As Sanita's tale unfolds, Wilhelm proves to be a rapt listener, nodding idly periodically. "An impressive feat, to have fought off a pirate attack like that. I'm still unclear on the concept of these sprint ships, but if they're worthy of such interest by pirates, then they're clearly valuable." Wilhelm nods and replies to Fhârn's inquiry, "Yes, Koilia briefly joined the expedition. He was an archer, quite good at that, who was raised by a centaur tribe to the southeast. If Varn has been fool enough to make trouble with the centaur's then we may well need to get in touch with Koilia."
Wilhelm scoffs at Sanita's assessment of the differences between himself and Roan. "Not so different as all that surely. We're of similar height and while I'm perhaps a bit burlier, I think we share the Orlovsky propensity for dark hair and rugged good looks." Flashing a grin at her, he turns his attention to Rowan as he makes his report.
"Rowan hit on most of the salient points, but I think a little elaboration is in order. I believe I filled the pair of you in on the details of our charter before you left, but you didn't hear of our companion's return to Oleg's, if I recall. Rowan's group made it's way along the forest edge back towards Oleg's. They encountered, and killed, a monster of a boar and later encountered the aforementioned fae. These fae, Tyg-Titter-Tut and Perlivash, are the same that my band encountered. To your question, Anastacia, they are indeed well. Though I'll be hesitant to drink anything they offer in the future." Wilhelm grins at Rowan and Lanya as he continues, "I'm sure that Lanya and Rowan will be happy to elaborate on the why."
Clearing his throat, Wilhelm gestures towards Dante and says, "As you'll recall, Dante, Dareon, Felix and Masamura all were to return by way of the kobold's cavern. It seems that Felix was quite taken with... her... new place, and chose to stay there. She's currently acting as some sort of spiritual leader or somesuch. Dante and the rest can elaborate if you're interested. The three remaining returned with some speed after having been caught in the open by a storm. I think that fills you in on the rest of the group's adventures while we were hard attending to diplomatic duties. The other's may have more to say."
After pausing for a moment to allow them to do so, Wilhelm proceeds, "I think it would be appropriate if someone from the other exploration group," Wilhelm pauses to gesture towards Dareon, Bej, Vors, and Anastacia, "may want to chime in with further tales of their adventures. I'd like to touch a little more on Drelev. He's a relatively minor lord in the House Surtova, but one who has the King Regent's ear in many things. He has been given a charter, as Rowan mentioned, near the Hooktongue Slough. I personally can only see this as a move by the Regent in counter to the Swordlord's charter. There's little love lost between the two and while he may nominally back us, I'm doubtful he'll trust our intentions. Particularly with an Orlovsky" -Wilhelm touches a pointed finger to his chest- "as the leader. My family was rather tightly bound to the missing House Rogarvia and I'm sure Noleski Surtova remembers that."
Shrugging, Wilhelm pauses to allow others the chance to interject before he continues, "Now, with this in mind, I believe we should consider our next order of business. I'll need Fhârns opinion to confirm, but I believe we're going to rapidly run into problems if we don't stay here and administer to our realm in the near future. There are incoming settlers by the wagonload in addition to supplies fit to build a city. I think between taking time to do that and also to equip ourselves, I'm inclined to think we should spend about a month here."
Gesturing now to the map tacked up on the wall, Wilhelm continues, "In that month, I'm think we should: build some basic housing, convert most of Oleg's fort into a more sizeable stable and get a tavern built. The housing will help with our settlers, the fort will make a good loading and unloading point for any shipping and the tavern will give us a place to sleep. Any objections or further suggestions?" Wilhelm pauses to allow input.
"After getting our kingdom running adequately, I believe I'd like to see us take a week or two to explore the area further. I'd like for us to claim the Stag Lord's fort quickly, as its central location near water has a number of benefits. I'd hate to lose the place after shedding so much blood taking it. To feel comfortable doing so, however, I believe we'll need to move along these lines..." Wilhelm gestures towards the map, marking out a few paths. "I was thinking two groups would make good sense, though I suppose three might as well. Have you any thoughts?"
Once Wilhelm starts moving toward kingdom planning, Sanita stands up with a smile. "Sounds like this is turning into a peers of the realm planning meeting, which means I and my ilk should be gone. Don't want someone to think I'm the source of the inevitable leaks and rumors. If I don't hear it, nobody can point a finger at me." She grins at Wilhelm, and gives him a very sloppy and saucy salute.
Looking perplexed at Sanita as she stands, Wilhelm just stares stupidly for a moment before a look of dawning realization washes over him. "Ah, I see now that I neglected to mention that Masamura left a week or so ago. He received some message indicating that he had been pardoned or something to that effect. If you're interested, and none of the other councilors object, I believe you'd do well in a position that involves... espionage."
Clearing his throat, he addresses the rest of the group, "In a similar vein, I believe Felix will not be joining us for a time. We'll need someone to take his position. Our options, as I see them, are either Roan or the priest, Jhod. I trust my brother to serve admirably as a liaison between our settlers and the rest of the council. I'm also content with Jhod, though I admit that I haven't spoken with him much at all. Your thoughts?"
Sanita looks at Wilhelm for a long pregnant pause, then covers her mouth with her hand. Her shoulders begin to move, in small motions at first, then with more force. She has to take a seat, as shortly she is convulsed in laughter. This goes on for several minutes, one hand over her mouth, the other wrapped around her stomach. Finally she manages to stop, and wipes tears from the corners of her eyes.
With a voice full of mirth, she finally speaks. "Sorry... you want... me... to be... the... spook in chief..." She dabs at her eyes again. "Oh lord... that's..." She stops to cover her mouth again, eyes twinkling. Finally, she nods. "Sure... but just... remember... you asked, I didn't volunteer..." She pauses again, then looks around with a grin. "Assuming no one in their right mind objects, although I don't know how many of you are in your right mind..." She stops to fight down another fit of laughter. "Two rules though, don't ask how I found out something, you don't want to know. And don't ask how I resolved something... again, you don't want to know."
Sanita looks at the assumbled group. "Ok, I see no reason not to object to Roan, at the moment. He's a known quantity, at least to Wilhelm. Johd's also known, but relatives are generally more trustworthy. Note I said only generally." She gives Fharn a look of amusement at that. "In any event, I do have to object to Holbrecht remaining. No offense to our new friend, but he's new, has no seat on the council, and he tends to talk without realizing it. All three are security concerns, especially that last one." She pats the dwarf on the shoulder in a friendly manner, to show it's nothing personal. "I'm going to need some resources to recruit some information gatherers, and I'm going to need a building somewhere with a map and some storage room. Also we need to talk about you carrying some anti-toxin on you at all times. Probably a food taster as well." She says to Wilhelm. "I doubt people are going to scrimp when it comes to hiring people to kill you."
“Food tasters, lassie, really?” Bej raises an eyebrow at Sanita.
