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[micelus]

After the Meeting

As the various lords addressed their issues and the servants conducted their duties, the statue had watched without motion. It was of obvious foreign make and indeed had been the subject of interest by many during the coronation. It had looked back with no amusement or anger, disregarding the looks of the beings of flesh.

It had entered the palace a week before, having itself delivered by a merchant he had persuaded to aid him some time before. Presenting the golem as a statue crafted as a gift for the Prince, Nestor had easily been able to deceive the royal servants who had carted him to the throne room and placed him against the walls. After that, it was only a matter of time; he simply waited until the arrival of the Prince, his official coronation and the discussions that usually took place between a lord and his servants after such an event. Now, with the so-called nobles filtered out and the servants began their duty of cleaning the mess that was only natural after the gathering of the elites, Nestor moved. Walking steadily but slowly, the golem walked up to the throne, where the Prince was preparing to leave. Obviously, a statue suddenly animating and making its way toward the local ruler was a cause of concern and predictably, there was a combination of gasps, screams and the rattling of weaponry.

The golem cared not. It quickened its pace and as it finally got a clear view of the Lame Prince, it kneeled with arms outstretched; a token lay in its hand.

It spoke in a sing-song accent that seemed out of place coming from a statue.

"We who are Rajah of the High Ones, Rajah of the Short Ones, Rajah of the Cave-Dwellers, Padishah of Bharat, Son of the First, Divinely Appointed of Shiji-Adimorite, Honoured by the River and Builder of the Fleets greet you in brotherly love. Though Sea and Mountain divide us and many days are the distance between, we ask that you allow us to show our friendship through this gift; may It serve you well in your rule and in your life."

The golem paused and then continued in a monotone.

"By Coin, I was to be your Sister's servant. I was to serve as her bodyguard so as to secure her rule. I was to be transported by caravan to Her abode and aid in whatever way she desired. But when I arrived, ready to be bartered and sold, Surprise came. My Master dead in a contest of arms for the throne. Saddened, my slaver sought to return home and sell me elsewhere. I did not share the same views. I wondered: who would slay my Master? I sought to know. I learned the the Land's law and soon I knew. Aethelred of House Anwin, Lame Son of the Prince. As is my duty, I must now ask to serve you. Would you Accept, Prince?"

[Ghazkull]

The Turman jumped up outraged, nearly braining himself on a low-hanging chandelier.

A Vassal? None of the Lord Protectors have ever sworn vassalge to Valleyfall nor have i. We are only nominally under his rule. As i said before the Order was there before the Valleyfalls even became nobility and let us not forget that his great-grandfather Steppen "the Pious" gave Woodsedge as a present to the Order!

And Mercenaries? Truly? You pay bandits to hunt bandits, when my Order sees the same job as their spiritgiven Duty?

[evilcherry]

Taeyas of Frauraren showed up late for the meeting, and threw his large warhammer on the floor in front of his kneeling knees.

"Your highness, I beg for apology for my lateness. I hereby present a report of the situation of the area of Elfsend. With the last Baron of Elfsend, that was my liege, dead, his retainers, including me, met up to select a leader among ourselves, and I, Taeyas of Frauraren is elected leader. Presented here is the original letter of appointment of the last Baron, and a poll sheet of the election, and this should be enough evidence to settle down the ownership of Elfsend once and for all.

"You highness, there is some information, also for your ears only."

[Azthor]

The Duke of Stormport moves forward, interrupting Sir Wilk before he can further endanger his own Order with the outburst. A quick glance from Severan says "Not here, not now".

"I do not believe Sir Wilk meant disrespect, Your Highness, but rather that he could not contain himself in the face of his righteous indignation; though his restraint could certainly use some refinement, it is a good man that who speaks before you"

"Perhaps, given the lack of a formal oath of vassalage, without which there is no precedent for obligation, it would be best if this particular issue could be adjourned to a later date, with the Duke of Valleyfall present?"

[Shootandrun]

"Good day! I would say that what a joy it is that peace might finally restored to the realm, but we both know that war is more beneficial to both of us."

Franz reached out his hand to shake the mercenary's.

"Franz Sebastian Langton! Merchant of all wares and services. I believe that we might work together on some contracts in the future!"

Anders turned around, surprised, and smiled cautiously as he heard the merchant speak. After a moment, he shook the man's hand, revealing a firm grip and and showing an hint of metal under his shirt as he extended his arm.

