"My name is Emery Ambrose,"
His steady and confident voice quickly capturing the attention of everyone in the courtroom.
To become a witness for Annara, Emery had to reveal his true identity. It was crucial for the witness to be someone who could provide firsthand accounts of the crimes and hold a respected position within the Magus Alliance.
The judges, aware of the importance of Emery's testimony, acknowledged his presence and proceeded to read his profile aloud to the court.
As the judges were listing Emery's accomplishments and contributions, the courtroom swiftly erupted into a chorus of murmurs and whispers.
"Third place in the tournament, saving thousands of people during the Bloody Incursion, and killing the main culprit, Grand Magus Zenonia along with dozens of other elf magus," the judge stated, emphasizing Emery's remarkable feats.
The other judges who were present seemed to also be taken aback by Emery's track record, appreciating the magnitude of his accomplishments at such a young age.
One of the senior judges was seen nodding with an approved look on his face, acknowledging Emery's significant contributions to the Alliance.
At the same time, another judge, a middle-aged woman, raised an eyebrow and asked, "The records show that you sustained injuries during that mission. Is this true?"
Emery quickly seized the opportunity that had presented itself, explaining how Annara had saved him during the mission, causing a smile to grace her face as she stood there at the podium.
As his true identity and credibility were established, Emery was granted the chance to give his statement.
He spoke earnestly and passionately, recounting Zenonia's manipulative nature, Annara's invaluable warning about the Incursion, and her selfless actions in aiding the acolytes' escape. While some details may have been embellished to strengthen Annara's case, the essence of his testimony remained true, as per Emery's perspective.
There was actually a skilled individual within the court whose sole task was to detect falsehoods through ingenious application of spirit reading. However, unbeknownst and to the dismay of the scrutinizing observer, Emery's innate ability, the [Emperor's Focus] shielded him from any attempts to discern lies.
The truth resonated strongly within his words, making it impossible for the spirit reader to uncover any deception.
Emery's testimony was compelling and convincing, and succeeded in leaving the judges in deep contemplation. The weight of their decision was evident as they exchanged meaningful glances under every eye in the courtroom, silently deliberating the fate of Annara.
After what felt like an eternity, the head judge finally broke the silence, his voice commanding attention.
"We will adjourn for deliberation," he announced, his words reverberating through the courtroom. "We shall reconvene shortly to deliver our verdict."
As the court session came to a temporary halt, anticipation could be felt hanging in the air. Emery's testimony had undoubtedly made an impact, casting doubt on the accusations against Annara.
Nevertheless, the outcome of the trial now rested in the hands of the judges, who would weigh the evidence and determine her fate.
Emery stepped down from the witness stand and made his return to his seat. He had done his part, providing a powerful testimony in support of his friend. He turned and caught Annara's gaze, and in that fleeting moment, he saw a mix of gratitude and hope shining in her eyes.
As they waited for the judge's decision, Emery couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety.
Minutes turned into hours, and the tension in the courtroom grew palpable. The judges eventually returned to their seats, their solemn yet contemplative expressions causing the tense atmosphere to become all-time high.
All eyes were on them as they prepared to deliver the verdict that would determine Annara's fate.
The head judge's voice cut through the silence, once again commanding the attention of everyone present. "After careful consideration of the evidence and the compelling testimony provided by Mr. Emery Ambrose, the court has reached a verdict," he announced, his words resonating through the room.
Emery and Annara subconsciously looked at each other and locked eyes once again, their hopes intertwined in that singular moment of anticipation. The suspense was unbearable as the judge prepared to deliver the verdict that would shape their lives.
"In the crime of Murder of Roran Harlight, this court finds the defendant, Annara Vermont… Guilty," the judge declared, his voice resolute yet tinged with a hint of regret.
The words hit Emery like a blow, causing his heart to sink. He had hoped for a different outcome. The news was equally devastating for Annara, who stood at the podium. Her shoulders slumping under the weight of the guilty verdict.
Yet, as if didn't care for their reactions, the judge continued, "In the crime of escape and break out of Golden City prison, this court finds the defendant... Guilty," he pronounced, the words echoing through the courtroom.
The shock on Emery's face mirrored Annara's as they both struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation. The guilty verdicts on the first two charges threatened to overshadow any glimmer of hope they had held onto.
Both Emery and Annara braced themselves and waited for the judge to pronounce the verdict on the final charge. It was the one that carried the highest stakes, the one that had the potential to either condemn Annara or offer a lifeline.
"In the crime of colluding with the enemy and causing the death of many, this court finds the defendant... Not Guilty," the judge declared, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and relief.
The weight of those words lifted a heavy burden off Emery's shoulders, and a wave of relief washed over him. It was a victory, albeit small, amidst the sea of guilt and uncertainty. The not-guilty verdict on the third charge meant that Annara had been absolved of the most severe accusations against her.
As the judge concluded the proceedings, he stood up and read out the sentence for all to hear.
"In the light of this new information, this court finds Annarra Vermont exempt from capital punishment, lowering the sentence to 15 years of prison time, effective immediately," he pronounced, his voice carrying the weight of the decision.
The sentence reverberated through the room, met with a mix of reactions from the audience. Some seemed satisfied with the judge's ruling, believing that justice had been served, while others expressed outrage and frustration, feeling that the punishment was either too lenient or undeserved.
Emery's gaze followed Annara as she was chained and pulled away back to prison, her fate sealed for the next 15 years. The sight filled him with a bittersweet blend of emotions—relief that she had been spared from a harsher sentence, but also a sense of disappointment and longing for a different outcome.
As the crowd erupted into a cacophony of noise, Emery couldn't help but feel a deep sense of dissatisfaction.
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