Lord Emissary Saius Challenges The Captain
By The Baja Stratics Herald (WarderDragon)
May 16th, 2009
A mysterious note was discovered this morning on the desk of the missing Joshua Harper.
By The Baja Stratics Herald (WarderDragon)
May 16th, 2009
A mysterious note was discovered this morning on the desk of the missing Joshua Harper.
Master Joshua,
I trust that this missive finds you in good health. It would be a tragedy for you if my payment comes late.
As per our agreement, I have gathered and documented information on the citizens and foreign dignitaries who attended Lady Nystad’s “Trial.” I actually found the exchange to be more revealing and insightful than expected, and I am not easily surprised in games of intrigue. A careful eye and a silver-tongue can detect even the most subtle undercurrents belying every word, every grimace, and every curtsey or lack thereof. It is a skill that you have yet to master, my former student.
You would do well to learn.
We arrived at the appropriate time for the mock trial, only to discover Lady Aino of the House Nystad unaccounted for. Nervousness? Stage fright? Guilt? She did not show these traits during her final arrival, but who can say what lurks in the deep recesses of that girls heart.
With far too much time on their hands, the courtiers and dignitaries began to exchange the usual pleasantries, while an out-of-place regiment of the Town Guard found themselves seats far away from the crowd of prominent nobles. It could be said that a certain animosity still remains between the nobles supporting Casca, and the commoners who still question his rule.
I approached their chosen leader, Corporal Brackus of Britain, who discussed with me yet another upcoming trial: The Kingdom of Britannia vs. Lady Cymidei Fier. He described the woman as slippery. She probably is…
A strange woman by the name of Tara approached Corporal Brackus. The man is growing increasingly popular with the womenfolk, so I decided to let the man enjoy himself. Had I realized just who the woman was, I probably wouldn’t have left her alone with him.
I approached a table, and seated were a couple familiar faces. Grand Duchess WildStar, Lady Regent of the Kingdom of Dawn, and Mama Faith, a strange but beloved woman with a reputation for kindness. I politely asked to sit beside them, which the Duchess permitted with some level of obvious displeasure. I love tormenting women like her with my good-looks.
I asked them about another familiar individual: Lord Nicholas. You are not the only one seeking information on the old man, my friend. Faith spoke kind enough words about the man, while the duchess adamantly refused to share anything about “her friend.” Sometimes it is what they don’t say that is more revealing than what they do.
I only managed to catch a few words from the conversation between Sir Brackus and Lady Tara. Tara interrogated the man, questioning why he and his guard were so far from their post. She cited the recent chaos in the streets, and how she has been “forced” to take up residence with her family in Moonglow. Based on my sources and her later outburst, she isn’t all that concerned about Britain. She was testing the man, the same way I tested the Duchess.
Brackus, in his defense, countered that she should not worry. The guard, in his own words, “would restore peace in short order.”
Tara approached me a moment later, and we had a brief and very revealing conversation that confirmed my suspicions. I am actually amused. She knows exactly what we want her to know, and that is good enough for now.
Lady Aino arrived several minutes late, but was greeted at the door with cheers and salutes by her “personal army.” Saius, obviously unnerved by the show of loyalty and praise being directed towards his apparent rival, quickly approached and addressed the lady of the fallen House Nystad.
He brought her before the podium, and made certain to take the stage first. In a momentarily effective but clearly transparent gesture on his part, the man made sure that he would be looking down at the woman when he spoke to her.
If the captain was insecure about her authority, the lord emissary was even more so. His actions spoke volumes.
Saius made an ill-conceived attempt at veiling what was already little more than a transparent charade, attempting to shift the weight of guilt onto an untried and untested Captain-Commander. He declared that the challenge was not to be a trial, but a hearing on the charges leveled against a captain who was already “guilty.” Or, I thought it to have been ill-conceived. Aino knows how to maneuver through such courtly games well. Her men on the other hand, clearly do not.
