“Yes, I know,” said Estok.

“You know? Then why summon me here?”

Estok cast back part of his coat to reveal a pistol.

“Y-you can’t have brought me here just to execute me!”

“You’re right,” Estok said. “I could have had you killed at any time or any place within the last 48 hours. No, I brought you here to execute you in front of witnesses. You may not be able to see them, but the entire Council and all the associated Acolytes are watching.”