Chapter 169: Closing in Their Feelings

It had stopped raining.

The window was embellished with minute droplet designs that were lining the panes, making it difficult to view the landscape beyond. Cathleen was close enough to the glass that her breath thawed the rime. She watched with unfocused eyes as the drizzle blurred and melted.

Voices drifted down the hall - soldiers and civilians alike making their way to the courtroom for the impending trial. Everyone wanted to see the overthrown ruler of the fortress meet his judgement.

For a moment, it was eerily still in the large hallway.

Cathleen was alone. It was the first bit of quietude she had in a while.

Then came the muted press of approaching boots upon the flags.

It said something that she could recognize who it was by the footsteps alone - that she knew it was he by the steady heel-toe and the even gait. She envisioned his stride, how he always moved with purpose and never lumbered.