You think I'll believe those people? [plot]

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

3075.07.27 | Evening | Lord Brencis Kalarn’s Office | Icy Caverns Hold

Contrary to popular rumor, Lord Brencis did posses a modicum of self-restraint. He did not, therefore, make any bellow of outrage or throw the letter to the floor in a crumpled heap. He could not believe this. He simply could not believe this! It was an absolute disgrace! Of course the dragonmen at High Reaches would lie to protect one of their own, and not to mention that many of the primary witnesses were the man’s own family! Such so called evidence would have been thrown out if he’d been the one in charge of this, or really, if anyone with a half-way functioning brain had been in charge of this. Brencis snorted, then threw himself onto the chair behind his desk and read the letter again.

Lord Brencis Kalarn,

First and foremost, I and all of us at Ice Stone Weyr extend our sympathy to those who have been involved in this heinous act and the families of the deceased. I have made it my top priority to unravel what may have occurred in regards to this travesty and enclose some of my findings here.

My first goal was to acquire both a list of everyone that was a victim and all suspects as stated by first-hand accounts. As I am current somewhat restricted my own accounts of this are somewhat suspect. However, I have compiled a list here, organized by role and then by name alphabetically of all reported to be there. I would have great joy if you would confirm from your sources that each name belongs on here and that I have not neglected even one name. That having been secured I endeavored to find out what there is to know from family and friends that I have access of, to know what patterns may have led to their capture. This, largely has been fruitless, as I have a small sample size from which to pick and no large pattern presented itself. I will however send you the transcripts of the conversations, each of which has been signed by the respected participant to ensure authenticity. They are enclosed after the list of names.

Unable to gain access to the location of the crime I had to go for other methods of recourse. X’kel was questioned and his responses recorded. This I have included for sake of completeness, rather than as evidence. It is largely uninformative. As has been evident, he has stated that he went to High Reaches Weyr during this period, which exactly what he stated before leaving and being out of the Weyr for a period of one month exactly.

I went to High Reaches Weyr to find more clues, as I feel that that was the logical step, as I was not to gain access to many other recourses. I also enclose the documented conversations. They are from, in order attached, X’ries of Cloud Tath, S’ver of Blue Iosorth, and H’rio of Flame Traflentrith, Sr Weyrleader of High Reaches Weyr. First was X’ries, who is X’kel’s brother. He states that X’kel did come in and spent a large majority of the time around X’ries. The transcript is full and signed. Requesting confirmation, I found S’ver of Blue Iosorth, who was present at both the arrival and departure of X’kel and Varketh. He reports their going and coming, remembering X’kel for his presence some time before his transfer. As before, the transcript is signed and is present for your viewing and records. I then proceeded to investigate both character and behavior while he was there. That is part in S’ver’s transcript, but also in H’rio’s. It does not have him particularly defensive, flighty, or very much interested in anything besides spending time with his brother. I have attempted to see if this information was in some way fabricated, but speaking to others, I have found that a surprisingly large majority of the female population of the Weyr remember him being there. I find that entirely keeping with reports of the man but it creates a very hard pill to swallow as to that he could be simultaneously making such an impression so consistently at High Reaches and organizing what appears to be a large scale operation. I have attached a proposed timeline of his activities at High Reaches after gaining testimonials. As you can see it is hard to fit the sort of time required for such things to occur.

I have begun to suspect that X’kel is not involved, as there is no ability to commit such a widespread crime in so little time. However, I have no reason to believe that any one person may lie regarding these events so I took the liberty of trying to discover if there are knots missing for a Crimson rider and who may have the same build, hair and complexion as X’kel. I have given a list of prospects in both good and less then good lighting. I fear this list is rather short, but as I did not believe delaying this letter any longer would benefit you I sent it as is. If you have any desire to converse with any of these people yourself I have taken the liberty of giving you an additional list with the proper name, and location of any of the people that have been referenced here. I have copies of all of the papers given as reference material and could make additional copies if required.

I continue my investigation. I ask that you continue as well,

Hedara Lune, Jr. Weyrwoman,

Ice Stone Weyr

This time, Brencis actually crumpled the letter up, almost idly, as he perused the supporting documents and testimonies. Whoever the Weyr had spying on his people, interviewing them without his say so, he needed them gone! Naturally, he couldn’t ask the Weyr about it, they’d be, as this sharding letter testified amply, perfectly willing to lie, even if they actually gave him a name.

One thing’s sure, they’re never going to have any more my family as Candidates, I don’t care how much of an honor it is! The truth was, if he hadn’t been able to use Lavan’s status as a Candidate as extra negotiation in the betrothals of his daughters, he’d have recalled the boy the instant he received this letter.

Glancing down at the letter, Brencis snarled. The Weyr never took things as seriously as they should be taken, always casting about for this elusive compromise as if that were any sort of way to command. They never took crimes like rape seriously enough anyway, let alone all the justifications that got pulled out whenever it was a rider accused. Forcing his eyes away from the letter, Brencis took several deep breaths. Control, that was what he needed, he had to be controlled about this, or things could slip by.

One more chance, he decided. Just one. If they try and pull another unreasonable demand without far, far more justification than they’ve ever offered before... I’ll end this.