends as punishment. Lord Godfrey recuses himself from suggesting a punishment, finding himself unwilling to judge his son until he has heard everyone else testify. He does ask that the council choose mercy.

Elden is called to testify next and sits in the chair. He admits that he isn't well versed in magic, so even though he has never seen Alexander raise undead, if Alexander claims to be practicing necromancy that he must believe that Alexander has done so. Having spent most of his life fighting for the Empire, he says that Alexander fights and loves as fiercely as anyone he's ever known... for what's right. Thomas asks him if he knows what necromancy is and Elden says he doesn't, just that it has to do with dead people. Elden expresses that his life's purpose is to protect life, and that Fate's Chosen have been picked to keep the world safe. They might be able to carry on without Alexander, but it is their particular combination of individuals that makes them special. Elden abstains from passing judgement, but decides to hold onto the option to make a suggestion of punishment at the end.

Aureo slips into the trial room.Dame Catherine Lightbringer is called forward and sits in the chair. She confesses that when Zain revealed Alexander's necromancy to the family, she was sad but not surprised. She had suspected his activities before, but had no proof to report it with and expected him to come to her when he was ready to handle it. Catherine tells the council that Alexander was always different, intelligent and kind, and did not follow Pelor like the rest of their family. She believes that the world is a better place because of him and that if his magic is what is keeping the world safe: why is it illegal for Alexander to exist? Why should he be punished for using his gifts to save the world? She truly thinks he is doing good in the world. She asks that if he must be punished that it should wait until he has completed his duty with his friends, because he has important work and it would be a disservice to the world to strip his abilities now.

Next, Atlas steps up for his turn and sits in the chair. Alexander, in Atlas' opinion, is cocky, overbearing, full of himself, has a thirst for knowledge, but will protect those he loves. He admits that he was not initially aware of the laws against necromancy in Senmarria, but that Necromancers are also not allowed in I'ollyn and their practices are an affront against life. In his opinion, Alexander should not be punished, he has done nothing but good: saving lives, healing, taking them to distant places, and rescuing Atlas' family—that was kind of his fault though—and if Pelor approves of what he is doing, Atlas does not think it is his place to judge. Alexander reveals the symbol of Pelor he is wearing. Atlas then tells the audience that Fate's Chosen went to visit Pelor to ask a favor for their journey, and Pelor gave Alexander his mark to show his approval. Atlas also promised Pelor that if Alexander went too far, he'd take care of it. This is not something they told Thomas beforehand—"You could have told me that, Jesus fucking Christ, whoever that is."—and Thomas makes sure they have to continue with the trial before asking Atlas about Fate's Chosen. Atlas says that it might be possible to continue without Alexander but his arcane abilities are handy.

Thomas calls for a recess to regroup.

Godfrey demands to know why Catherine never told him about Alexander's abilities. Apollo casts silence on his parents and tells them to stop embarrassing the family. Godfrey accuses Catherine of coddling Alexander, she reminds him that he ignored all of his children except for Dawn.

Meira Lightbringer, monk of Pelor, approaches the chair, avoiding eye contact with her brother. Like her brother, she has been absent for some time, studying in a monastery of Pelor in Rai'sharr. Meira thinks that Alexander has already admitted his guilt, but it is important to look at the sum of the parts of a person. Alexander is, in her eyes, a good person who has made some hard, difficult, perhaps incorrect choices in his life, but he is a good person and he does good things for his friends. Perhaps it is time for their father to seek a new position. If she were to describe him to someone who has never met him, she would describe Alexander as the black sheep of the family. Their family is noisy and militant—and Alexander is neither of those. Alexander leads with his head first and his heart second. He is nothing like their parents have dictated he'd be. In going outside the will of Pelor, he has made himself the black sheep of the family. Alexander is too smart for his own good—and he knows it—and he takes every chances he gets to show it off, but if you get into his good graces you will forever have a loyal and trustworthy friend. Meira says that if they judge Alexander's actions based on the end, and not the means he used, he rescued her and others from the imperial dungeon. Despite what their family believes, his actions have brought about good. She requests that the council choose leniency provided that Alexander vows to never raise an undead again.

