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Post by zurajai on Nov 8, 2014 3:44:16 GMT
An unassuming party bearing the banner of the Order of the Crimson Tome and the Vaekir arrived at the head of a caravan. The party passed through the gates of Elon and headed straight to capital building. Upon it's arrival the party passed a letter on to the guards and unlimbered their cargo, leaving it for the Elonese officials to pickup when they were ready. With that the party left on it's continued journey carrying the rewards earned during the crusade to other loyal vassals across the north.
-- Elon receives a total of 8 gold from the Vaekirate, 5 as the standard reward and another 3 for their immediate response.
-- In addition to rights to construct a Vaekirate Library Elon is also given the rights to construct a Reliquery.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 8, 2014 3:56:18 GMT
The party was well received and the head magistrate, Grandmother Jasmine invited them to dine with her and some of the other Elonese nobility. Unfortunately, neither the King or Queen could meet with them, due to the fact that the Queen was in bed with child and the king and all the castle was anxious over her state.
The letter and cargo where placed carefully aside. The king or queen would have a chance to look over the items and documents at a later time.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 11, 2014 8:25:36 GMT
A letter arrived in Karmozijn Kerk from Dovwynn. It bares the seal of the Tovenaar, specifically they Medical Master Abdur-Rashid, and is addressed to Chief Preist Staas.
Your Holiness,
I am happy to report the successful delivery of a young prince to the king and queen of Elon. The mother was in dire straights, but I arrived in time to save both her life and the life of the child, praise be to Aed!
However, I write this letter concerning a different matter.
Upon arriving to the birthing chamber, I discovered the presence of a local medicine woman. She is known by the name Annabella Rose, and I sensed pagan magic about her, as soon as I entered. By calling upon spirits and making use of both herbal remedies and magical potions, she had been attending the queen prior to our arrival. Best I can tell, she did no obvious harm to either the mother or the child and may even have played a part in preserving them and easing the queen’s pain. However, as we both know, the perils of dark magic are seldom obvious, and always terrible to behold once revealed. I fear for the future of the child’s soul and even for the soul of the mother. God knows what exposure to such magic will bring upon them.
I had the witch arrested as soon as the queen and her baby were safe from threat. Mrz Rose has neither admitted nor denied the practice of witchcraft and questioning the locals has only resulted in contradicting and ambiguous results. King Azlyn is reluctant to hear of any action against her, since he perceives her intervention as having played a roll in the rescue of his wife and child.
For the time being I have seen to it that Annabella Rose is locked securely in Christallo manner. I must remain some few days more to attended to Queen Chello, who remains weak from the childbirth. However, I send this letter ahead so that you may make considerations on the matter. I trust fully in your wisdom and the wisdom of Aed, who’s instrument you are.
Sincerely,
Master Abdur-Rashid.
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Post by zurajai on Nov 11, 2014 17:53:07 GMT
Master Abdur-Rashid,
It fills my heart with great joy to hear of the safe delivery of the young prince of Elon, as well as the Queen's continued well being. It speaks volumes about your skill, as such things always do.
On the matter of your concern I have, sadly, very few options.
As you know, witchcraft is considered an apostate art and heresy in the most extreme: magic is a gift from Aed and to misuse such gifts is tantamount to betraying Aed's trust and love. However, I cannot deny that Aed gave unto this Annabella Rose these gifts for a reason: perhaps, even, for this exact moment. As such, I feel it is prudent to give this woman some sort of dignified treatment as Aed asks of us all. As such I have determined the most reasonable course of action is to take her and the child to Karmozijn Kerk and interrogate the witch. If her intentions were noble and no curse or corruption can be found on the child then this 'Rose' shall be sent to Messara, The Blessed City itself, in order to be presented to the Vaekir. If she is, in fact, driven by good intentions then perhaps she might be able to aid our knowledge in medicinal arts as recompense for her apostasy.
