Difference between revisions of "De Haguns Family/Letters"

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Knight of Perdan Mines
 
Knight of Perdan Mines
  
=Related to the "A Silent Night is a Good Knight" and "The Canne Affair"==
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=Related to the "A Silent Night is a Good Knight" and "The Canne Affair"=
  
 
==Storme's letter to De Haguns==
 
==Storme's letter to De Haguns==

Revision as of 04:44, 15 May 2021

Contents

The Cane Affair with Laststar

Laststar's Letter

For Our Wise Judge-Magister, Sir Gislin Luitolf of Perdan,

I have been gravely offended, disrespected, and assaulted most foul by one of our realm's very own knights. Orpheu de Haguns. The man, full of malice, was prowling the streets in front of Perdan palace performing the part of a cripple with a faux injury taken in battle; and when I jostled our criminal Orpheu on the street without recognizing who he was, he took offense by spewing death threats and trying to club me over the head with a cane.

When I disarmed him we soon discovered each other's identities, and I courteously apologized as one would expect of a nobleman after a scuffle—the man audaciously went on to ridicule the orders of our Imperatrix, my army, the men that had died in battle; claimed me of commoner heritage; mocked my ancestor's, and used a countless number of accusations he could think of to slander me in front of many witnesses. He is no knight, but the truest venomous, oily serpent in every sense of the word. It is beyond belief one of our own would assault me so and call a blood feud.

No noblewoman or man should be fooled by the act he puts on. Beware his deceit. This knight so full of jealous rage and hatred, must be banished from our realm at once for danger of shaming us even more; or barring that allow me to duel the man so I can cripple each part of his body until he apologizes for slandering my house and our military. Over such a foolish thing as being elbowed in the streets.

With grace,

Oliver Laststar Earl of Nascot Marshal of the Unstoppable Valiants

De Haguns's Letter

To the Judge-Magister of Perdan, Sir Gislin Luitolf, Knight of Perdan,

And all Peers of the Realm,

Lord Laststar is a creative man, and certainly could serve as the royal fool with his antics and tales, after all he already has a troupe of artists carrying banners, his so called “Unstoppable Valiants”. I could see the man performing on the streets of Perdan for the rabble, and his spectacle it would certainly rise the morale of our soldiers. He would find a more suitable public there as well, for I fear that the nobles of true blood would not find his jokes as funny as the man thinks them.

Also, I find it admirable that during a war, the noble lord finds the time to write terrible scripts of plays, spelling intrigues and stirring plots against a knight who loyally serves the realm.

However, while the Lord Laststar may try to play the part of a fool in a comedy, I fear that he would be an actor better suited to tragedies, given his behavior.

Nobles of Perdan, there is one small truth in Lord Latstar’s venomous letter – and I had to make sure my scribes had them examined for any foul treachery, after all I could almost see the venom dripping from the parchment.

It is true I sought retribution against this noble for his previous violence against me; it is also true that, after he insulted me by calling me a murderous vagabond, I called him a coward who plays with marching bands and maraud innocent peasants instead of fighting in battles, and that he was scoundrel of the worst lot, a mongrel born in the lowest whorehouse and raised by fools just like those he leads and merrily calls “Unstoppable Valiants”.

The rest of his creative tale, however, are lies, plots and devices he creates to try and sway the gentle nobles of Perdan.

I did not ridicule or made any mentions to the Imperatrix orders, for instance. For instance, let us recall an exchange days ago, when the man funded his own Army, claiming his own right as an earl, in spite of the existence of the Golden Lions and the Blackmane Paladins. The Imperatrix herself requested Lord Laststar do disband his band of ruffians and rejoin the Paladins. I also sent a polite, courteous letter to the man, requesting the same.

When Lord Laststar mentions that I ridiculed the Imperatrix, I believe he projects his own opinion of our glorious Commander. The man’s ambitions are limitless, he covets the position for himself and has created his supposed army – a bunch of drunks and rascals – just so he could claim himself to be a Marshal of the Realm. By accusing me of such worthless deeds, what this reckless noble does is reveal his true colors and opinions of our Imperatrix, the culmination of his ill devised plot to sow discontent amongst our nobility. Consider the timing as well, as the election for Imperator or Imperatrix nears, so there may be a more cruel and political motive behind his accusations, for he is running for the very office.

Another idea that crossed my mind, but I find it highly unlikely, given the man lacks the intelligence to be so cunning – what if Lord Laststar had sold himself to Perleone and Shadowdale, hence the creation of his “Unstoppable Valiants” as an excuse not to fight amongst our ranks in Woolton, but send forged scribe notes of movements in the borders? What if his actions in Aestus – where he assaulted the gentle smallfolk of our continent - were premeditated with the aim to harm the diplomatic reputation of Perdan, and in such way, isolate our country, therefore sabotaging the efforts of our ambassadors?

I do not accuse the man of treason, but given his behavior, insulting a gentle noble such as myself, dividing our ranks through guile and treachery, it could as well be this. However, given how short-sighted Lord Laststar is, not to say downright stupid, I cannot believe Shadowdale and Perleone would try to enlist the man to sow intrigue within our realm. I believe Lord Laststar is loyal to Perdan, but too ambitious for his own good and too ignorant for our own good.

So, after this brief introduction to side matters he accuses me, let us tackle the major points of his letter, and another issue that must be solved:

I. Lord Laststar accuses the Knight of the Perdan Mines of assaulting him with a cane and of insulting him

Peers of the Realm, unlike the Earl Nascot, I am one to recognize my faults. However, I only acted in self-defense.

During the battle of Woolton, as some saw, my unit was the first to route as we took the brunt of the first volley of arrows by the combined strength of Perleone and Shadowdale. While the Lord Laststar was playing cruel games and robbing innocent peasants in Aestus with his marching troupe of vagabonds, my soldiers, men who left their wives and children in the Mines went to die in Woolton, joining the many fallen in that dreadful day.

I thank the surviving men, my countrymen, with my life. I wanted revenge for the death of the fallen, and with my sword in hand, mounted on my proud stallion Thunderlight, was ready to gallop at a fast pace against the enemy. My soldiers, however, restrained me against my will and forced me to leave the battlefield. Had it not happened, I would have died, yet I live to avenge the fallen miners.

