Of the council of twelve lords, only two remained present. The rest either fell or defected to Alistair's side.
The council, once a beacon of power and unity, now stands fractured and weakened, a sad testament to Alistair's growing influence.
"Tell me, Bill Nelphim, why did you abandon your land and return to the capital?" Alistair's deep voice echoed—beside his throne, a mysterious woman in a black robe and veil covering her face stood without moving.