The chat went fairly well, though we spent rather more time on young Remaio's pecuniary peccadiloes I'm afraid.
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"Why, yes I did...but since the counselor has it and will be at the proceedings, don't see why the sword can't still speak if needed...and if it wishes to speak, no one will be capable of shutting it up. Plus the Princess has the final decision and I think having her counselor on our side will carry more weight any way. If the sword had objected, I'm sure it woud've spoken up. It could clearly hear our conversation and maybe didn't object since it knew this would help restore its former bearer's good name...
In addition, the tree spoke on her behalf as well, yet it is not here...they'll have only our word what the tree told us.
Could be wrong, but I think the people we met here in court will be the major factors on whether the Alcasti name is restored..."
Amiri chuckles.
"He just bought the man's vote." She says. "He fits right in with this lot, it's not about the truth of the matter."
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Valeros laughs as well...
"Buying votes is what we've all been doing here tonight, Amiri, even you to a lesser txtent...did I not see you earlier attempting to be diplomatic to the Ulfen guard? When have you ever attempted to be diplomatic to anyone?
Have not all of us either bribed, cajoled, or made promises this evening in order to get support? It's rarely 'bout the truth of the matter...while the truth is Honaria's honor should be restored on its merits alone, it's politics that will decide whether that comes to fruition..."
Amiri gives Valeros a scowl. "Bribery is not the same as conversation. That you would try to make it so, means you belong here more then I thought."
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Valeros gives Amiri an amused grin. "And I could argue that diplomacy is not the same as conversation, but I'll not press the point...I think you did well in securing the Ulfen guard's support..."
To Erasmus, he shrugs, "No one else would talk to Rell...I did not want to ignore and possibly insult the man as I thought his support could be key; I have not the glib tongue that you and Estra possess so I made due with what I had. If giving the sword to Rell helps restore the Alcasti legacy, I'm banking Remaio could care less...if it doesn't, he likely would have put it up for sale on the market again but, as that's no longer possible, he'll likely want my head in return...
As for him owning Soldier's Glory, no one owns that sword without its consent. Also, you're talking 'bout the man that sold it away and then assigned us the mission of retrieving it (never having told us he sold it in the first place). The only Alcasti that sword ever truly belonged to was Honaria...it is only a means to an end for Remaio; an end that I'm trying to help him achieve as that's my mission."
Myself, I think it's a horrible idea, on many levels!
But Amiri doesn't care. =)
Besides, it's already done!
You know, Solomon. I heard that you have acquired a delightful set of letters about topics... not generally spoken of publicly. Would you please allow me to take a peek?
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As the scene unfolds Rells surveys it, appearing mildly amused:"Well. We are at an impasse then, but maybe you have some other significant trinket you picked up during your quests you could part with without causing it to object?
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While Valeros keeps bargaining with Rell, the guards make way for Inka to come out of the inner court. The Ulfen woman quickly adresses everyone gathered outside waring that the Princess is now ready to sit in judgment.
As you enter, Remaio steps forward and kneels in front of Eutropia. She aknowledges him and allows the man to make his preamble which he unsurprisingly embellishes with flowery speech.
After a mere 2 minutes the princess interrupts the torrent of words and asks:"Master Alcasti... can you confirm these Pathfinders helped you recover all the evidence you can produce today?", startled by the interruption Remaio nods:"Yes your highness but you see...".
The princess sighs happily:"Well then I have no doubt THEY will be able to present your case as well as you and with first hand experience. Don't you agree, master Alcasti?" to which Remaio can only give his assent while looking paler than a vampire at midnight bathing in moonlight:"As you wish, your highness. I'm sure they'll make me proud once more..." he capitulates, defeated.
"Thank you master Alcasti. Now, where were we? Right, Honaria's case. As I understand it you four travelled throughout the Empire and to Qadira and Andoran too. How very interesting. So... tell me what you discovered about Honaria's Alcasti story and why I should rehabilitate her name. Spare no detail"
Amiri does not look at all happy when it is decided that she will be expected to talk in front of all the nobility... something she's been trying to avoid all evening.
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Valeros, properly shamed by the sword, bows his head saying to the sword, "Forgive me...I was trying to secure Honaria's legacy but I treated you as a trinket instead of the intelligent being you are, my apologies..."