On the matter of the child we must make sure of his purity. You will take care of the child until he is ready to be moved and then you will make haste with him and the Witch to Karmozijn Kerk. Only then will we make our decision on what will be the best course of action for the child. Until then, speak nothing of such matters to the parents; already they have been through harrowing events and should not have the added stress of matters such as these weighing on their shoulders. If they are to ask, you are free to explain to them the actions that will be taken on the witch.
I wish you the best of luck, Master Abdur-Rashid, for your burden is a heavy one. I look forward to seeing you soon but wish it was on better tidings.
Sincerely,
Chief Priest Staas
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 13, 2014 5:25:19 GMT
“What do you mean the church need to examine his purity!?” Azlyn raged. At six foot seven inches, he was practically a giant over the dwarf standing before him. “This is ridiculous! I’ve known Annabella Rose all my life. She is not a witch and my child is most certainly not cursed, or any other such nonsense!”
“Your highness, this is a precaution the church must take and it must be done before the child is christened and given the Veakirate’s sacred blessing.”
Azlyn scowled down at Abdur-Rashid.
“I assure you the boy will not be harmed,” the dwarf carried on hastily, “And, if, as you say, this wise woman is not a witch-”
“-She’s not!-”
“-then there is absolutely nothing to fear and this can all be sorted out in no time.”
Rashid did bother to argue the point that he was very aware of Annabella’s aura of magical power as soon as he entered the same room her, just as she was of his. Mages had an inherit sense for such things and Annabella more than most seemed to be acutely attuned to the magic world around her.
Of course bring up any of this to Azlyn would be pointless at the moment. It’s been difficult for the Master Tovenaar to get along with him at all over that past few weeks.
With his wife bedridden, Azlyn had found himself confronted by more papers, administrated decisions and stuffy librarians than he’d ever cared to know even existed in Elon. He’d found someone else to take on the tasks as quickly as possible, but even so, he couldn’t completely escape the “business” of running a kingdom. This, along with the rumors starting to spread and the trouble the Rashid was making over Annabella, had been enough to put turn the usually good humored king a little sour. The idea of throwing everything, duty, kingdom, wife, paperwork and tovenaar into the air and ridding off into the wild western sunset with Adessa Connell by his side was sounding more and more enticing by the day.
On the other hand, Azlyn loved every moment he got to spend with his children. While constantly running riding around to hunt and visit the villages, he’d hardly had time to notice his daughter, Eloise. However, if he left the manner now, Azlyn was sure he’d end up at Adessa’s door, so he ran away into the arms of is three-year-old daughter and enfant son instead and discovered how many joys of fatherhood he’d been missing out on.
He’d been with them a few minutes ago, when he was informed the Abdur-Rashid needed to see him about his son’s upcoming blessing.
“Once the church is certain the prince has not been cursed, or darkened by black magic, we can proceed with the blessing as usual and it can even be done in the grand cathedral in Karmozijn Kerk if you like.”
Azlyn considered. The little town chapel in Dovwynn was a small unimpressive building, far too little to hold even a portion of the town’s growing population and he did like the idea of his heir receiving his name and first holy blessing in the beautiful cathedral in Karmozijn Kerk. Of course this would mean Chello would be unable to attend, since she was too weak to travel. It seemed unfair for a mother to not be at her son’s first blessing, but maybe it would be for the best.
“I’ll think about it,” Azlyn growled. Then he turned and paced some.
“If I allow this,” he said after a moment or two, “I’m coming with you. Not just me, but my daughter and however much of my court can make the journey. I’m not going to just hand him over and neither will I just hand over Annabella Rose. She’s been a healer and wise woman in Dovwynn since before the Empire came north, and in all those years she’s done this town nothing but good.”
“Very well, your highness,” Rashid said, again not bothering to point out the facts. Azlyn had no choice in this matter. Rashid been ordered by the Chief Priest to bring the child and the witch to Karmozijn Kerk and this is what had to be done, weather the King Azlyn liked it or not. However, Getting as much of the king’s cooperation as he could would keep a bad situation from getting much worse.
***
Nearly two weeks after the prince was born, a large party rode into the city of Karmozijn Kerk. King Azlyn, his children, his personal guard, a good portion of his household and even more curious Elonese citizens and tourists had arrived.