I had then to care for these men, at least those that survived and saved my life from my righteous desire to fight. We marched to Montauban where we were unfortunately ambushed by a large force of perleoni archers. My men either died or ran away, and I was injured, black bolt on my right calf. I still bear the mark, the scar, even after it healed, so it may forever remind me of this difference between the Knight of the Perdan Mines and the Lord Laststar – one bleeds in war, the other tortures and robs peasants.

Due to this injury, I had to walk with a cane for some days. However, as some might know, I am not the firstborn of my House. I have a brother, Marcellus, who due to fate, was injured as a young squire after falling from a horse and is not able to walk. On the very day Lord Laststar attacked me, I was already recovered, but walked with the cane to try and see if this object could assist my brother in walking again.

Love and duty as a brother compelled me to try using the cane, so it might help Marcellus walk again in any capacity, despite his weak legs.

What was my surprise, as I thought about giving it as a gift to my brother, to be gravely assaulted by what seemed to me to be a mad man, shoving a possible cripple through the streets and calling him a fool. I was totally unprepared for this unnecessary violence, and fell on my knees. I imagined if my brother suffered this, and realized this madness should stop. I ran towards Lord Laststar to give him godly and holy retribution for his misdeeds, but this unlawful brute assaulted me in such a disproportionate way that I could not react properly. I could see hate in his eyes, the very hate I imagine caused him to rampage the gentle smallfolk of Aestus.

His violence was such that when I fell to the ground, my cane broke with the impact.

After we realized who each other were, I tried to appease the man. I thank the goddesses of the winds, for they gently brought the noble and good Marshal Jocelyn Goldwater to witness this. I tried to explain the unfortunate circumstances and make peace with the Earl Nascot, only to be compared to a murderous vagabond. I had been thrice his victim so far, both physically abused, now morally abused.

Therefore, to safeguard my honor, I insulted him.

II. Lord Laststar has expressly defied Her Majesty, Queen Alyssa, by attacking the gentle smallfolk of Aestus with his vicious, hateful and brutish means, and must suffer punishment for this

This is a notorious fact, as the rumors abound. I offer myself to testify as a character witness for the accusation against Lord Laststar, for I have suffered the same unjust and gratuitous violence the commoners must have suffered under his misdeeds.

I also wish to see this pressed forward by the Judge-Magister, as it was an express violation of Her Majesty’s will, and so far no action taken has been publicized. These accusations are much graver than the ones Lord Laststar accuses me, and I have to state that his past behavior does not favors him in his demands. Therefore, above all, the accusations against Lord Laststar for his violence against unarmed peasants should be treated with precedence to his accusations against me.

For his violations and misdeeds, I request, in the following order:

I. Lord Laststar should be forced to disband his circus troupe he fondly calls “Unstoppable Valiants”;

II. Lord Laststar should be stripped of his title as Earl Nascot, which should be returned to his rightful Duke to award another noble of better reputation, such as the good sir Jacelyn Goldwater;

III. Lord Laststar should be banned from the Kingdom, and this should be retroactively considered ever since the attack on Aestus, for grossly violating the Queen’s command;

IV. Being considered banned retroactively, any charges presented by Lord Laststar against he Knight of the Perdan Mines dismissed due to his unlawful situation within the realm;

V. Lord Laststar should be condemned to indemnify the Knight of the Perdan Mines in 25 (twenty five) gold coins for damages, as he broke his cane.

Yours truly, and carried by the winds,


Orpheu de Haguns Knight of Perdan Mines


Latstar

To Sir Orpheu, And Fellow Interested Realmmates,

If three letters of caustic bile were not enough to showcase this teenager's penchant for spewing personal attacks, then I shall touch upon the points he briefly mentioned in orderly fashion:

One. Is that the results of my force's scouting operations in Aestus; around Caligus and henceforth, are seriously outside of the assault against me and why I first addressed the Judge-Magister. We are free to have discussions about what was lawful or not of the subject, as an entirely separate discussion (Not that no peasant lives were harmed in any case). Do not let this Orpheu distract you through his exceedingly verbose, entangled arguments.

Two. As you still remain ignorant as how you've insulted our Imperatrix so; by how apparent you enjoy insulting the point of my mission in the territories around Caligus—I will enlighten. For a second time. After you had attacked me on the street with extreme bloodthirst, you went on to proudly ridicule how useless my forces were by being on that side of the border, far away from Woolton. No matter the fact we were ordered personally by the Imperatrix to operate in Caligus and engage in reconnaissance for enemy movement, no matter that my men fought in a battle outnumbered three to one. Which happened to delay more of their lords from reinforcing the fight in Woolton. You still choose even now to berate my army's actions that had been fated by our military leader, whom I'm quite fond of personally, and I will not stand for mindless accusations against her decisions that had me placed on the opposite side of our realm.

In addition to the subject of my army—I ask that you refrain from shaming yourself further and mocking my own soldiers; Forty of whom had died for our war so far, fighting Shadowdale so that their comrades in Woolton could fight with fairer odds, and died so that we could share intel about our enemy's movements. The lives of the men and women under my command have no cause for your outrageous and endless chastisement. End your childish harassments at once against honorable men and women.

Three. My last point for now. You seem split on which narrative you're choosing to spin for us. The other day you assaulted me on the street in front of so many onlookers you claimed that it was 'I' personally who "attacked you first"; and now your story has morphed into some perspective that I accidentally sent some other man to the ground, in fact random commoner? Not yourself? It's best for our Judge-Magister that you decide quickly which flavor of deceit you wish to spin for everyone to read.

I do not pay much mind to the strangers I come across on the street, as on that day I was in a hurry to meet my dear friend, Duchess Aila, in the palace to congratulate her on her recent release from imprisonment. Perhaps Orpheu is correct there was a commoner man I bumped into and left him on the ground in my haste to the palace; the man surely wasn't dressed all that well as I try to recall the incident, neither would I stay long to stare at any such person. Unless our Sir Orpheu would suddenly like to backtrack and say it was himself I "attacked" in the street. Currently he has no defense for himself to reason why he ran after me with bloodthirst; shouting to cave my very skull in. As transgressions against commoners as little as collisions in the street are absolutely null and void against a Noble such as myself.