To Rell, he says, "Excuse me, sir, for overstepping my bounds. Yes, I do believe there are some other trinkets that I may more safely promise you...some relics of the old fugitive army that Honaria defeated, old helms and swords with the fox insignia of an ancient Taldan Army, perhaps? But, if you please, let me bring them to you after we make our presentation? I give you my word it will be so...and none of these relics will object..."
Amiri stalks up to the front of the crowd, feeling entirely uncomfortable, but also somewhat defiant.
She frowns slightly, as she looks around the room, feeling like she's about to take place in a battle without a proper weapon.
"I am Amiri, a warrior of the Six Bears clan." She says finally, by way of introduction. "I am not from your country, but far to the north. Where I hail, your deeds define who you are. These are not things that are up for votes or popular opinion, or that can be bought and sold on a whim." She eyes them all defiantly. "So I found it strange when we were asked to help another warrior regain something that should not have been loseable."
"We have been all over this country, and even to your neighbor to the south." Her tone changes slightly, a small bit of defiant anger rising to the surface. "And what I have learned, is that most of you don't know the first thing about honor." She glares at all.
"You treat it like a commodity," She adds with a scowl. "To be sold or taken away, gifted or bought, entitled or inherited. It is none of these things. It is earned."
"What we have learned is that this woman, Honaria Alcasti, earned it." She declares emphatically. "Through her own actions and deeds. Yet, somehow, the actions of others have apparently stripped it away, or conveniently forgotten it, in the years that followed. That should have spoken more to those who took it, then she that earned it."
"But I am supposed to tell you part of our tale." She adds finally, getting her temper under control. "So be it."
She takes a few breaths, as she calms down, before continuing.
"We started with a trip to your western border, the forest north of Cassomir. We were looking for one of the few creatures still alive that actually had met the woman." She shakes her head slightly, still surprised by this. "A tree, of all things... that could talk."
"I thought it a fools errand even then, until we actually met it. It was centuries old, perhaps longer, towering into the sky such that even a giant would appear small. And it remembered Honaria, and much of what occurred all those years ago."
"Honoria was a commander in your army. At that time, she was at the head of a small contingent, sent to the forest to hunt down deserters and traitors from that same army. Her quarry's forces outnumbered hers considerably, so direct confrontation was out of the question." She says that last as a point of obvious fact. "But during her time there, her smaller force whittled away at the larger, until eventually she broke them down and captured those that led them... losing only a small handful of her own force in the process."
"We were shown the site of that final battle, though little remains after all these years."
Amiri picks up a rusty helmet and part of a sword hilt from the items recovered. "These were all that remained of those she chased." She tosses the helmet to one of the nobles near the front of the assembled crowd. "They bear the insignia of those she captured. I'm sure you have records of such things, and can learn what happened to them."
She pauses for a moment, realizing how the Taldan's manipulated just such records to disgrace Honaria in the first place. "You probably knighted them." She adds with a scowl.
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As Amiri tale gains momentum, several nobles start to murmur angrily, feeling insulted and a few go as far to raise their voices demanding for her to be silenced and punished. Yet, the princess' cold stare and Inka flexing her muscles are enough to quell any further attempt to open animosity and she's allowed to conclude her story. It's clear many people took offense at Amiri's characterization of their Country though.
Once the barbarian woman finishes her tale it's the princess' turn to speak again:"I understand you are very passionate about this topic but I can't let the slight to our nation's character go unanswered. You see, we Taldans too believe that Honor should be earned. Unlike you we know it can also be lost and as much as it pains us, we are strong enough to do what's needed in case Honor is lost and it's not deserved anymore.
You see, we understand a man or a woman can be great heroes for all of their existance but not everyone can. Some people fail and get embittered at their lot in life, some others turn from virtue to wickedness. Some were never worthy but managed to gain renown with illicit means. We know all this, that's why we have ways to strip away nobility even from previously exemplar individuals. And that's actually the matter at hand: we are called here tonight to re-hexamine if Honaria Alcasti deserved her punishment or not. And our ability to admit we could have been wrong in the past, believe it or not, is part of what makes us an honorable people"
As Eutropia concludes her tirade several nobles nod at her and applaud while others, Dominicus Rell most notable among them, stay silent and wait for the princess to continue.
"As for the rest of your tale, we find it entertaining. A talking tree witness to the march of centuries! We know of such creatures still existing in the Verduran Forest so your story rings true. Your claim Honaria hunted down betrayers and deserters though... bring me those helmet and I'll have it checked. I'm sure an expert historian like our good friend Domenicus will be able to shed light on this matter for us"
Summoned Rell moves near the dais bows to the princess and starts exhamining the helmet's faded insignia. After a few moments he nods:"Yes your highness, I can confirm the unit the helmet belonged to was disbanded for treason during Honaria Alcasti's time".
