The verdict echoed through the hushed courtroom.

Those gathered exploded in accusations and anger, casting blame and doubt in a wide swathe.

The judge looked on stoically, as if she didn't just deliver the fate of the one accused of killing her loved one.

Would I ever have that courage, that iron-bound service to duty? I didn't see how I could, and I hoped I'd never have to. But I knew the reverberations of what happened today in this courtroom would be felt for a long time to come. Would the Dragon Kingdom ever be the same again?