Dawn Lightbringer, paladin of Pelor, is called to the stand and goes to the chair without hesitation. Dawn tells the room that she has no relationship with Alexander—"I had a brother once, he was a sweet boy. Some days, I even miss that boy. That man in front of me now, is not my brother. I do not know this Alexander."—because their family is one with purpose and there are many forgivable things in the world, but there are paths that should not be followed and betrayals beyond any other. Alexander has gone down those dark paths and committed those betrayals. She likens Alexander to a snake, in that his nature is likely irredeemable and believes that he should accept his fate. She claims to not judge him as a person, and she believes that some people cannot help their weaknesses and their crutches for shoring those weaknesses up. While she understands that the party is on a mission of some importance, she thinks that they should seek a replacement for Alexander. She recommends that the council remember that this is a court of law— she supports her father in discussion of the natural law—and the law states that necromancy is illegal, something Alexander pleaded guilty to.When Thomas takes his turn to question Dawn, he asks her about the nature of her devotion to Pelor. "Absolute." Dawn states. She knows his tenets by heart. Thomas points out that her devotion brings a bias to the council, and that her devotion blinds her—and her family—to the fact that Alexander is a force for good. Despite this, Dawn recommends to the council that her brother be stripped of his name—because he brings darkness with him—and be imprisoned for life, and that his spellbook be found and burned. She stares at Alexander even after she returns to her seat.

The King calls up Uri, the youngest Lightbringer, next. As he walks up to the chair, he gives a fearful look to Alexander, a nervous air about him. Uri tells the court that he has a positive relationship with his brother, and that he thinks Alexander has accomplished many things. Uri is proud of him. Perseus is perplexed—"proud of a man who breaks the law, for his own ambition?"—but Uri explains himself. He is proud of Alexander for doing the right thing despite—he glances at Lord Godfrey—the risk of being shunned by his family. Uri says "I do not think that it is wrong to be proud of an action someone chooses, while still not being proud of actions they take afterwards." He believes Alexander is a good brother, and considers himself lucky to be part of a good family—which he considers Alexander to be part of—despite Dawn's statements. Perseus presses him, and Uri says, "I think it's easy for people who have everything to judge those who do not." Perseus is baffled and asks why Uri thinks Alexander has not had everything in his life. Uri stumbles nervously over his words and then explains he watched Alexander grow up and be cast out for not pursuing the faith. Despite Perseus' prodding and openly suggesting that Uri also appears to be not a devout follower of Pelor, Uri shrugs and smiles in response. When Perseus says that the Lightbringers have the right idea, Uri says that doesn't seem impartial. Perseus asks what Uri thinks about Alexander's guilty plea and Uri steps around the question. He is happy to see his brother return to the city, believes that being an adventurer and achieving great things like King Theodore is something to aspire to. Perseus asks if Uri is comparing Alexander to King Theo, claiming that King Theo freed the city from rebellion while Alexander was studying magic at the Crystalline Academy—away from the torture that his family endured. Uri says that he is not comparing achievements, just stating that it is not wrong to be an adventurer. Perseus asks if he is saying adventurers are above the law, Uri says he is not.

On Thomas' turn to question Uri, he asks if Uri thinks Alexander is a good person. Uri glances at Lord Godfrey—who is staring directly at him with a furiously knit brow, clenching and unclenching one hand—and smirks, before saying he does. He believes that Alexander's accomplishments as an adventurer make him worthy of some leniency. When asked if he has anything else to say, he rises and calls the trial a huge waste of time—"no offense, your majesty"—and when prompted says that the consequences should be "absolutely fucking none, your majesty." There is a ripple in the crowd as Uri goes back to the witness box and sits as far away from Lord Godfrey as possible.

Leona is called up to the chair next. She recounts that she has known Alexander for "about a year", since he came to the call. Perseus is confused, and she explains, that when Fieldcrest was attacked by Devils she reached out to Alexander for assistance, and he joined Fate's Chosen—along with many other Lightbringers. Leona says that she has known Alexander practices necromancy for "about a year", has seen him controlling or raising undead, and is not sure she felt any particular way about it. Perseus is confused, because it is against the law. She laughs and says many things are against the law. When Perseus seems offended, she explains that she is suggesting the law lacks nuance—in this case, intent—then she asks if she can ask him questions. She asks what he finds so heinous about necromancy, Perseus says he isn’t here to debate the heinousness of necromancy but of Alexander’s crime of raising undead. Leona points out that they’ve defined that as necromancy and there are lots of spells that are necromancy. Perseus asks why she didn’t report Alexander’s crime, he heavily implies that she and Aureo think they’re above the law, and Leona says she found the nature in which Alexander used his magic wasn’t harming anyone but quite the opposite. Perseus points out to the council and King Theo that Leona, the future empress, does not think it’s important to report crimes if they benefit her. Alexander objects, asking why they’re bringing up the empress and Leona tells him it’s fine.

