Private Meeting (Adder)

[Sharinya]

The Ninth candl mark, first brightening of Kalendryas, in the Season of Winter, Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum, the Second Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne.

Sharinya asked for her aide to come and scribe a message that she needed sent

”I would like a message sent to the following people; Baron Davion Jaq’len, Lord Lunvan Nimas, Count Onoath Triththail and the Lady Rardowia Careddyn. I request their presence here for a meeting at the 16th candle mark this brightening to discuss matters of concern to the Province. “ she said not wanting to elaborate any further as to why she was calling a meeting.

[Adder]

The aide nodded, becoming accustomed now to the way that the Governor operated. "The sixteenth candlemark? Do you want to use your conference room for the meeting?" The diminutive cether waited for an answer to this, though she fidgeted slightly, keen to get on with the task since she knew that at least one of the requested group was going to be hard to find.

Regardless of the answer however, at the appointed hour the group were gathered, though in this case they were all mystified as to the reason for their attendance. All were important people in the city and province it was true, but only their involvement in the government linked them all together. The group were however blase in their appearance as they waited, indulging in small talk about the goings on of some minor noble whose activities had recently come to light.

[Sharinya]

” The conference roomy think.” she said with a warm smile for her young aide, noticing that she seemed anxious to get on with her work.

”Serale Gentlemen, Lady Rardowia I am sure you are all wondering why you have been called on such notice for a meeting. Please all take a seat and we shall get started.” she said waiting for them to be seated not missing anything of their blasé attitude as she did so. Times were changing and they were all going to have to change along with them.

” For those of you have missed out on the local grapevine then I shall inform you that the Lt. Governor has resigned and I have accepted his resignation.” she paused momentarily for any comment that was forthcoming from her announcement before proceeding.

”Sir Raliric is the Commander of the Knights of the Argent Sword and that is the reason for you all to be here.

What I would like to know from you is what the role of the Knights in the Province is? Who funds them? Also I believe they are garrisoned within the city; who gave permission for that to occur?” she asked as she looked at each person in turn.

[Dagrun Murrough]

Now wearing the livery of Centripax, along with a cummerbund of the colors of House Siannodel as a politic gesture to the current Governess, Dagrun the dwarf dandy wheeled in a cart with water, tea, and refreshments.

Here were gathered the most important people of the province, and as one of Dagrun's duties was to smooth things over and prevent any further incidents such as between Raliric and Kyonos from flaring up again, he believed the best way to do that was to make sure all material needs were met while these people discussed matters of state.

"Frubi is served," he said with a high-pitched lilt, point with a well-manicured hand at the cart. He fetched whatever biscuits and crumpets the lords and ladies so indicated, and even had a little doll teacup and plate of miniature mint pastries made up should Lady Sharinya desire to indulge.

Once everyone was squared away, Dagrun profusely apologized for the interruption, abruptly faded off into the woodwork in that stiff beefeater pomp and circumstance way that people like Dagrun simply have, and that was that.

[Adder]

Those invited murmered polite replies and took their seats, still none the wiser at that point of the reason for their invitation. That it might involve Raliric was however something that was on all of their minds, so the question though unexpected wasn't enough to catch them all off their guards. They nodded in unison regarding the fact that Raliric was no longer the Lieutenant Governor, but they also suspected that that wasn't the reason for the meeting. Once the question was asked though, there was a moment of silence while glances were exchanged. All had some knowledge; their own sources of information were good enough to keep them abreast of developments in and around the city.

Soon though the glances settled on the one most obviously qualified to answer the question. "They were given permission to be in the city by myself," answered the Baron. "They do not have any official standing in the Province at the moment, nor do they have any particular role as far as I am aware. They came to the Province because they came with Raliric, when he was appointed to be the Provincial Commander." Lord Lunvan nodded in agreement to this.

"Their role is whatever Raliric wishes it to be." This comment was received with more reserved nods, this time from all of the others around the table. The presence of an independent military force was always a matter of concern, regardless of who their commander was.

"With regard to their funding, since they are not on the Provincial payroll I can only assume that Raliric himself provides the funding. The Knights are not a large force and that is consistent with them being funded by someone with Ralirics finances."

