by Dan Mat
“What exactly?” Scejvor asked.
“Councilors Huarg Setl and Almest Hven were apprehended earlier this morning. After which they were formally indicted.” Saekul said loud, so everyone in the hall could hear him clearly.
“Come again?” chief regent Teer was befuddled.
“Indictment?! What kind of indictment?!” Elias Mird, the councilor of naval guild, jumped from his chair.
“Furthermore, all activities of miners and security guild will be suspended, during the duration of the process.” commander Er’ulrath ignored the questions.
“Who is the claimant?” Scejvor was persistent “What are they indicted for?”
“Where are they now?” Mird added.
“You’ll find the answers to your questions, and more, in these documents.” Saekul handed the black, leather file to Scejvor.
“Thank you.” Teer nodded, immediately breaking off the wax seals, to open the file.
He was that eager to find out what’s inside.
“And this is for you.” commander Er’ulrath turned towards Xavnier Gloir.
“For me?” Xavnier asked baffled, as he took the scroll from elf’s open hand.
“Court summons.” Saekul explained “Good day, gentlemen.”
“Until next time, commander.” Scejvor retorted.
Elf turned on his heel, leaving the hall as quickly as he came in.
“A court summons?!” Mird exclaimed, as soon as Saekul closed the door behind him “As?”
“As a witness.” Xavnier said, unfolding the paper “Prosecution witness.”
“Hang on a second.” Mird said “You knew about this?”
“About what?” Xavnier asked.
“The apprehensions, the seizures.” Mird answered “The arraignment.”
“I knew something was brewing.” Xavnier answered “But I had no idea it’ll happen so soon.”
“Care to elaborate?” Mird asked.
“I think we are all in need of elaboration.” Xavnier looked towards chief regent.
“One moment, please.” Scejvor carefully took the documents out of the leather file.
The corner of every single piece of paper was marked with the official magistrate signet, as a proof of authenticity. Still fresh ink told Scejvor, these documents were brought here, straight from the court. Only minutes old. Half an hour at most. And with sudden, concurrent apprehensions of councilors Huarg Setl and Almest Hven, it seemed rather impetuous move. Right before the beginning of the assembly. Surely this was not a coincidence.
“The high court of Vallsynk, on the hundred and eighteenth day, of the nine hundred and eighty second year, is issuing a warrant for an urgent apprehension of the councilors Huarg Setl and Almest Hven, on the multiple counts, stated in the continuation of the document.” Scejvor read “Signed by the honorable judge Yor Redyns.”
“Is this actually happening?” Mird said to himself, rather than asking.
“The plaintiff, chief miner regent Ors Mykhil, in the name of all the denizens of Gollvin.” Scejvor turn over the second page.
“Denizens of Gollvin?!” Elias Mird said loudly “What do they want?”
“Huarg Setl, councilor of Vallsynk’s miners guild, hereby is accused for wittingly disregarding, breaching and transgression of contracts, obligations and responsibilities towards the town of Gollvin.” Teer Scejvor proceed to read the document, completely ignoring the councilor of naval guild “The extortion and pilfering of goods and means at the expense of Gollvin. Pilfering of goods and means at the expense of Vallsynk. Counterfeiting of documents, contracts, agreements and transaction receipts, at the expense of Gollvin and Vallsynk. And indirect endangerment of safety and lives of civilians and military personel, in the light of his actions and conduct.”
“Horrible.” Mird exclaimed, using the brief pause that chief regent Teer Scejvor took, while turning another page of the document.
“Almest Hven, councilor of Vallsynk’s protection and security guild, hereby is accused for unprincipled and deceitful practice, disregard of duties, and abuse of service and position. Recurring and persistent extortion of means and goods from the citizens of Gollvin, with the use of force. Recurring blackmail of Vallsynk citizens. Counterfeiting and falsification of documents and contracts. And direct endangerment of safety and lives of civilians and military personel.”
“Horrible.” Mird said again “Anything else?”
“Trial is scheduled for hundred and fiftieth day of the current year.” Scejvor retorted.
