Guards hauled Jason from the depths. Thick chains bound his wrists, ankles, and neck, connected to a reinforced collar that forced his head forward. Mana suppression runes glowed brightly across every link. Two stone golems gripped his shoulders as they marched him into the grand obsidian council chamber. The ten members sat at the long table, their eyes locking onto him immediately.
Jason walked unbothered, steps steady despite the restraints. He scanned the room once, noting the full assembly, then stopped at the center.
The council members shifted. Thar the Ironjaw leaned forward, tusks bared. "Smaller than the stories claimed. Doesn't look like much."
Thalindra Moonwhisper, the ancient elf who had commanded the orc to stop during Jason's initial confrontation, raised a hand for silence. Her silver hair cascaded over her shoulders as she studied him with millennia of authority. "You requested this audience. Speak."