The princess smiles at Amiri:"Very well. It seems your story holds then.
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Erasmus lays out a cloth and places ancient metals, ribbons, and other symbols of military accolades. "Each of these laurels were recovered from Honaria's tomb. Count them. How many of us can lay claim to so many deeds rewarded by her superiors? Sadly, rewarded by those same superiors who, after a failure--a failure ensured by a failure of those superiors to send her reinforcements when requested, as testified by the ancient tree, ensured by failure to support her troops when they needed them most, as testified by her own blade--decided that all of these," Erasmus waves his hands over the plethora of awards, [/b]"No longer held any value, and they stripped her title and her honor away from her.[/b]
"Even the servants of those who voted for such a severe demotion acknowledge, after so much time to reconsider, that her punishment might have been out of proportion to her failure, though Amantius refuses to testify here, guarding the honor of his mistress in his own way by his refusal. I can understand his reluctance given what happened to Italice Cenabari. She voted against Honaria, as did many nobles. After Honaria died, with no one but her family to honor her. One of her lieutenants, Syagra, murdered Italice out of revenge. The woman broke in to Honaria's tomb, disgracing it with her actions, to leave Italice's head as a trophy. Amantius, Italice's ancient servant, however, concedes that Honaria would have been horrified at her lieutenants actions had she been alive.
"This is a woman, a soldier, a patriot who served her country. Served it well," he gestures dramatically at the laurels, "And was respected even by those who took her title and honor. Her memory deserves better than that. Her name deserves to be restored with the honor she earned serving her country. One failure in the face of overwhelming odds against success does not erase her many heroic successes.
"Does this mean that those who bear her name deserve to stand among you as peers? I do not know. Many of you were fortunate enough that your ancestors were not stripped of titles and stand here today with as much right to a noble's title as Remaio. Which of your ancestors received as much praise from Taldor as Honaria? Which of you, yourselves, have received as much praise from Taldor as Honaria? Certainly not Remaio. Does he not deserve the same opportunity to ride his ancestor's coat tails and profit from the deeds long done by a hero long dead? That is for you to say, not me.
"Honaria deserves to have her honor restored. That I am certain. That I can say."
Estra gestures to Amiri to bring forth the Honaria's sizable bronze bust. Honaria was not only adored by her troops, she wasn't only honored by her superiors, but she was beloved of the gods.
Even before the greatest of her deeds would be performed, Aroden's faithful saw the glory she would bring to Taldor, and saw the wisdom in recognizing it. She was anointed a Knight of the Last Man right here in Oppara at the grand basilica; this bust commemorates that fine day. And take heed, in those days the words of Aroden's faithful used not only their learning and common sense, but the wisdom that their god granted them in understanding the future. Before the time when Omens failed. They knew her worth.
How disappointing that this brave woman has been cast aside, even this grand memorial was stashed in a cellar. If we had not interceded it would have been carried away by Ratfolk, another victim to the rot that has set in where once there was glory.
You could look upon the Basilica of the First Man and see how far it has fallen. You could look upon it and see that what made mortals tremble with awe has passed, never to return. But the remnants of wonder should not diminish what inspired it.
Just as Aroden's death does not erase the miracles he performed as man and god, the fact that Honaria's death has left the Alcastis clinging onto the past by their fingernails must not prevent you from seeing the true worth of this woman, this hero.
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The princes considers Erasmus as he speaks, her expression unreadable. Her interest seems piqued by the mention of Italice's fate though and she asks several questions about it.
Fortunately Theon keeps his word and intervenes on Erasmus' behalf:"If I may be allowed to speak your highness I would confirm the veracity of this man's words. Italice Cenabri was murdered by Syagra Tetranella, but this took place several years after Honaria's death. Italice's familiar itself, recently returned to us thanks to these fine people's upstanding moral fibre confirmed Honaria had nothing to do with the murder and thinks she would have disapproved of it and I for one trust its judgment. Was Honaria judged too harshly? I honestly don't know and it's not for me to decide. What I know is these people here have shown rare honesty and held that virtue above their own best interest. I don't think they are lying and me and my family have nothing against the restoration of the Alcasti's name". As Theon finishes speaking the princess smiles at him then at Erasmus while Remaio appears to be slightly embarassed by the nobleman's display of honor.