"Oh, trust me - my line of work is not dependent on wars and border disputes to be profitable. Men will always hate other men, and they'll always agree with their enemies that non-humans are even worse. So long as that is true, my business will never run dry... As for working together, I have been hired by quite a few merchants in my day, but I must say I am much more interested in nobility these days. They tend to offer more interesting work. Of course, money is money, and although I have a contractor now, I may be interested in dealing with you later."

[Taricus]

Karac watches the Mercenary Anders from the back of the room to see who else he speaks to, or leaves with. Stealthily, of course. He also tries to sober up.

[4,5] Quietly slipping away from the main body of the revelers, you are able to keep an eye on Anders for a fair while, even if the party does wind down. The sobering goes much easier, via liberal amounts of food and water quaffed in a short space of time. Your stomach hurts for now, but you're certainly not going to be feeling drunk soon.

[Iituem]

The Prince conferred with his chamberlain for a moment and then addressed Taeyas:

"Election has little basis in Stormburgher law, as I am sure you are well aware.  However, my chamberlain assures me that the letter of appointment is valid and that the old Baron Elfsend has marked you as heir designate.  Since a baron may determine his own succession, Elfsend is yours with my blessing.  As you are so far out on the edge of our territory, either Whitehall or the Order might accept you as vassal, or if you prefer it I will take your oath personally.

"As for your information, you may see me privately after this court.  My guards will be present outside, naturally, and you will come unarmed.  You might also tell me a little of yourself and how the former baron came to favour you so."

The Prince formally cedes Elfsend and one attached parcel of land to Baron Taeyas of Frauraren.

He then spoke to Yorvus and Ramus:

"You make an interesting argument, but hold on deploying your men.  For now, I would like you to use your talents to scout out the hideouts and holds of these brigands, that they may be rooted out.  As for your, Sealord Ivarling, I cannot simply make the Duchess cede you land.  Furthermore, to create whatever you plan across the mouth of that river will require land from both Severance and Stormport, so you must negotiate with both parties.  I do, however, retain possession of the castle of Greyhill, which controls in part the mouth of the Grey.  Prove yourself during this year of service, and it is in my power to grant you half of the land you seek.  Otherwise, I shall provide what assistance I may to your negotiation."

The Prince earmarks 3 pounds for mercenary hire, 1 pound to be released upon commencement of the contract, the remainder at the end.

The Prince turned more sternly to Stormport and Daggeroak:

"You would do well to heed Duke Severan's words, Daggeroak.  I expect a certain amount of restraint in my generals.  Your argument stands, however; with the absence of a formal oath and the issue of the town's provenance in question, I am willing to hold this issue in abeyance until Duke Valleyfall can argue it equally.  Until then, I am willing to accept your oath as a direct vassal, and in any case your zeal does you credit.

"You have issue with my use of mercenaries; I do not.  The men of this land have suffered much in war; I will not hesitate to use them in battle, but where I can place the burden upon foreigners and private soldiers I will.  This is no discredit to the valour of your men, and I place you in charge of the effort to root out these brigands and deal with them.  I simply wish to return as many men to the fields as we can spare."

The Prince addressed the room as a whole.

"I have heard from those of you who have spoken, no doubt I will hear more in time to come.  If any others have wish to speak, do so now or else I shall see you by appointment.  For the rest, these are my rulings.  If you accept them, kneel before me and swear your oaths in turn.  If not, and your grievances may not be addressed, go without the blessing or protection of the principality.

"First comes the matter of security.  I require of all Earls a levy of one regiment, to serve to police the lands and drive out those opportunists and deserters who seek to ruin our state.  Of all Dukes, a levy of two regiments or to accept the responsibility of dealing with the banditry in their own demenses on their own terms; I do not care how, so long as it is dealt with.  Trade is the blood of this country, and the coin must flow.  These levies are to be maintained from your own purse, and will be maintained for no more than one year to deal with the limits of security on land and sea.

"Second, the matter of taxation.  The tax status of the clergy has already been discussed.  Their exemptions remain, but are strongly encouraged to continue with their charitable work and similar responsibilities at the agreed levels.  I am introducing a 20% land tax and a 30% urban tax.  These taxes are high, but these are times of threat.  I give you my word that when the country has stabilised, these taxes will be reduced.

"These are my immediate rulings for the moment.  I will continue to hold court at regular intervals where possible, but unless there is more to say I consider this court adjourned.  I will now begin accepting oath- by the Destroyer!"

