SPIRITBINDER: The Boy Without A Mark
Chapter 94: The Rulers’ Verdict

Chapter 94: The Rulers’ Verdict

The forest was cloaked in darkness, save for the flickering glow of a fire pit at the center of the gathering. Shadows danced on the bark of towering trees as the rulers of Baltalaha stood in a solemn circle. The chill of the night air pressed against them, carrying the weight of the grim decision before them.

Levan stood tall, his expression stern as he addressed the assembly. "Those who agree that we need to imprison or execute Morvane—raise your hands."

A heavy silence followed, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the occasional crackle of the fire. No one moved at first.

Levan’s heart clenched, and then, with grim resolve, he raised his hand.

Deus shifted uncomfortably where he stood near a cluster of trees. His brows furrowed in conflict as he rubbed the back of his neck. Finally, he raised his hand, though his voice wavered. "I... I believe this is for the sake of my kingdom and the safety of the other kingdoms in Baltalaha."

A tense moment passed before Ikana let out a soft breath. Her ethereal gaze was focused elsewhere, as though hearing a voice no one else could hear. "I’m sorry," she said gently. "But I have my faith in the gods, and they guide me to this path." She lifted her hand without hesitation.

Levan’s chest tightened. "Only three?" he muttered in disbelief.

The fire hissed as sparks scattered into the cool night air.

Dergo, who had been silently observing from the shadows, stepped forward. His massive frame seemed even larger under the moonlight. His expression was solemn. "Although I know the child shouldn’t be blamed," he said gravely, "as a ruler, I have a duty to protect the majority." Slowly, he raised his hand.

The flames flickered ominously. Four votes.

Levan’s gaze swept across the remaining rulers—Medas, Crimson, and Vianna. None of them moved. Their hands remained firmly at their sides.

"Why?" Levan’s voice broke the tense silence. "Why won’t you stand for this decision?"

Vianna, her purple hair gleaming faintly in the firelight, met his gaze with calm defiance. "Because it’s wrong," she said. "Morvane is not the enemy. To imprison or execute him would be a betrayal of our principles. I will not stain Nirvath with such blood."

Crimson’s tone was sharp. "I agree with Vianna. Katakwan thrives on strength and honor. Killing a child or imprisoning him for a crime he didn’t commit goes against everything I stand for."

Medas remained silent, his expression stoic.

The division among the rulers was palpable, a chasm that could not be easily bridged.

Levan’s voice was heavy with frustration. "This isn’t about sentiment—it’s about protecting Baltalaha from chaos!"

Vianna stepped forward, her voice unwavering. "Then we must find another way. But I will not be a part of this."

The forest seemed to hold its breath as the rulers stood divided, the firelight flickering like a fragile hope caught between loyalty and fear.

The forest remained cloaked in darkness, the flickering firelight casting long shadows among the gathered rulers. The tension was palpable, each leader grappling with the weight of their decision regarding young Morvane.

Breaking his silence, Medas stepped forward, his voice steady but laden with emotion. "I understand the fears surrounding his power," he began, "and I acknowledge its potential to disrupt balance. But he is just a child. He doesn’t deserve the fate you’re proposing. What he needs is guidance, not punishment." He paused, his gaze sweeping over his peers. "I must confess, I harbored resentment towards him for reasons I choose not to disclose. Yet, despite my personal feelings, I implore you to see him for what he is—a child in need of our help."

Deus narrowed his eyes, suspicion evident in his tone. "Why are you so intent on protecting him?"

Medas met his gaze unflinchingly. "He hails from my kingdom; his well-being is my responsibility. It pains me to see that four rulers perceive him as a threat."

Levan interjected, his voice firm. "Regardless of your sentiments, only three of you oppose, while four of us—Ikana, Dergo, Deus, and myself—agree to imprison him. Further discussions will determine whether imprisonment or execution is the appropriate course."

Crimson, arms crossed, spoke up. "Please, reconsider your stance."

Levan shook his head. "There’s no room for change here. A decision must be made, and we, the majority, will convene to determine the best course of action."

The place fell into a heavy silence, the crackling of the fire the only sound as the rulers stood divided, the fate of Morvane hanging precariously in the balance.

A heavy silence followed Levan’s firm declaration. The rulers stood divided, their faces tense with unresolved conflict. The flickering flames cast restless shadows over the forest clearing.

