To Dwell In Nightmares and Dreams

Speak Out

Everyone was on their knees, waiting for him to speak. It was surreal. Thousands of people, ready to follow his command.

"As you know, I am the new Grand Master. I was chosen by the last Grand Master to drink from the Silver Soul. It chose me to lead everyone. I can only hope that I lead up to that promise. Now you can all stand"

The crowd slowly stood, no one meeting his eyes but there was no anger or disappointment, more like a a knowing acceptance. So it wasn't only a couple of sorcerous who had a feeling the last Grand Masters time was coming to an end, Stiles thought.

"You also may be wondering why I'm not announcing this within the soul district and why your Lord is not telling you this. Unfortunately he was involved with some trouble that happened within his home that resulted in the death of a child. Because of his involvement I deemed him not able to carry on with his duties and I took the Lord of Minds power and rank from him. I will be searching for a new person to take up his position, who will handle their duties with more competence"

Whispers met his news, some excited, everyone know that meant they had a chance at being chosen as the next Lord of Mind, others worried about what would come next.

However this was not the reason why Stiles had been nervous in the first place. What he said next was what he really worried about but he did not let it show. He couldn't let it show. He couldn't afford to show weakness in front of them.

"There is another matter I wish to bring to your attention. I understand that what I am about to do will effect a large amount of the Mind District's population. A prisoner named Ralph Reni will be executed two days from now.

Shock ran through the ground and then...

"What?"

"Why?"

"He can't do that!"

"How could this happen?!"

Over the shouts of the angered crowd Stiles aloud his voice to gain even more power, ringing in the air.

"He was involved in a murder. The punishment for such a crime is death, no exceptions"

There was a hesitation but then...

"But this will ruin lives!"

"You can't-"

"Mercy please!"

Soon the whole crowd was shouting.

"Mercy, mercy, mercy, mercy, mercy"

Stiles took a breath before he repeated "No exceptions"

Then he turned away.

There was angry shouts as he walked away. They still parted way, despite the anger and no one dared look him in the eye.

No one expect one person. A young boy, he was in the crowd, next so a women who Stiles assumed was his mother. She was not looking him in the eyes but she did hiss something at him and tug sharply at the young boys cloak.

The boy met Stiles eyes steadily and furiously.

Brave kid Stiles thought.

But foolish.