The Prince stood up and drew his ceremonial sword as the statue came to life and knelt before him.  An arrow rang off its hide and the Prince quickly gestured for the guards to hold back before they shot him by mistake.  He listened, clearly confused, to the golem speak, although his eye twitched at the "Lame Son of the Prince" title.  When the golem finished the Prince spoke, slowly lowering his sword.

"Hold your fire, guards, but block the exits and surround.  What are you?  More to the point, who are you?"

[Hanslanda]

((I think the statue was meant to come alive AFTER all this, but it might be more interesting for it to happen during the proceedings.))

Daelin watched the odd statue walk, and his calculating mind went into overdrive as he tried to think of stories of walking statues. Ancient magics could do such things. Perhaps it was one of the Goholahem? Animated statues made to serve men of distant lands, Daelin had heard little of them, but it mattered not, for the thing spoke with the rather alarmed looking Prince. Daelin looked about the room, paying more attention to reactions than to the event itself. It was often profitable to know how one's possible competitors might react to the unknown.

[Ardas]

Jawyn listened to his Prince's commands and decision. His face was still stern, but he put an effort to maintain a neutral expression and bowed with his head as the prince finished speaking to him.

"I accept the position, Your Highness, although I must request one thing before I can take my 'governorship' - the position itself is tenuous and rather uncommon to the customs of the land. I am aware of your wariness towards landing me and raising me in my position, but I imagine that gentry of Whitehall would not take kindly to being administered by a baronet with no solid title to the land, even if its done on behalf of the crown. I am willing to take my place and all oaths under you, as long as the land is granted as a proper fief, or at least my post is more well defined."

[Iituem]

Earlier during the court...

"Ah, the matter of rank.  You fear that the barons will not obey a baronet, and will not take notice of a governor.  Yet you no doubt understand my unwillingness to ascend you on the grounds of seizing the city alone, as I have already explained myself.  I could give you a purely titular Earldom, but that would be an insult.

"My chancellor will draw up a Royal Writ for you, proclaiming you as an agent of the Crown and granting you full rights and powers to act in my name, autonomously.  It will certainly be honoured here in the capital, at least.  Legally, you will have the same authority as if I were there myself.  If you can't make that work for you, you don't deserve to govern the estate."

Have a Royal Writ drawn up as above and given to Baronet Landemourne.

[micelus]

((Eh, this works too.))

"Forgive me, I forget that my kind are not common knowledge. I am a construct built by order of Rajah Mekkos of Bharat with the task of aiding and protecting lords and leaders in this region. I accomplish this through my form and my knowledge; my builders ensured that I was archived with information useful to any ruler. I personally was specialised in knowledge pertaining to the arcane and it has been of use to many of my Masters."

 "My identification number is located within my head, if you are inclined to view it, although I make no use of it here. In this land, I am called Nestor; an Elven master named me that once and I've had the inclination to keep it since. You may call me anything else, for the duration of my service to you, should you accept it."

[evilcherry]

"Golem. More of a construct than actual magic." Murmured Taeyas.

He then turned towards his King. "Your highness, I see its in the best interests for Elfsend to submit to the crown directly. If thou wilt I would prefer to take the oath here, in presence of the court. I would also prefer to have the oath be documented and countersigned by who are present, on a few scrolls, in duplicate."

[Ardas]

"Thank you, your highness. That should be enough for the nobles of Whitehall."

Jawyn took a step back to allow for the proceedings to continue and close.

[vagel7]

Franz was sitting on the edge of a fountain in the courtyard where Lord Daelin wished to meet. He was playing in the water with his right hand as if there wasn't a trouble in the world. He heard some steps coming from a passage way and cocked his head up in time to see the Lord coming towards him. Franz stood and greeted the dwarf heartily.

[Hanslanda]

Daelin nodded at Franz, trying to remember everything his vizier had told him of the merchant. Daelin started brusquely, right into business, "I need metals shipped from my Hall to the city of Severance. I already have the details for shipping to Greybend worked out, so I don't need your help there. The City of Severance, on the other hand, is in a fantastic position for naval trade, but it's somewhat more difficult to get shippers to go that far. They prefer to take the short trip to Greybend and make what little money they can." Daelin cocked his head at the taller man, his eyes closely focused on Franz's, "If you can get my goods to Severance within a reasonable time, consistently, I will give you fifteen percent of the profit, plus additional bonuses depending on the conduct of your merchants and their willingness to deal with adverse conditions. I will, naturally, send soldiers with each shipment to assure they will not be tampered with by bandits."

Daelin let his offer settle in, wondering if the human was a haggler...