The grand council room was filled with a shocked silence. Everyone stared at King Noor. He had drawn his sword. He was standing in front of his son, ready to fight the Emperor himself.
The other kings and rulers couldn't believe what they were seeing. It was like watching a small boat try to stop a giant wave. Didn't King Noor understand?
The Emperor, Sir David, the most powerful man on the continent, was right there in front of him. To fight him was like asking to be destroyed.
Emperor Sir David looked at King Noor. His face showed no emotion, no anger, no surprise. It was like a calm mask. He took a slow, deep breath.
The only sound in the room was the quiet whisper of that breath. Then, he spoke. His voice was still quiet, but it was heavy, like the sound of a great bell tolling. "King Noor of Estoria," he said, "if that is truly what you wish, then so be it. You have made your choice."
