Sagiri's expression did not change. His gaze remained fixed upon the council platform as though Azir's plea had never interrupted him.
"Fifty-eight." His voice echoed across the silent city. Nobody moved.
"Fifty-seven." The suspended blades hung motionless above Thazir.
"Fifty-six." The pressure in the square continued to build. With each number, more council members began to sweat. Warriors shifted uneasily. Even the crowd seemed afraid to breathe too loudly. Sagiri continued his count with the same calm tone.
"Fifty. Forty-nine. Forty-eight..." The numbers fell steadily, each one sounding more final than the last. By the time he reached forty, several council members had lost all color in their faces.
"Thirty-three. Thirty-two. Thirty-one..." Then someone broke.