He thanked her and Fharn’s for their purchases back home, and he welcomed them, if not warmly at least respectfully, back at Oleg’s. He’s currently listening to Wilhelm filling them in. He spent his monthly amount of sociability talking to Terrion and his men, and doesn’t feel like telling again all of their stories.
“Admirable thought, really, but it won’t be necessary. We got six, perhaps seven sets of eyes who can detect poison with a simple trick, we just need to remember to memorize it on rotation. No need to bring a poor sod to take a bite out of every meal of the Baron.”
When the Council of Domierov is finally together, Bej speaks up again.
“I… am sorry to report that there’s already been a few brawls among colonists. Apparently my duty as Warden is beginning to be tasking. That fella, Kormac, the potter? He smashed one of his vases onto some damn kid’s head… apparently the young lad stole a clay statuette as a present to some girl, and he said that since there ain’t no official laws yet, he didn’t do anything wrong. So Kormac smashed his head and said he didn’t do anything wrong either. Now the kid’s in the hands of the herbalists, boy’s father wants to kill the potter, and rumors of “no laws” are spreading. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.”
"About your two rules, Sanita. That's not going to work. I'm sure you are right, about us not wanting to know. Trouble is... It is something we need to know. You expect to run a spy network that is free to conduct whatever mayhem that you feel is needed."
"That is not acceptable. In a law abiding nation, such as the one we are forming here, Even the 'king' must abide by the laws. So, if the highest authority in the land is bound by law, then certainly a spy must also be bound by law."
"Even if we are to put aside moral considerations. Which we will not."
"Even if we are to put aside legal considerations. Which we won't."
"It remains, that it would be unwise to develop a reputation as a sadistic nation of manglers. Which, I have reason to believe, is a reputation that you will earn for us, if you are allowed to operate a spy ring the way you want to, without oversight."
"Finally, you may not be aware, but a network of loyal informants will provide more reliable information than a network based on fear and greed."
"Though greed can be a powerful motivator, it cuts both ways."
Sanita eyes Bej. "Trust me, I know of 3 poisons that don't detect as poisons because they don't become poisonous unless you get two different compounds simultaneously. There's also 3 different ways to hide regular poisons from spells that I know of. Anything that magic can do, magic can undo. For that matter, there are natural things your body needs that can kill you if you get too much of them, and they aren't poisons, and don't detect to magic." She shakes her head. "I'm not being argumentative here, Bej. I'm dead serious. Take it from someone who's been the target of poisoners and assassins since she was 7 years old, and who's spent more than one night puking up poison. And believe me, people will be trying to kill him. You don't think the king of Brevoy has a full staff of mages and druids and clerics? And also food tasters, body guards, and diviners? Wilhelm's got to realize he's a monarch. It may be a rough and ready kind of country, but Meager and Dreven both will happily take over his lands, and neither has much qualm with killing him by assassination."
Looking at Anastacia, she rolls her eyes. "No, those two rules are not non starters. You can't have an people spying for you if dozens of people know who they are. Some will be very loyal, some will be bought, some will be double agents, and some will be dupes who think they're working for criminals, or even your enemies. The point of not giving out how and why is not to 'run amok'. It's to keep things compartmentalized, and to keep our enemies from finding out what and who and how we find things out. One person can keep a secret. Two or more people can't, and a committee sure as hell can't. Hell, you're talking about it in front of Holbrecht and Roan right now, Anastacia. You only just met both of them. There's no way in the world I'd ever tell you who works for me, or how they do their job. You really do not want to know, because then you can't accidentally tell someone else or reveal it. Trust me on this. Loyal agents wont' be around long unless we keep it absolutely secret who they are. You really do not want to know how we get information, or who we get it from. Not just because some of them are going to be unsavory types. And not just because some of that information is going to come from people who used methods you don't like to get it. You can't be a spy and have honor, Anastacia. A spy lies, steals, cheats, and betrays trusts as a part of their job. You can't tell them not to and still have spies. So when I say you do not want to know who or how, I mean that from the bottom of my soul." She shakes her head. "The fact you automatically assume the worst is another reason you shouldn't be involved in espionage in any way shape or form. Paranoia is an operational hazard, and you have to recognize it in yourself. You have to accept the worst can happen, but you can't assume it all the time. That's what leads to pogroms, purges, secret police, torture chambers, oppression, and all the other things you're thinking I'm going to do." She shakes her head. "But it's Wilhelm's decision, not yours, not mine. But nobody you can put in that position who will do a competent job is going to tell you the hows and whys. I'm just telling you up front not to ask. Trust is required for this job. You either trust me or you don't. If you don't, then I can't do my job."
Dante listened to his colleagues present different stories and reports. He smiled a small half grin at Sanita's appointment to Spymaster. A fitting role.
At Anastacia's interjection, he felt pressed to interject. "While I hear your concerns Anastacia, there must be a reachable compromise. Laws are abstract, we could just as easily make a law that says the Spymaster doesn't need to report its comings and goings." He pauses to light his pipe.
"It's counterproductive to have a transparent spy network, as it is counterproductive for said spy network to cause 'mayhem'. While you may feel she's abrasive, I feel that the role of Spymaster needs someone who can apply the right tool to the right job whether that be fear or greed, or seduction or bribery or manipulation of faith or ambitions, and for that job I believe Sanita is by far the most qualified. Let us let her conduct business, reporting to those who need to know, namely lord Wilhelm. I would suggest a law that keeps transparency at least between him and Sanita. Then your moral compass can be at ease for it all goes through the eyes of a Paladin. Because so far we are debating regulations based on hypothetical future misconduct, which is an unfair judgment."
Sanita doesn't gloat at Dante's backing, she just nods her head. "Thank you Dante. I have no issues reporting what is found out to who needs to know it, that's the entire point of having a network. I just object to airing who what where and why in council meetings. The only way to protect assets in the field is to keep their names and locations a secret. I can't ask people to risk their lives for us and then tell every Tomas, Richard, and Anastacia who they are and where they are and what they are doing."
Lanya hears the back and forth and looks a bit bored with the same old argument between Sanita and Anastacia.
It's the same story again. I know Sanita can be blunt and easily stepped on her toes, but she probably knows what she needs to do. Though there was that one case...
"I think Sanita would make a good Master of Espionage and Dante also brings up a good point. We don't need to know all the ups and downs about the spies you employ and how you got to know things Sanita, we will need to trust you judgment in those matters. But I would like it if you could notify Wilhelm if something has gone wrong, we don't want a scandal or accusation of something we didn't even know that has been done. I would condone fear and bribes, but physical injury is more difficult to talk straight if you catch my drift."
She looks to Bej and nods.
"Bej also brings up a good but troublesome point, though some have failed to notice it. We should make the people that now camp around Oleg's know what are laws and legislations are. We don't want to let this starting country fall into anarchy before we are well underway. Bej I can go with you after this meeting to smooth things over between Kormac and the boy's father if you would like."