He had answered most of the questions, but clearly the Governor had something in mind otherwise she could likely have obtained the information through her own aide. Now he waited for her to respond, and all four of them turned their attention to her, curiosity overcoming them finally.

[Sharinya]

Their looks amongst each other did not escape her and she had the distinct feeling that these men were very careful to look after their own. The problem there was they now had to factor in that she was the Governor and could make life quite miserable for them if push came to shove.

Sharinya’s gaze rested on the Baron as he answered her question. He had once been Governor of the Province himself and she would have thought he would have known better than to allow a private army inside the walls of the city, no matter how friendly their Commanding Officer was or indeed who he was.

”Tell me Baron; just what do you know?” she asked keeping her voice even. This meeting was going to get more interesting before she was done with them.

”You gave permission for them to be in the city but they have no official standing. What benefit was there in allowing Sir Raliric to bring his private army?

You have no idea where their funding comes from but you are sure enough that it does not come from the Government of Centripax.

Tell me Baron would you be so complacent if Raliric chose to rise up against the Provincial Government? He would certainly be in an excellent position to do so wouldn’t you agree?” she asked of him before turning her gaze on the others assembled.

”I trust the rest of you will have answers better than those I have heard so far.

We have on our very doorstep a man who commands a Private Army!

It is not part of the Imperial Legions or of the Province as much as I can tell.

When Sir Raliric tendered his resignation he withdrew any support from the Knights of the Argent Sword. That makes them unfriendly in my book.” she finished.

[Adder]

The Governors speech led to a number of uncomfortable shifts amongst those present as there was a truth that they all recognised. It was a situation with which they had all become comfortable with over time, though there had before seemed no reason or no impetus at least to break the status quo.

The assembled nobles though were no so easily cowed, not even by a Governor, and certainly the Baron was far too experienced and powerful to be easily swayed in his judgements. He didn't rise to the bait and maintained a complacent face as he responded.

"The knights are hardly a match for the Guard of Primus never mind the Phoenix Legion." He nodded at the Provincial General, "and even if they were, we have the might of the Legion behind us. Certainly any military force could be disturbing if they wished to be, but Raliric would know better than to send his men on a suicide mission, especially against men he had himself commanded. Now," he spread his hands on the table, "I'm not disparaging the quality of Ralirics men, but they are not a threat to us." He smiled thinly. "As for why they were allowed here, they came to do a job. Once that job was over, then yes I will accept that perhaps their position should have been reviewed, but I think you would have to ask that question of the Governors who came after me, especially the one who removed Raliric from his position of Provincial Commander, without also removing his troops."

He pulled his hands in and linked his fingers. "Though perhaps that is in itself a little harsh. The Knights have only recently returned to the city itself, and then only a few of them. The return would I imagine, technically be in your tenure Governor, since by that point the previous Governor had already resigned, or perhaps you would like to place that responsibility with the then Consul." If the Governor wanted to play power games, then he was more than willing to follow suit.

Rardowia interposed herself into the fray at that point. "Indeed Raliric did return to the city with his Knights only recently, and then only with a few. You raise some interesting questions as to the legality of his presence here in the Province, but I'm not aware that it is illegal for him to have such a force."

Lunvan, as with the Baron was not about to be put in his place either. "The main issue I believe actually revolves around his citadel. To my mind, the presence of such locations is in itself a potential threat, but then Raliric is not the only one who has such a property in the province is he Governor?"

The Provincial General, who was not subject to the Governors authority, watched with a calm curiosity to the discussion which had become a good deal more animated, and waited to see how the Governor responded to these challenges, especially the last.

[Sharinya]

She might be smaller than those assembled but she didn’t have six older brothers for nothing. Every person at the table had something to loose if they invoked her displeasure. True they might not be intimidated by her but she still held the upper hand.

”Baron you are not a fool but I am sure that even you can grasp that it takes very few to cause dissent amongst many. Have you grown so complacent that even you cannot see how times have changed?

Raliric is a very personable man and he would not have managed to form his own Knights if he were less of a man. Raliric is a military man, he may not have been as suited to the cut and thrust of politics as he would have liked but he has fought his fair share of battles.

