Quintessa listens to the passionate debate quietly, her arms still crossed, her face composed and thoughtful.
When Alvis finishes and Graham’s rebuttal hangs in the air, she steps forward, her voice cutting cleanly through the tension.
"Enough."
"You have all spoken truth, each from your own corner of the world. Justice is not perfect. It is not clean. It has never been."
"The law, even when no one watches but ourselves. matters. We are not enacting vengeance. We are not marauders or beasts. We are founders. Builders."
Her green eyes sweep across the group, pausing meaningfully on each of them in turn.
"Today, we are the architects of what this land will become. And if that future is to be better than the world we left behind, than a Brevoy crumbling under its own squabbles, then it begins not when it is easy, but when it is hard."
"In Brevoy, in Rostland, in Issia, wherever our people gather, law flows from authority. Here, now, we stand beyond any lord's hall or knight's keep. And by right of my birth, by oath of our charter, and by consent of all present, I am the closest thing we have to a magistrate or a noble court."
She sets her hand lightly to her chest, over her heart. "Therefore, I will convene this court. Let the charges be read, we will hear what must be heard and weigh the facts. We will give the man a chance to speak and Teela and others may speak their minds of relevant information."
If any still object, speak now. Otherwise... prepare."
Faen for all of her rustic upbringing had been fairly well educated by her Mother, so she followed along as each made their arguments. Still, she kept her opinion to herself, until Quintessa spoke.
"Not really an objection, Princess, but just an observation. From what I gather, you all are here on Restov's behest, to tame the land etc , to fulfill this Charter of yours. Now, I've not signed this Charter, and so aren't bound by it. Still, we've shed blood and faced death together...which to me is stronger than any piece of paper. " Faen says quietly, obviously thinking furiously of her words before speaking them, "What I'm trying to say is , your Charter, your birth, my birth doesn't matter out here...we matter. This authority you speak of , often comes at the point of a knife, out there in Brevoy, and Rostland and Issia....and it'll do the same out here. " she nods at the cowering bandit, "He knows it... I know it...and I think you know it as well. Time for courts and trials and evidence don't fit the now. We are the authority. Let's keep it simple, we vote our conscience on this man's fate and whatever the majority decides, we act on without complaint. I think even Abadar would appreciate the honesty in that. " she says, looking shyly at Alvis.
She then turns back to going through the dead bandit's pockets, picking up the potion from the leader, squinting at it for a moment, then shrugging and placing it with other loot.
At Fean's unfortunate and erroneous statements Alvis can only shake his head no towards him. Looking at Quintessa he spreads his hands as if to say, What now? He murmurs, "Sorry milady, I have to say, I cannot be a party to unlawful behavior. It's not up for vote, I would betray my vows and lose divine favor, if I did."
"Alright, guys." Teela crosses her arms on her chest. "I would like you" she looks at Alvis and Quintessa, "to tell me your definition of such a trial. I'm specifically curious about the purpose of the process."
Quintessa listens without interrupting, her hands lightly clasped in front of her. Only after the last word fades does she speak, her voice calm but carrying the weight of authority:
"Faen... you're right about one thing." She smiles, faint but genuine. "Out here, paper and title matter less than action. And it is by our deeds, not our names, that we will carve order into this wild place."
"But authority built only on the sword breaks as soon as someone with a bigger sword comes along. It must be built on something more. Not for this bandit's sake, but for ours."
She turns next to Alvis, dipping her head slightly in respect.
"Brother Alvis. Your devotion to law and principle does you, and Abadar, proud. I will not ask you to betray your vows. Nor will I betray my own oath to uphold order and justice in these lands."
At last, she faces Teela, her expression softening slightly more patient, sensing the genuine desire to understand rather than just object.
"Teela. You ask a very wise question. What is a trial? It is not a ceremony to persuade the guilty to confess, nor a contest of clever words. The purpose is simpl. To show and weigh the facts, for all to see. That even when the verdict is certain, we choose to act with discipline and honor. We show that force serves justice — not that justice bends to force."
She pauses a beat, not lecturing, but letting everyone have a moment to digest her words.
If we swing the sword without due form, then we are no different from the Stag Lord we would overthrow. Today it is one guilty bandit. Tomorrow... it might be a neighbor. Or a friend. Or one of us. And what will guide us then? Feelings or facts."
