While the other guilds had their attention locked on Aleksandar, he started speaking.
"Jarl Nyberg, may I state the reason why I was late?"
Bjorn answered, "Proceed, I trust it is a good reason."
Aleksandar gave a slight bow as he looked at the other guild leaders.
"I went to Australia to study the anomalous portal there."
Ibrahim wanted to speak, but Rashid held up his hand.
The protest died in his throat as the Vampire continued.
"The accused's magic is very chaotic in its existence, and that is reflected in the portal and its surroundings."
A frowning Bjorn decided to speak, "What are you trying to say?"
"The portal is unstable, but the ripples are calming as it is shrinking."
He pulled out a stone from his pocket.
A picture large enough for the entire trial to see appeared.
A large portal that looked like a massive blue whirlpool.
There was a crater beneath it.
It was as if it ate part of the world in its creation.
Caelum spoke up.
"You say that it is shrinking, do you think it will stabilise to a certain size or will it disappear after a time?"
Aleksandar gave him a fanged smile.
"Master Mage, the way portals work is very simple. It uses the energy that created it to sustain itself. By my estimation, it will stabilise in about a month and disappear a few days after."
Caelum gave him a deep bow.
"I thank you for your teachings."
Reina, who had never once hidden her boredom, spoke.
"Does this portal require it to live?"
Aleksandar lost his smile.
"When the portal was created, a large amount of Eragon's magic was stolen. It doesn't need his life to exist, but-"
Reina interrupted him as she stared down at Ryan.
"That is enough for me, I vote for execution."
In the dock, everyone was shocked by her statement.
When Ryan noticed Eena, he didn't see the kind woman he knew.
She was a beast that wanted to be let loose on her target.
Ryan then looked back at Reina and saw an enraged Bjorn standing before her podium.
"Do you enjoy mocking this hall?"
The calm way he spoke sent a chill running up Ryan's spine.
"I just want to-"
At this moment, Bjorn grabbed her podium, and he broke the stone structure out of the floor.
He tossed it to the side as if it weighed nothing.
"I don't care who you lead, or who your allies are. If you speak again, I will rip out your tongue."
He stared into her eyes.
He was waiting for defiance that never came.
Bjorn only went back to his podium when Reina broke eye contact.
As Bjorn returned to his podium, he then took it upon himself to ask another question.
"Guild Master Drakonovich, this portal, do you think it was formed to let something in or out?"
Aleksandar, who was unfazed by the display, answered.
"A portal is like a door; you can either enter or exit, but from what my members told me, it seems that some wish to flee this world."
Rashid then asked his question.
It sounded more like a curse than a question.
"Creature, what of the other side? Wouldn't other fiends like you enter our world?"
Aleksandar nodded.
"You are correct, Grand Shepard, but as I mentioned before, we have a month to prepare."
Ibrahim then asked, "What can we expect beyond the veil?"
"I don't know, for you see, there was a world just as large as this one, and there is no way of knowing where the portal will appear on the other side."
As the leaders spoke, Ryan noticed the look of anxiety cover their faces.
The most fearful were the Amazons, but for different reasons.
Bjorn took a deep breath.
"Alekasandar, do you have any reasons to object to Eragon's execution?"
"I have three reasons. First, he is a sworn brother to the Dwarves, and they are a great ally or enemy. Second, he is a capable warrior and is stronger than many human men. Third, he is the only one that I know of who can use healing magic."
When Ryan looked at them, he already knew how the verdict would lie.
What he did not know was what the Vikings would choose.
Bjorn looked at Reina.
There was nothing but contempt in his gaze.
"I already know your verdict, and your voice fills me with rage. You may stay quiet, just like your mute guard."
There was fury in her wide eyes, but she did have enough sense to keep her mouth shut.
"Mage Caelum, have you reached a verdict?"
Caelum and Fay bowed deeply.
"We have chosen to spare Master Eragon, for his unique magic was stolen and is therefore innocent."
Bjorn bowed to the Wizard Guild.
"Grand Shepard, have you reached a verdict?"
Rashid bowed to Bjorn.
"The beast is not of this world and wields a perverse power that should only belong to God. He should be purged."
Bjorn bowed to the Sons of God Order.
"Guild Master, have you reached a verdict?"
