Dubhaine Family/Brigdha/Roleplays/2011/January

January 8th - Braga

Brigdha re-read the letter, a slight sense of uneasiness at the thought of entering political debate. That had always been her sister's province, back before the tragedy which had befallen their House: not a day passed that she didn't think of Lady Moira...

"Supreme Justice, I've given much thought since my niece's recent letter on the subject and I feel beholden to protest your use of the headsman's axe for I feel that it is ultimately self-defeating.

Fontan has always been plagued by Elven infiltrators but it has not always resorted to such harsh methods to deal with the problem, vexing though it has been to many a holder of your high and noble office.

By taking this approach your predecessor made it all but impossible for Fontan to enjoy the chivalrous prisoner exchange agreements of yore, nor can we now expect any infiltrator to be willing to risk their life on our behalf as surely their capture by Sirion (or Caligus) would lead to summary execution as a common criminal. Such actions would be risky enough for a seasoned agent, but for anyone starting out on that career it would be a guaranteed death sentence.

As such you deny Fontan a weapon which no realm should have to be without, and in exchange you gain us very little beyond the fervent hatred of our enemies. I therefore ask you to reconsider this policy as a matter of urgency and look to the example of your many predecessors who found effective means of dealing with the menace of the assassin's blade such as summary confiscation and deportation to one of the world's darker environs."

Well, someone had to say something. War was more than just the marching of men to their death in battle, it was the subtle stratagem, the smuggled secret and - much though it pained her to think it - the swift blade in the night. Lady Moira had realised that, but perhaps her perspective as an infiltrator and mistress of spies had given her a unique perspective on the role of Supreme Justice.

With a nostalgic sigh Brigdha folded the letter and sealed it. Whilst she doubted the newly elected Supreme Justice would pay much attention to her entreaty perhaps there were other voices in the realm who might. A debate at least would prove Fontan still had some of the old spirit she remembered from her youth.