“Not sooner?” Elias Mird asked.
“If I’m not mistaken, that is the standard procedure.” Scejvor said “To allow the accused fair time, in preparation before the trial.”
“You are probably right.” Mird nodded.
“And judging by the long list of witnesses, plaintiffs are well prepared.” Scejvor added, looking at the last page of the document.
“Is that so?” Mird asked.
“The list of witnesses appearing for prosecution is as follows.” Scejvor proceed to read “ Elben Sartain - lieutenant of Gollvin militia, Ors Mykhil – Commissioner of Gollvin’s mining operations, Dinraik Til – Gollvin’s chief miner, Thorin Lutir – captain of Thirel fort, Gelian Sellden – lieutenant of Thirel fort, Saekul Er’ulrath – commander of Vallsynk armies, Dip B’sac – lieutenant of Vallsynk armies and chief investigator and councilor Xavnier Gloir.”
“So, you’ve had a prior knowledge of the matter, master Gloir.” Elias Mird turn towards halfling “Or your name wouldn’t be on this list.”
“It’s nothing.” Xavnier took a defensive stance “I assure you.”
“You are still standing behind that claim?” Scejvor added.
“Investigator B’sac asked for the permission into the city archives.” Xavnier said “I presume he found some discrepancies between those and councilor’s private documentation.”
“This is not happening.” Mird shook his head.
“I hear you.” Xavnier said.
“What if it’s all true?” Mird asked.
“I don’t know.” Xavnier shrugged.
“If you allow me.” Scejvor said “I’d advise you to start thinking about the damage control.”
“And if councilors are innocent?” Mird asked.
“I believe they’ll understand.” Saekul retorted “And forgive.”
“Alright then.” Mird nodded “Let’s not waste any more time.”
“In that case, gentlemen, it is a great honor and privilege to declare the commencement of the Vallsynk city house assembly!” Saekul exclaimed “And unfortunately regret, to do in such a difficult circumstances.”
Chief regent of the Garhmier’s mercantile guild paused for a moment, as he glanced across the room. Judging by the somber looks on the drab, councilor faces, Scejvor realized his task in presiding the assembly will be nothing short of tough. Difficult even. And to makes the matters worse, he had to ask them to set aside their loyalty or friendship, they undoubtedly felt for the accused colleagues. To place their duty and care for the city and all of the citizens, before their personal feelings.
“In the light of these accusations, against councilor Setl and councilor Hven, I hereby update and open the first item on the agenda.” Scejvor proclaim “Exclusion of the said individuals from all of the council activities, until there’s a valid reason for it. Anyone object?”
Dead silence gave him a clear and cut answer.
“Item one is hereby placed on the agenda.” Scejvor said after brief, ten second pause “Cast your votes, gentlemen. The exclusion of Huarg Setl and Almest Hven from further council affairs, until there is a valid reason for it. All in favor, please raise your hand.”
For a couple of moments, no one moved. Councilors waited to see, who’ll cast the first vote. If the guilt of accused councilors was already proven, not a single one of them would hesitate to do so. But now, in these circumstances, it felt like a betrayal. Scejvor considered to repeat the vote inquiry, when a
ll of a sudden, Elias Mird lifted his hand. Barely audible sighs escaped from the several councilmen. They finally realized, this is a necessity. It wasn’t long, before the hand of every councilor was high in the air.
“That settles it then. In a unanimous decision, Huarg Setl and Amest Hven are, for the time being, excluded from all of the council affairs.” Scejvor said, thumping the table with his fist “Shall we proceed with the second item on the agenda. Founding of the new high council of Vallsynk.”
“May I have the word.” Xavnier Gloir suddenly spoke.
“For?” Scejvor asked, somewhat puzzled.
“Update to the second item of the agenda.” Xavnier retorted.
“Can you provide the claim in written form?” Scejvor asked.
Instead of an answer, halfling pulled out a carefully folded piece of paper, from the inner pocket of his jacket.
“What is this?” Scejvor asked, unfolding the paper.