Sanita nods at Lanya. "I'll also go and see the boy after the meeting. We don't have a lot of healers around, between my infusions and knowledge of anatomy, I may be able to make sure he doesn't end up a village idiot. As opposed to just being a normal idiot for being a boy who's in puberty. As to mistakes I make, I think I've proven that if I screw up, I don't hide it. So that shouldn't be a problem." "I think Vors could have a little talk with the boy's father and the potter, yes? Last I checked, Vors was rather the type that most people listen politely to as he remonstrates with them." She winks at Vors.
"The role of Spymaster is one of absolute trust. Regardless of if you're worried if she will be employing torture or other unscrupulous forms of information gathering, her job simply cannot be done with her activities being heard. You don't find the darkest places by standing in the light, and you don't find secrets with honesty." Roan nods at Sanita. "I'll be counting on you. Though I've a way with ferreting out secrets myself. If you've ever need of another opinion, you know where to find me."
Turning back to the group at large, Roan switches topics. "As to the role of councilor, I'd be more than happy to accept. And as for the other thoughts and opinions you've asked for, I'd personally recommend that we make ensuring that you've some form of personal domicile a priority. As of right now, if someone with a head on their shoulders were to attempt an armed incursion against us, they could hide a force enough to take this fort by disguising them as a trade caravan and simply walking through the gates. Shut the gates and we'll begin to stifle trade. Keep them open and we leave ourselves vulnerable. We need to move you to a more easily secured location, Wilhelm."
"We need more then just laws. We'll need a town guard to enforce those laws as well. I'll start recruiting individuals and get a force together to keep peace and order in our kingdom." Rowan says after Bej mentions the uprisings.
"I believe that if Dante can raise a strong army to protect us against the external threats, I can put together a loyal guard to protect against inside threats, and Sanita can build a web to protect us from the threats in the shadows. We'll be quite set."
"Dante. Yes, we could make a law that allows the spymaster absolute authority to do as she pleases. We could do that."
"We could create a law that allows highborn persons to take any common person for their personal pleasure too. We could do that."
"We could pass a law that founds a state religion."
"We could have laws that allow slavery."
"All these things that could be written in as laws, have one thing in common. They would all be laws that are destructive to an enlightened society."
Anastacia gives Wilhelm a long look. "That's what we are trying to do here, right? Create an enlightened society?"
Anastacia gives Sanita a level gaze. "You ask me to trust you? The last words you said to me, before you left, was a threat against my life. Does that seem like a solid foundation to build trust on?"
Sanita grins at Anastacia. "Absolutely. It means I respect you enough to think you are worth killing if you endanger this endeavor. Nobody has to like someone to respect or even trust them. By the same token, I like plenty of people I have no respect for. That doesn't mean I trust them. Trust, like respect, has to be earned, and it doesn't come from being buttered up. There's two types of people who make good spies, those who can use honeyed words, and those who can use their brains. Of course, there is the extremely rare combination of the two. I use my brains. I don't mince words. If you want someone in the job who can butter your ass Anastacia, I'm the wrong person. If you want to hold out for someone who can both butter your ass and use their brain, you'll never last long enough to get someone trustworthy that meets that criteria, because I guarantee you Meager and Drelev have someone just as nasty minded as I am, but with absolutely no scruples. And they won't hesitate to use sedition, murder, and avarice against you. You won't know what hit you."
She pauses, then continues. "As to your enlightened society, it sounds like you want to choose what is enlightened. That sounds more like a theocracy than a monarchy. It is my considered opinion that stating that in open, outside this room, is a monumentally dumb thing to do. Our backers are already nervous as hell over the amount of religious overtones in our command structure, especially with a Paladin in charge. Believe me, I know, I've spoken to at least 2 of our backers on our trip, and I'd be shocked if Wilhelm didn't get put through the ringer over his plans on theocracy by the bankers and the King's Bastard before I left. You go spouting ideals about making this an enlightened society, and while I am fairly certain you don't mean a theocratic one, I'm just as certain you'll have our backers pulling out or demanding more control over us in zero seconds flat."
She turns to Roan, and nods. "I'll keep that in mind. I don't know you well enough yet to say I'll trust you. Honestly, right now, I trust Fharn after traveling with him. I trust Munin, because neither of us think in a straight line if we aren't forced to. I trust Wilhelm because he sucks at lying. You and Holbrecht are still unknown qualities. Everyone else I either like, trust, respect, or two or three at the same time. I don't particularly like Anastacia, but I respect her, and if I found out something that related to divinity, such as a cult of demon worshipers who believed in human sacrifice, or a necromancer who wanted to raise up undead, I'd absolutely bring her in ASAP. I wouldn't, however, invite her over for afternoon tea and crumpets."
Sanita nods at Rowan. "I've lived most of my life in the shadows, this is more light than I've had in many years, and more truth than I've spoken outside my immediate family. Ever. I don't like the light, you can't see what's in the shadows when you're staring at the sun. And it's what's in the shadows that can kill you dead. You don't get mugged on a street in broad daylight, you get mugged from the dark alley walking home on a dark night. Dante is a soldier, he's very good at what charges under daylight. Rowan, you're a hunter, you're very good at what skulks in the woods and seeks to hunt us."
She turns to Anastacia. "I'm the thing that goes bump in the night. You don't use a light to fight what's int he shadows, light just creates more shadows for it to hide in. You hunt the things in the shadows with shadows of your own. You cannot have someone to hunt the shadows who walks with light. They'll be seen a league away, and they'll never find anything they aren't meant to find. The worst thing that can hurt you isn't what you don't know...." She looks around the room. "...it's what you think you know that is wrong that will hurt you the most."
She turns to Roan, and nods. "I'll keep that in mind. I don't know you well enough yet to say I'll trust you. Honestly, right now, I trust Fharn after traveling with him. I trust Munin, because neither of us think in a straight line if we aren't forced to. I trust Wilhelm because he sucks at lying. You and Holbrecht are still unknown qualities. Everyone else I either like, trust, respect, or two or three at the same time. I don't particularly like Anastacia, but I respect her, and if I found out something that related to divinity, such as a cult of demon worshipers who believed in human sacrifice, or a necromancer who wanted to raise up undead, I'd absolutely bring her in ASAP. I wouldn't, however, invite her over for afternoon tea and crumpets."
Probably brought the animosity on herself... but, can't find anything wrong with what she's saying right now. With a helpless shrug, Roan simply states "When that time comes then."
"Well you went a bit longer than I expected, before you resorted to insults, Sanita. Not much but some."
"I'll start with your last statement first. Things that you think you understand, but turn out to be false. You're right, most definitely a danger."
"You, in your arrogance, imagine that you are the only one who is qualified to read the shadows and understand the patterns. This is false. Rowan is an outstanding expert in matters of nature and the fey. Your network might come across a rumor, involving strange activities in the forest, that to you, makes no sense. To Rowan, though, it is a sure sign of the activity of the walking trees. Of course, you keep this matter to yourself, because only you, have the hubris to understand all the nuances of spy work. And so, when the trees attack they do so with surprise, because the spooks failed to understand the clues they had."