As you say he has also commanded the Legion. Can you swear on your life where a man’s loyalty will lie when push comes to shove? I sincerely doubt it.” she paused momentarily giving the Baron a considering look. His days as a part of her Government were numbered and not a very high number at that.

”It would seem to me Baron that you are missing the point of this meeting.

So far what I am hearing, is that if blame is to be handed out then you are happy for it to be placed at any door other than your own. You were called to this meeting to come up with answers as to how the situation with Sir Raliric could be best handled. So far I have heard nothing other than the Lady Rardowia’s comments that have been in anyway useful.” she finished before turning to Lunvan

”You have something to say General? Then please speak up if you are privy to information that the rest us do not have.” she said waiting for the man to speak.

[Adder]

The Baron took her points with only a slight stillness to his features to suggest that her points were having any impact on him. The charge of complacency was one that irked him, but then he knew Raliric a good deal better than the present Governor did, and he felt better placed to make judgements there. He was aware that Sharinya hadn't had a hand in choosing Raliric as her Lieutenant, and he was aware of just how headstrong and single minded Raliric could be. He rather suspected that it was the Governors own judgement that was most likely at fault here, clouded as it was by her recent confrontation. Still though he was forced to keep his silence for a moment while he waited for Lunvan to answer on his own account.

That general too sat back in his chair now that he had the Governors attention. As with Raliric he was a military man to the core, though he had clawed his own way to the top, putting his past behind him with a determination that perhaps only a human could achieve. He met the Governors gaze and did not flinch at it. He had a loyalty based on experience to Raliric, though he also understood the need to place that to one side. The Governor was making a pretence of not understanding his point he believed, but that didn't mean that he was going to be brow beaten into retracting it.

"I mean that there are others who have in the recent past obtained fortifications in the Province, and if we are to suspect one then we are to suspect all. As you so rightly say, loyalties do change and what are we to think of those who desire such fortifications? Should we not be suspicious as to their motives? Why would anyone want such a thing when the forces of law are so strong here?" He paused for a moment before continuing.

"I am referring in this case to the recent purchase by House Siannodel, in case you were not aware of it?" The question was a challenge. If she wished to pursue Raliric on this, then he was determined to make sure that it was not just some private vendetta.

[Sharinya]

She hoped they could not read her thoughts because they would not find any compliments.

”I am aware of House Siannodel. As I am sure you are well aware it is the family home of my cousin Llanwyn Siannodel and others of the family that choose to visit. I fail to see what this has to do with Sir Raliric although I will concede that we need to be aware of the entire goings on in the Province.” she said pausing momentarily.

”Centripax is the place of my birth; I was born here, raised here and I have my own private residence here. The S’Alvia and the Siannodel have strong ties with the area know as the Dolwoods. The Fae were here long before humans were here yet forgive me but don’t both you and the Baron have large land holdings within the province.

Let’s stop the dancing around Gentlemen, Lady Rardowia and discuss what is of importance and the reason for this meeting before words are spoken that will be best left unspoken.

I need your advice with regards to Sir Raliric. I need to know what you think and feel about his withdrawal of support from the Knights of the Argent Sword.

If you have other issues and concerns to bring to the table then we can look at them once we have made some progress on this issue.” she said looking at each person in turn.

[Adder]

General Onoath decided that it was time to intervene on this point as he could see that the Governors focus on Raliric was making the others uncomfortable. Since he was more or less an independent party whose career did not lie within the Governors immediate grasp, he felt it incumbent upon him to attempt to arbitrate.

"With due respect Governor, I do feel that Lunvan has a valid point, but I am grateful for you in bringing it up." He glanced around the table, aware that everyone one there was noble. "It has been a long time since the nobles were stripped of their armies, though no one is going to grudge them some personal retainers and enough men to deter brigands, still time has moved on and the situation has changed. Raliric as you rightly point out has an army and a fortification, but has no title or lands that might be stripped from him in retribution for rebellion, should such a thing ever occur. This makes him worse in my view than any noble, though he lacks the financial power to recruit a significant force." He nodded at Sharinya. "You are right enough in saying that numbers aren't everything." His eye fell speculatively on the Baron, though the two of them knew each other well enough that the Baron would not misinterpret what he was going to say.