A breath. Soft, but steady. "We will keep it simple, yes. But it must be more than execution. It must be law. It must be justice. Even if only we bear witness."
"This is what we are here to do."
Finally her eyes settle once more on Faen. ""We matter, you said. And you're right. That is why we must be better than the world we left behind."
Another beat, and then crisply. "I will convene the court. If any cannot bear to watch, you are not compelled. But we will do this properly."
Alvis starts to reply to Teela but stops as Lady Quintessa speaks. He then just says, "As you say, Lady Quintessa, I will go with you." Alvis attends the court and will handle the statement of the charges if she allows, noting two issues at hand, one guilty or not, two if guilty is he repentant?
Frustrated, Teela throws her hands in the air. "Pointless theatrics. Like you, the people who were attacked, will rule anything else than 'guilty'. What a farce."
She heads to the bandit to walk him to the self-proclaimed council. "Alright, come on. We're walking. Show me where you stash your plunder." She demands, devoid of emotions.
Elly the Bandit is still there, hands bound behind him on his knees in the woods. He's been watching the back and forth, trying to get an idea of what his fate is.
"Stash?" he says questioningly. "I thought you was goin' t'let me go, that's what I reckoned. Not much o' a stash, missus. Elly tells true!"
He directs you towards the platform near the camp, and underneath you can see a camouflaged tarp over a pile below.
Velas takes in the back and forth, keeping a hand on his sheathed sword and an eye on Elly. When the bandit mentions a stash, Velas brings up Svetlana's wedding ring. "We heard the Kressle nabbed a wedding ring from an innocent woman. Did Kressle keep it on her person?"
As the party continues to discuss the finer points of legalese, the principals of a fair trial, and the particulars of this specific situation, Velas' head goes fuzzy for awhile. Finally, he decides to speak up, sighing audibly before he does.
"It's my understanding that this group was charged with creating a barony here and bringing law to a lawless region. What better way to bring law here than a fair-enough trial? Is there bias at play? Yes, of course. Is there any doubt of the outcome? Likely not." Velas inhales and exhales a calming breath. "But an imperfect trial is better than vigilante justice. Plus, I'm sure we'll learn something from the first trial."
Teela notes the tarp leaves Elly in the good company of the quote-unquote court. "Oh. Much appreciated. You have fun here. I'll go look, and then probably dig up a few graves." She moves towards the tarp to inspect the contents, loudly announcing everything she finds.
Quintessa watches Teela leave with Elly, her mouth tightening briefly in obvious restraint. She says nothing, allowing Teela the space to vent her frustrations, but when Velas speaks, she turns and gives him a small nod of appreciation.
"Well said, Velas. We have no illusions here. But law must have a beginning, even in this savage place. Even if the only witnesses are the trees and the gods."
"The trial will proceed. Alvis will present the charges. I will hear the evidence and any plea the accused wishes to make. Those of this company who wish to bear witness may do so. Then, judgment will be rendered."
She glances toward where Teela disappeared among the trees.
"If Teela wishes not to attend the proceedings, that is her right. She will not be compelled. Justice must not be forced, it must be chosen. This land has no courts but ours. No laws but what we choose to honor. Let us choose well."
Turning to Alvis, she says "Brother Alvis, you may bring the charges."
As Quintessa commands him, Alvis announces the court and charges, bringing forth the prisoner. "All present attend to the court of the Honorable Lady Quintessa Orlovsky, Magistrate by right of noble birth and charter granted by the Swordlords and Lord-Mayor of Restov, upon the claim of Brevoy upon the lands commonly denoted "The Stolen Lands."
Drawing breath, he then says, "This trial shall be in two parts: first is presented the defendant Elly, charged with the capital crime of Banditry. Second, if found guilty, to determine if he be penitent so as to allow a lesser punishment at the court's discretion." He turns to Elly, "Defendant, how do you plead, guilty, not guilty, no contest, or stand silent? You may speak now or hold your peace."
As the court commences, Teela looks under the tarp which lies beneath one of the tree platforms. As she pulls the cover off, she finds several cords of cut up firewood, several days supply of salted beef, hardtack, and other travel rations, and a few small tents and bedrolls. But nothing else of value under cover.