"When it comes to matters of religion. I have knowledge in the area, that you may not. Again, it is possible that I might know something about a tidbit that your spy found out. Without sharing the information the clue remains obscure."
"Also, I expect to have a fine source of information, as towns and villages spring up. Some, at least, of the local priests will be willing to pass information, and reports along to me. Each of the other council members has resources as well, I'm sure."
"We could take all the gathered information, and get a more complete picture of any situation, if we had that kind of co-operation."
"This brings us to another point you raise. You say that our backers are concerned, about us being too religious a society. That is absolutely ridiculous. The whole tapestry of Golarion society is inextricably woven through, with religion and the gods. You, only a minute ago, said that the King of Brevoy surrounds himself with wizards,and druids, and clerics. No one accuses him of being too religious. Do they?" Anastacia makes this not a question, but sarcasm. Then her voice goes back into lecture mode.
"As far as an enlightened society, yes, I do have some ideas about that. Why not? They are fine ideas. Fair justice for everyone, regardless of social station. That's an idea that I can get behind."
"An idea I can't get behind, is an unregulated, irresponsible, spy network. The sort of organization, that would drag people from their homes at night, without due process. Which is what you are asking for, when you demand to be allowed to operate without oversight."
"It goes without saying that we would protect the identities of our agents on foreign soil."
"So that is not what you are asking for."
"You are trying to scare us into complying with your demands, and what you are demanding is free reign to practice whatever demented behavior suits your whims."
"You have a very short list of people you say you trust. Well, don't ask us to trust you, if you are not willing to trust us."
"When I first met you, Sanita, you had my respect. I always assume that everyone I meet is worthy of respect. Respect should be given, but disrespect is earned."
Bej cringes a bit whenever Sanita says “trust me on this” or variation thereof. Did we go insane, to give that tiny madwoman the power to do as she pleases without having to report to anyone?
Still, he feels they have more pressing issues Hopefully she won’t start poisoning anyone who is in her way “Aye, I’m most certainly sure I don’t want to know what you do at night, lassie.” he scowls at her, half-jokingly, half not.
“Also, I’d like everyone to stop worrying sick about m’lord being assassinated. We all started off as adventurers. We went looking for things that might kill us. As a job. A knife in the night or a drop of frog’s bile into your pastry ain’t more dangerous than that beast” he points at Tuskgutter’s head on the wall “or worgs, or bandits, or this Green Lady. We’re all well suited to survive stuff that wants to kill us, m’lord even more so than most of us. What we are not prepared for is people getting into anarchy and murdering each other for a piece of bread because we failed to build a proper barony. We didn’t build anything, so far, that might fall into chaos should Baron Wilhelm meet his end, by battle or assassins. A kingdom’s health is more important than its leader’s, and anarchy is coming faster than any arrows towards m’lord heart.” he nods at Wilhelm “With all due respect, m’lord. Of course.”
Sanita opens her mouth but then shrugs. "Anastacia, I could sit here and argue with you until Oleg burns the place down in frustration. You and I were born and raised in two different worlds. I suspect that I would kill myself in your world, and I suspect you would last about a day in mine before someone killed you. I am not going to meekly do as you say. If I did, I would not be suitable for the job. If Wilhelm doesn't want me in the job, then that's his decision. Fortunately for me, your opinion of me doesn't matter, and honestly never did. Also fortunately, we don't have to like each other to get our respective jobs done. So, let's just agree to have a peaceful dislike of each other and be done with it. If you can catch me doing something like torturing babies, you go right ahead and kill me for it. Until you catch me doing something like that, just stay out of my way and let me do my job."
Glancing at Bej, she grins. "Bej! Get your mind out of the brothel."
Holbrecht was again mostly just minding his own business, reacting to his name once more, with a simple shrug and a "Makes sense I guess." giving Sanita an understanding look when she says she intends no offense.
Then things begin to get heated, and louder, and a little long-winded. This actually gets his attention. When people get riled, that's when their true selves show more than when they are all calm with feigned smiles.
He nods, shakes his head, nods, nods again, shakes his head, then nods a few more times as he mentally agrees or disagrees with what is being said. In the end mostly giving both Anastacia and Bej looks of agreement, despite acknowledging some of Sanita's more valid points. Overall though, it is Bej that has his attention. The man speaks of building, both in a physical and metaphysical sense. There must be rules, law, and order to create a productive society. Holbrecht decides he will try to stick close to this one, as the most sensible and logical of them he'd met thus far.
Wilhelm watches Sanita, perplexed, as she goes into a slow paroxysm of laughing. Rubbing both his temples, Wilhelm nods and replies, "Yes, I'd like you to be 'spook-in-chief'. Though I'm not sure your little fit there really gives me a lot of confidence." He frowns as she begins to list her conditions, though he remains silent, thinking over what she wants. No oversight on her gathering of information and how she executes her duty. This, plainly, is not a working solution. He maintains his silence as the others object.
"I'm inclined to agree with Bej. For the moment, I'm the ruler of a tiny outpost. If you find some evidence, in the future, that we're being plotted against, then maybe we'll consider it again. Until then, I'll have to rely on Iomedae's blessing and my own abilities. If you have a vial of anti-toxin you'd like me to carry, then that's a reasonable precaution."
Frown resuming, Wilhelm shakes his head in disgust, "I can't say I'm surprised that this sort of thing was happening already, but there it is. We'll need to establish laws quickly. As for Kormac, tell him that I've the right to see his head off if it was just. Good for him, I don't think that's the case. We'll sit down and come up with suitable punishment later. Sanita, I'd be grateful if you would take a look at the boy."
Mouth twisting in distaste, Wilhelm remains silent and listens to the council of his friends and allies. Reachable compromise is right. If I allow Sanita's informants to 'lie, steal, cheat and betray', am I sanctioning their behavior? Is this acceptable? Torn by the moral hazard confronting him, Wilhelm continues to listen. As each of his council says their piece, Wilhelm's mind churns over what is being said. Even as he does so, however, lurking in the background is the doubt that he is morally implicit in anything the spies might do. No, I don't think I am simply having these men and women doing my work by proxy. They make their own choices, but at the same time I do have some responsibility. Balance must be the answer.
As the volume and tension in the room increases, Wilhelm finally breaks his quiet. Slapping a hand onto a table with a resounding thump, Wilhelm interrupts with anger tinging his voice, "These threats will stop, now. I will not have two of my council at each other's throats. If nothing else, it's another headache piled onto the one I have already. Conduct yourselves like the high officials that your are." His anger cooling, Wilhelm gestures to Roan and says, "Roan has my confidence and I will ask him to stay. He has bound himself to me by oath and by blood. Holbrecht has heard close to the worse of what we could tell him. A little more of this sort of thing won't kill anyone"
"Sanita, as Anastacia has said, your rules are not acceptable to me. I have heard your arguments and I agree that we cannot simply have your spies revealed at random. If it is mutually agreeable, I believe that only you necessarily need to know who your informants are. I'm hardly an expert on this, but if you are the only one who knows who your informants are, what will happen should you perish?" Wilhelm pauses a moment to allow her to answer.