Thomas moves in to take his turn to question Leona, and asks her about visiting Pelor. Leona confirms that they did visit Pelor, Pelor did not smite Alexander where he stood, and that Pelor was very kind. He was a bit more firm than a few of the others—a bit intimidating—but maybe that’s normal when meeting gods. Thomas locks onto the fact that this isn’t the first deity that Fate’s Chosen has met. Leona confirms they’ve met several deities, and she’s fairly certain her meeting with the Raven Queen was directly caused by Alexander’s use of necromantic magic. Specifically, his use of Revivify which is a necromancy spell. She turns to Perseus and tells him to add to his notes that she would also be willing to cast these spells, including Revivify. Thomas asks her about Alexander saving her life, and she says that he’s saved her life directly at least once, but indirectly many times. He asks if she cares about Alexander, and Leona says it’s hard to not care for someone who is charming, intelligent, and constantly trying to learn and grow for the benefit of those around him. Yes, she does care deeply for Alexander and she would not be in the trial room if she didn’t. Leona tells the audience, at Thomas’ prompting, that Fate’s Chosen is working against Asmodeus, the prince of all Devils. She agrees with Thomas that Alexander not being present during the incursion was a gift of fate so that he could be present to help the party now. Leona admits that Fate’s Chosen could, perhaps, go on without Alexander because in times of trouble others will rise up, but if Alexander was not with them she would not have survived to the end. And if she were to die, who is to say that anyone else would not? Alexander is integral to the group and they are better with him. Perhaps, they could find a way, but less would be lost if he stays with the party. It isn’t about winning or losing, it’s about what they sacrifice to get to the end.Leona tells the council she stands by what she said, the laws sometimes lack nuance and sometimes need to be changed. When asked for a punishment, she glances back at the Lightbringers, and then says that today has been punishment enough. That right now, they are acting out his punishment by holding the trial.

 Kesra is called up next, and she is obviously tense as she approaches the chair. She admits that she and Alexander are together, romantically. She also admits she isn’t the best person to be giving a character testimony for him, for the previous reason. Kesra tells the audience she is a paladin of Pelor, has been for longer than she’s known Alexander, and has complicated feelings about her relationship with Pelor. Perseus asks about Kesra having been summoned to court before this, and Kesra confirms she was summoned but the charges were dropped. Perseus tells the audience aloud that it seems like Fate’s Chosen hasn’t answered for their crimes for some time. Kesra disagrees because she’s been paying for a crime for nearly three years, Perseus asks if that is a mortal crime, and she says it’s a higher law—he can ask the Lightbringers. He reminds her this is a court of mortal law.Thomas takes his turn, and asks if Alexander is a good person. Kesra says he is, and he doesn’t deserve what he’s going through right now. Kesra believes the party would fare terribly without him. She says she sure hopes Fate’s Chosen can defeat Asmodeus without him—if the Lightbringers and court have their way. Kesra recounts how she met Alexander fighting devils, because he saved Leona. And then he let them use his house, which was then attacked by devils. Everything he has done has been against devils, or to save someone’s life. She argues that if he is going to have powers of darkness for nefarious means, why would he help so many people, “it makes no fucking sense”— “Language!” “Fuck!”—Alexander has had many chances to walk away and do something easier, to walk away and not reveal he can raise bodies from the ground and he has stayed. Kesra says that if someone has powers of darkness and uses them for good, it negates the fact that they’re powers of darkness. When asked what penance she suggests, she reminds the audience that he’s going to follow the party into the pits of hell and she doesn’t think there’s much a mortal court of law can do that’s worse than that.