When asked to plead, Elly looks from one of his captors to another with wide-eyes. "Plead?" he stammers as if he doesn't understand the question. "How do Elly plead, your worship? Elly tells true, he does. I did banditin' and stealin', I did..." You can see the wheels turning behind his beady eyes. "Elly had ta. Yeah, he did. Elly had to eat, and Elly had to stay warm by t'fire, didn't he. Elly woulda died in the Greenbelt alone, its true. Elly didna wanna hurt anyone, but him or them, that's what it were, and survivin' of t'fittest is t'law o' this place. Jus' like you kilt ol'Kressle an' t'boys, iddn't it. Elly tells true, yep." He grins a bit showing his yellow and rotted teeth unfortunately.
Looking at the pathetic stash, Teela shakes her head. "Son of a... No, that can't be it." she starts patting the floor and the sides of the hole to find some sort of false bottom mechanism or a hidden compartment. In the back of her mind, she considers the possibility of the man lying to her and calling him out on it. In his current predicament, nonetheless.
Quintessa listens without interrupting, her hands clasped before her. She keeps the expression on her face unreadable but focused. When Elly finishes rambling, she pauses a beat before speaking.
"Elly. You have entered a plea of guilty, by your own words. You admit to banditry. You admit to attacking the innocent for survival. You admit to following Kressle, a known murderer and thief, without protest."
Her eyes narrow slightly. "The law may have been absent in these woods, but it was not absent from your heart. You knew what you did was wrong. You could have left the Greenbelt, but yous stayed here to continue banditry anyway."
"With your admittance, I find no need for witnesses in defense or detailing your deeds, as you have outlined them yourself."
She straightens slightly, lifting her chin and allowing her voice to carrythe weight of finality.
"Survival of the fittest may have existed previously, but those days end today under this ruling. I find you guilty of banditry under the Charter of Restov. And I find no repentance in your words, only fear. We will give you water, and a meal. You may speak your prayers to Brother Alvis who will help you prepare for what comes next. You will face your sentence at dawn."
Then she nods once, solemnly before turning to her companions that are still gathered nearby and asks. "Before the court adjourns, do any of you wish to speak before it?"
Velas stands guard next to Elly during the trial, with his sword hand resting on his sheathed sword. He keeps a straight face as Elly details his crimes, knowing full well that Elly doesn't truly understand how a trial works.
When Quintessa asks for another speakers, Velas shakes his head in response and stays silent.
Looking at the pathetic stash, Teela shakes her head. "Son of a... No, that can't be it." she starts patting the floor and the sides of the hole to find some sort of false bottom mechanism or a hidden compartment. In the back of her mind, she considers the possibility of the man lying to her and calling him out on it. In his current predicament, nonetheless.
Velas takes in the back and forth, keeping a hand on his sheathed sword and an eye on Elly. When the bandit mentions a stash, Velas brings up Svetlana's wedding ring. "We heard the Kressle nabbed a wedding ring from an innocent woman. Did Kressle keep it on her person?"
Elly nods. "Elly seen that ring. Pretty lil thing. Ol' Kressle didn't wear 't none, but 't was in a bag of shiny, duty t' Ol' Stag Lord, Elly tells it true!" He shifts closer and lowers his voice to a hoarse whisper to Velas, his rather foul breath more readily apparent.
Elly nods along with Quintessa's words. "Now that your ladyship says, Elly is a mite hungry. A meal would be right fine. Thank'ee." He's silent for a moment considering what Quintessa said, then replies in as sincere a tone as he can manage. "Ladyship, Elly tells true, he done wrong, he did, but there's tenuatin' circumcisions. Elly'd be better wif 'nother chance, he would...Don't poor Elly deserve that?"
To Alvis he says, Ain't never really been the prayin' sort, padre, Elly tells true. But willin' t'learn, I reckon.
Back at the woodpile, Teela starts digging through the firewood and other supplies, and finds, well buried beneath, a dug out hole not visible from the surface. Inside the hole are three wooden crates and a small iron coffer about the size of a football. The iron coffer does not appear to e locked, but it is latched closed with buckle-type latches. In addition, a wooden box filled with what appear to be liquor bottles (8 in all) sits in the hole.
Faen stands a respectful distance away from the council, listening with one ear and with the other paying attention to the surroundings...just in case any other bandits try to sneak up.
