Chapter 50: Lord Hyde of Clarendon

A large, imposing man in a royal suit of black camlet, edged in silver lace, sauntered into the hall of justice, his thick boots clipping ominously over the tile floor. A gold-encrusted sword hung at his side, his hand resting idly on the hilt. He proceeded, scanning the judge's bench with dark, handsome eyes and an austere expression. Under a plumed tricorne, thick graying hair was pulled back, cavalier style. Two men in similar dress followed close behind him.

The blood drained from Merrick's face.

The intruder marched gracefully toward the front bench, a wave of gasps flowing in his wake, and halted beside Merrick. After offering him a wink, he faced Judge Wilhelm, whose befuddled stare soon hardened.

"Who, pray tell, are you, sir? And how dare you interrupt these proceedings."