The grand hall of the palace was filled with an expectant hush. Nobles, dignitaries, and commoners alike had gathered to witness the Queen's judgment. The leader of the Serpent Clan, a man named Kael, stood before the throne, his expression unreadable. He was flanked by guards, his hands bound.
The Queen addressed the crowd, her voice echoing through the hall. "The Serpent Clan has been accused of conspiring against the Crown, of working with our enemies to destabilize the kingdom. They have remained silent in the face of these accusations, refusing to offer any explanation for their actions."
Kael remained silent, his gaze fixed on the Queen.
"Their silence speaks volumes," the Queen continued. "It is clear that they have betrayed our trust. They have broken the alliance that has bound our clans for centuries."
A murmur rippled through the crowd. Some nodded in agreement, others looked on with uncertainty.
"Therefore," the Queen declared, her voice ringing with authority, "I, Queen [Sylvara], ruler of [The Kingdom of Arkonia], hereby strip the Serpent Clan of their titles and lands. Their influence will be erased from our history. Their name will be spoken no more."
The crowd erupted in cheers. The Queen had delivered her judgment. The serpent had fallen.
Raviel watched the scene unfold, his heart heavy. He knew this was just the beginning. The prophecy had been fulfilled, but the storm was far from over. The whispers of betrayal, the seeds of distrust, had been sown. They would grow, fester, and threaten to tear the kingdom apart.
And he, Raviel, the one destined to rise, would have to find a way to navigate this chaos, to protect his people, and to fulfill his own part in the prophecy. But how could he rise when the very foundation of their world was crumbling beneath his feet?