[Royal Guard] Unto the Chancellery Magistrates...

[JD]

UNTO THE CHANCELLERY MAGISTRATES:

Several weeks ago I presided over the trial of one Nighten ul-Arathan Devos,
a young priest charged with assault on a crown official (Magistrate Lyon)
and resisting arrest. He was found guilty, but in the course of the trial
drew my attention to some very troubling rumors that had been circulating
about Magistrate Lyon. After the trial I sought and obtained permission from
Chancellor Aldenbar to question Magistrate Lyon about Vorfon Devos'
allegations. I questioned Magistrate Lyon at the main guardhouse several
days later and was disheartened to learn that the rumors Vorfon Devus
alluded to were based in fact; Magistrate Lyon admitted that she had allowed
herself to be fed on by a vampire since taking office. The relevant portions
of the Vorfon Devos' trial and Magistrate Lyon's questioning are attached to
this letter.

As you already know, Chancellor Aldenbar has suspended Magistrate Lyon until
a decision can be made as to what action should be taken against her. Though
Chancellor Aldenbar is within his rights to handle the matter as he sees
fit, he has quite considerately decided to let the decision rest with us;
whatever the penalty the majority of use believes appropriate will be
enforced. That said, I ask you to confer with one another and, should you
see fit, Magistrate Lyon, and vote as to what action you think ought to be
taken by no later than *24. IV. My own vote has already been posted with the
Chancellery clerk and will be opened on that date.

*Me enxenim,

Abraxas ul-Bralk Caros
Magistrate of the Realm
<seal affixed>

*4. IV. 474

*relevant portion of Vorfon Devos' trial -
Q: Vorfon, you said there were "rumors she had to her name." Exactly what
rumors are you referring to?

A: She is well-known to be consorting with vampires like the one that I had
just met without recognising in the tavern. Particulary they include her
being a
blood-slave to one of considerable might and guile, which would match the
description of the one in the tavern just as well.

*relevant portion of Magistrate Lyon's questioning -
Q: No, your personal feelings and opinions are not at issue here. I need to
know whether or not you've had any interactions with the kindred since
you've taken office. Socially, I mean. If you've tried a kindred or talked
to one through the bars of its cell? Well, I don't need to know about that.

A: Since I have taken office? Once, provided you do not consider Aridia
Vlorress a vampire. The kindred in question was my son's guardian for years
and followed him here out of concern. When last I spoke with him it was to
inform him that he had best leave the city and that if I saw him again he
would be treated as any other of his kind. Seneca isn't foolish. I'm sure
he's long gone from the city by now. I thought if he left, it would be
enough. It's hard to arrest someone you owe a great deal for being what he
is. And I can swear that he never killed while he was here. He didn't need
to.

Q: He didn't need to. Meaning that he fed on you while he was here? And did
Chancellor Bourne or myself ever ask you whether or not you'd been involved
with the undead at the time of your hiring? I don't recall, but surely you
must.

A: No, honestly, I do not. I'm certain I should had I been asked as I have
had dealings with quite a few undead, mainly liches. I'm aware of the
rumours in the tabloids, Abraxas. I had hoped most would ignore anything so
ridiculous but, as you can see, there's usually some truth to them. Tertius
Seneca did feed from me for the short time he was here, he has no choice.
Now that I have refused to allow it, he will starve over time, wherever he
may be. Is that satisfactory?

*24. IV. - April 24th. That gives y'all two weeks. ;)
*Me enxenim - "By my hand."
*4. IV. 474 - This would've been written before Abraxas charged up to Parmi
to chase bandits.

--JD