“A governing decree, written, signed and ratified by the former chief regent of Tanmar, Olveen Zaanan, Lord of Issurk, himself.” Xavnier answered.
“What?!” Mird exclaimed “Why do you present us with it? What is the meaning of this?”
“Precaution, contingency planing, the necessary measures, insurance for the times to come.” Xavnier answered “Call it as you will.”
“Return to the old, obsolete ways, that brought nothing good.” Mird said.
“And whose fault is that?” Xavnier asked “The same sort of councilors which worked on undermining that system, are now under the investigation for abusing the curent one. The same sort of councilors, now, choose to murder their associates and colleagues for their own private interests. The same sort of councilors put themselves first, before the needs of many. What good is the current system?”
“Well if for nothing else, it protects us from the dictatorship.” Elias Mird retorted.
“And yet, it failed to protect us from the rule of the crime.” Xavnier barked.
“Just a few rotten apples.” Mird said.
“Which are capable of spoiling the whole harvest.” Xavnier retorted “How long are we going to turn our heads from the existing troubles? Shutting our eyes to the problems, in hope they would go away by themselves.”
“But the indictment is clear indicator of the system that works.” Mird stated.
“Is that so?” Xavnier asked “ And yet, none of us suspected Setl and Hven. None of us questioned their activities.”
“So you suggest we all kept a blind eye?” Mird asked.
“Some of us. Yes. Some of us were oblivious. It’s safe to say we can all share the blame.” Xavnier was resolute “And that has to end today.”
“Let’s say you are right.” Mird said “How do you plan to impose the changes? With the decree?”
“First off, not by myself.” Xavnier answered “This is a task for the entire council.”
“Very well.” Mird nodded.
“Lord Zaanan’s decree is there to serve us as a guidance.” Xavnier added “If nothing else.”
“Very well.” Mird repeated himself “We might as well proceed then.”
“Certainly.” Scejvor said “Second item of the agenda is hereby open for the revisions. Anyone against?”
None of the councilors moved.
“All in favor for the restitution of the governing decree in a place of the existing one, with all the necessary changes and additions. Please raise your hand.” Scejvor proceed.
Xavnier Gloir was first to do so, something he immediately regretted. In all his eagerness, halfling probably made a mistake by revealing how much he wanted this. A mistake that could prove to be very expensive in the end. He glanced across the room, desperate to see if anyone followed suit, until his eyes met with those of Elias Mird. Councilor of the naval guild fixedly stared at him. And then Elias smiled, raising his hand. Moments later, every other councilor did the same.
“In a unanimous decision, the governing decree by former chief regent of Tanmar, is hereby reinstituted as a main regulatory document of Vallsynk.” Scejvor proclaimed quite loudly “The document is open for revisions. Paragraph one; Nomination of the candidates for the position, by the ruling guild.”
“Alteration and amendment.” Xavnier said.
“Granted.” Scjevor nodded “State your proposition.”
“Nominations mustn’t be the decision of one guild.” Xavnier retorted.
“Then whose?” Elias Mird asked.
“Safe to say, that task is for the council as a whole.” Xavnier answered.
“How come?” Mird was short and to the point.
“Well, my proposition is for every guild to have the right in nominating their own candidate.” Xavnier explained.
“Yes, that actually might work in the future.” Mird was persistent “But how are we supposed to act on it now?”
“I don’t see a problem.It’s quite the opposite.” Xavnier answered “There are plenty of candidates sitting around this very table.”
“Fair enough.” Mird nodded.
And by doing so, he gave Teer Scejvor clear signal to proceed.
“All in favor of councilor Gloir’s proposal, raise your hand.” Scejvor proclaimed.
This time, halfling wasn’t rushing to cast his vote. He patiently waited a couple of seconds before he put his hand up. And to his genuine surprise, he was amongst the last ones to do so.
“Alteration and amendment of the paragraph one, is hereby voted in a unanimous decision.” Scejvor stated the obvious “Moving to paragraph two; The duration of the mandate.”
“Do you have any suggestions, or guidelines in there?” Mird waved towards the documents.
“None.” Scejvor said, checking the paper one more time.