He had no rightful cause to assault me in the city, and I had to defend myself first. That is the short and full truth of things.

The remaining matter at hand is the proclivity our Orpheu has to a disgusting, overwhelming rage, and when our Magister begins his investigation against Orpheu, I would wish for everyone to remember it.

With grace,

Oliver Laststar Earl of Nascot Marshal of the Unstoppable Valiants

De Haguns's letter

To the Lord Laststar, And Peers of the Realm,

I will only address your third point, since it needs clarification. The other two points are well covered in my letter, so I have nothing to add.

I accuse you of purposefully shoving me with gratuitous violence against the ground, in a cowardly manner, because you thought I was a cripple and your brutish and violent tendencies - as revealed by your monstrous and perfidious attack on Aestus - compelled you to do so.

My reaction was proportional to the violence I suffered. I mentioned how I walked through the cobblestone streets of Perdan, fondly thinking of my brother, and how the cane could serve as an assistance to him. My joyous stroll was interrupted by your attack, and I accuse you of deliberately targeting me for thinking I was a cripple.

As a nobleman and a knight of the realm, I vow to defend the weak, a notion that seems thick to your feeble mind, so I immediately thought - how can this man go unpunished for targeting those he considers at first glance to be weaker than him, even if they are not, such as my case? I admit to have been caught unprepared by your disproportional aggression, but make no mistake, I will not fall to your dirty tricks the next time we meet.

What concerns me the most now is that you are still in command of a circus troupe that could cause harm to others. If you wish, Lord Laststar, I could pay a gold coin for your buffoons to entertain my men. And if you wish, you could join as the main attraction. I am certain we could arrange some tomatoes to throw at you, or a stage for you to spin your wild tales.

And on a final note, perhaps the cane was not meant to hit you in your skull, after all. I doubt there would be anything in there to cause harm.

May the cold wind of the North freeze your bones and carry you to an early grave,

Orpheu de Haguns Knight of Perdan Mines

MacArbin's letter

Earl Oliver, Sir Orpheu,

I believe your points have both been made, and I would suggest sparing the messengers and scribes of the realm further until the Judge-Magister can investigate the issue. Continuing your dispute in public at this time would be rather unseemly.

Marshal Jacelyn,

As you evidently witnessed this affair, I am interested in what you observed, and I imagine Judge-Magister Gislin will be as well.

The Queen Alyssas's letter concerning the title of Royal Fool

Lord Oliver, Sir Orpheu,

I believe we have all seen quite enough of this particular spectacle. The continuation of the insults delivered as they are being do not help either of your cases. The Judge-Magister should address this case and if he requires any additional testimony he can ask for it, but this display should end and be mediated by a third party. It has devolved into purposeless rhetoric. The Judge-Magister will deliver your justice.

I will also note that I have no intention of ascribing the title of Royal Fool to anyone, as the position of Royal Fool is presently filled.

We have a Royal Fool already. His name is Clowny and he has entertained guests of Perdan since the reign of King Kay. He has delighted and amused dignitaries from all across the Continent and has served proudly in the role. He is an invaluable servant during banquets and other important diplomatic functions, and his role should not be diminished.

Regards,

Lady Alyssa Kingsley Queen of Perdan Royal of Perdan

Judge-Magister Luitolf's response to De Haguns

Sir Orpheu,

Let me be clear, the law explicitly states that the disparagement of other nobles is strictly illegal. If something is illegal, that means you cannot use it to defend yourself. Period, end of discussion. I will not entertain arguments to the contrary. However, with this said, what I am interested in is your claim that they were in response to previous violence against you. If you have evidence for this present it, or witnesses then have them come forth. All being all, "Safeguarding your honor" is never a reason to spew vile insults at people.

Further, implying that Lord Oliver might be swayed to our enemy is a blatant, and already proven, violation of the law as it is clear disparagement. I understand you go on to say you think he is loyal to Perdan, but that does not excuse bringing up the possibility otherwise. Unless you have evidence of such, you are clearly guilty of at least disparagement in your own complaint letter.

Then there is this:

Lord Laststar has expressly defied Her Majesty, Queen Alyssa, by attacking the gentle smallfolk of Aestus with his vicious, hateful and brutish means, and must suffer punishment for this
This is a notorious fact, as the rumors abound. I offer myself to testify as a character witness for the accusation against Lord Laststar, for I have suffered the same unjust and gratuitous violence the commoners must have suffered under his misdeeds.

This is already something being looked into, but you cannot testify against him. You are blatantly bringing other charges against the man, to allow you to bring up and testify for other crimes while this went on is the textbook definition of bias. If anyone else wants to speak on this I will listen, but given you bring it up at the same time as a dispute means I cannot allow it to serve as evidence.

Next to your punishment:

That is not your place to demand. You are not a judge, or in service to the Courts of Justice, and have expressed no interest in doing so. Not to mention, again, you are directly involved in this case meaning you could not fairly judge it even if you were. However, I will go over each of the points regardless.

I. Lord Laststar should be forced to disband his circus troupe he fondly calls “Unstoppable Valiants”;

Nothing in the law states one cannot form a new army. I agree that it is a poor decision to do so given the circumstances, but it is not illegal to do so. The Imperatrix and I have gone over what the rights and duties for a sponsor is and that was not a topic that was spoken about. I, however, am not opposed to more talks with her legislating the creation of armies further, but this would not change the fact that it was not illegal when he did it.

II. Lord Laststar should be stripped of his title as Earl Nascot, which should be returned to his rightful Duke to award another noble of better reputation, such as the good sir Jacelyn Goldwater;

This is literally impossible. Lords cannot be stripped of lands unless wounded, imprisoned, absent, or the abandonment of the region in question. He cannot be stripped of it as by ancient customs he is considered the rightful lord there.

