Before The Guild

Grandmaster Li's voice, when it finally broke the stillness in the room, was not loud, but it filled every corner of the room. It was a low, resonant murmur, like stones grinding together at the bottom of a deep river.

"Ning Que." The name hung in the air, an accusation in itself. "The formal charges have been read. You stand accused of gross insubordination, of willfully disobeying a direct order to stand down. You are accused of leading your team into a battle they were not equipped to win. And you are accused," he paused, his ancient eyes locking onto Ning's, "of failing in your most sacred duty as a leader: to bring your people home. We have heard the preliminary reports. Now, we will hear from you. Explain yourself."

Valerius shifted, his voice cutting in like a shard of glass. 

"With all due respect, Grandmaster, what is there to explain? His orders were clear. He ignored them. A Hunter died. The facts are not in dispute."