He issued his challenge, and they fell right into the spider’s web.
The emissary proclaimed that “the people gathered before us will not help you.” A falsehood on his part, but another clever provocation of the Town Guard. Aino’s “personal army” was beginning to grow restless at the sight of their captain being berated by the pompous emissary. One stood, Sir Calyndrell. He was followed in short order by the others, lining behind their Captain. One by one, the guard would dig their captains own grave long before the challenge had even begun.
It is textbook.
Saius began with the usual trumpeting of his qualifications and status, proclaiming his authority as granted by “the Great Lord Casca.” (You can say what you want about him, Joshua. The society knows the truth). Saius continued, dangling the carrot before her, reminding her why she came to Britain.
Aino, as expected, stubbornly proclaimed that she would not be submitting to the authority of the Emissary and demanded to know what charges were being brought against her.
The charges were as follows:
1. Aino Nystad held a tournament in the northern regions of the Old World, in the land of Avalon. He proceeded to claim that she was consorting with those who would see the king fall. I am sure you already are familiar with the status of Avalon.
Saius continued, proclaiming that she too was a rebel and that her family was nothing more than a bunch of “baseborn thralls.”
Aino was visibly shaken, and submitted for a moment, acknowledging her “mistake.”
2. Saius is intelligent enough to recognize when he looks like an arrogant fool, quickly shifting to the second claim.
The second claim regarding what he called her “personal army.” Considering that the first charge had not been mentioned in the months since the event had occurred, it is clear that it is the second charge that the King’s puppet is relying on.
He quickly pointed out the supposed rumors (rumors that originated from the Office of the Crown), and quickly pointed out what he had been hoping to achieve all along. The Town Guard, in its support of its Captain, rallied behind her. To any lay observer, you might say the orange-cloaked knights looked like her own personal clique. It is enough for anyone to make such a claim, and they fell into the palm of hands.
Chaos began to break out while the two argued. I almost expected a soapbox to materialize beneath Tara, as she began shouting that the Town Guard must be decommissioned before more lives are lost (and I thought Saius was transparent?). A thug with a red cap and a elven guard began to engage in a verbal sparring match, only adding to the crescendo that beat at my ear drums like a gong.
Although she had refused to verbally submit to the Lord Emissary, she had physically submitted to the man throughout the challenge. No more.
Aino took the stage, and faced her rival, questioning his own qualifications and purpose. She highlighted his failure to achieve peaceful negotiations with the independent states, while highlighting her own position and the duties that she upholds.
It would have been an effective counter, had her guardsmen not chosen to surround Lord Saius in what might look as an attempt to intimidate the blustering politician.
Worse, one drew her bow and another prepared to unsheathe his sword.
It does not take knowledge of our society’s art to know that I was not the only observer here to document the evening’s events and report them back to another. Casca knows everything that transpired.
Trubo proclaimed that the captains actions and defiance were proof of her guilt. He departed with a threat, in another attempt that seemed less directed at the Captain and more directed at the Guard.
He had what he needed, there was no need for him to remain amongst a crowd that didn’t support him in the slightest. Those in attendance attempted to offer comforting words to the shaken and enraged captain.
As if on queue, the assassin sprung. A Red Cap drew a blade, and attempted to slash at the captain’s throat. He was quickly grabbed by Sir Calyndrell, who managed to break the man’s hand with a sickening pop that could be heard throughout the room.
It is too good to hope that the Red Caps might be in league with Lord Saius. The society has found no such indication, although it is interesting to note that Saius has recently made contact with the militant arm of the Church of the Holy Light.
Nystad finally took notice of the strange, faintly glowing sapphire necklace worn by Trubo Saius. I don’t need to remind you of the last incident regarding such necklaces, although we’ve no reason to believe she is in any position to make her return.
I offered a word of advice to the beleaguered captain and her men. Out of character for one of our society, you and I both know that a certain someone is bad for business.