"That doesn't mean, however, that we can't establish a set of behavior that is and is not acceptable for them to engage in. Your spies, however distant they are, reflect on the kingdom and on me. If they must lie, so be it. If they must cheat, so be it. If they must betray, so be it. They can do so, but we will draw the line somewhere. Murder, torture and such abuses are crossing the line. If this seems obvious to you, then my apologies, but it must be clear from the start. We can continue to delineate what is and isn't acceptable later. Should I discover that you've abused the trust I am placing in you, then I believe you smart enough to know the consequences." Wilhelm gazes steadily into Sanita's eyes, face steely.
"Anastacia, my hope is to build a society as you've said. I want to see our laws offering the freedom to succeed to all. Justice, equity before the law and, I would hope, concern for your neighbor are things I'd like to weave into the fabric of our nation. At the same time, I recognize the there is a brutal reality we have to contend with. Drelev and Varn represent real threats, as do the real movers behind them in the form of Noleski Surtova and the Swordlords. We will need Sanita's skill to survive the rapids. If we aren't aware of the dangers of the depths, we may survive those tumultuous waters only to be overturned by something we didn't see coming."
Gently laying a hand on his High Priestess' shoulder, Wilhelm continues quietly, "I ask you to trust my judgement in this. I have no more desire than you to build a nation which allows assassination and torture. There is a middle ground that will work for all of us."
Retrieving his hand, Wilhelm manages a bit of a smile and a chuckle at Bej's comments, "I'm sure I'll manage Bej. I think you're right though, that we've more pressing concerns than this shouting match we find ourselves in. If anyone has something more on the matter of Sanita's appointment to spymaster, now is the time to say it." Wilhelm pauses a moment to allow everyone to object (or not).
Sanita nods. "Torture really isn't all that reliable to get information. Granted, if there was a pressing reason for it, I'd do it, even though I find it distasteful. But I'd let you know I was going to do it. Murder is kind of a gray area, as everyone has a different definition of murder." She eyes the assembled, rather than Wilhelm. "If I order an agent to kill a messenger who's taking information from this meeting to Drelev, do you consider that murder? Or is that killing a thief? Some would consider killing a pirate who was unconscious murder, even though he was caught in the act of piracy. If you want to forbid something, you'll need to define it. I need the freedom to do what needs to be done, I can't go get permission to kill a spy who's escaping with information we want to keep secret, nor can my agents seek me out to seek you out. This was one of the things I warned you about Wilhelm, when I said it is very difficult to be both a Paladin and a Ruler. I can abide by the 'do not kill anyone without my approval' if you can abide with the costs to other people, our soldiers, our citizens, if I don't have an enemy bandit leader or general assassinated to disrupt their plans to attack our people." She looks at Anastacia. "To me, killing an assassin who's going to assassinate one of our merchants or killing a messenger to keep information detrimental to us out of enemy hands is not murder, it's prudence. I suspect you may consider it murder." She turns back to Wilhelm. "My only issue with limitations is that they be defined, and not generalities such as 'do not murder'. I have never murdered anyone. I have however killed many people who needed killing, be they pirates or child rapists or assassins."
She pauses, takes a drink and continues. "Yes, there will be others who know who my agents are. Not just me, and the agents will have pass phrases they can give, as well as two backup contacts. I'll be the only one who knows the network, but my assistants will know the next layer, and so on, so if something happens to me, they can establish it again. But short of my death, no other person should know who is working with us. That is for their safety and ours. We need depth and redundency, as well as secrecy and circumspection."
She pulls two packets out of her pouch, and hands one to Wilhelm, and one to Lanya. "If you eat with anyone you don't trust, take those first, without being seen. If you feel unwell, take those immediately. I'll see what I can do to work up some specific anti-toxins to specific poisons when I get a feel for the local assassins guild that develops here, and what they end up using."
Anastacia shrugs. "Spying is punishable by death in most modern nations." Capturing is always preferable to killing, if possible. Because prisoners can be interrogated, if for no other reason."
Anastacia's face grows sorrowful as she makes eye contact with each council member, then Holbrecht, then Wilhelm then at last settle on Sanita.
"When we first came here, we captured several bandits. We didn't have the facilities to imprison them and we judged them too dangerous to free. We also judged, to the best of our ability, that they had committed crimes that warranted the death penalty."
Anastacia's face grows grim and dour.
"It was I who tended to the executions. I made them as merciful as I know how. There are those who say that what I did was murder. Perhaps they are right. But it would have been a worse crime to let those men go free to prey on the helpless again."
"I may look like a young girl to you, as indeed I am."
"Don't let my appearance fool you, though. I have faced the terrors of the walking dead from the moment I could channel the might of Our Lady of the graves. Raengelt Abby is a place of unending war."
"I do understand that hard decisions must be made, as we work to found this nation."
Anastacia shakes her head in negation. "My objection, was to your demand that you be allowed to be above the law." Anastacia actually chuckles. "If we gave you that much power, it would have made you the power behind the throne. Our shadow ruler, as it were."
"Wilhelm trusts that you are the best candidate to head of our information gathering apparatus, and you seem to finally understand that even you must be bound by the laws. As must we all."
Anastacia faces Wilhelm. "She's right of course, we need our basic laws laid out. It can wait no longer. I expect that may take awhile, so I believe that I will go take care of the injured lad. Sanita's potions cost her money to create, while I can perform healing that doesn't weigh on anyone's pocketbook.
Anastacia's green eyes twinkle. "Perhaps I'll remind them both that the Spire still judges, even in lawless lands. I'll certainly inform them that a book of laws is being written now, and that the law enforcement officials are already appointed, and eager to carry out their duties."
Sanita smiles, and nods. "I'll still check the boy with you, if you don't object. There are things which spells cannot overcome, but which potions and elixirs can. Else no-one would have a hook hand or a peg leg or be blind. There is greater chance for a full and healthy recovery if we both check him, I think, unless you object." She pulls a syringe. "Besides, my methods of healing are sometimes rather painful, as Wilhelm can attest. While those you employ are rather soothing, which I can attest to. Sometimes it's best to let a headstrong boy feel some pain to save him from something worse. My mother used to make me take the most noxious medicine she could come up with, said it was so I'd be more careful about getting sick in the future." She giggles for a moment, before going silent and shaking her head, as if trying to get something out of her head.
"Sure, why not?" Anastacia steps out, at as brisk a pace as her armor allows. Once outside the building, Anastacia comments. "A cleric that can perform miracles, such as restoring a severed hand, would be rare. It's not something that I can do at all. My connection to Pharasma is not so strong as that."
Anastacia shrugs.
"Sounded like he only got hit over the head with crockery, though. Even an acolyte could heal such a minor injury as that."
"Getting hit over the head with stoneware, is probably painful enough to teach the lesson, if the lad is the sort who can learn from such things."
