In the Great Hall of the Palace of Justice in Vale, crowds had gathered to watch a play. Although the important guests were not yet there, the crowd was restless.
Spectators bustled for space in the packed hall. A small group had even knocked out a window and sit high above, overlooking the stage. They shouted for the play to start.
The actors were frightened of the mob. Although the Vaultian ambassadors and royal guests hadn't yet arrived, the play began.
However, the performance was soon interrupted. An old man in rags climbed onto the stage and shouted over the actors.
"Charity, I beg you!" he shouted.
The man who wrote the play, Ivan, was angry at the interruption. This was his chance for fame and fortune.
"Begin again! Begin again!" he told the actors.
At that moment, the guests of honor arrived. They were here to celebrate the marriage of the Mayor's son to Jenna. But they were late.
The crowd was now noisy and unruly and had forgotten all about the play, Ivan, and the old beggar, Felix.