Harper, I expect due payment to be delivered to the warehouse within the week. You owe enough debt to our society. Don’t make the terrible mistake of adding more.
Regards,
The Eye of the Heavens
I trust that this missive finds you in good health. It would be a tragedy for you if my payment comes late.
As per our agreement, I have gathered and documented information on the citizens and foreign dignitaries who attended Lady Nystad’s “Trial.” I actually found the exchange to be more revealing and insightful than expected, and I am not easily surprised in games of intrigue. A careful eye and a silver-tongue can detect even the most subtle undercurrents belying every word, every grimace, and every curtsey or lack thereof. It is a skill that you have yet to master, my former student.
You would do well to learn.
We arrived at the appropriate time for the mock trial, only to discover Lady Aino of the House Nystad unaccounted for. Nervousness? Stage fright? Guilt? She did not show these traits during her final arrival, but who can say what lurks in the deep recesses of that girls heart.
With far too much time on their hands, the courtiers and dignitaries began to exchange the usual pleasantries, while an out-of-place regiment of the Town Guard found themselves seats far away from the crowd of prominent nobles. It could be said that a certain animosity still remains between the nobles supporting Casca, and the commoners who still question his rule.
I approached their chosen leader, Corporal Brackus of Britain, who discussed with me yet another upcoming trial: The Kingdom of Britannia vs. Lady Cymidei Fier. He described the woman as slippery. She probably is…
A strange woman by the name of Tara approached Corporal Brackus. The man is growing increasingly popular with the womenfolk, so I decided to let the man enjoy himself. Had I realized just who the woman was, I probably wouldn’t have left her alone with him.
I approached a table, and seated were a couple familiar faces. Grand Duchess WildStar, Lady Regent of the Kingdom of Dawn, and Mama Faith, a strange but beloved woman with a reputation for kindness. I politely asked to sit beside them, which the Duchess permitted with some level of obvious displeasure. I love tormenting women like her with my good-looks.
I asked them about another familiar individual: Lord Nicholas. You are not the only one seeking information on the old man, my friend. Faith spoke kind enough words about the man, while the duchess adamantly refused to share anything about “her friend.” Sometimes it is what they don’t say that is more revealing than what they do.
I only managed to catch a few words from the conversation between Sir Brackus and Lady Tara. Tara interrogated the man, questioning why he and his guard were so far from their post. She cited the recent chaos in the streets, and how she has been “forced” to take up residence with her family in Moonglow. Based on my sources and her later outburst, she isn’t all that concerned about Britain. She was testing the man, the same way I tested the Duchess.
Brackus, in his defense, countered that she should not worry. The guard, in his own words, “would restore peace in short order.”
Tara approached me a moment later, and we had a brief and very revealing conversation that confirmed my suspicions. I am actually amused. She knows exactly what we want her to know, and that is good enough for now.
Lady Aino arrived several minutes late, but was greeted at the door with cheers and salutes by her “personal army.” Saius, obviously unnerved by the show of loyalty and praise being directed towards his apparent rival, quickly approached and addressed the lady of the fallen House Nystad.
He brought her before the podium, and made certain to take the stage first. In a momentarily effective but clearly transparent gesture on his part, the man made sure that he would be looking down at the woman when he spoke to her.
If the captain was insecure about her authority, the lord emissary was even more so. His actions spoke volumes.
Saius made an ill-conceived attempt at veiling what was already little more than a transparent charade, attempting to shift the weight of guilt onto an untried and untested Captain-Commander. He declared that the challenge was not to be a trial, but a hearing on the charges leveled against a captain who was already “guilty.” Or, I thought it to have been ill-conceived. Aino knows how to maneuver through such courtly games well. Her men on the other hand, clearly do not.
He issued his challenge, and they fell right into the spider’s web.
