(((Sorry this took so damned long...rough day here in the office. Hope I'm not being too presumptuous here with actions...
Also...I made a slight mistake with old Jervis' pony and travel time to Featherale last time. My bad. lol So...I'm going to correct it now without adjusting the stupid map. Hope this doesn't destroy continuity for you all. lol Henceforth I'll be better with travel times. I just always forget that Jervis slows you down.
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Serol, Thorgar and Jervis rode out into the night. Arik, Jack and Lurrin would be going to sleep to awaken in the morning and face the tedious Royal Court once again. The curious note had recommended travelling by night and sleeping by day. It had warned of an attack that would occur at or near Featherale. The group was looking at almost two days' travel to Featherale. With any luck, those that stayed behind to deal with the hearing would catch up before they came near to the Ruins.
***
12 Alturiak 1372Arik, Lurrin and Jack sat behind Jonathan and Richard Preten as they had the previous day. Richard had been upset by Serol's sudden departure with the two others, but he handled it with diplomatic charm. This was Richard's realm, and he was a master of it. These hearings were tedious to many, but Richard knew they had been put in place to protect people...and sometimes to protect the wrong people. He was here to insure the right people were protected today.
"I have carefully considered the evidence brought before me. There are two separate matters to be considered: the potentially agressive action by the Drachens to attack the Preten holdings in Illul and the potentially agressive action by the Pretens to attack the Drachen holding in Lethtar,
"I cannot see into the heart of Lord Lurrin Drachen, nor can I force the truth from him with any magical means within my grasp, I'm afraid. I understand the Preten concerns and investigation into the matter of the attacks, but there is not sufficient evidence to prove that the Drachens were behind the attacks. I am forced to weigh the words of one man against the words of another. Both men are Drachens. I am forced to either acknowledge Lord Lurrin Drachen as a noble warrior that turned his back on all he loved to thwart an evil plot by his own blood...or I have to claim that he is merely a treacherous son who seeks to do harm to his family. I choose to say neither one. Without more substantial evidence, I cannot hold any man responsible for plotting this campaign. Particularly when evidence exists that subterfuge from outside forces may be at work to destroy our great lands from the inside,
"Lord Preten, where are the other three men that testified at this hearing yesterday?"
Richard rose and responded, "The Wandering Flame had matters that required his attention. He requested the company of Lord Ironstar and Mage Dench. It was my understanding that these men would not be held accountable for any agressive actions, and prayed that the Court would understand that the Wandering Flame owes fealty first to his god and church before our Courts. As our Courts had little jurisdiction over Lord Ironstar, I thought that matter would be equally excusable. In the case of Mage Dench, it is my understanding that he is guided by research he does for the University in Boetrah, and as such the Court might excuse him for more pertinent matters of interest." It was a stretch, but with any luck Goodwest would accept it.
"I see," Goodwest pondered a moment, "Your men operated under an assumption that open warfare was about to begin between two noble families. They chose a side, as many must, and believed their side to be on the defensive. The evidence seems to mount against these men when it comes to the destruction of this warehouse, but I am not wholely convinced that they destroyed this warehouse. If I am to investigate the alternative, that is that outside forces have been at work in this matter, I can not hold them completely accountable for this action.
"For their heroic apprehension of the mercenary leader who had planned to strike at the Preten holdings and the peaceful resolution to this dilemma, I will find them innocent of any agressive actions against the Drachens. I issue caution to those involved here...any agressor will find swift retaliation from the Royal Guard and be stripped of their titles as noblemen. The agressors will be tried in this Court and likely be sentenced to death. The King seeks to make an example of those who would start a war in these peaceful times, and he is not beyond sentencing nobles to death,
"With that judgment and warning issued, I will now ask for any other matters of business at this time. Lord Preten?"
Richard rose and responded, "No, Lord Goodwest. We have nothing further to bring before the Court."
"Lord Drachen?"
Gunner Drachen stood and looked sadly over at Lurrin. "Yes, I do, Lord Goodwest. I have here a written request signed by the heads of the House of Drachen to strip Lord Lurrin Drachen of his title and a request that any appeal by Lord Lurrin Drachen be made to House Drachen and not to the Royal Court."
"I see. What grounds do you cite as justification?"
"The head of our House claims that as no substantial proof was provided that House Drachen was involved in the matters brought before the Court, that Lord Lurrin Drachen has perhaps caused difficulty for our House that is unwarranted. It is the position of House Drachen that he has lied to this Court and the Pretens of Lethtar. I, as his father, also have the right to request the Royal Court strip my son of his title if I disapprove of his actions and am not found to be in any violation of our kingdom's laws. I also request this."
"It is your right to do so. With both requests in consideration, I am forced to grant them. Lord Lurrin Drachen will be stripped of his nobility and will no longer be capable of appealing to the Royal Court or bringing matters before the Royal Court without noble representation," Goodwest looked to Lurrin and frowned a bit, "Master Lurrin Drachen. Should you bring ample evidence before this Court that proves your family's involvement in this
specific matter, only then will I have the right to reinstate your rank as nobility. All other requests shall be made to your House...I..."
He looked as though he wanted to apologize for Lurrin, but with Gunner and Chresmil Drachen sitting nearby, it was probably an unwise move. He nodded to Lurrin and turned back to the crowd. "This matter is dimissed."
(((You boys gonna head out now then? Lemme know...and we'll do another post when you catch up to the others. Sorry again about screwing up time beforehand...I got it under control now.
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