Then a young voice broke the stillness.

"If you will imprison me," Morvane spoke calmly, his gaze steady despite the weight of the situation, "what will that do?"

The question hung in the air, slicing through the tension like a blade.

Levan, Deus, Dergo, and Ikana were momentarily silent, unable to answer. Even the crackle of the fire seemed to fade into the night.

Medas stepped forward once more, his voice filled with renewed conviction. "I ask again—change your minds. This child doesn’t deserve this fate."

Vianna’s purple eyes gleamed in the firelight as she took a step toward the center. "Morvane lived in Nirvath for only a few days, but that was enough for me to learn some part of his personality. He’s not a monster—he’s just a kid with immense power. That shouldn’t be a reason to imprison him."

Before anyone could respond, laughter echoed through the forest—loud, mocking, and unabashed.

The rulers turned their heads sharply toward the source. Drevon stood beside Morvane, his shoulders shaking as he laughed uncontrollably. The sound reverberated through the night, unsettling everyone present.

Deus’s face darkened with anger. "Why are you laughing? Are you mocking us?" he demanded.

Drevon wiped tears from his eyes, his laughter finally subsiding. "Oh, no," he said between chuckles. "I’m not mocking you—I’m simply amused." He straightened, his tone turning sharp. "Do you know why you all hate Morvane so much?" He gestured dramatically. "It’s not just because his power is a threat to Baltalaha—it’s because it’s a threat to your egos."

Silence fell over the clearing, thick with unspoken truths.

"You think his power is greater than yours," Drevon continued. "And that terrifies you."

Ikana’s voice broke through, trembling with outrage. "That’s not true!" she shouted.

Dergo’s deep voice rumbled. "We’re only doing what’s right for the kingdoms."

Drevon laughed again, sharp and mocking. "Then why are you afraid of Morvane? Why not make use of his power instead?"

Levan’s voice boomed through the clearing. "Stop!" His eyes burned with fury. "You’re just a mere demon. We are not afraid of his power." He pointed an accusing finger at Drevon. "We know that it stems from you, demon. We don’t acknowledge your presence here."

Drevon’s smile was unfazed, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Ah, denial. The sweetest lie rulers tell themselves."

The fire crackled violently as the tension thickened, and the rulers were left grappling with the unsettling truths Drevon had laid bare.

The tension lingered in the air like a thick fog. The forest had grown eerily quiet, the flames of the fire dwindling to embers. Levan’s voice cut through the heavy silence.

"Well then," he said coldly, "this meeting is over. We are done here. Everyone can return to their kingdoms."

The rulers exchanged brief glances, their faces etched with unresolved conflict. Medas and Crimson approached Ikana, Dergo, and Deus, hoping to change their minds.

"Please, reconsider," Medas urged, his voice heavy with emotion.

"You know this isn’t the right decision," Crimson added, his tone firm but imploring.

But the three rulers remained silent, their expressions unreadable. Without another word, they turned and walked into the shadows of the forest, disappearing into the night.

One by one, the other rulers separated, each returning to their respective kingdoms.

Morvane stood by the dying fire, his face a mask of calm despite the turmoil in his heart. Only Crimson, Vianna, Medas, and Drevon remained with him.

Vianna approached Morvane, her purple hair glimmering faintly under the moonlight. Her eyes were filled with a rare tenderness. She placed a gentle hand on his back. "I’m sorry, Morvane," she said softly. "But I will protect you in any way I can."

Morvane nodded, his voice quiet. "Thank you."

Vianna gave him a sad smile before turning and walking into the shadows. Her figure soon vanished as she made her way back to Nirvath.

Crimson stepped forward next. His voice was steady but sincere. "I know you’re a good person, Morvane. You’re not what they think of you." He gave Morvane a meaningful look before turning and disappearing into the darkness without another word.

Medas lingered, his face somber. But he said nothing. His silence was heavy with words left unspoken.

Drevon, standing beside Morvane, watched the scene with a knowing smile. "It’s interesting, isn’t it?" he mused. "Even when they doubt you, some still see the truth."

Morvane’s gaze remained fixed on the fading fire. His voice was resolute. "I will prove them wrong."

The forest around them stood as a witness to a fractured alliance, but Morvane’s determination flickered like the last embers of the fire—unyielding and ready to spark anew.