The Black Iron Grand Assembly Hall was overcrowded, with five hundred hardwood chairs packed together, making it necessary to gauge each other's expressions before even moving a shoulder.
The side door was pushed open at this moment.
Light slanted through the crack in the door, and Louis walked onto the stage, facing the rising morning light from outside the window.
He wore a dark cloak, without gilding or superfluous embellishments, fastened only by a simple insignia at the collar.
The morning light outlined his silhouette clearly as it fell upon his shoulders.
The previously scattered noise in the assembly hall naturally quieted down.
Louis stood firm, scanning the audience below, five hundred faces, almost pressed together, some young, some weary, some with sharp gazes, and some not completely adjusted yet...