Aleksandar bowed to Bjorn.
"I wish for Eragon to live."
Bjorn bowed to the Blood Rose Guild.
He took his place behind his podium.
He looked at the group in the dock.
"It seems that I am in the position of the deciding vote."
Ryan felt his throat dry almost immediately.
Bjorn wasn't a normal man.
He locked eyes with Ryan.
"When we met, you defended that girl to your side. Would you do the same for your blue friend?"
Without hesitation, Ryan shot to his feet.
"Yes!"
Bjorn started laughing.
"We will resolve this the way of my people. You will fight, single combat with a warrior of my choosing. If you win, your friend walks free. Do you accept?"
"I do, who is my opponent?"
Bjorn leaned over his podium.
"You accepted very quickly. What if I chose someone I know you can't beat?"
Ryan felt a scowl forming on his face.
Bjorn started laughing again.
"I like you, boy. How about you join us if you lose?"
Sten broke his silence with his words.
"Jarl, he is a half-breed."
Bjorn turned to Sten.
"He is very skilled, and he could push the recruits to be better."
He turned his attention back to Ryan.
"What do you say? If you lose, you join us."
For a moment, Ryan was confused at the Jarl's words.
He then had a thought.
"In your culture, you never ask for something without a fight. Do you want me to join you for free?"
Bjorn's smile widened.
"What do you want?"
Ryan took a deep breath.
"I want you to let the slaves go free and to never take slaves again."
Sten spoke up again.
"Your life isn't worth that, boy. Watch your words."
Bjorn held up his hand, and Sten backed down.
"He has a point, you are a good prospect, but just a prospect."
Grizzly raised his hand.
"Yes, Bear."
As Grizzly lowered his hand, he spoke.
"What if I fight for the boy and myself. If I win, you let the Orcs free and outlaw slavery, and if I lose, I will join with Ryan."
Before Sten could react, Bjorn yelled, "Agreed."
Sten glared at Bjorn with his one eye.
"Sten, he is a legendary warrior and a brother to the Dwarves. We could get the highest quality weapons if you win."
Sten was shocked for a moment, and then a big smile formed on his lips.
"Grizzly, I look forward to our fight."
Grizzly lit a cigarette and gave Sten a salute.
Bjorn then looked back at Ryan.
"For your opponent, I would defer to Reina."
Everyone, including the Amazons, was surprised at his words.
"Would you like to fight the boy?"
The quiet Amazon looked surprised, but a sadistic smile spread across her face.
"In Amazon culture, it is taboo for the matriarch to touch a man outside of war. Sombra will be your opponent."
Bjorn smiled.
"Our rules are simple: you fight until you can't get up or surrender. You will decide the rules of your fight. We will reconvene at the pits in three days."
He walked down to the dock and placed his hand on Ryan's shoulder.
"I wish you luck," he then looked at Eragon, "I wish you luck too."
Eragon spoke with his expressionless face.
"I don't need luck. Ryan is a badass."
With a final look at Ryan, Bjorn said, "You have good friends."
When Aleksandar and the other guild members left, Ryan's legs gave out.
He fell on his stool.
He had a massive sigh of relief.
He looked back at Grizzly.
The old man gave him a quick nod.
He nodded back.
Bell placed her hand on his shoulder.
"That was very brave of you."
For a brief moment, his anxiety disappeared.
All he could do was smile at her.
Before he could reply, Bell grabbed him and pulled him into a tight hug.
He didn't fight back.
All he could do was accept her affection, and he was happy to do so.
She then let go and looked to Eena.
She entered the dock with the crew, and she had a big smile on her face.
"I missed you three," she hugged Bell, Ryan and Eragon.
"I am glad you are safe."
Grizzly cleared his throat.
"Three?"
With a smile, she let go of the crew and grabbed him by his shoulders.
She pulled him in for a big kiss.
"I missed them, but my heart hurt for you."
Ryan couldn't help but smile as the old man's cheeks flushed red.
"Not in front of the kids, Eena"
She just laughed and kissed him again.
The trial was over for that day.
The crew deserved something good, and Eena provided that relief.
As they left the hall, Ryan took a deep breath.
He needed to be at his best for the fight.
For a moment, he felt nervous.
He then looked at the crew, who would help without hesitation.
He just needs to ask.