Rumors of the new prince and the mysterious, possibility magical circumstances of his birth had got around, even reaching the bustling city. Many people in the streets paused in their activities, wondering if they’d get a glimpse of the prince born of demons and angels, or possibility the pagan Elonese witch, who was rumored to have bewitched the baby in his mother’s womb. They were disappointed. While Azlyn and his daughter were riding in the front of the possession, the three-year-old sitting front of her father’s saddle and pointing excitedly to the tall buildings and bright gardens, there was no sign of the newborn prince. And Rashid had seen to it that Annabella Rose rode in a locked carriage with curtains drawn, as much for her own protection as to keep her from escaping.
The Master Tovenaar send a rider well ahead of them all, giving word of their arrival to Chief Priest Staas.
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Post by zurajai on Nov 13, 2014 17:50:55 GMT
The party from Elon was met by a force of Vaekirate Guardsmen and a entire host of Tovenaar-Akur the moment they arrived. The force did not press the point at the behest of Abdur-Rashid, claiming this was a matter for the Chief Priest alone. After a quiet debate away from the party between Rashid and the Tovenaar-Akur in command of the force Rashid was able to convince them to relent and the escort continued down towards the palace. As they closed a single figure in red robes waited on the steps, clearly showing him to be a Chief Priest based only on his attire. The moment they reached the stairs up to the palace he began walking down to meet them, hands held tightly together in what appeared to be prayer.
"Master Abdul-Rashid, you have arrived at last," called Chief Priest Staas, "Along with King Azlyn himself. I hope your travels weren't too rough. Come, please enter the palace immediately: there are important matters to attend to."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 13, 2014 22:43:59 GMT
Azlyn dismounted and gave the chief priest a respectful if somewhat flamboyant bow.
“Our trip was quite pleasant, Your Holiness. It is always a pleasure to visit your fine city in the spring.”
Bidding one of the servants to look after his daughter and see to the horses, he told Eloise to be good, before going up the steps with Rashid and the majority of his party.
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Post by zurajai on Nov 14, 2014 19:28:07 GMT
With that Staas turned on his heels and climbed the steps towards the palace entrance, who's solid wooden doors were already swung open and waiting for them, beckoning them inside. As always the main antechamber leading into the hall itself was sparsely furnished, as is the way of the Vaekirate, and little time was spent as the group just passed through. The hall itself remained similarly spartan with the main decorations being red pennants bearing the symbol of the Vaekirate. With the group fulling entering the hall the doors were closed behind them with a resounding boom. The visage the Chief Priest revealed upon turning to look back at the group was one of grave tidings as if worn by a man who has seen and done too much.
"Good King Azlyn . . . It pains me to have brought you here on matters as dark as these but you must understand that it is imperative that we do this. You claim that his woman is not a pagan witch yet all the proof provides for the contrary. She has never provided herself to the Vaekirate, the proper authority on the matter, for her gift given unto her by Aed and as thus has not learned how to use said gifts in a way condoned by Aed, Blessed be his name. Whether or not her intentions were malevolent is beyond the point: these laws exist for a reason and must be enforced for a reason. I understand that the North is not as versed in such things but this is how it must be. Rashid here is a fine example of a Northman with the gift who recognized the one truth and gave himself to the Vaekirate. If she is proven to be truly benevolent and willing to amend for her pagan ways she will not be harmed and will be treated fairly and kindly as Dignity would have us do to all beings. She will be sent to Messara and that is not up for debate.
As per your child, another issue sits here. I have very little fear that your child is tainted as Master Rashid would have recognized such corruption. I am not who you need worry about, however. The humble masses are far more fearful and distrusting than you or I and their will, though malleable when alone, is unbreakable in numbers. This is a lesson we Messarom know very well as we were once put in a similar position, ruled by pagan kings who did not deserve their rulership. You, of course, are no pagan and neither is anyone of your family. However, the point remains, colluding with perceivable pagan witches is playing with fire. Your child will be tested for purity, of which I have no fears he will be shown to be. This, as well, is not up for debate."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 14, 2014 20:09:10 GMT
Azlyn's face was dark as he listened, trying to follow everything Staas said.
