Table Set for Six in the Great Hall

A long, rectangular table dominates the dimly lit Great Hall, polished mahogany reflecting the flickering firelight from the nearby hearth. Six formal place settings of silverware—polished forks, knives, and spoons—are arranged with exact precision along the gleaming surface, though only one seat shows signs of recent occupation: a crumpled body slumped across it, limbs twisted awkwardly as if halted mid-motion. The empty chairs surrounding the corpse stand rigid, their upholstered seats uncreased, awaiting guests who will never arrive.