III. Lord Laststar should be banned from the Kingdom, and this should be retroactively considered ever since the attack on Aestus, for grossly violating the Queen’s command;
IV. Being considered banned retroactively, any charges presented by Lord Laststar against he Knight of the Perdan Mines dismissed due to his unlawful situation within the realm;

I am not inclined to ban anyone currently. Looting can be legally ordered by the Imperatrix by law, regardless of what the Queen states. I do not know if it was or not as I have not received an answer, but even if it wasn't banning is not a first offence action even for looting without orders. The Queen herself set it in to precedent that you only ban extreme repeat offenders.

V. Lord Laststar should be condemned to indemnify the Knight of the Perdan Mines in 25 (twenty five) gold coins for damages, as he broke his cane.

Are there witnesses that it was him that broke it? And what sane man pays 25 gold for a cane?

Sir Gislin Luitolf Judge-Magister of Perdan Knight of Perdan

Judge-Magister Luitolf's response to Laststar

Lord Oliver,

Right now, all I have is your word against his, which is not enough to convict anyone of anything. The only thing I could possibly charge him with is his disparagement in his counter letter to yours unless you have evidence to the contrary. He says you called him a murderous vagabond, and he you were born from the lowest workhouse. Both of those imply origins of peasantry which would make you both guilty. As such, I would need more than just the two of you spouting at each other and pointing fingers. I need evidence, credible witnesses, or some other such way as proof for more. I will allow you the time to gather these things if you wish but let me be very clear.

I will not be banning anyone from the realm today. Not him nor you. This is an absolutely ridiculous notion that both of you need to get out of your heads right now. We are in the middle of a war against not one, but two different realms. To go around banning nobles would be more a detriment to the realm than not. However, if you can come up with actual evidence to such crimes, would be inclined to allow you a duel to surrender to defend your honor, among other punishments I may come up with.

Let me be extra clear, this does not mean you can just go and issue the duel now. You need to have evidence or witnesses of some sort corroborate your claims. I was not present so I will not just take either of you at your word that this happened. If witnesses, the must be reliable and have been present. I will permit you time to gather said evidence or witnesses for you to present them before closing this case.

Sir Gislin Luitolf Judge-Magister of Perdan Knight of Perdan

Letter of Aila Storme, Duchess of Perdan, in defense of Laststar

Nobility of Perdan,

The Earl of Nascot has defended himself against accusations before the realm with such sound argument and justification that I have remained silent with confidence in our judge.

Now the time has come for me to speak my peace and pledge myself as witness. Witness not to whatever occured in the street but witness to Earl Oliver.

Earl Oliver has roamed the streets of the Capital with my blessing as Duchess and as Margravine. For years now he has caused no trouble and indeed, even kept the peace in the very streets he is now accused of disturbing. He is not just sound of mind, but sharp; with talents no sick or silly man could possess. ​​​ Earl Oliver has my commendation and I hereby take offense at the insulted aimed towards him, as they simultaneously insult my fine, impeccable, never false judgement which is proven never to be wrong. I will speak it here and in a court.

Aila Storme Ambassador of Perdan Duchess of Perdan Margravine of Perdan

Letter of Delphine de Montigny, Margravine of Mulhouse, requesting that Laststar should be investigated

Duchess Aila,

Earl Oliver Oliver has disobeyed military orders on more than one occasion in the pursuit of his own personal gain.

He seeked to circumvent this problem by creating his own army and follow his own order. This however does not excuse him from orders given by the Imperatrix and Perdan law.

The recent unsanctionned raids performed by Earl Oiver and the army of banner men he leads is inexcusable, no matter the reason. The act was in direct defiance to Perdan law and strict guidelines set by the Queen for the current war against Perleone.

This is aside from the current slander accusations, and should be the main focus of the Judge-Magister.


Sincerely,

Delphine de Montigny Margravine of Mulhouse

Letter of De Haguns confessing of disparaging against Laststar, only to disparage against him again

To the Judge-Magister, Sir Gislin Luitolf

I am an honorable man, and shall accept any punishment deemed just, for I believe in the Queen's justice, as much as I believe in my goddesses's divine justice. I am one to recognize when I have exceeded in my actions, even if they are rightly justified. The Earl Nascot called me a deceitful liar when he presented charges against my noble person, alas I am not the wicked man he tries to portray me.

As I have said in my previous letters, I have slandered the nobleman, and I stand by what I said. Sir Jacelyn Goldwater was a witness of the event, and I see no reason to deny what has been said, and expose myself to contraction.

As was well said by the Judge-Magister, the previous violence I have suffered unfairly under the Earl Nascot’s mad rampage is no excuse for a behavior unbecoming of a noble of ancient lineage such as mine, that traces its roots to the last dragonslayer in the Mines, my forefather.

To expedite this process, and as to avoid a long judicial process, as well as to display that my words carry weight, I confess of having called the Earl Nascot “a coward who plays with marching bands and maraud innocent peasants instead of fighting in battles, and that he was scoundrel of the worst lot, a mongrel born in the lowest whorehouse and raised by fools”.

As I confess willingly, and considering the dire circumstances we find ourselves in – to say the war with Perleone and Shadowdale – it is my request that Judge-Magister take these circumstances, as well as my young age into account as mitigating factors when ruling this case, may it preferably be as an acquittal with a fair warning, or a fine of no more than 25 gold coins. I also believe the man’s honor is not worth more than a few silver coins and even this amount would be disproportional

Concerning the mitigating factors I have mentioned, a few notes should be addressed:

Firstly, I have devoted most of my resources to ensure the safety of Perdan, buying even siege engines and employing a formidable force to fight in the war, and a punishment that exceeds what my defense asks – preferably an acquittal with a fair warning – could hinder these efforts.

Secondly, in good faith I declare my guilty in disparaging against the noble. His initial provocations were not excuses for this behavior, and by duty and loyalty to the realm – for I do not lie – I have confessed. This should be considered a demonstration of good and noble character, and I can only hope the Earl Nascot will recognize his own faults.

Thirdly, I am a young knight, and as brave as I am, the youthful passions of my age can cause one to become more aggravated after suffering a violence such as I have. It should be taken into account when ruling, just as I believe the Earl Nascot’s possible disease of the mind, which causes him such rage and hate, should be considered by our noble Judge-Magister when ruling on his own cases.