"I know full well that my son is pure and the people of Elon will accept that, despite any rumors or misconceptions. However, assuming there is absolutely no threat of harm in your procedures, I will submit him to be tested."
Azlyn still didn't approve of the of the idea. He had full trust in his people's ability to overcome superstition. And even if some unhappy souls could not do so, he doubted the Veakirate's tests could fully dislodge the doubts in those bitter hearts. If anything, the tests told the people that there was indeed a threat worthy of concerned. Still, he wasn't going to argue over something harmless. Annabella Rose was something of another matter though.
"Your Holiness, I don't know what magic Master Rashid has sensed on Mrz Rose, but she is and has always been a village wise woman, serving Dovwyyn with her insight since long before my father bowed his knee to the Empire and these laws were put into place. She is old and rooted in Elon with a deep love and devotion. She has never claimed to be anything more than a seer and a healer. If your mages really can prove her a witch, I assure you, she has only ever used magic to served Aed, his people and his creation and she's done it where God placed her, for the people he surrounded her with and the place she has called her home for over sixty years. I can see no sin or harm in this. Whatever choice Annabella Rose makes, be it to go with your Tovenaar to Messara, or to stand by the practices she's live by all her long life, I will stand by her as her King and her friend."
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Post by zurajai on Nov 14, 2014 22:49:51 GMT
The Chief Priest turned and looked to the stained-glass windows above his seat farther back into the hall as he listened, weaving his fingers together into an intricate knotwork. Azyln's first words were reasonable enough and the Chief Priest could hardly blame him for having such feelings: as said, Azlyn is a northman first and foremost and could not possibly understand the true effect heretical notions could hold on a populace. Even the earliest part of his claims about the 'wise woman' struck close to home for Staas who completely understood where the man was coming from. But with the final statement his mood soured in an instant, his brow furrowed and his visage creasing into a frown radiating displeasure. He turned, his piercing gaze so rarely relied upon now directed at the King.
"You will heed my words now, Azlyn of Elon, and you will heed them well. Your Annabella Rose does not have a choice in this matter and neither do you; this matter is no longer in your hands. Your feelings for this woman aside, the good Master Rashid has claimed to sense a power within her yet you claim Rashid's senses have failed him. She wears not the robes of a Tovenaar and bares no authority given to her by the Vaekir. She WILL be taken to Messara and her apostasy will be put under judgement. There is nothing you can do to stop this. The North has been a haven for the apostasy of magic for too long and I will not fail His Holiness, the Vaekir himself, in completing my divinely ordained Duty. His Holiness has treated you with Dignity; most cases of apostasy are met with execution and forfeiture of those affected. Yet you spit on his benevolent treatment of you and your family.
You are neither educated nor knowledgeable on the subject of magical apostasy yet in your obsession with protecting an apostate you have insulted Abdul-Rashid's Mastery of his craft, my Duty as a Chief Priest, and worst of all the Dignity His Holiness, Vaekir Koen. Do not do so again."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 14, 2014 23:23:13 GMT
Azlyn's lips tightened. He had all respect for Cheif Preist Staas and wanted no argument with the church, but Elon had been Aedakom for centuries and in all that time there had never been a wise woman or man struck down from heaven for being "apostate" a term, Alzyn wasn't even sure he'd understood. Annabella had attended chapel with all the rest of Dovwynn for as long as Azlyn could remember, she'd never done anything wrong and Azlyn just couldn't understand why the church would have such ridiculously strict rules in this situation. Did it really matter what robes, a woman wore, or which words she uttered and where, as long as she served God and her fellow man?
He had to take a deep breath and remind himself where he was and to whom he was speaking in order to not begin shouting. "I meant no offense toward Master Rashid. He has done my house a great service and he has my internal gratitude. I do not claim to know anything about his craft and I know your have a duty to the Vaekir. But I have a duty to my people. If there really is nothing I can do... then I must submit. But I can not condone or approve of this and I would like to take measures to have an appeal written and sent to the Vaekir on my subject's behalf."