"The potter is the one who troubles me. He is old enough to know better, but perhaps he let his temper get the better of him. I want to talk to him. I need to find out. A potter that thinks that he can benefit from anarchy is either a great fool, or not a potter at all.
Sanita follows Anastacia out.
"Well, reattaching a hand has been done. I've studied the methods, it requires a mixture of magic and surgery. But you need the hand. There are a couple of advanced practitioners who have used the methods of making flesh golems to attach donor parts to another individual. So, again a combination of magic, alchemy and surgery. Brain injuries can be tricky. Usually magic can take care of it though, I agree. Magic is generally limited to healing what is there back to it's normal state. If someone was born blind, generally they stay blind short of a major and expensive magical ritual though." She comments, almost sounding like a school teacher going over a lesson. She goes on to comment about some work she's heard of to replace organs with congenital defects, such as eyes or hearts or livers from donor bodies, usually criminals, although she's heard of some who use any body they can get their hands on. Her tone of voice indicates some hostility toward the latter practice.
When talk turns toward the potter, she shrugs. "From what Bej said, he appealed to the boy based on laws, it wasn't until the boy appealed to a lack of laws that the potter beaned him on the head. As long as he's not enjoying the idea of beating boys on the head with pottery on a regular basis, I think we're ok. Then again, I think the boy got pretty much what he deserved. People who want to live by the sword need to be prepared to accept the sword hitting them between the eyes."
Wilhelm observes drily, as Sanita lays out her argument, "I'm glad you feel torture is inefficient. I believe I can comfortably say that it should be out of reach barring agreement by the broader council. Perhaps there are extenuating circumstances in which it may be justified, but I struggle to imagine such a situation." Continuing in a more conversational tone, Wilhelm replies to Sanita's concerns, "I am not saying you need to get my permission every time you intend to kill someone seeking to harm our nation and our citizens, but I believe we can establish a reasonable set of guidelines. For example, for my part, I'd prefer for any killing to be a matter of last resort if diplomacy, capture and mitigation are not possible. I'd also like to think that there is an imminent threat presented by the man or woman we would kill. I don't think it's unreasonable for your agents to try to understand such a code. They're being given legal sanction to kill in order to protect our nation. Some responsibility for their actions and a need to understand nuance doesn't strike me as too much to ask. For now, I suggest we set the matter aside and proceed with our business."
"As has been said a code of laws is going to be necessary, let's take the next few days to hash out those details and perform the other myriad duties I'm sure we'll all have. As I mentioned before, there are certain regions I'd like to see explored to give us some additional cushion around the Stag Lord's fort. There's also certain friends in the forest who I'd like to become better acquainted with. Have you any thoughts or objections on this?"
Anastacia listens politely to Sanita's lecture. Sanita and she practice wildly different ways to achieve similar ends, it seems.
"I expect you are right about the potter. He probably just got fed up, and we don't yet have a constabulary, so he felt the need to enforce his own justice."
The Swordlords and the Regent must both have agents here, though. It might be wise to know who they are. I doubt the Swordlords would want to foment unrest, but if the Regency sent Drelev down here to compete against us, then we might want look for mischief from that quarter."
Anastacia's gaze grows distant.
"Drelev said he had more troops, than what he had with him, when he came here. It would be good to send out trackers to find the route they took. They might be able to determine something of the makeup of the rest of Drelev's force. I guess I'll talk to Rowan, Bej, and Vors about that...
Sanita nods. "I planned on looking into Drelev alright. I have some contacts who can probably get me details on him, and his backers. We need to build up a militia and guard." She agrees as they walk toward where the boy is.
Anastacia nods. "I assumed you did, I was just thinking that the King-Regent sent Drelev, and the King-Regent no doubt, has people keeping an eye on us for him too."
Rowan frowns and then smiles as he watches the two headstrong women argue and then eventually come to terms with each other. After they leave, he clears his throat before addressing those who remain. "Shall we continue our counsel without them? There is much to discuss about building the area up and raising our forces to defend our new nation. Not to mention establishing laws..." Rowan doesn't sound too enthuisiastic about the dreary task of law-making.
Roan speaks up, "I believe, that while I'm still new here, my suspicions are somewhat founded." With the rather awkward statement made, the mercenary turns towards his liege. "I mentioned that I may have a particular role in mind for myself, Wilhelm, and I think with most of the council here, this is probably the time to do it."
Making sure to keep his voice loud enough that the arrayed council can hear, Roan still lowers his voice as he speaks. "The role of spymaster is one of near absolute trust. While setting guidelines to her behavior is fair, she is correct in saying that she must have minimal oversight. Spies are the tools of generals more often than not, so I've no doubt that Commander Skyborn can vouch for me when I say this. The more people who hear a secret, the more likely that secret is to slip into the wrong hands. Even if this Sanita only spoke her information to you alone Wilhelm, that is still another mind that can be sifted through magically, and another whispered conversation that can be overheard, or a letter that can be intercepted."
He pauses for a moment to let the information sink in a bit. "So the less oversight she has the better, and more often than not, information must be gained by... unscrupulous means. Even if we aren't talking torture or murder, no one will willingly part with a secret to an enemy, and if the enemy suspects you know their secrets, then they'll change their plans and make the secrets worthless. This means that you use the lowlifes, scoundrels, and crooks to get your information. A whore to remove a man's clothing, and a sneak to steal a letter from the now naked's clothing and copy it to have your spymaster read later. To not only gain a secret, but ensure that your enemies never know you've learned it, it requires guile enough that being entirely bound by a code of ethics is a detriment, this goes doubly if the enemy learns of this code and uses it against you."
"But this is retreading ground to some degree. To my point, you must trust your spymaster entirely to act with as much ethic and virtue as they can, so that they can work their trickery with as much creativity and unpredictability as possible. While people seem to agree this Sanita has the cunning to be suitable for this role, frankly, she does not seem to inspire the confidence I feel is also necessary." Roan pauses again, this time seeming to be less for effect than for collecting his thoughts.
"This is where I can come in. I am good at gathering secrets, very good. This much, I've already proven to Wilhelm. I am a soldier, and I've a mind for tactics. I hope Master Skyborn would agree he's seen something of this himself. Yet, I've little knowledge of how to be a liason between the people and their lord. I can speak his words like a parrot, but the complexities of the job surely require more than a mouthpiece. And as such, I propose a different role, perhaps a secondary if I'm still needed as Councilor. In this role, my place would both be infinitely simple, and yet just as complex, in that my place would be that as an entirely unofficial one. Officially, I'd not be Wilhelm's brother, or at least, not given special treatment as such. I'd be a mercenary captain, and a... second spymaster. My purpose as mercenary captain would be simple. I'd be 'hired' by Wilhelm and me and my company would defend the land in times of need. Yet in times in which our enemies do not besiege our gates, what then? An army can do nothing against someone like Drelev. If we marched against him, even if we had the numbers to do so effectively, it'd be quite likely that Surtova would begin marshaling aid to Drelev. Be it overt in treatise and troops, or subtle in the form of spies and assassins like Sanita fears. But if Drelev were to begin attempting such trickery against us unprovoked, are we to do nothing then? For fear of reprisals that we may be unable to contend against, be they from Brevoy or somewhere else?