"Oh." Teela seems happy with herself. She picks up one bottle, opens it and gives the content a gentle sniff. "Ugh, booze.", she murmurs under her breath and puts the bottle (closed) back into the box. She then pulls the box and the chests out of the hole, stores them side by side halfway between the hole and the court proceedings, then opens the chests one after another to inspect the contents. She hums a soft tune as she does so.
Graham wants to be sure Elly doesn't lunge at Tessa (or anyone else) once he realizes what his fate will be from the circus trial. He stays a little behind and to the right, his hand on his rapier and half-paying attention, his eye wandering a time or two to the busy Teela and back to the soon-to-be desperate Elly.
Quintessa watches Elly quietly as he makes his last appeal. Her gaze does not soften, though there is no gloating in her expression. Only calm.
"You admit your guilt. You offer excuses. I appreciate your honesty, Elly. But survival does not excuse cruelty. Nor does it absolve choice."
She looks to Alvis and nods once (a silent acknowledgement that his role is complete). Then, her voice rises just slightly, enough for the party to hear her wherever they may be.
"Elly. This court finds you guilty of banditry, and of willful participation in acts of violence and theft against the people of this land. The sentence is death, carried out at dawn."
"Let it be known that we do not kill in anger. We do not kill for sport. We do so as agents of law. The law we are charged to uphold, and which begins here, in blood and in fire."
"This court is adjourned."
Tessa turns away from the group, exhaling, not lettin anyone see how much that took out of her.
Alvis nods at Tessa's judgement and turns to Elly, "Judgement has been rendered, I'll talk with you on how you might reflect on your life and how you can pray for mercy. Perhaps if true repentance is in your heart, the Redeemer may receive your soul."
After Elly's response whatever it is, Alvis will leave him for a time to see to Tessa, "You did well for what I suspect was your first court, sad that it involved a capital crime, Lady Quintessa. I do note that you did not specify the method of execution; is there anyone you wish to assign that decision to or to do the deed?", Alvis asks respectfully.
When Quintessa announces the sentence, Velas remains close at hand to Elly, ready to react to any attempt at fleeing or fighting. He stays silent but nods grimly to the bandit, trying to show measure of compassion for the man who just heard his death sentence.
At the sound of Alvis’s approach, she straightens slightly and turns toward him, her expression a bit wearied by the weight of judgment.
She listens to his words and nods once "I thank you, Brother Alvis. For your counsel... and for your conviction. It is most helpful to have your convinction alongside me."
She glances toward Elly, still bound, still alive. For now. "I left the method unsaid because it matters less than the manner. So long as it is swift. And carried out not with hate, but with resolve. This man’s death must not be spectacle, nor a warning. It is... a line in the sand. Between the lawless, and those who would build something better."
"As for the who... I believe I will approach Velas or Graham to ask for their assitance in this matter."
Teela can sense that the liquor in the green bottles, whatever it is, is quite strong. The three wooden crates all seems to be filled with hides and furs, very similar to the piles you saw the bandits trying to make off with at Oleg's a few days back. (8gp per crate of value) The small coffer rattles when you move it, sounding like coins inside and it has a a fairly heavy weight to it as well. The latches open easily enough, and Teela is able to see there is a bag of coins with 14gp and 182sp inside. There is also a small wooden (teak?) jewelry wind-up music box (12gp) inside, and a pair of silver earrings (22gp total).
As sentence is passed on Elly, the bandit grows quiet, perhaps for the first time since you met him. He shrugs as Velas declines to partner up, and sort of glumly accepts his fate. If proffered food, he does not really eat it but slumps over, apparently reflecting silently.
"Well, I found these in the meantime." Teela gestures towards the chests. "There's some pelts, coins, some jewellery, what have you."
Then she points to the wooden box. "And something that is probably either a disinfectant or plain old liquid courage. It smells... strong."
She ponders something, then snaps back to the present. "Well, what did the man want for his last meal?" She looks at Alvis. "Can you, uh... accommodate? Like back in Restov?"
Alvis replies to Teela, "Doubtful, I could not receive that grace until dawn, when I make my morning prayers. Then he will be executed moments later. I don't think that would work well. We'll have to do the best we can under the circumstances."
"Well," Teela smirks "so much for dignity of a final request."
