The tension in the room was palpable as Ashton, Flintmace, and Vulcan objected to the Emperor's request. The Emperor, who had been praising them moments ago, now found himself facing the resistance of his most trusted allies.
"Reaper, Flintmace, Thori," the Emperor spoke, his tone measured but firm, "I understand your concerns, but we must consider the greater good."
He continued, "The people demand justice for the crimes committed by the Priest, and we cannot ignore their cries. Public pressure is mounting, and as the Emperor, I must answer to the will of my people."
Flintmace stepped forward, his eyes locked with the Emperor's. "Your Majesty, we are not saying justice should not be served. But the Priest possesses vital information about the Cult of Cosmos. We need that information to protect our empire and the entire galaxy!"
"We have fought too hard and sacrificed too much to let this opportunity slip through our fingers. The information the Priest holds could save countless lives." Vulcan chimed in, his voice resolute.
The Emperor looked torn, torn between his duty to his people and the advice of his most trusted allies. He knew the information about the Cult of Cosmos was crucial, but he also understood the need to maintain order and uphold the law.
"I hear your pleas," the Emperor finally spoke, "but I must put the welfare of the empire first. The Priest's crimes cannot be ignored, and the people demand justice. I cannot issue an execution order without proper trial, but I cannot ignore the will of the people either."
Ashton sighed, realising the difficult position the Emperor was in. However, he knew of a way where the Priest would be helpful to them, even in death.
"Your Majesty, we understand your predicament," he said, "but I must also consider the galaxy's safety. The Cult of Cosmos could strike us even harder if the Priest isn't handled properly. We need time to extract that information and ensure it is used for the benefit of the entire galaxy."
Flintmace nodded in agreement. "We have dealt with the Cult long enough to know their methods and strategies. We are best equipped to handle the Priest and get the necessary information."
"I will not issue an immediate execution order," The Emperor considered their words, his expression troubled. "but I cannot allow him to remain in your custody indefinitely. As such, it would be wise for you to hand him over peacefully."
"Fine, we'll do it your way," Ashton said, his voice firm and resolute.
In an instant, a portal crackled to life, emanating an ominous dark aura. From within its depths emerged a chilling sight that sent shivers down everyone's spines.
A horde of skeletal beings, animated by some unknown force, stepped out, marching forward in eerie unison. Their hollow eye sockets stared vacantly ahead, and their bony forms creaked with every step.
The court gasped in horror and disbelief at the ghastly spectacle before them. The Priest, now looking more like a condemned soul from the bottomless pits of the underworld, was bound in heavy chains, his lifeless eyes devoid of any trace of defiance.
Ashton, in control of the macabre horde, moved forward, taking measured steps toward the Priest's prone form. The court remained paralysed by the surreal scene before them, their voices caught in their throats, unable to comprehend the dark power at play.
With a flick of his fingers, Ashton released the chains that bound the Priest, and the skeletal beings receded slightly, their duty fulfilled.
The emotionless horde turned, retreating back into the portal from where they came as if they were mere spectres of an ominous dream.
The court watched in awe as the portal closed, leaving no trace of the eerie visitors, but their terror lingered in the air. All eyes were on Ashton as he stood before the once powerful and now defeated Priest.
"You wanted him, Your Majesty," Ashton spoke, his voice low but commanding, addressing the Emperor. "Here he is, at your mercy."
The Emperor, taken aback by the spectacle he had just witnessed, could only nod in response. The gravity of the situation had not escaped him, and he understood that Ashton had used a power far beyond their realm of comprehension.
The Priest remained motionless, a broken man, his spirit shattered by the display of dark power he had just witnessed. He dared not look anyone in the eye, haunted by the terror he had seen in the depths of that chilling portal.
However, Ashton wasn't done yet as he turned to address the Emperor's court. "Let me ask all of you, what punishment do you deem fit for this sorry excuse of a cultist?"
Everyone was silent, not knowing what Ashton was planning to do. Hearing no voices, Ashton decided to taunt them for a bit.
"The Emperor said he had to listen to the voice of his people and execute the priest," Ashton scoffed. "But the people here seem mute to me? Do you not have a voice, or are you too scared to speak your desire?"
Everyone was shocked as Ashton's words could be misinterpreted, as if he wasn't mocking the crowd but the crown. As such, it could be his head rolling down his shoulders than that of the Priest's.
However, Ashton's intention was not to provoke the court or challenge the Emperor's authority. He understood the delicate political situation and wanted them to participate actively in the decision-making process.
In other words, Ashton just wanted to hear the people speak their minds and bear the responsibility for their choices.
"Yes! We want the Priest to be executed right before our eyes for betraying us all!" Someone yelled.
"Off with his head!" yet another one chimed in.
"Fine," Ashton sighed, retrieving Balmond from his inventory. "Have it your way."
Before anyone could react or even know what Ashton was planning to do, Ashton swung Balmond in a great arc. The next moment there was a loud thud as the Priest's head rolled onto the ground, smearing Ashton with his blood.