Next, the accuser is called to the stand, Zain Lightbringer. Perseus steps up to question Zain first. Zain tells the court that as soon as the information about Alexander being a necromancer came to their attention, they reported it. They claim that turning their brother in broke their heart. But they knew that Alexander’s crimes were against humanity and against the teachings of Pelor, his crimes are heresy. Perseus asks about their relationship with their brother, and Zain tells the audience that when they were younger, Alexander told them everything and followed them around pestering them, but at some point they grew apart. Zain speculates that Alexander used the distance to hide his dabbling in something “he knew to be profane”. They say he must have been protecting himself, because he must have known there was no protecting his family from what he was doing. When asked about his character, Zain says he’s smart, driven, capable, ambitious to a fault, and—at this point—deceptive. How can anyone trust someone who keeps secrets from their own flesh and blood? At the suggestion that Alexander might be set free without punishment, Zain’s eyes widen and their nostrils flare, the very idea of their brother running around the world with the emperor’s betrothed doing whatever they want… they ask who can verify what they’ve seen aside from Fate’s Chosen. Zain says their family is handling this emotionally, but that the facts should speak for themselves: Alexander is guilty by his own admission and this fact cannot be disputed.

To Thomas, Zain affirms they’re here to give a character testimony. Thomas reminds Zain that they’re not here to debate whether Alexander is guilty or not but to determine how guilty he is. When asked how they found out about Alexander’s necromancy, Zain is quiet—then asks if it’s not nice for Thomas to see them too—and, at last, admits they found out by spying. Thomas asks if they’re admitting to espionage—“Oh, please, siblings spy on their siblings all the time.” “Uh, do they?” “Well. I would  assume so...”—Zain supposes they’re good at spying. Thomas says Zain is freaking him out and he has no further questions.

Alexander says he has a few questions, and Thomas asks if the King will let Alexander stand in for him for a moment. Zain objects because Alexander is not an attorney. When asked Alexander affirms his questions are relevant to the trial and is granted permission. Alexander asks Zain if they helped the Devils in the capital to capture the emperor’s sister and their sister, Meira. Zain did. So, they consorted with devils? Yes. Alexander accuses Zain of being the traitor for betraying their flesh and blood, not him. Zain rises, reminding Alexander they are not the one on trial here. Perseus asks to remind the court that if Zain had not been acting as a spy in the capital, they would not have rescued as many people as they did. Alexander objects, because Fate’s Chosen were the ones who stormed the castle and rescued the people there, and it was Zanelor Sylvarian who told the party about being betrayed by Zain Lightbringer. Perseus tells him that Zain was acting under orders to infiltrate the assembly. Alexander asks if it is then not just him who breaks the laws and tries to get away with it.

King Theo rises, and asks what Zain suggests Alexander’s penance be. They say that, if they were hopeful, death. But being a pragmatist, they expect imprisonment, stripping his title, destruction of his spellbook, and disbarment from practicing magic.

Apollo Lightbringer comes to the chair next, tired and visibly pained by this trial. He explains that he and Alexander have a good relationship, he tried to be a good older brother to Alexander. But Alexander had no talent for the divine arts, so he was sent to learn the arcane, which caused them to fall out of touch. Apollo followed his mother’s footsteps as a healer, and he was kept busy during the incursion. He knew that Alexander had a wide range of spells as a wizard, but did not know he had specialized in necromancy until Zain informed the family. Apollo was heartbroken by the news, because necromancy is illegal and goes against the family religion. Apollo feels as if he failed Alexander, maybe if he had been more present or taught him different ways to pray, maybe Alexander could have walked other paths if he’d tried harder. Perseus asks if Apollo believes Alexander had a choice. Apollo says everyone has choices, and Alexander did choose necromancy. He withholds any comments to the council until after cross-examination.

Thomas approaches Apollo, and asks if he’s alright. Apollo says he is not, but that is okay. Thomas asks if Alexander is a good person, and Apollo says he is. He affirms that this trial against Alexander is overall fair because he broke the law, even if some points are bothersome. Apollo isn’t sure if there is much more fair than the plea already given. Then, Apollo turns to the council and thanks them, and all those gathered. Apollo says that there have been questions about what necromancy is, and he wasn’t asked. As a high cleric of Pelor, he is very familiar with necromancy. Necromancy is what clerics use to spare people from dying, to pull souls back from the abyss, to stop bodies from becoming undead. When people say necromancy they think of zombies and skeletons, but not loved ones torn to pieces by devils when someone with enough diamonds and power can come along and bring them back. Alexander was never favored as a cleric, and was sent off to become “useful”—not by his own choice—because of his father’s disdain. That disdain only grew as his arcane powers grew. The light was denied Alexander, by the family that should have made it the brightest, and he went and found it in the darkness that his family left him in. Alexander has done wrong, but he has also done his namesake and brought light where there is none… “better than us all”. Yes, the hate for necromancy came from the gods, but if Pelor saw no flaw in Alexander’s use of necromancy then Apollo does not see himself fit to override his judgement. Apollo says that Pelor has already pardoned Alexander, and he is soon to travel to the hells, so if fate sees fit to punish Alexander it will happen there. But there is no punishment for Alexander that this court should feel empowered to levy.