Alvis replies to Teela, "It's a common courtesy provided but it's not a requirement to do more than we are capable of. Anyway, can't you make the food taste like anything you have had? That's the best we can do."
After this Alvis goes back to Elly, and quietly says, "We can pray together, if you consider the decisions you made, find the point where you should have done something else and truly regret the harm done by them, maybe the realm after will not be so bad. We can try; I'll listen and give what guidance I can."
Teela considers Alvis' words "I suppose I could. Although... a brisket-flavoured oat sludge might smell and taste great, but the texture is a part of the experience. Wouldn't you agree?"
Before leaving to see Elly, Alvis nods agreeing, "Yes and we can try to match texture, but again we have no obligation to do better than we can; try that's all we can do."
After their litle chat with Alvis, Teela walks over to the bandit. "Cutthroat or saint, there should be some decency in an execution.If you have a request for a last meal or something, I'm listening. Within reason."
She makes the offer with a cold, emotionless demeanour.
Velas offers his help in preparing a meal. "We don't have much beside trail rations, but I'll try to help add a bit of flavor for his last meal."
After the meal, Velas offers the bandit silence if he wants it or a listening ear. Despite agreeing with the sentence, Velas tries his best to offer the bandit some humanity in his final hours.
Elly looks up at Teela with a wry smile. "Elly ain't feel much like eatin' miss. Jus' do your bidness. No sense waitin' an' drawin' things out. Elly tells true."
To Alvis he says, "Elly ain't been a prayin' man, padre. Reckon that ain't 'bout t' change now. Elly takes his chances at yonder Boneyard."
And with that he sort of lies down, still bound, and stays still.
If you stay in the camp, the rest of the evening passes without incident. No stragglers wander in and the local wildlife has learned to skirt this place. There are the tree top platforms to rest or keep watch in, if you wish. The prisoner doesn't stir or speak unless spoken to directly, and even then his responses are much less loquacious than before his mortal sentence was passed down.
You eat rations, make a fire using the available fire wood, and have a semi-peaceful evening comparatively.
7 Pharast
Thorn River Camp
Greenbelt, The Stolen Lands
Dawn rises cool but clear in the woods around the Thorn River. A thin mist hangs on well into the morning over the water and among the treetops of the Greenbelt but visibility is still good at the ground level. The morning sounds of the woods are nice to hear, but the unfortunate duty before you weighs on you all a bit as the morning meal is prepared.
Graham arises and ignores the morning repast, drawing his machete silently and taking Elly's head in one quick strike without warning or fanfare.
He rolls the head back to its body with his boot and throws a threadbare blanket over the remains. We can bundle it up and toss it in the river, he says to no one in particular, or we can put him into the earth once we've dug a bit. Whichever. He breaks off a bit of hard tack and tosses it into his mouth, his face betraying a slight grimace at the texture.
Alvis is disappointed that Elly doesn't want any guidance to the afterlife, but he lets it go as it's his choice. The day and night pass in near silence. As Alvis completes his morning prayers contemplating the duty ahead, Graham act with his usual impulsiveness. The bandit dies with a sudden stroke. At Graham's heartless statement Alvis speaks, "Burial-for all his wickedness he was still a soul, do not disrespect the dead. Also don't pollute the waters. This river goes far to the south and many people drink from it."
After burial Alvis prays, "Great Lord, Judge of the Living, please guide the psychopomp swiftly to this judgement. Ellys, you wasted your life, but you faced your fate with dignity. You went to your sentence quietly and without complaint, therefore I ask that the Judge of the Dead show whatever mercy may be merited. May all the gods show mercy to your soul."
Before they break camp and move on Alvis goes to Lady Tessa and says, "Duty is heavier than a mountain, one's own death is lighter than a feather. You did well here but I know that making such a judgement is not easy, even less to live with. You did what had to be done, for justice and for the protection of the innocent. That does not make it easy nor should it. But know that you did right."
Alvis waits for whatever Quintessa may say back and then attends to his camp duties as they prepare to leave.
Graham tilts his head curiously at Alvis' remark about polluting the river – how is returning a body from whence all life comes *polluting*?!? – but doesn't take the argument's bait.
With the morning's sentence carried out and the aftermath finished, he helps to break camp before looking off to the west, trying to find evidence of some trail heading toward their quarry.