I ask that the good goddess Elysia, the Wind of Spring, that shines light and truth in her wake, shall enlighten the Judge-Magister in his ruling. It is in her honor that I say only truths in this letter, as well as those I had sent before, for I am a godly man.

Given these circumstances,

I. I ask that the noble Judge-Magister gives his ruling on my case, without need of witness, for I confess of disparaging against a noble.

II. I ask that the Judge-Magister proceeds fairly against the Earl Nascot, summoning as witness the good and noble Sir Jacelyn Goldwater, so he may confirm that Lord Laststar called me a murderous vagabond. In a merciful act, I request that the Judge-Magister takes mercy on the Earl Nascot inquire on his rabid disease, as I fear the Earl is not totally in control of his feeble mind.

III. On a final note, I once again request that the matter of the pillaging of Aestus be moved forward in an expeditious manner, so the Earl Nascot may be punished for his misdeeds.

Should the matter of Aestus not be pursued further, eventually, should a new Judge-Magister be chosen by the noble peers, I guarantee all nobles of the realm that justice shall be delivered to the gentle smallfolk that suffers under the hands of those that violate their sacred duties of the realm.

Yours truly, and carried by the winds,


Orpheu de Haguns Knight of Perdan Mines

Letter from Laststar

Judge Magister Gislin,

I shall choose to be the better noble and not respond in kind to the young Orpheu's continued barbed insults in his letters, and instead report simply on my side of the case as the defendant.

Let it be known I've put forth the effort to summoning witnesses who were there for Orpheu's initial abhorrent assaults against my body and character. I leave it in their hands to send their testimonies, if they haven't already, and make the crimes that Orpheu committed fully transparent. I demanded at first the man be banished because not only for his heinous slandering; but the death threat he made against me that day as Orpheu promised he would come to seek total, thorough, blood thirsty revenge. In a time of war no less, who would make a mortal enemy out of a marshal during a time of war? Naming a blood feud strikes at the heart of the strong brotherhood, and sisterhood, our Good Queen chooses to cultivate and makes us weak. This simply should not be tolerated.

If the man will be punished. I ask that I be given an opportunity to name the compensation that will be required from him.

My final comment for now is that Orpheu has disregarded also confessing to dishonorably assaulting me from behind without making his presence known, and failed to make mention of his death threat against me. I will not see this case as being simply finished unless the punishment includes these charges, as he only partially confessed—Not that his sudden surrender now is worth much after his lies thus far.

Signed,

Oliver Laststar Earl of Nascot Marshal of the Unstoppable Valiants

Response from the Judge-Magister's Office

Lord Oliver,

Let me make this clear as I did with Sit Orpheu. You do not decide when cases are ended. You do not make the decisions on punishments rendered. Like him, you have never expressed interest in being a member of the Courts of Justice, and even if you had your direct involvement in this case means that you would be biased to the extreme. That is not how vendettas work, not justice.

Sir Gislin Luitolf Judge-Magister of Perdan Knight of Perdan

Judge-Magister's warning to De Haguns to stop disparaging insults against Laststar

Sir Orpheu,

You are clearly guilty of disparaging the man, over several letters now. I have seen that with my own eyes, and no one in their rightful mind would be able to claim otherwise. A disagreement, even one as vast as this, does not give you the right to speak of the man in the way you have. I thought I made that clear in my first response to you. Further, how do you know a credible witness has not been presented? Do you have access to my personal letters? Is someone in my employ leaking my communications? I find this highly unlikely, but it's not impossible.

Let me be extra clear to the both of you, you will both be civil to one another when presenting new evidence. I see one more letter of either of you belittling the other, whether one has done it or not up until now, and I will be adding charges regardless of who is right in the original complaint.

Sir Gislin Luitolf Judge-Magister of Perdan Knight of Perdan

The "A Silent Night is a Good Knight" Affair with Lucius Poe, Lorelai Chamberlain and then Aila Storme

De Hagun's letter in response to a "leak" of letters from the Military Council to all nobles of the realm

Peers of the Realm,

I have given some consideration whether I should or not write a letter concerning this matter, but I thought it best to do so because I have some concerns to raise.

While some may not know this, by tradition, House de Haguns pays its debts. All of its debts, may they be in blood or coin. So far my House has accrued a debt with the Royal Treasury of 150 gold coins to support the war campaign, which I intend to pay within time. By honor, we are not like simple commoners that borrow money and default on those who place their trust on us, for our promises and words carry the weight of gold.

Therefore, I must state that the Margravine of Mulhouse raises some concerns that I would like to see eventually addressed. I have paid for siege engines and raised troops, as well as to procure ships, yet we remain in the dark concerning the planned strategy of this campaign. I shall understand if there is a fear of information leaking to the enemy, though I doubt we would have anyone with such interest within the realm.

However, I fear there has been some miscommunication concerning future plans for this war. I must say I am not blaming any of our noble commanders and military leaders, nor am I questioning their authority and capacity in any form. It is only my wish to understand the reasons for the expenses I have budgeted to incur.

Yours truly, and carried by the winds,

Orpheu de Haguns Knight of Perdan Mines

The Duke of the Grand Court, Lucius Poe, replies with "a silent night is a good knight"

Sir Orpheu,

I must confess I was beginning to worry as I read your latest letter.

It almost appeared as if you where blaming our noble commanders and military leaders and potentially may have even been questioning their authority and capacity in some form. You will be delighted to learn that after reading the following statement all my fears are calmed I must say I am not blaming any of our noble commanders and military leaders, nor am I questioning their authority and capacity in any form.

Thank you for contacting the Grand Court and remember a silent night is a happy knight.

Perfection Personified,

Lucius Poe Duke of The Grand Court Margrave of Aix

The Imperatrix replies

[censored due to sensitive military information]

De Haguns's reply to the the Imperatrix

Imperatrix, Peers of the Realm,

Graceful as ever, your answer alleviates some of my concerns. The very dynamic nature of war confirms your true words.