In this, I purpose my purpose. As a man loyal to Wilhelm, but not bound by court or position, my actions would not reflect overtly on him. A band of mercenaries, bored and growing poor with little work in Domierov, turn their blades towards more profitable targets by offering their services at a discount to say... Hook Town." Once again back towards effect, Roan pauses to let the insinuation settle.
"All the while, Wilhelm stands spotless of any wrongdoing, if Brevoy levied reprisals, they'd be at Hook Town not Domierov, and the borders would look equally secure to the casual observer as all of Domierov's forces are still garrisoned at home.
In addition, I'd fulfill the role of watching your spymaster's movements. While I'd doubtlessly not cover the entire network, I could keep an eye on her people. And Sanita's agents will have to know that if they stray too far from justice in enacting their duties, that there's eyes in the night waiting for them to transgress and will see justice to them. If granting me the privileges of dispensing this justice is too much, then we can simply see to it that this company I plan on making is given a contract with our Warden Bej, and help keep an eye on the streets. We'd simply be sellswords collecting bounties."
In what carries the sound of a closing statement, Roan indeed finishes with. "In short, I'd be Wilhelm's left hand. I would operate where he cannot visibly operate, and defend his interests, whether they be local issues of defending territory from invaders, and watching the watchmen... or interests abroad, in which I could serve in aiding others in... well frankly, proxy wars. The only real issue with this is the most obvious one. Not only would you have to trust me as you trust Sanita in the role of spymaster, but you would also be subtly aiding me in the creation of an armed force that doesn't swear allegiance to your country, and as such would have its own defences and fortifications, and likely claim a sizable track of land as its own to run drills and sustain itself. I've yet to have time to gain your distrust as it appears Ms. Sanita has, but I've yet to truly be able to prove myself worthy of this trust either. And the trust you'd be granting me would be greater than that given to Sanita even. If my allegiance was shaken, you'd have a man with a spy network in your streets and a general with armies in your fields, and no official claim to any of these assets. The only thing I can do to ask for this trust, is to be transparent in these risks.
In the meantime, however, I would likely only fill the function of adding a layer of security to Sanita's spy network. Domierov has neither the need nor the resources for us to build a mercenary force in addition to the national army, which obviously, has presidence."
Rowan listens to Roan's proposal with little emotion showing on his face. At the end, he speaks up. "Not everyone distrusts Sanita but the position of spymaster is one that should raise such concerns that do need to be addressed. Roan, you make a few good points but also keep in mind that we've only just begun building here. We have no army, no guard, not much infrastructure, we don't even have a legitimate council room at the moment. We need to build these things before we discuss raising a mercenary army or a second information network." He pauses, caught up in his own thoughts for a moment before continuing.
"Maybe you could make a great bodyguard for Wilhelm or Lady Lanya while she is out on diplomatic missions. Being able to see threats before they know you see them is a great advantage. It's one that I enjoy outdoors but not so much in the political arena."
Rowan stops there, waiting to hear the others' opinions.
Lanya has been mostly silent during the whole debate and goes through the motions of listening, nodding and looking questioningly as other voices chime in to let themselves be heard.
"It seems you bring up very important matters regarding our new neighbours, both Sanita and Roan. Though these matters are important, I agree with Rowan that rigorous actions to raise an army or get to the full extent of a spy network should have to wait until our infrastructure is built up. Else we would have all the costs of doing such without the needs to sustain it."
She shifts in her seat and gazes at the others present and then to Wilhelm.
"I'm assuming you want to get the economy and food production running right? Housing as well? If we set up and explore that buffer you told us about, maybe we can recruit or enlist a few hunters to keep those areas clear or keep us informed of any events taking place there. Our first line of defence if you will, by way of spotting potential enemies."
Roan listens quietly to Rowan and Lanya's input before agreeing. "I'd agree that the proposal I present would leave me the king of an empty land for some time. The real army, the real spy network, all of these would come first, meaning that my own tasks would be delayed.
"In the meantime, I would serve wherever I was needed. I do agree that fostering hunting is an excellent idea. It will help get food for the winter, provide eyes on the land, and if a threat comes up and we need to bolster our numbers, hunters are generally the most experienced archers you'll find outside of the army, and would make for good recruits for a levy in an emergency. They would solve several problems all at once: Defense, information, and food."
Fhârn remains silent as they argue Sanita's guidelines and organization. Others have echoed my feelings well enough, no need to add to the chaos. Instead he nurses his drink, content that an acceptable compromise between transparency and efficiency is reached. When they leave he suppresses a laugh - That boy is going to get a handful. Wouldn't want to be in his shoes !
As the matters switch over to war and armies, he listens intently. While they would need troops, and by the looks of it, sooner rather then later - Roan's idea didn't sit well with him. "If I may?" he leans forward to speak. "The idea of an 'left hand' is intriguing, but there is a host of problems. The first is simple, Rowan touched upon it. Our kingdom is but a trade post and our funds is currently painfully finite. I did a quick check-up earlier - a lot of the settlers brought tools and material, but unless the mercenaries would accept payment in logs I have a hard time seeing how we could finance this in a sustainable way before the kingdom is properly entrenched. And if I understand correctly, one of the likely 'targets' for this has already met you in the service of Wil? Then we would need to spend even more time and funds severing that bond, otherwise the mercenaries would be a separate entity by name only." He leans backwards again. "In short, I agree with Lanya and Rowan." He takes a mouthful of water, silently wondering why he didn't say just that instead.
"It's why I bring this up now." Roan nods towards Fharn. "As of yet, I have been seen as working in service to Wil, but specifically, I've been introduced and spoken of as a mercenary and a bodyguard. I bring all this up now because even if this role of mine doesn't take effect right now, it's imperative that this is planned for. For a few days, it's been easy to say that I'm a bodyguard and leave it at that. But if I ever serve in an official capacity as more than just that, fading from sight again is going to only become more difficult."
Roan keeps his seat, but leans forward. "I suppose I wasn't clear on this point initially, but I've no intention of trying to raise a mercenary army out of ten people's coin purses. But if I'm ever to serve this capacity, we must plan for it now, so that when the time comes, I'm still just a mercenary in Wilhelm's employ, and not his half-brother who serves as his Councilor and right hand. As you say, it'd be difficult for us to make sure everyone believes that no bond exists between us once this information gets out, so the question for now is do we let it get out in the first place? If I take the position of Councilor, this 'left hand' road closes. Even if it's not one we plan to take for a year or more later, our actions now still must be dictated by the long term goals and plans."
Mimicking Fharn, Roan leans back in his seat. "In short, I also agree with Lanya, Rowan, and Fharn, but that's not in conflict with what I proposed, it's merely an element of it."
Listening intently to the matters at hand, Dante frowns across the table from the newcomer. This Roan was Wilhelm's brother it seemed and he had a lot of ideas regard armies.