Emperor Aureo is called to the stand. He rises quietly, and approaches, and takes a seat. But he stops Perseus before he can ask questions. While he was called as a character witness for Alexander, he is not here as the standing Emperor and he would like to abstain from giving testimony to avoid further empire influence in Azmarin. Then, he rises again and returns to sitting with Fate’s Chosen.

And then the doors open, revealing the arrival of Xytharia in the eleventh hour. She has changed. Her horns are longer, she is taller, and she is changed somehow. The Grand Mistress rises in concern as Xytharia seemingly floats to the chair in the front of the room and sits. Xytharia introduces herself, and invites questions about Alexander Lightbringer. Perseus steps up, and says they thought she was not going to make it today, before asking her about Alexander. Xytharia has known Alexander nearly his whole life and he has been a friend. He asks if she, as a cleric of the Raven Queen, has something to say about that. Xytharia crosses her fingers and says the gods have no place here. This is not a court of the gods and this is not a judgement of his soul. Alexander carries a token of Pelor, but Pelor is not here. Pelor will not carry out his sentence, mortals will. Xytharia stares when Perseus expresses his surprise, reports have it that she and Alexander are close. She tells the court that the gods have a way of using people, there is an oracle in their midst being held captive by the Raven Queen, the Lightbringers have influence because of their connection to Pelor, and Alexander was given that token to enable him to continue to enact Pelor’s will. Xytharia asks if Perseus knows who gave Fate’s Chosen their name, and she tells him it was her. She continues, explaining that Fate has been abused, misused and mishandled. The divine have intervened on their own convenience. She tells them all she has just returned from Carceri, where she was imprisoned wrongly for using magic gifted to her by the Raven Queen. Xytharia reminds the council that the gods have nothing to do with this trial, Pelor and the Raven Queen have nothing to do with this trial, and they should make their own decisions based on their humanity and mortality. They should understand what they are taking away from a man. There are some things worse than death, as she has discovered. The court room is quiet. Perseus is surprised at her words, as a high priestess of the Raven Queen. She corrects him, *former* high priestess of the Raven Queen.

Thomas approaches her, and asks her how she feels about Alexander and his plea. Xytharia says Alexander is a smart man and he was wise to plead guilty. He knew the risks and knew what he was getting into. Alexander is a chosen of Fate, and Fate’s Chosen needs him, now more than ever. He is integral to the party, in her opinion. Xytharia believes to remove his magic would be a terrible crime. Magic is all around us, and the mortals have made it illegal to practice a specific kind. Is it because of the meddling of gods? Is there anything inherently evil in necromancy? She says that perhaps Leona is right, and perhaps the law needs changing by impartial servants, not by people manipulated by the gods. As for penance, Xytharia says that the law states that anyone accused and found guilty of necromancy is to be imprisoned and lose their spellbook, that is the law made by mortals. However, she thinks that Alexander should be punished by being sent with Fate’s Chosen to the hells, where he could perish, and when he returns he should lobby to remove necromancy as an illegal magic. She then stands, and leaves, with Atlas following after her.

The council has a few questions for Alexander before they make their decision. They ask him what he thinks his punishment should be. Alexander thinks that he should serve the community, as his family always has, when he returns from the hells. He would be happy to continue to serve Lord Theo and the people of Azmarin. He could use his knowledge to help prepare the dead to prevent them being raised, and to add the arcane to the city so it is not just the divine protecting them. He could bolster the city’s defenses against incursions from within and without.