By addressing the current tides of the war to all the realms, I can say that I have full confidence not only in our Imperatrix, but also in the Blackmane Paladins's Marshalate, as well as the Golden Lions's leadership.

As always, the Knight of the Perdan Mines shall be loyal and follow the orders issued by the military hierarchy, more specifically, the Marshal and Vice-Marshal of the Blackmane Paladins.

Always loyal, and carried by the winds,

Orpheu de Haguns Knight of Perdan Mines

De Haguns's reply to the the Duke of the Grand Court concerning the "a silent night is a good knight"

To the Duke of the Grand Court, The most Perfect, Lucius Poe

And the Peers of the Realm,

The Duke dignifies this noble Knight of the Perdan Mines by even addressing his words to him. A flattering letter, for I would be most sad to have upset the Duke.

However, I believe there is something larger that should be addressed. “A silent knight is a happy knight” is not something appropriate to say to any nobleman of the realm, and lest of all, the Knight of the Perdan Mines, who incurred in debt to defend the Duchy of the Grand Court, led men to their deaths in Woolton to defend the Duchy of the Grand Court and bled in Montauban to defend the Duchy of the Grand Court.

The very foundation of Perdan lies within its knights. It is through our example of chivalry, our noble deeds and selflessness that the realm prospers. It is our blood that is spilled in the defense of the realm, our sweat that drives the Kingdom to glory, our valor that shakes the very hearts of our enemies.

The minor nobility of this realm should never be ignored, or demeaned. When a Knight roars, all lords, lesser and grand, should listen. For what is Perdan, if not a realm built through the toil of its knights?

Duke Lucius Poe, I hold you in the highest esteem. How could I not, before such perfection? It is only fitting that the Duke holds regards for the knights of the realm in the same fashion.

Now, to address a matter of the highest importance, since you have addressed me before all the peers of the realm.

Was not the wealth tax abolished?

Certainly this has allowed the grand lords of the realm, such as the Duke of the Grand Court to accumulate vast wealth, has it not? It would make perfect sense, given the style and naming of his Court.

Also, the war we are currently fighting, which certainly drains our resources, is one to the reclaim Al Aquabah, and perhaps another region from Perleone. This is in the benefit of Perdan, of course.

Yet, there is someone else who shall benefit the most from these circumstances, while the knights of the realm and other lords incur in expenses.

Certainly it is the interest of the Duke of the Grand Court to add those regions to his domain and return Al Aquabah to the despoiled Lord Razo Carmel. This in turn should make him even wealthier and powerful, should it not?

Given that the Duke of the Grand Court shall reap the benefits of our forces, of our resources, of our blood, perhaps it would be of justice if half of the war expenses of every knight of the realm and Lord of the northern regions should be paid by his wealth? After all, how can the Perdan Mines benefit from such a costly war? How can the North benefit from such a costly war?

If the Duke believes that our knights should be silent, that is my answer.

In Woolton, I saw a beautiful sword being wielded by the Duke Lucius Poe. If he cannot afford the costs – highly doubtful for such perfect person -, perhaps His Grace should pawn the artifact or even sell it at an auction in the Adventurer’s Guild. It should certainly cover his debts and the expenses of the realm, so that not only him shall reap the benefits of this war.

Always loyal, yours truly,

Orpheu de Haguns Knight of Perdan Mines

Laststar's reply to Haguns, in defense of the Duke of the Grand Court

Sir Orpheu,

This war, which is undoubtedly an insult to our honorable—and most handsome, Duke Lucius, having suffered a loss of one of his cherished loyal serving regions. Is also an insult to all of Perdan as a whole, not by just the theft of land and servants, but in the matters of Perleone's atrociously insincere efforts to engage in diplomacy with our Graceful Queen.

Apparently. Your foremost concerns are to now question who in the realm stands to benefit even before the war has even reached half of its conclusion. It's clear you are asking how you yourself can stand to profit from the war; the Gods forbid you are beginning to consider looting Perleone's lands, especially after our Queen had already managed an honorable accord that the bloodshed shall at least remain limited to the battlefield.

If you need to beg for gold, you should aim your efforts at the Royal treasury instead of demanding a realm's lords; and with much fewer words to do so. Besides which, you're demanding of a lord who has loyally served far longer than you, to sell their own possessions for your own gain.

Your enthusiasm—or lack of there of—for fighting on behalf of Perdan's honor, has been heard and noted by the entirety of the noble realm.

With grace,

Oliver Laststar Earl of Nascot Marshal of the Unstoppable Valiants

De Haguns's reply to Laststar

Earl of Nascot,

As a knight of the realm, I will always defend the interest and safeguard the honor and ways of chivalry, and never allow any knight to be mocked or subject to derision because of its rank.

Let me state it clear - I have never asked for compensation, and I have vowed to return every coin that the Royal Treasury has lent me. If this is not loyalty and commitment to the wellbeing of the realm, what is it?

Certainly not greed, unlike some who either ask for coins for refits without stating their purposes and without vowing to repay debts; certainly not greed, unlike some who steal from commoners without means of defense, and by doing so, break every sacred vow and duty as a nobleman.

Perhaps it should be law, that every knight and lord that borrows from the Royal Treasury, should pay its debts? I would support such a cause. Would you, Earl of Nascot?

How many can say the same? Can you say this, Earl of Nascot? Have you ever paid your debts? Or are you just used to taking what belongs to others, siphoning away coins to spend as you wish? Coins, women - against their will, I suppose? - property. Alas, I believe coins would not be a problem, my good lord. Aestus must have provided you with a large sum.

I hold the Duke of the Grand Court in the highest esteem, and hope he does not see my proposal as an offense. It is but a Knight acting in the defense of the wellbeing of the entire realm.

A final point, my dear Earl of Nascot.

If my foremost concern was my own benefit, I would only request coins for unnecessary refits and siphon them away in my own benefit, or maybe I would engage in criminal activities such as common robbery.

Yet I explicit stated I have encurred into a debt I shall pay, as is a custom of House de Haguns. Our words carry the weight of gold.

Can you say the same, Earl of Nascot?