"Well, we can't deny you made your point well, master Pathfinder. We shall keep your testimony in mind, and your as well lord Cenabri"
When it's Estra's turn to speak Father Basri gives her a reassuring wink. The aged half elf seems more energetic than usual and helps confirm Estra's tale. Despite a few snorts of derision from a couple of nobles as he mentions Aroden's eventual return the story is well received and the princess seems satisfied:"You stopped a ratfolk infestation in the Basilica of Aroden... duly noted, although we believe you accomplished quite a few heroic deeds yourselves..."
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Valeros rises up to speak. He bows to the Princess, faces the court and speaks.
"Thank you, your Royal Highness, for allowing us to present our case to you and your court.
We are here tonight because once upon a time, Honaria Alcasti failed. She was judged guilty for her failure to prevent the wayward provinces from seceding from the main Empire, stripped of her title and honor...her family stripped of their nobility. For one failure.
Remaio Alcasti contacted us, asking us to investigate and find evidence that his disgraced ancestor's legacy should be restored to its proper place, never doubting that this evidence existed. We undertook this task and my esteemed companions have told you most of what we found and I will try to fill in the rest...
We were tasked to find Honaria Alcasti's intelligent sword, Soldier's Glory...and during a rescue mission where we fought a giant scorpion, whom had no right to be the size it was, we were able to find the sword. When we told the sword of our quest, it was indignant. It questioned why anyone would besmirch Honaria Alcasti's good name. Also said she was a tried and true hero, a great tactician, fierce in battle yet humble and merciful in victory. The sword also said that she would have won the war had she been given the resources to do so. If you don't believe me, you can ask Soldier's Glory itself, as it readily agreed to be brought back to testify on its former bearer's behalf."
Valeros brings the sword out from under his outfit and holds it up for all to see, allowing it a chance to speak before he goes on...
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Valeros continues with the next account after the sword has spoken...
"The task we were given after retrieving the sword was to find and retrieve the journal of Honaria Alcasti from a relative of Remaio's...unfortunately we arrived to find said relative slain by a band of kobolds. We were able to dispense justice to the villains and shortly thereafter we found the journal along with several letters she had written...
In her journal, she gave a detailed account of her experiences leading a battalion in the Even-Tongued Conquest. These records provided detailed information about Honaria’s leadership, depicting her as a skillful leader with a brilliant command of tactics, and also reference her repeated inability to receive sufficient resources during some of her campaigns. This would appear to confirm her sword's account of things as well..."
Valeros let's that sink in a moment before continuing...
"How many of you might not be standing here today without the many feats of valor performed by Honaria Alcasti? Yet she was condemned for one failure...and now evidence shows that failure should not fall solely on her shoulders. I don't fault the judges as they did not have the evidence at the time of their judgment that we have now. However, now that the evidence is known, should all of her many successes continue to be discounted for one failure that we now know was not her's alone? I think not...but that's for you to decide, your Royal Highness."
Valeros pauses for a moment, and ends with..."As for Remaio Alcasti...he is not perfect by any stretch...but neither was Honaria Alcasti and neither are any of us. But he was good to us and he was doggedly determined to clear his noble ancestor's name...and he spared no expense to do so. That determination should be rewarded."
Valeros bows to the Princess, and then finds a place to sit...
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As Valeros unsheates Soldier's Glory, the sword shines brightly for a moment before speaking:"This man speaks the truth. Honaria was as good a leader as she was a warrior! She slayed the red scourge Bargathos herself. She routed the forces of the archnecromancer Ulumith! When the Empire fractured and she was asked to stop the rebels from seceding she accepted the burden of duty despite her pain at fighting fellow Taldans and knowing full well how her task was basically impossible considering the resources at her disposal. She was often faced with enemies that ounumbered hers at least 3 to 1. Even so she won many battles with superior military skill and when she couldn't prevail she managed not to be defeated. In the end she could not save the Empire but she saved the lives of many of her soldiers, and her troops prevented further disintegration of the national borders. She was a hero. The best of her age. She gave everything to her Country yet petty politics made her into a scapegoat for other people failures and her reward was public humiliation and the stripping of her titles and honors. Even then Honaria Alcasti refused to rebel against what was clearly an unjust decision. She accepted her judgment with dignity, dissuading those who followed her from taking action against their betters and retreating to what little of her family possession were left. She died, but not alone. Those who knew her in life carried her memory on and kept her example as a shining beacon of hope in the dark years that followed. Honaria Alcasti was many things in life, but above all she was an living example of the greatness Taldans can achieve if they put duty and honor before pride and greed!"
