The Lord Chancellor’s Announcement

[Euphelia]

Second day, Tenth Month
Seventh Year of the Recent Awakenings

In service to Her Majesty the Queen, Monarch of the Realm of Marrach, through my words and obedience to the Office of the Chronicler, I, sera Euphelia Noronos, pen the detailing of:


The Lord Chancellor’s Announcement

In the evening of the first day of the tenth month, page Xewe announced that the following day, at nine late bells, his Excellency the Winter Knight, Lord Boreas, would make an announcement in the Outer Bailey.

As the ninth bell approached, a crowd of over forty curious denizens from both Baileys had amassed in the Outer Bailey. The Royal Guard protected the staircase and landing leading to the Great Bridge, while the Castle Sentry kept peace in the Courtyard below. At about twenty ticks past the ninth bell, Sir Vestio entered the Courtyard and bade all kneel for Her Majesty, Queen Vivienne and her consort, Lord Boreas. The gathered denizens knelt and the Royal Party entered.

The Queen was resplendent in skyblue, cerulean and pearl, while her husband complimented her in cerulean and alabaster. The Royals were attended by sera Alacia, Her Majesty’s handmaiden and sera Finna, the Consort’s body servant.

"We wished to thank you all for attending Our husband’s words this evening," the Queen opened, after sera Alacia had bade all to stand. "We wished to express a sentiment prior to Our husband's speaking." The Queen then made known that His Excellency was speaking on Her behalf and that She hoped "all of Our precious guests will tend to his words as Our own." The gracious Queen then deferred to Lord Boreas.

The Lord Chancellor began by explaining that he would speak on Her Majesty's behalf, as Her voice was weak this night. He expressed Her regret and then imparted her message, contained below:

"Some months ago, a great turmoil gripped this Bailey. Guests of Her Majesty, those who walked these halls with many of you and benefited from Her hospitality rose up in armed rebellion against us. Those were dark days and though it took time, most of those responsible were apprehended and brought to justice."

"Determining their final judgement took some time as well, as it needed to be just and proper. When I had completed those judgements, I took them to Her Majesty for review and I was then reminded of why we all love Her so. Though my beloved wife was distressed by the events, though She was distraught that those who were Her Guests would take up arms as they did, She still held compassion in Her heart."

"Though it remains difficult to understand why anyone would find discomfort or unrest within Her hospitality, She understands that apparently there are some. And Her Majesty has no desire to impose such discomfort on anyone."

"It is therefore Her Desire that those whom we have branded rebels and Traitors are, in addition to their punishment for the common crimes they have committed, be permanently exiled from Castle Marrach. The Rebels and Traitors are hereby stripped of their status of Guests of Castle Marrach, and all belongs and privileges afforded them as Guests are hereby forfeit."

"They will then be taken below, carrying only what myself or the Royal Provost deem they may carry, and be cast into the lower caverns, never to return. And if they should return, they will be viewed as Invaders and afforded no protection under the Law. And when apprehended, they will be summarily executed and cast into the furnace."

"Her Majesty has decreed that if they do not wish to live under Her Rule, they shall not be forced to, but in choosing to do so, they will not be welcomed back."

The Lord Chancellor then went on to describe the punishments to be given to the criminals Zemial, Mortarion and Xanadorian before they were to be cast into the deep caverns; four beheadings and thirty lashes each.

The criminals Shadust and Belziel would be given one month to regain their wits or would be tried in absentia before being sentenced accordingly. However, with Her Majesty's full agreement, Lord Boreas stated that Shadust would not be given the benefit of Her leniency due to his association with the Shadows.

The result to the Lord Chancellor's announcement in regards to the rebels was met with mixed reaction. While there appeared to be great relief that serious, long lasting punishment would be exacted against the rebels, it appeared some wished it had not been as lenient. Her Majesty addressed this, stating that "We can see by expressions that many are displeased with Our rulings on the matters. We did ask everyone here as our Guests and each and every one has a purpose within Our home. While we do not condone nor endorse such behaviours, We realized too the prisoners listed were not as those of this Shadust or Belziel. They will not be forced to live in a home they do not wish to live in. We wish them to stand for their crimes, as Our husband has said."

At those words, Sir Vestio called forth "That Her compassion might find seed in all of us. Long may She reign!" Echoes of the latter part of his cry resounded through the Courtyard. The Queen made to leave, though the Lord Chancellor would remain behind to make further announcements, when Mistress Eeva called forth. Her Majesty paused at the arch and turned back, asking the one to speak to name herself. The Royal Armourer did with no reluctance, and the Queen bade her to speak.

"We in this courtyard all would die for You," Mistress Eeva spoke. "We would do anything you tell us. As we will abide by Yours and the Consort's ruling, but what do we do when the rebels that you have bestowed your compassion unto come back from the caverns and slaughter your people as they do time and time again?"

Shock appeared on many faces, though the Queen simply smiled, stating that Mistress Eeva's concern was understandable, and that as invaders, the rebels would be dealt with as according to the Winter Knight's proclamation. The Queen's handmaiden sera Alacia elaborated on the slippery nature of the rebels, but noted that those present only wished to keep Her home safe.

Lord Boreas elaborated in clearer terms, "They will have less regard under the law than the Castle's animals. Let them be hunted by any who would bear arms. Let any who aid them or offer them society be clearly seen as Traitors to the Crown. And let it be considered that should they invade our home, they may be hunted wherever they choose to hide."

Her Majesty took her leave, escorted by Sir Lucus, sparing any inquisitive denizens the glare of the Lord Chancellor. Lord Boreas remained behind to make one further statement.

"In speaking with Her Majesty, I did find it necessary and painful to inform Her of the words spoken against myself and Her Rule recently on the public boards of this Bailey. This was the first She had been told of them and She did take Offense at the words."

"For Her I will stand against Her Insult. And I do challenge the writers of those words, under the Code Duello to a Duel for Her Majesty's Honour, to submission."

The courtyard was stunned into silence, with several faces going slack with shock. With Sir Vestio agreeing to be his second, the Winter Knight continued, stating that "Whomever has written those words, you have been challenged. You may remain in anonymity and we will all see the truth of the matter. If you choose to stand forth, my second is known to you."

None stepped forth and the Winter Knight returned to the Inner.


Should error of meaning or omission, word or phrase have made itself evident in my words, I pray that notice be given unto me so that corrections may be made.

sera Euphelia Noronos
Junior Chronicler