  Lord Godfrey steps up to deliver his final recommendation for judgement. He has heard much from his family today, passion and wisdom, each in their own way. But sometimes, they forget that when Pelor’s light shines it casts shadows and those aren’t inherently evil, they’re a piece of his light. Alexander has operated in the shadows, and done so for the betterment of all. His family is broken, and Lord Godfrey is not sure they will ever recover. Alexander has put in his time in this trial alone, and that is penance enough. When he arrived at the trial this morning, he wanted Alexander’s book burned and he is not sure what else. But he realized that the Lightbringers are not Alexander’s only family. They were outbalanced by Alexander’s other family, Fate’s Chosen. And Fate’s Chosen swayed him. Lord Godfrey turns to Alexander and apologizes, before asking the council to let Alexander go on his way and save them. If Pelor has a plan for him, let him cast his shadows. Lord Godfrey sits back down in the hushed commotion of the audience’s reaction. Lady Catherine holds Lord Godfrey’s hand.

The council has made a decision. After hearing testimony from all involved, Alexander Lightbringer is guilty of practicing necromancy and because of his cooperation the council accepts the punishment of Alexander as stated by himself. He will keep his spellbook and his freedom, and will continue on his mission to the hells, and when he returns he will give back to the city of Azmarin as before. This decision is final, aside from King Theo’s veto power. King Theo looks at everyone, at Alexander, at the door where Xytharia left. He thanks everyone for coming today and their honest testimonies. He does not veto the council’s decision and adjourns the court.

 Following Xytharia out of the building, Atlas calls after her. She stops and turns to him. He asks her what has happened, and she does not know how to tell him. She is no longer the same person as when she left. She learned some hard truths about people she trusted, the gods. She asks what he needs to know. Atlas asks her how she escaped. She explains that Carceri is about justice and balance, and she found the truth. An ascended truth. Atlas asks what that is, and she says she will show him in time. He asks if she needs some time and space, and she says she doesn't know, but she knows she has a great task ahead of her. Xytharia has been stagnant for 20 years, sitting at the highest rank in the order of the Raven Queen staying the same and unchanging in her service, doing as she was told obediently. But she is done with that. She tells Atlas he should know there is a new lady of fate. He asks if it is her, she tells him he will see. Xytharia tells him goodbye, and wishes him luck on his journey. Atlas tells her she can always come to him, and he will be there when she calls, he loves her. She gently holds his face in her hands, and tells him he opened a new world for her and she cannot thank him enough for that. She tells him she will not see him for some time, she thinks. But without him she would not be where she is. Atlas promises there will always be a place for her with him, no gods and no kings, only the two of them and the decisions they make. Xytharia asks Atlas if he would leave with her now and join her on her mission to restore balance. Atlas wants to say yes, but says he thinks he should finish his mission with Fate’s Chosen. However, once that is done, he would follow her anywhere. Xytharia kisses him, and he kisses her back. Atlas gains a favor from the Lady of Fate. When she pulls back, she tells Atlas she loves him too. She tells him she could use him right now, and he might be the only one who would understand what she needs to do. Xytharia knows he made a commitment to Fate’s Chosen, but if he changes his mind before the next dawn she will meet him at the city gates. Xytharia leaves.

 Back in the courtroom, Uri hugs Alexander. Zain slips away unnoticed. Leona inquires who she would report a crime to. Apollo hugs Alexander, shakes his father’s hand, and hugs Dawn before leaving. Dawn does not return the hug. Lady Catherine and Lord Godfrey reconcile. Lord Godfrey looks for Zain and then goes to tell Dawn he is proud of her, but perhaps they both need to grow a little. He knows it won’t be easy, but Alexander has always deserved more love than he has given him. Dawn says it’s funny how it took all of this for him to realize that. Lord Godfrey admits he never said he was a smart man. Lady Catherine softly remarks he is a wise one. Lord Godfrey gives Alexander a hug, which he returns. Lord Godfrey says they have much to talk about, but he wants Alexander to know he’s proud of him and he loves him. Alexander is ambushed by a hug from Lady Catherine, who kisses him all over his face, and she tells him she’s so proud of him. Meira is just watching her family interact, and she tears up when Lord Godfrey speaks to Alexander.

Dawn approaches Kesra and says she doesn’t wish any of the party ill. Justice can’t be served if Alexander does not come home. She tells Kesra to take care of herself, and that she hopes they’ll all be safe. Then she leaves.

King Theo approaches Alexander and shakes his hand. He tells him he did well and it’s time to get down to what’s really important. Aureo and King Theo meet and the two sovereigns exchange a nod, they have much to discuss.