Yours, and may the winds enlighten you,

Orpheu de Haguns Knight of Perdan Mines

The Duke of the Grand Court reply to De Haguns

Sir Orpheu,

I wouldn't worry about upsetting a Duke, not this one anyway.

You believe there is something larger that should be addressed? "A silent knight is a happy knight" you seem to recall. Are you sure? Or is the something larger you need addressing perhaps your poor eyesight? A silent NIGHT is a happy knight is what I wrote and indeed it is.

On those remarkable nights of serenity where one can just relax and have a drink without fear of war...that is perfect.

I thank you for defending the Grand Court, I'm truly glad you take your oath to protect Perdan so literally. You see I was a knight like you. Born in Dimwood and I served the armies of Perdan for years...we all have. Every one of us here began as a noble knight defending this Kingdom from external and internal threats and our duty was payment enough.

The wealth tax was indeed abolished and records will show I was in favour of it staying.

I would imagine some have gained quite a bit of gold, but me? No. Below is my weekly income following deductions for militia, maintenace and the other costs associated with running a city.

As the Duke of The Grand Court, you earn 196 gold.

That doesn't include the cost of running a unit too of course oh and I have 200 gold on me currently and that is to repair walls and the gold was given to me by Viscount Richard of Dimwood. Wealthy? Absolutely not. Powerful? Of course. I'm Lucius the f***ing Poe.

Sir Orpheu I've given you more than you deserve...but now It's time I take my pound of flesh.

You speak of my sword. The Daemon Sword of the Mother. A gift from my beloved. You insult me before the realm and suggest I pawn it like a thief with some goods that are too hot to handle and then suggest I'm indebted. Before the realm of Perdan, before every noble I challenge you to a duel.

I will wait for this war to close out.

Then I will tear your soul to pieces.

Perfection Personfied,

Lucius Poe Duke of The Grand Court Margrave of Aix

De Haguns's reply to the Duke of the Grand Court

To the Duke of the Grand Court, The Most Perfect, Lucius Poe

Your Grace,

This noble Knight of the Perdan Mines accept your challenge to duel to surrender, once the war is finished. I shall come to Aix and defeat you there.

Since Your Grace has issued the duel, I shall present my conditions. Should I win, a prize shall be given to me, at my choice. Either your Daemon Sword of the Mother, or the bethrotal of your son with the Imperatrix to any daughter of my choosing should I be blessed with one, so the Houses de Haguns and Poe may be one in the future.

Since Your Grace is so confident on your victory, would that be acceptable?

I find it interesting that so many wish to test my skills in duel - first the Earl of Nascot, now the Duke of the Grand Court.

Now, on another matter. I wish to express my apologies to the Duke of the Grand Court before every peer of the realm.

It seems that the Duke of the Grand Court did not mean to say that a silent knight is a happy knight, and this gives an entire different meaning to his perfect words. I ask that the Duke forgives this knight for misreading his words - there was no ill intention of causing harm, only of defending the noble status and dignitas of any knight of the realm.

See my reaction, Your Grace, not as petulance or defiance, but as the boldness and fierceness of a Lion of Perdan, who shall forever, and ever, be vigilant to defend our noble knights and the code of chivalry, so our roars shall be heard. As I stated, this Knight holds the Duke of the Grand Court with the highest esteem.

As I hope the Duke of the Grand Court accepts my humble excuse for misunderstanding his words - now I see he did not mean to attack the dignity of the knights of the realm - I have a generous offer, so we may have peace.

Given the circumstances of your earnings, do not shy away from requesting coins from House de Haguns. Depending on the circumstances, Your Grace might not worry about credit, we may give you if needed be. Of course, we would request the Daemon Sword of the Mother as lien to this contract, but I find it highly doubtful the Duke would default. Just a precaution, of course.

Always loyal, and carried by the winds,

Orpheu de Haguns Knight of Perdan Mines

The Imperatrix comes to the defense of the Duke of the Grand Court

Sir Orpheau,

You are young and I try to make allowances for the mistakes of youth... however. On what planet do you presume to demand the hand of my son in marriage to any get of yours! My son is not a commodity to be traded in some squabble betwixt you and my intended. His choises will be his own rather than being ensnared in some shaded web by a boy Knight whose quill is too quick to dip... in both ink and commoners if rumours are to be believed.

The Duke has offered you a boon, for win or lose you would have gained the honor of the Court. And you see fit to attempt to trade away my son, MY SON on the back of your childish game of insults.

When you fight and when you lose you will give public apology for your hastily penned missives... if you have sense that missive will come now.

Come for my son again and I shall have no fear of betrothal to your house as I will hunt you down and render you incapable.

With Kindest Regards,

Lorelai Chamberlain Imperatrix of Perdan Steward of Aix

De Haguns's reply to the Imperatrix

To the Imperatrix of Perdan,

Dame Chamberlain,

A true Lioness in the defense of its cub, an admirable trait.

It shall be so, I will satisfy myself with the Daemon Sword of the Mother, then.

I had no intention of causing offense, as you have always treated me with respect. Please, forgive my boldness concerning the marriage proposal. This shall not happen again.

Your friend, and carried by the winds,

Orpheu de Haguns Knight of Perdan Mines

Related to the "A Silent Night is a Good Knight" and "The Canne Affair"

Storme's letter to De Haguns

((This letter is written in a handwriting only those close to Aila will recognize. It is not the typical script of her scribes but instead a fussily meticulous handwriting with a distinct feminine quality. ))

Sir Orpheu,

You attack nobles in my streets, Throw baseless insults in letters, Compel a man I love as if her were my own brother to combat, Bed commoners, Father Bastards, Refuse my orders,

Now prey upon a true noble babe; A prince still at the breast, still in his cradle in a bid to improve the standing of the house you yourself disgrace. You are unworthy, your family is unworthy. If you ever mention such a horrendous preposition again there will be nowhere for you to hide.

Aila Storme Ambassador of Perdan Duchess of Perdan Margravine of Perdan

Broken (RP)

Timeframe: After the events of the Return of the Lioness, as Orpheu finds himself separated from his lover Thea due to the machinations of the Duchess of Perdan, but before his defection from Perdan==

The Knight was in grief, alone in his pavilion in Montauban. There was just two bottles of wine, Red Langor, to keep him company.

