The old court hall was filled with an air of anticipation, a taut silence hanging over the room like a heavy curtain. It was a setting that had witnessed countless stories unfold, yet today, the atmosphere felt particularly charged. On the defendant’s bench sat a man who had once been a soldier, a proud warrior now bound to a wheelchair — a symbol of sacrifice and endurance.
The trial was presided over by Judge Marjorie Harthrow, known for her strict demeanor and adherence to courtroom protocol. Her reputation for delivering swift and stern justice was well-known, and her towering presence commanded respect. As she entered the courtroom, her robe trailing behind her, the room fell into an even deeper quiet, all eyes turned towards her.
