Squire Alfenheim Brin,
It is my sincerest regret to inform you that may not actually be a squire, or that your squire-ship and any future you had in this regard may be in grave danger of never coming to pass; the former Count Tiondo was stripped of his lands, titles, deeds, family holdings, estates, and etc. and has no more right to squire anyone than a common farmer. If you were squired prior to this, I could perhaps see another noble or knight of Andar taking you under their banner, but only if you were to do the right thing -- follow the laws of Andar; which you yourself, and the one whom you serve both swore to protect. Should you have been "squired" after Tiondo's unfortunate choice, then you have no right to call yourself such, and should be charged with impersonating a noble, as squires in this land are of low nobility. But noble nonetheless.
The laws of succession are clearly stated in our country's laws, and I would suggest that Tiondo (formerly, Count) and Staldell are purposefully, willfully, and knowingly interfering with that process in the hopes of grabbing as much land and power as they can under the guise of doing what is "for the greater good". Tiondo and Count Staldell should be at the forefront of gathering the remaining Counts and Countesses of Andar to elect a new Monarch. Instead, they drag their feet with power mongering and they accuse others of doing the very thing they stand accused of. Perhaps the Wraith King has enslaved them, and set them toward this task, to sew unrest and discord. It would not be the first time that this would have happened. But I am only guessing, and such exercises are useless.
But times of unrest are when we as a nation and as individuals are tested, and such times are when it is most important to follow our laws, not tear them asunder as best suits our own selfish desires. Such times show the true character of those who claim nobility; these times have not been kind to Staldell, and they have been especially grievous toward Tiondo.
It is true that I was present in South Millbrook when Tiondo was first approached by Sir Krieger and General Slice and others to talk with Tiondo. I was tasked with witnessing the proceedings and, if necessary, take him into lawful custody, protect him against harm while in custody, and ensure that he made it to trial; or, at the very least, make sure he received a fair trial as befits his station. At no time did I raise my sword against Tiondo or those who protected him, but I also did I stop those who attempted to subdue him, though I would have made sure he would not have resurrected.
He is still entitled to that trial, to high justice, and I would see him come to his trial unharmed and unharried, it is not my right to pass judgement on him, but it is my right and duty to bring him to those who would.
I am a Knight of Andar, and I follow the Code of Chivalry, Squire. It is more than simply words or phrases on a page, it is a way of life, a path to be walked so that we -- as Knights and Squires -- may be of service to others. We are obligated by intent of words and our deed of action to ignore our selfish desires, and do for others what must be done. Our virtue is to stand against those who would do harm to those who are unable to protect themselves, to lift up those around us in their time of need, no matter how small a need it may be.
But there is another side to all of this, Squire Brin, for we have two hands.
It is true that we hold a shield to protect humanity and those who are in need. But in our other hand we carry a sword, for we recognize that there are times when our shield is not enough; when we are struck, Squire, we are sworn to strike back.
Remember that code. Remember your oath to the crown, to Andar, to its laws and her people.
This whole situation does none of us any good, least of all those whom we swore to protect; it serves as a distraction from the business we should be attending to, and it shames us all that we should find ourselves in this situation. It is a distress that we as a country can ill-afford if we are to stand a chance against the Wraith King. In that I agree with Tiondo and Staldell; now is a time for unity and for action, not squabbling.
But now is also a time to follow the law, and they are not doing so, and this fact cannot and should not be ignored. By their actions, they are openly defying the law, and they must be brought to stand for their deeds.
Squire, if being a squire -- and some day being a knight, if things should work out (and I hope they do) -- has any meaning to you beyond the title, beyond the prestige and honor, then I implore you to remember your oaths and do what needs to be done. Arrest Tiondo and bring him to me, and I will make sure that he stands trial in a lawful court with a lawful judge, and receives all rights due him by his currently former station. I pledge my word as a Knight of Andar to these deeds.
As I have also been accused of a crime by a noble (whose station is in question, but a noble's rights he still has), I am entitled to High Justice under the law, and I would also submit myself to the Council of Counties, Her Grace Duchess DiOrsinni, or my Liege-lord Baron Polare Lissenstine-DiOrsinni to stand trial for that which I have been accused, and I will let them -- and only them -- decide my fate; this is my right as a Knight of Andar. I pledge my word as a Knight of Andar to these deeds.
In service to Andar and her people,
-Sir Avaran
Knight of Andar
evi1r0n said:
People of Andar hear my words. I am squire Alfenheim Brin. Let it be known that his Grace, Duke Tiondo has tasked me with responding to the communities concerns. In regards to the threats and charges levied by the court baron Shikar, the people should be made aware that these false claims are the words of a traitorous noble who is currently a wanted man. His words are as meaningless as his title. He quotes law and charges not supported by the new king.
To clarify my Grace's bounties the following people are considered outlaws and a bounty will be offered for their capture or final death:
The rat creature known as Kreiger, Shikar, Avaran, James and any traitor who would keep company with such rabble.
He would also like me to relay the following message:
“While our kingdom falls into disrepair these people would have us hold court and deal with political squabbling. Now is a time of action. The new king and I have rallied half of the kingdom to our cause, along with the troops to support us. These traitorous agents of the Wraith King hide behind the guise of justice, yet they would kill fellow Andarians. I propose a peaceful solution, bow to the new king and fight our true enemy. All charges shall be lifted if the traitors admit their crimes and bow. Not doing so is evidence that they seek to destroy us all. Fall in line or die by the hands of your rightful rulers.â€
-Your beloved Duke Tiondo
Thank you for your time. I hope that this can be resolved swiftly and without bloodshed.
-Squire Alfenheim