The rumble from the destruction at the hall of law ripples through the streets of Highton. City guards rush the streets swarming like ants, informing the people of the curfew now in effect.
"Citizens of all districts, of all stations are now to remain indoors until first light of the morn. By decree of the King."
At the very same time, the kings guard escorts all the members of the closed council to the council chambers; all that is apart from house Gallo.
"Lords, ladies and members of import, I am sorry for calling you all to this closed council at such an hour. However, I hope you can understand I would only perform such a feet under extreme circumstances and of that, this happening is most assuredly one. I awoke to this mess early this morn, this mess, a filthy web of rebellion. One of the great houses has turned on us, one of the great houses has broken the compact. House Gallo has undertaken a coup." This last remark draws a gasp from all in attendance, all that is but the man who's mouth the utterance had left, all but Grand Inquisitor Vain Grandt. As these gasps grasp the room, a subtle smile spreads his thin lips, and he continues.
"House Gallo have destroyed the hall of law and killed Archmage Frough" he let this statement hang as another round of gasps fills the room.
"But.. the halls.. I was under the impression they were nigh indestructible.. aren't they?" Asks lord Naarbra.
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"Well pray tell, what do you think that cacophonous boom was that ripped you from your dreams?" responds the Inquisitor. "That was the sound of the peace breaking, the sound of our very way of life splintering, nay shattering around us. As stated, we have been betrayed and we have one of their number, still we, cannot presume to trial the boy. His family trade is secrets and he will drag our names through the shit as he goes. Bearing this in mind, he should not stand, say I, he shall not trial. Then he, with no time to speak, no time to spite, he will sit in his treason, he will sit in his silence. If, you do all agree that our secrets are best kept secret that is?" the inquisitors question only needed a fraction of a moment to hang before gaining it's intended outcome. Just like that game he enjoyed playing as a child. Setting your dominoes with care, attention and precision would always provide the exact desired result.
"Indeed, I feel the grand Inquisitor has made very valid reasoning." states Lord K'arlo, patriarch of house Van Tarn. Proceeded by shouts of affermation and knocks upon the wooden table.
"here here!" the remaining members present of the closed council sing in harmony. Or, may has well have, as this is exactly what is heard by Grandt, sweet music.
"Then to formalise this concurrence, may all in agreement say aye?" asks the grand inquisitor. To which a unanimous declaration of 'Aye' resounds. The trial of not just of Barton Gallo, but his entire house has closed. As few words as that is all it takes to marshal the extermination of a whole bloodline. It is a simple undertaking when you know exactly the location of your dominoes and precisely where and when they shall fall. A curious thing, the manner in which politicos murder. A chilling and disconnected nightmare indeed.