Ecclesiastical matters.

[Dhugal]

Fidelius shakes his head. “You see? You have already tired and
convicted Karolinger in your own mind without giving the man the
benefit of a fair trial. Yes, I am defending the man not out of any great
admiration I assure you but because I find the rush to judgment
deplorable. I don’t elevate the man to a position of leadership among
possible opposition to you. I put forth the possibility that on some
level in your mind you perhaps view him as such. Have you truly
examined all the facts and all the testimony with a fair mind, or have
you easily accepted the accusation that Karolinger is guilty of
murder because it’s the easier course?â€

[Cinnabar]

"Father Fidelius, I have considered the facts and testimony thoroughly, and spoken with the witnesses myself. There is no doubt in my mind that Karolinger committed the murder of Charles McCoy, because all of the evidence available points towards that being the case. As I have said several times, sir. Simply because I have yet to hear these facts and accounts - which I have already heard and examined - repeated to me with Karolinger stood before me does not make them any less valid." More settled, now, albeit growing weary of the Abbot's pig-headed insistence on Karolinger's guilt or otherwise. "If evidence is found to indicate that Karolinger did not murder Constable McCoy, that will be considered as well. As yet, however, no such evidence has come to light, and I can honestly say that I find it very hard to imagine what form it would take considering the wealth of evidence against the man." A shrug at that, willing to accept the possibility that it might exist. Not so willing to perform mental gymnastics to deny the evidence in plain view, however.

"If your plays are intended to provoke stimulating debate then they are a failure, sir. They are a farce. They do not provoke consideration of the facts, but serve only to provide a diverting spectacle of pratfalls, grotesque caricatures, and childish doggerel. There is very little that is thoughtful about them at all. The facts of the matter are not presented so much as distorted, presumably for comic effect, with the general theme being one of overwhelming negativity, operating on the base assumption that the Government is nothing more than a pack of lying, greedy, thieving lechers and scoundrels, and this opinion is presented as fact. This prompts not debate so much as a scoffing cynicism towards those who are doing what they can to see Myrken Wood made safe and prosperous." A sour expression, though, and another shrug.

"That is perhaps to be expected when one engages in public life, and so is of little consequence. However, to depict the men and women who regularly risk their lives for the safety and security of the people of Myrken Wood as brutes, braggarts, drunkards and bullies does them a grave disservice. It is not a matter of being thin-skinned, sir, so much as it is a matter of having some modicum of respect for those who dedicate themselves to preserving the Peace. I am not insisting on unthinking obedience or unquestioning submission to authority, sir - that I leave to the clergy - I only ask for some consideration for those on the sharp end of your plays. Have they done anything to deserve such mockery? Are you aware of any instances of corruption, or brutality or abuse of power? If so, I would entreat you to make them known to me. If not, I would prefer that you do not fabricate the impression that such things are commonplace or indeed acceptable, when they are neither." Quite firm on that point, and hopefully more than adequately clear.

"As for your wants, I should point out that the liberty to speak one's mind is a two-edged blade, and confers no special privileges or protections to those who insist upon it. While you are free to say what you will - you have had no interference with your plays, hm? No attempts to arrest or oppress your monks who spread malicious gossip to the townsfolk and skipping rhymes to the children? - others are equally free to disagree with you, or to voice their opinion that your attitudes are not constructive." A slight smile at that, and surely the Abbot will agree.

"For what it's worth, sir, while your desires for Myrken Wood predominantly relate to matters of politics, of freedom, of fine intangibles such as liberty and such, I fear that my own priorities lie elsewhere. Perhaps, were I permitted a life of quiet contemplation and meditation, isolated from the cares and concerns of those who must work for a living, I might share your views more closely. Alas, that is not to be. Perhaps some day, but for now I have other concerns." He counts off on his fingers, watching the Abbot to be sure he understands.

"I want a Myrken in which the people are safe from attacks against their person or property. This was the main motivation behind the establishment of the Constabulary; the construction of the wall around Myrkentown, to defend against the risk of military assault; the termination of the Brotherhood's contract, which contained clauses which absolved them of any kind of accountability to the Judiciary Council during wartime or threat of wartime; the reorganisation of the Militia, in order that it might be a more effective and well-trained force for the defence of the people. There are still problems with Myrken's more... particular threats, such as the Ashfiend and his ilk, but we are doing what we can. You are more than welcome to offer assistance, if you feel our efforts are inadequate." A polite smile at that, before he raises a second finger.

"I want a Myrken Wood in which the people are not constantly at risk of starvation, famine, and the suffering associated with same. This was the motivation behind the mandatory purchase of the abandoned Pritchite land, which will be returned to production this year after your monastery failed to do so, or indeed to seek help for the obstacles which you claim prevented you from doing so for the preceding two years; also, the construction of granaries to hold greater stockpiles of food; also, cooperation with Councillor Goldenhair's people to develop a breed of grain that is more productive, more resistant to blights and diseases and drought." A third finger is raised.

"I want a Myrken Wood in which the members of the Judiciary Council pay attention to their responsibilities to the citizenry, and can do so free of the distractions and disruptions that come of having to constantly respond to whatever fresh crisis has arisen, and in which they remain accountable for their actions; this is why I am taking steps to reorganise the distribution of Council seats to those best suited to them. This is also why I find your incessant sniping at Councillor Treadwell to be more than slightly distasteful - despite his eccentricities the Councillor is good at what he does, is diligent in his work and keeps meticulous accounts. His other interests do not compromise his work as a Councillor, and of late he has in fact taken to distributing food parcels among the needy, a practise of which I am sure you can approve. Since you object so strongly to his eating habits, however, could I arrange a meeting between you? You are welcome to preach the virtue of moderation to him, if you can. Believe me, I have tried, but perhaps you will have better luck." A polite grin at this, a shared joke at a shared frustration.

"That aside, I don't find your desires particularly objectionable, or indeed unreasonable. Perhaps we can both have the Myrken we want, in time. However, I would suggest that your Myrken is one that is one that might be better pursued once the populace is safe and well-supplied, and the machinery of government is running as smoothly as it can. To see to these concerns is my priority, sir. And my responsibility as Governor."

[Dhugal]

Up until now the expressions on Fidelius’ face had ranged from amiable
to polite, as had the tone of his voice. But now there was a distinctly
measuring look in his eyes, a hint of steel in his voice. “ I see. An
interesting choice of phrases. “There is no doubt in my mind
that Karolinger committed the murder of Charles McCoy.â€