Chapter 1 -- Deliberations ; Part one

The capital city of Gibethon, Ajalon, was in an uproar. A councilman had been killed, murdered in his bed. The Ruling Council had convened as soon as the news was known, for much had to be done to stabilize the kingdom. A new councilman had to chosen, funeral rites performed for the deceased, and the city reassured; and all of this had to be accomplished as soon as possible. The Ruling Council was such a compartmentalized group, that the death of one member meant the potential destruction of the kingdom. There were plenty of neighboring countries that would gladly snap up a crippled Gibethon. Gibethon's wealth alone was enough to tempt them. The murmur of the Council's voices rose and fell with the mood and agitation of each member. Right now they were discussing the matter of finding the murderer and bringing him to justice. From his place near the edge of the knot of councilmen, Dath of Anathod smirked and shook his head.