Velas nods solemnly at Graham after he carries out the sentence laid upon Elly. "Well struck. Let's start digging a grave. A little ways from the trees seems like a good enough spot."
Velas bundles up Elly's remains in the blanket and carries them over to the appointed gravesite, and starts digging.
Quintessa remains still as Graham’s blade falls, her features stoic, her gaze steady. She does not flinch, but as the blanket is drawn over Elly’s remains, she folds her arms tightly across her chest. She says nothing at all, simply watching the burial preparations unfold.
When Alvis approaches, she turns to meet him, eyes seem tired. "Thank you, Brother Alvis. It is... not easy, nor should it be. You are right in that. This was justice, but justice is cold comfort when life is weighed and found wanting."
She glances toward the grave where Velas works, and to Graham beyond, silent and watchful.
Still, it is a beginning. We made our stand clear. For the law. For the people who will one day live here. And we will carry that weight forward."
Quintessa’s gaze lifts to Alvis once more. "I am grateful you stood beside me. That all of you did. We will need each other, if we are to build something better than what we found."
She lets the words settle, then with a slight nod of finality, turns toward camp to begin breaking it down herself, silent once again but resolute.
Teela helps with the grave. If anything, to speed up the process. Not that she's made of muscle, but it's at least something. "Well," she speaks between the sounds of a shovel moving soil. "the ring isn't here. At least I didn't see it anywhere. Should we try to find another camp? Anyone has suggestions for a direction? Follow the river?" she shrugs as she wipes her forehead, leaving a brown smudge on her face instead.
Graham quickly and efficiently lops the head off the wayward bandit, and the matter comes to a final close. Soon enough, Elly's grave is dug and the group fills in the hole. After a bit of a sweating morning, you are ready to break camp.
Alvis nods acknowledging the weight of justice on those who have the duty to execute it but lets Lady Tessa have the last word.
At Teela's question Alvis replies, "Unfortunately with the death of the leader, we did not gain much information. So, we know too little to make good plans. Therefore, I suggest we distribute the goods here on the horses as best we can and return to Oleg's. We will need funds to support us after all. We can see if there are any recent news of bandit activity that will give a clue as to where to search for them. We should also do other tasks such as making sufficient notes on our travels so that a map can be made by a skilled artisan."
"Thank you, all of you, for seeing this through. It wasn't a pleasure, but it was necessary. Justice, even in its harshest form, is part of building something lasting. This land will remember what we did here, and what we chose not to do."
She nods once at Teela’s question. "The ring's absence bothers me as well. If it wasn't here, it was likely sent on already. That means there's a trail and more bandits ahead."
"I will defer to our trackers on this matter, but my recommendation is we follow the trail where it takes us. Should we lose it, let us follow the river. Can any of you identify which river this belongs to? If not, we should strive to figure that out as our charter is bounded by the Shrike and Skunk. Is this one of those or the Sellen? Or another?"
After the direction has been decided and they set out on their way, she pulls Alvis to the side for a private conversation. "We should write downevery judgment made and record them for our official record. If we are to be magistrates here, let the record begin."
"Oh yes, if only there were 'a skilled artisan' in these woods.", Teela chuckles. "Not to boast, but yes - I could do with a project. I can see it already. A lovely map, able to survive the rain and wind." she gestures in a wide semicircle in front of her face. "NO fire, though. That thing destroys everything."
She puts her backpack on the ground and starts rummaging through the thing. After a few moments, she sighs and looks back up. "But we need to stop at the trading post. I'm missing some stuff. I need a hoop or some sort of frame, a set of threads, and depending on the desired size of the map, something between a napkin and a small sail. Preferably linen. Very durable."
Graham eyes the river. This is flowing southeasterly, and the Shrike flowed south from Fort Serenko. It is almost certainly a tributary of the Shrike, but since we had no other crossing it is not the Shrike itself.
He nods at Teela's talk about creating a map. Gods know, I looked for one in Restov, without success. He brightens a bit. That means there should be some demand for one, no?
Velas nods along with the suggestions from Graham, Teela, and Quintessa. "Following the river seems like our best option, since we are blind out here without a map. And, creating our own map of sorts is a very good idea, Teela."
"Going back to Oleg's first for supplies and selling some of this loot won't cost us too much time. Alvis, Faen, any say on the matter?"