Bright morning sunlight cut through the gathering storm clouds above the central plaza of North City, reflecting off the steel execution stage erected before City Hall.
Over fifty municipal broadcast drones buzzed in formation above the square, transmitting live panoramic video of the ten bound Feselian rangers to every public screen in the twelve districts.
Director Rook stood at the center of the wooden dais, wearing a polished executive suit and speaking into the public sound array with theatrical grandeur.
"In two hours... at high noon... the municipal government will carry out lawful justice against these foreign infiltrators!" the director declared, waving his hand toward the kneeling captives.
"Let every citizen observe the fate of those who conspire against the legal order of North City!"
Inside the main assembly hall of the First Citadel, three hundred armored militia fighters and fifty elven rangers stood in silent, disciplined formation.