The emissary proclaimed that “the people gathered before us will not help you.” A falsehood on his part, but another clever provocation of the Town Guard. Aino’s “personal army” was beginning to grow restless at the sight of their captain being berated by the pompous emissary. One stood, Sir Calyndrell. He was followed in short order by the others, lining behind their Captain. One by one, the guard would dig their captains own grave long before the challenge had even begun.
It is textbook.
Saius began with the usual trumpeting of his qualifications and status, proclaiming his authority as granted by “the Great Lord Casca.” (You can say what you want about him, Joshua. The society knows the truth). Saius continued, dangling the carrot before her, reminding her why she came to Britain.
Aino, as expected, stubbornly proclaimed that she would not be submitting to the authority of the Emissary and demanded to know what charges were being brought against her.
The charges were as follows:
1. Aino Nystad held a tournament in the northern regions of the Old World, in the land of Avalon. He proceeded to claim that she was consorting with those who would see the king fall. I am sure you already are familiar with the status of Avalon.
Saius continued, proclaiming that she too was a rebel and that her family was nothing more than a bunch of “baseborn thralls.”
Aino was visibly shaken, and submitted for a moment, acknowledging her “mistake.”
2. Saius is intelligent enough to recognize when he looks like an arrogant fool, quickly shifting to the second claim.
The second claim regarding what he called her “personal army.” Considering that the first charge had not been mentioned in the months since the event had occurred, it is clear that it is the second charge that the King’s puppet is relying on.
He quickly pointed out the supposed rumors (rumors that originated from the Office of the Crown), and quickly pointed out what he had been hoping to achieve all along. The Town Guard, in its support of its Captain, rallied behind her. To any lay observer, you might say the orange-cloaked knights looked like her own personal clique. It is enough for anyone to make such a claim, and they fell into the palm of hands.
Chaos began to break out while the two argued. I almost expected a soapbox to materialize beneath Tara, as she began shouting that the Town Guard must be decommissioned before more lives are lost (and I thought Saius was transparent?). A thug with a red cap and a elven guard began to engage in a verbal sparring match, only adding to the crescendo that beat at my ear drums like a gong.
Although she had refused to verbally submit to the Lord Emissary, she had physically submitted to the man throughout the challenge. No more.
Aino took the stage, and faced her rival, questioning his own qualifications and purpose. She highlighted his failure to achieve peaceful negotiations with the independent states, while highlighting her own position and the duties that she upholds.
It would have been an effective counter, had her guardsmen not chosen to surround Lord Saius in what might look as an attempt to intimidate the blustering politician.
Worse, one drew her bow and another prepared to unsheathe his sword.
It does not take knowledge of our society’s art to know that I was not the only observer here to document the evening’s events and report them back to another. Casca knows everything that transpired.
Trubo proclaimed that the captains actions and defiance were proof of her guilt. He departed with a threat, in another attempt that seemed less directed at the Captain and more directed at the Guard.
He had what he needed, there was no need for him to remain amongst a crowd that didn’t support him in the slightest. Those in attendance attempted to offer comforting words to the shaken and enraged captain.
As if on queue, the assassin sprung. A Red Cap drew a blade, and attempted to slash at the captain’s throat. He was quickly grabbed by Sir Calyndrell, who managed to break the man’s hand with a sickening pop that could be heard throughout the room.
It is too good to hope that the Red Caps might be in league with Lord Saius. The society has found no such indication, although it is interesting to note that Saius has recently made contact with the militant arm of the Church of the Holy Light.
Nystad finally took notice of the strange, faintly glowing sapphire necklace worn by Trubo Saius. I don’t need to remind you of the last incident regarding such necklaces, although we’ve no reason to believe she is in any position to make her return.
I offered a word of advice to the beleaguered captain and her men. Out of character for one of our society, you and I both know that a certain someone is bad for business.
Harper, I expect due payment to be delivered to the warehouse within the week. You owe enough debt to our society. Don’t make the terrible mistake of adding more.
Regards,
The Eye of the Heavens