He thought about everything that had happened so far. His Thea, his child, the dreams that had been shattered by the malice of others.

He had left the Perdan Mines with such a joyous heart, eager to serve the realm and make a name for himself. Yet there he was, only the wine to make him company. His normally clean and shaved face had a beard growing, his eyes were sleepy-dead, he was a walking dead. The humiliation, powerlessness, rage had caused this to him. Or had he caused this fate to befall himself, for following his heart, for trying to play a game he knew he could not win? He had disgraced himself before the Kingdom. Where once a proud young knight had gone in battle to win glory to his House, now was a drunk, full of regrets. He should never have let passion come before duty, he had never squired Thea, or taken her with him... she was faultless. Yet she was carrying his child, and even if he did not know it, he loved this child so much, that he would perservere.

The empty bottle of Red Langor looked at him just as he eyed the bottle. He looked at his hands, own covered in black ink. There was black ink in his arms, in his chest, all that had fallen as he had penned letter after letter in his rage while his captain Guido Aumerle was announcing the glories of Perdan in Montauban, instead of this broken knight. How could he try to convince the perleoni that Perdan was better, if he did not believe it? The Knight had broken vows, and now his dreams were shattered. He had been forsaken by his goddesses, and only the wine entertained him.

He eyed a letter that had come earlier, but he had not paid attention. From his Duchess. His eyes flared with hate, and with trembling hands in his drunken stupor, he took the letter and tried to read it. "Attack","insults", "combat","commoners","bastards", all made the way through his mind. He had acted in such anger, his pride wounded to such an extent, that the few moments in sobriety he had been the last few days, he decided to attack every hint of slight he had sensed. His hate knew no bounds, he was so consumed by anger that he forgot the minimum decorum. Yet, he kept thinking, he was better than that, he could overcome it...

As he finished the letter, he could not shed a single tear, for he had already shed all he could. He rose from his chair and stumbled towards a small box in his pavilion. He wanted more ink and parchment, but there were none. Captain Guido, Cerise's brother, had pitied the young knight and ordered him not to be supplied with them after his last letter, at least until the next day, when he would be sober. The Knight did not know this of course.

He stumbled back to his desk, the letter still in his hand. Slowly, he started to rip it in shreds, imagining that those were the Duchess throat.

He finally reached the bottle of Red Langor that was there, full. He opened it, and felt the smell. It smelled as the void, the lack of pain. For more than a minute he held the bottle there, readying himself to drink more.

Instead, he just let its content flow to the ground. Once finished, he threw the bottle outside the tent, away from him. He was better than this, and would not let that Duchess and those corrupt nobles break him.

And he vowed himself to hold his tongue, or better, his pen.

De Hagun's letter just before he defects Perdan, days after the events of "Broken", vowing revenge

(this letter arrives by a messenger coming from the capital with a small and simple wooden box of chocolates that had been bought in the City of Lions before Orpheu made his way towards the eastern border. The callygraphy is quite simple, different from the usual handrwiting of Orpheu's letters, who he used to pen himself)

Aila Storme,

Your last letter, which seems to have been written in a childish outburst, was quite amusing. You attacked my honor in such a way for presenting my conditions to duel the Duke of the Grand Court, yet you are a vile and cruel creature.

Who do you think you are, to address me in that manner?

Your titles mean nothing to me, for you do not deserve to bear them.

You are no lion, but a hyena, preying in cowardice against those without to defend themselves. Shame on your House, Aila Storme.

You consort with the conniving, corrupt and liar Laststar. Your factions are all that is wrong with Perdan, oppressing the lesser nobles with your iron fists while trying to satisfy your pettiness by tearing the realm to pieces.

Due to your kind, Perdan is strangled by the noose of oppression, politicking, bickering, without being able to stand as a united front against Perleone. This is why you will lose the war.

You are but another incompetent and corrupt noble who has made use of your beauty – undeniable, yet fleeting – to achieve the place where you are now. You have no redeemable qualities that justify your rank and position.

Therefore, I can only laugh at your futile attempts to deride me. When I first read that letter, I thought it was a child or a simpleton that had written it, given the almost illiterate handwriting.

Alas, it was just you.

Unsurprising, to be honest.

I could never expect something of great quality from someone as unworthy such as you. But I thank you for expending your time such as this. For you, however, I would not have my hands dirty in ink, therefore I dictate this letter to my scribes.

If you would like an advice, you make a semi-competent scribe. Have you ever entertained the notion of abdicating and going to serve sir Maximilliam Rea, from Shadowdale? I believe you would find your hollow abilities better used as his scribe, for the man definitely needs it. Perhaps you could even be his translator.

You are nothing but a country bumpkin overdressed in expensive clothes, outrageously pompous and presumptuous.

Allow me an advice, so you may try to improve your station. Try to emulate Her Majesty, the Queen Alyssa and His Grace, the Duke of the Riverlands, the Margravine of Mulhouse or the Earl of Brive. They are dignified, while you are but a overgrown child who thinks to toy with nobles and abuse your powers to cause unnecessary suffering. They will accomplish achievements you could never even dream of.

Your place is rotting inside a cell, not ruling from a ducal palace. A cell just like the one you were in Perleone. I hope this brings good memories to you.

Just hope and pray you do not find me as the Judge responsible for your cell in the future.

I will come for you, Aila Storme, to collect the debt you owe me. I shall write “Haguns” with my sword in that pretty face of yours and let you live, so you may forever walk in shame before the world, for you will carry the name of the House you so enjoyed humiliating.

On a final note, I recall fondly when you interrupted a meeting with the Queen to demand chocolates. If you need so, I have ordered some to be delivered from Perdan's finest delicatéssen, along with this letter. Be not afraid, they are not tainted with your poison, unlike your tongue. I only hope they can sweeten the taste of defeat. It is only fitting that an overgrown child should have some, after all.

Your /friend/, and carried by the winds,


Orpheu de Haguns Noble of Perdan