After the sword's tale is over a deep silence spreads through the court broken after a few seconds by the princess whose eyes shine as she accepts Soldier's Glory testimony and asks Valeros to finish his tale.
After Valeros finishes narrating the events that lead the party through Andoran and consigns several of Honaria's missives as proof the princess speaks again:"We believe we have heard enough about the matter. Is there anyone else who wants to speak on behalf or against Honaria Alcasti's restoration as one of Taldor national heroes and the titles and honors coming with it?" she asks, but thanks to the party's eloquence no one dares speak against her or Remaio, so princess Eutropia prepares to pronounce her judgment...
That should have settled the matter.
Amiri just stands silently having said her piece. She stands stoically waiting for it to be over, her opinion of nobility little improved from when she came in.
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As you finish recounting Nonaria's tale the Princess raises from the throne like chair and gives you all a warm smile:[b]"The tale is at an end and we have heard enough. Ample evidence has been provided and testimony in favour of the plaintiff's request has been given too. Moreover no one opposed the claims made here tonight, so we believe our decision to be an easy one indeed: the Alcasti Family name is restored to nobility. Effective now, Remaio Alcasti is restored as a Count of the Empire and granted back the lands near his family's mausoleum as the Alcasti's seat. More importantly, we believe a grave mistake was done to Taldor and his people when one of the Empire Great was unjustly condemned to ignominy. Therefore we declare Honaria Alcasti to be one of the Heores of the Empire, to be remembered and honored as a great general and a worthy leader of men. A woman well deserving the honor and duty of commanding the forces of our fair Taldor.
As for you, who did so much to bring this matter to our attention and make right to the wrongs of ages past, we declare you knights of Taldor. You shall always be treated with honor and respect by those who dwell inside our fair Empire! So saying the princess leaves the court as all of the present bow deeply to her.
Once it's over, Remaio thanks you profusely, almost histerycal in his joy for having accomplished his life goal. He tanks you profusely and promises to make good to his promises in the near future. The other nobles are quick to compliment him and he's quickly swept away by them. Slowly the court empties. You are almost on your way when a young page intercepts you asking to follow her. You are led into the depths of the palace and to a discreet yet opulent chamber. Waiting for you is princess Eutropia herself.
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Once away from the court and the other nobles the princess seems way more relaxed and she greets you warmly and informally.
"I must compliment you for your performance this evening. I had my doubts but you made a splendid case or Honaria's memory and made my decision very easy indeed. Considering how you handled the case no one in court can legitimately use this decision against me, and for this I am grateful"
She says while sipping from a finely engraved chalice and gesturing to her attendants to pour one for you as well.
"That said, I can't say I'm entirely happy with the evening's outcome. The optimal solution would have probably been to restore Honaria and make her into an hero of the Empire as she deserved without giving a title to Remaio as well. The man is corrupt and I don't believe he'll change his ways just because he's joined the nobility, on the contrary I fear he will try to use is newfound power to fatten his purses even more. Fortunately the seat I gave him is located at the foot of the World’s Edge Mountains... a long way from Oppara and the court. But don't worry for him to keep his word. I'll make sure he keeps true to his agreements. Honaria would have accepted nothing less after all"
She sips again then continues:"You must be wondering why I'm telling you all of this. It's very simple actually. I mean what I said in court. Taldor needs a virtuous and upright leader if it hopes to raise from its pathetic state. I am that leader and I will prove it, but for doing so I will need powerful allies and supporters. People unafraid to speaktheir mind according to their heart when needed" - the princess looks at Amiri - "people capable with words" - she sets her eyes on Estra - "warriors willing to fight the good fight" - this time Eutroipa turns to Valeros - "And people who can turn even bitter enemies into friends and supporters as well" she lets her gaze fall on Erasmus.
"I believe you are the kind of people I need. I don't ask for blind obedience but for you to join my cause and judge me by my actions. I don't need blind faith but capable people able to think for themsleves. If you do I promise you you'll do right by Taldor and his people. And you'll also do right by me. Know that I never forget my friends nor my enemies. So... what will it be? Can I count on you to bring change to the taldan empire?"
With the time I have left, I have promised to do what good I can. The right changes in Taldor would certainly be a worthy task.