Throughout the ages the kingdom had kept the same disturbing law: Those who watched the cells of the condemned would also act as executioners. Most had abdicated the position as a result, disturbed by the blood spilt by their own hand, but Cassios had continued his duties with an almost ritualistic callousness. Hearing the clinking of his armor or the sound of his massive axe scraping against steel bars put fear in the hearts of every prisoner. For if he called their name, it was an inescapable sign death had finally come.