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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Whizbang Dustyboots" data-source="post: 3587178" data-attributes="member: 11760">The baron seems surprised at this."Yes, constable?""Do you intend to pass sentence on Renraw and Katadid and the rest, without them here to defend themselves, and without the benefit of an advocate who knows the Vast Codex and can speak on their behalf?"The sheriff initially bristles as his underling speaks up, but as he listens, his expression changes, softening, and he puffs on his pipe, considering."His lordship is free to render a sentence in their absence, with them being fugitives and all.""Yes, sir, he is," the constable says, bowing stiffly towards his superior before facing the baron again, "But my lord, these are not experienced criminals and I had told you all of Katadid's betrayal previously. It was agreed then that, as he is simple, I would keep my eye on him henceforth and he would not swing for this crime."As for the others, I don't think they have the wit to escape Imperial justice for long. We will turn them up in the woods, hungry and dirty and, if I know Renraw, scared to death, before long."I pray, my lord, that you will hold off on rendering a verdict until such time as they are back in our custody and can defend themselves as the law allows. And, if I may, I can think of a number of ways they might serve their sentence and be of aid to the barony beyond just stretching out a piece of rope, although I know that would make my deputy happiest."The baron taps the chalk against his pursed lips, considering a moment before speaking."In point of fact, before you were let in, I just received word that three of them, including the bookkeeper, went over the falls. It is likely the rapids have already reached a verdict and meted out punishment on them, but I have instructed some of my men to search Goblin Falls for any sign of them," the baron says, handing the slate to his steward once more before standing. "But your point is well-taken. If they live, they will appear before me and defend themselves to the full extent that the law allows.""Followed by a short drop and a sudden stop," the sheriff says quietly, but loudly enough for all to hear."Perhaps. As for Khenemet-Apep, who is here before us today, I think we can dispense with a full trial. He cast a spell that, if the bookkeeper had the benefit of a full wizardly education ... er, he's not a Redhurst man, is he?""No," the constable answers. "St. Feldin's, I believe.""Ah, that explains it. Had the bookkeeper had the benefit of a proper education, he would know that a geas spell does not work indefinitely. Khenemet-Apep's spell will last a matter of days before expiring. Since it seems unlikely that the kobold's ritual will be ready during that time -- a voyage to Uraq and back alone would take longer than that -- the spell will harmlessly dissipate long before the attack, and there will be no compulsion to kill Deputy Gallaway, who of course could not be expected to know a detail like that. But Khenemet-Apep certainly did, as would any Redhurst man."Therefore, I find him not guilty of the crime of casting an enchantment on a resident of the empire without their consent. He was merely play-acting. Likewise, the bishop's zone of truth -- thank you, your holiness -- proves that he intended no harm against the deputy himself, although he may well have acted rashly in his actions. Release him, if you please. Khenemet-Apep, you will return home and continue to pass along any information you obtain from the kobolds to me."I will seek to discover more about this ritual the kobolds are planning and will work to prevent it ever being completed." He brushes his hands together, chalk dust puffing out in a white cloud, and he looks shrewdly at the Maidensbridge group sitting on the bench together. "I expect I know where I can find some unofficial agents to help me do just that without tipping my hand too obviously."But these are things to discuss at a later time," the baron says, as Khenemet-Apep's shackles and manacles are unlocked and the wizard's cat leaps into his arms, rubbing his greasy face against his master's almost nonexistent chin. "If there is nothing else, this baronal court is adjourned pending the capture of the bookkeeper and his fellow fugitives. May Lothian guide and protect the Empire and its Emperor."</blockquote>

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