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Post by zurajai on Nov 17, 2014 4:52:43 GMT
"An appeal for what, Azlyn? Entire countries have burned for apostasy of magic and many more have bled for it. This is not something done on a case to case basis; this is the law of Aed, Our God! It is clearly written in the Aedaknam that magic is a gift from Aed and in the Raegarnam that this gift MUST be kept controlled and ordered so that the dangers of this gift can be relegated and be put to their true purpose. You are all His Holiness' subjects under Aed's will, as that is the Vaekir's Duty, and you will do your own Duty as his vassal to accept this as the only outcome acceptable in Aed's eyes. Your witch will be tried and if, as you claim, her heart is without malice than she will be treated fairly and will not be harmed. Aed's will is not always pleasant, King of Elon, but it is His will and it must be done."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 17, 2014 7:26:50 GMT
Azlyn wasn't sure what to do. He'd never actually read the Raegarnam, so he wasn't sure what exactly was all in it. The Dovwynn priest had never really talked much about magic, though he'd said plenty about duty and accepting the will of Aed. He'd come here with the assumption that, as her king and protecter, his duty was to do his best to preserve Annabella's freedom and life, but the the Chief Priest's words and scripture references were starting to overwhelm him. He certainly wasn't an expert in morality, but still all his instincts were to not give up on Annabella. On the hand hand, Staas did seem to be indicating that her life would be spared and he wasn't sure where the treat was anymore, or one still existed at all. All in all, this diplomacy was getting over his head.
Luckily, Jordan Delaney, an advisor for Elon was standing close to Azlyn's side. "Forgive me for interrupting the conversation," he said, "But I think we may be suffering from some misunderstandings. My King simply wishes to see to it that Mrz Rose is treated with all dignity and respect within the confines of the law and the will of the Vaekir. Also, that her considerable age and good nature are taken into consideration when she is tried. Is that not so, Sire?"
"Yes. That's what I mean," Azlyn said.
"Though we know you do not need it, you have Elon's permission to fairly and humanely question Annabella Rose in trial," Jordan explained, "King Azlyn simply wished to express his firm belief in her benevolence and his desire to help her in whichever way he can. In her situation, being uprooted from home and livelihood at such an elderly age could cause considerable distress and the king wishes to appeal toward any options which might spare her that."
Azlyn let out a long breath, grateful for Jordan's gift of understanding a situation and efficiently presenting the essentials.
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Post by zurajai on Nov 18, 2014 5:08:52 GMT
Staas' shoulders drooped visibly before he sighed with displeasure, closing his eyes before bringing a hand to his forehead in thought.
"I understand your desires to see the woman treated well: it is not some simple matter, bringing a child into this world, and I know you will be forever grateful to her. But these things are the laws of Aed; just because this woman is old does not excuse her from the trials of magical apostasy. The Tovenaar conducting the trial, like all men of the cloth, will treat her with all the Dignity afforded to her until she is proven guilty of apostasy. If at such time she is found guilty then she will be punished to the full extent of Vaekirate law. There is no option other than this."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 18, 2014 5:56:43 GMT
"If there is no other option," Jordan said, "Then Elon must stand aside and accept the facts and will of Aed. "The advisor glanced a little anxiously at his king, but Azlyn didn't object to the sentence.
The young king of Elon had given up trying to duel words with the Priest. Azlyn was a man of passions and action, rather than words or reason. Nonetheless, he was watching Staas warily and there was a defiant sense that he would jump forward the moment he detected any kind of injustice toward his subject.
A lot would depend on how Annabella's trial would go and on her acceptance of the ruling over her. Though he knew nothing of magic, or the Raegarnam laws on magic, Azlyn instinctively was confident Annabella's innocence, or at least her benevolence. Staas had said she'd be treated fairly. Though, from what he'd heard, the laws didn't sound particularly fair to him, he was willing to trust in God, and the church for the time being. However, should a time come when Annabella was sentenced to an execution, or dragged to a far distance city or prison against her will, Staas would be naive to not expect further objections.
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