“Perhaps councilor Gloir could enlighten us on that one as well.” Mird’s remark draw a chuckle or two from some of the councilmen.
“I don’t know.” Xavnier brushed them off “Couple of years, perhaps a bit more.”
“Let us agree on five.” Scejvor interjected.
“Very well.” Mird nodded.
“All in favor of a five year mandate, please raise your hands.” Scejvor proclaimed once again.
Every councilor proceed to do so, almost in unison.
“Paragraph two is voted in a unanimous decision.” Scejvor said “And if you allow me, I think it would be wise to add one more paragraph, especially in the light of recent events.”
“What do you have in mind, sir?” Mird asked.
“A moment please.” Scejvor retorted, as he begin inscribing on the scroll.
He was careful not to make any mistakes, and at the same time formulate eloquent, yet concise and straightforward regulation. This was the official document after all. It had to be flawless. And still, he was done writing it, less than a minute later.
“In a case there is a suspicion of a committed criminal act.” Scejvor begin reading, after he cleared his throat “ The council has the authority to suspend the Lord, and vote his immediate successor.”
Chief regent of Garhmier’s mercantile guild took a deep breath. He just realized he made the actual ruling, and it send shivers up his spine.
“All in favor, please raise your hands.” Scejvor proclaimed.
Every councilor proceed to do so.
“Paragraph three is voted in a unanimous decision.” Scejvor proclaimed “The revision of the document is hereby concluded. Moving to the third item on the agenda; Appointing the Lord of Vallsynk.”
Entire room became silent and still. Several councilors hold their breaths, anticipating Scejvor’s next few words. The pertinence of the next vote, made some of them squirm in their seats. Few felt ill to their stomachs. Because they all knew, this was the single most important moment of their lives.
“Gentlemen, please.” Scejvor declared after few long seconds “Name the candidates.”
“I have a strange feeling councilor Gloir is at the moment, only one prepared to offer the candidature.” M
ird grinned.
“Does that mean you are nominating councilor Gloir?” Scejvor asked.
“Sure. Why not?” Mird retorted “As soon as I hear someone else’s name.”
“Perhaps yours?” Sembert Fulk, councilor of the arts and crafts guild, joined in the conversation.
It was only the third council assembly, young sculptor attended thus far. After last years passing of the old, master painter Brendarm, Sembert was given the opportunity to lead this small guild. With just ten active members, he had no real competition. Truth to be told, no one but him wanted the position, and the commitment it entailed. They cared for art, not politics, power or wealth. Something Sembert Fulk wanted to change for himself.
He saw the ways in which every other guild was operating. He saw the deals in making. And the transactions that ensued. He saw councilors making profit, and getting richer. And Sembert wished that for himself. But he had a problem. He was a new face around here. A fish out of water. Still trying to figure out who to ally with. He barely even spoke until now. No wonder he caught many councilors by a surprise. Especially considering he wasn’t backing his kin. Sember Fulk was also a halfling.
“Very well.” Mird said, after brief contemplation.
“Anyone else?” Scejvor asked, looking across the room.
Rest of the councilors remain silent. None of them dared to move. Reluctance to even consider throwing their names into the mix was almost palpable. No matter how tempting the prospect of ruling the city was. It simply wasn’t worth the hassle. Besides, most of them were rather satisfied with their current positions and status.
“Councilors Gloir and Mird.” Scejvor proclaimed, looking at each one, after saying their names “Do you accept the candidature?”
“I do.” they answered concurrently.
“Very well.” Scejvor nodded “Now. You may present your policies, strategies and plans. Who would wish to start first?”
Elias Mird stood up from his chair at a moment’s notice. He wasn’t prepared for this at all, but knew of few areas, his guild was proposing for improvement.
“If you decide to show the trust in me, I promise I’ll do everything in my power, to ensure we never find ourselves in a similar predicament.” Mird begin his presentation “The rot of the corrupt councilors and their wrongdoings, infecting our city, infecting our society, must be cut at its roots. And if we can learn anything from the arrests of Huarg Setl and Almest Hven, that can be done.”