"I'll have to say no to that Roan, at least in the form that it's currently proposed in. For one, any army that you raise is a direct detriment to an actual national army, it pulls on manpower, food, and other resources." The large armored general takes a sip from his glass of whiskey. "Besides that, who are you to command the loyalty of an army, especially without financial aid from the state. And if you're our leaders left hand unofficially or otherwise, people may ask why does Lord Wil only have one hand? Metaphorically speaking of course." Pausing for a breath.
"No strong nation allows a foreign army afield in their country unless the two are allied, if you were to do this, you would have to stay out of the sovereign territory of Domierov unless there was a official contract hiring your mercenaries. In which case, it would be known who you were loyal to, at least so far as the loyalty of money takes you." Looking at some of the others for support, namely Wil and Fharn.
"I would purpose a different approach to the same goal. You come in as an official member of the army, a commander. Then you tend to duties as normal, you help me train men, get a real force together. While you do this you work with Sanita and myself to find elite candidates from among the recruits, men and women with a certain trainable skill set. At that point you separate your own force out in secret. The special forces wing of the national army, men among the greater force who can be taken out for special missions, who can don mercenary gear and venture into other territories, but men that we know are loyal to our nation and still subject to the chain of command." he finishes with another sip of his drink.
Roan hesitates to answer longer to Dante's proposal than the thoughts of others, then replies. "I can agree to that. Wilhelm of course, has the final say of things, but I personally can see the sense in those adjustments."
"I think," pipes up Dareon, for the first time in the council meeting, "That we're missing the concept of scale." He hadn't had anything to say before now, and frankly, politics kind of bored him, but he felt that this was an important matter to raise. "We are small-scale now. Merely a trading post with a few hundred settlers outside. So, the scale of the "mercenary company" that Roan proposes, the scale of our militia or our constabulary, must be similarly sized. Roan need not command more than a dozen individuals for a very long time. Surely that is not so many, nor would cost so much."
He leans forward at their meeting table, resting his arms on the table. "We may have a great vision now, but that great vision will never happen without the intervening mediocre period, and I really think we should be planning within meagre means. That doesn't mean planning to avoid things we cannot afford, but simply scaling them down. We cannot go without law enforcement, for example, nor can we pay for a hundred officers."
"Does this make sense? And I apologize if this is common sense to you all and I am merely rambling. I belong in a library, really, not a political meeting room."
Wilhelm watches, perplexed, as a pair of his councilors walk out of a meeting to attend to other matters. In a tired voice, Wilhelm replies to Rowan, "Yes, I think that will be best." It's obvious he shares Rowan's lack of enthusiasm for lawmaking.
Wilhelm stands, thinking for a moment, before Roan stands. As his brother begins speaking, Wilhelm takes a seat, content to listen. Perhaps it's true that the information will be at more risk, but if it's not shared then its worthless. Unsure of the point being driven at, the young baron simply sits and listens, absently running a hand through his beard. I've little doubt Sanita will get the job done, Roan, but I'm rather more doubtful that I'll like the how.
Arching an eyebrow at the sudden topic change, Wilhelm begins to have an inkling where things might be going, but doesn't comment. Brows furrowing as Roan finishes his explanation, Wilhelm doesn't have the chance to speak for a moment as his counselors respond. He nods in reply to Lanya's questions, "That was my general inclination, yes. We're going to have a tremendous influx of settlers in short order, I think, and we'll need to establish the basics of their livelihood. If people who flock to our banner find themselves cold in hungry come winter, we'll not have much a nation for long."
Snorting in amusement at Dante's continuation of the running 'hand' metaphor, Wilhelm mutters to himself, "Yes, one can never have too many hands." Setting aside his private amusement, he finds himself nodding thoughtfully to Dante's suggestion. This idea has some merit, I think. Dareon's suggestions earns an appraising glance and Wilhelm finally breaks his thoughtful silence, "I still think you sell yourself short, my friend. You've made a rather excellent point, or series of points, as the case may be. You certainly belong here and not just in a library."
"As to my 'final say', I'm not enamored of the idea of a mercenary group that is nominally mine working for a man like Hannis Drelev. The portrait painted of the man by his brief visit was not a pleasant one and I've little doubt that'd he'd grossly misuse any mercenaries that will sell him their services. Otherwise, my thoughts on a 'separate' mercenary army roughly parallel Dante's. In a similar vein, I rather like Dante's suggestion of a special operatives group." Meeting Roan's eyes for a moment questioningly, Wilhelm tries to get a read on Roan's response as he asks, "And if you feel that you can best serve in another capacity, I'm sure we can find someone to fill to the role of Councilor. I'm afraid I've not had sufficient time to grow acquainted with all of your many skills. I'll trust your judgement on this."
"Matters of mercenaries being set aside for a moment, Dareon and Rowan have made some excellent points. We've a body of law to codify and the bones of a nation to build. Are there any further thoughts or objections on what we've already considered?"
But no, there was a little more to it than that... The slight tremors of excitement in his voice he squashed as he discussed the plan. His own military, his own spy network, his own land on which to run these things. His. The dominant message coming out of the discussion is that Roan wants a position to call his that makes him holder of more than just a title. But otherwise, he seems sincere in his offerings. Offering to keep an eye on Sanita's informants to weed out anything that goes beyond common decency, a task force to handle affairs too politically messy to have Wilhelm's military attached to it. There's simply an undercurrent of avarice to it that excites the man to have a position in which so much is his own.
"Perhaps I merely misunderstand the position, My Liege. If that is the case, then I might be able to provide better assistance than I'm initially inclined. But it seems that the role of Councilor has very little to do simply with counseling you. Otherwise I'd have quite a bit of competition for my job." Roan motions to the room with a calm smile on his face. "But as such, regardless of my position, I will serve as a councilor of sorts. But when it comes to being your voice to the people, I'm less confident. While simply notifying people that there was a raise in taxes is simple enough, doing it in a way that minimizes the grumbling of the additional burden placed upon them is another matter entirely. I'm used to dealing either with monks, who're trying to master their emotions and have few cares in the world, or soldiers, who have to do what their told and damn what they think about it more often than not. A civilian populous is more... tumultuous than that."
Rowan watches the back and forth debate as it finally draws down to something he can agree with. Catching a hint of Roan's avarice, he doesn't say anything about it just yet. Wilhelm may have full competence in this one, but he still hasn't earned my full trust… I'll be keeping an eye on him.
Rowan pulls out his pipe and lights a bowl of tobacco, taking a few puffs to see if anyone would chime in on laws first. Looking around at the council remaining, he clears his throat and starts.
"Firstly, I think we should go over what rights our citizens should have. I believe they should have the right to arm themselves in this dangerous land. Also, that they have the right to speak for themselves and the right to bear responsibility for what they say. People charged with crimes should have the right to a lawman who can explain the nuances of the courtroom to them. They should also have the right to choose and practice their religion peacefully. We should also forbid cruel punishments. How's that to start with?"