"Raliric however, might well have those who would back him. Nobles, who have the finances to make up for what Raliric lacks." He forbore to mention that Raliric could hardly have afforded the fortress without a good deal of assistance in one form or another.

"Raliric might well be an avenue for a noble who would otherwise be banned from having his own army. And since the nobles were pushed from power, others have in some cases replaced them. Merchants who lack titles, but have ample resources. It seems to me that the Imperium needs to review the state of the private armies that now exist, and I will make my own recommendations there.

However." He paused and glanced at Lunvan and the Governor. "That brings us back to the issue that Lunvan raised. Whilst we all belong to families or Houses that have extensive lands and holdings, there is a difference between a house that is fortified enough to deter bandits and a castle, and a castle is exactly what Lunvan refers to. I am aware of the dangers posed by the Dolwoods, but I have to agree in my Legion capacity, that I am not happy with a castle being held in private hands, whether that be Raliric or House Siannodel. If we cannot agree on a resolution to both issues here, then I will have to take the matter back to Prime." It was a threat to all concerned at the table, that they needed to work together on this and if through partisanship they failed to resolve the matter, then he would do so instead.

The Baron nodded at that, swallowing the words that he had been holding back and accepting the point made by his old friend. This was a matter where the Generals authority exceeded his own, proving that politics was always more complicated than it appeared at first glance.

The General responded, "thank you Onoath. Now Governor, I think what we are trying to tell you here is that we have all known Raliric for quite a long time, long enough to have understood where his loyalties and motivations lie. He has fought and been badly wounded for this Province, been dismissed and still come back again. I can know well his intemperance and that he is far too likely to say what is in his heart regardless of what a cooler head might later dictate. I don't think that anyone here seriously believes that he is a threat to you or the Province. As for his withdrawly of the Knights," he shrugged, "it is of no particular matter. He had pledged them to us without expectation of return, and now he wishes to remove them as is his right to do so."

"Don't think that we are not aware that he poses a risk, and we must guard against it. Perhaps some action is needed, and that we should discuss, but I believe there is no current threat."

[Sharinya]

At last someone who spoke without being concerned as to looking out for himself first.

”Thank you General Onoath for your wise words.

It may well be that I have focused to much upon Sir Raliric however I do have my concerns due to my last conversation with him.

I am willing to put that aside and look at what perhaps is a more important issue as to those who have some kind of fortification and what it potential is should the current status quo change.” she said, her mind on the upcoming Rite that was to take place to find a new Emperor.

”General Onoath, perhaps this would be a good time to look into the existence of private armies and those who fund them. I would appreciate it if you have the time available to go ahead and do that.” she asked before turning back to Lunvan.

”Lord Lunvan, you raise genuine concerns as to those who have holdings within the province. It would like you to make a report on each person in the Province that owns a significant tract of land and what they have by way of fortifications.” she asked wondering if he was going to complain.

”Is there anything else that you think should be discussed at this time? If not then I think we should meet again seven cycles from now for a progress report.” she said bringing the meeting to a close if nothing further was bought up for discussion.

[Adder]

General Onoath nodded with satisfaction at this turn of events, pleased that the argument had been averted at least for now. "Of course, Your Excellency, I think that the Imperium has been focussed on it's own problems for long enough now and it is time that it started to pay attention to what is actually happening within the Empire."

Lunvan waited and considered his answer carefully. "Yes of course Governor. I will pass the instruction on to my men and as we patrol, we'll make a record of such things. It will take some time to survey the entire Province though, so I don't expect to be able to give you that report this season." He decided that he had pushed his luck enough with the Governor and decided not to mention that most of the dwarfen nobles wouldn't really even think of having castles since their safe places would be underground and it really wasn't going to be possible to determine what sort of defences might be sitting underneath otherwise innocuous buildings.

None of the others seemed to feel the need to add anything, perhaps wishing the tension in the air to evaporate without any further prompting.