“I and my fleet present ourselves as the Legal Ambassadorial Representation of Oorstemoth, the duly appointed Commissar of the Hand of Justice and Judicial Committee of Oorstemothian Execution to the city of Freehold and the Councils of Wizardry and Magistrates as set forth in the Treaty of Harmonious Relations between Oorstemoth and The Council States of 1470.
“As such, in pursuit of a Legal and Binding Warrant of Forcible Extradition and Necessary Eradication 31234556 which demands that the following individuals: Edwyrd the Animage, lately of Gizzor Del; Maelen the Seer, known to be of the Free City of Seren; the Wizard Gastropé, late of the Command of the Mage Exador; Jenn Rean, Journeyman of Lenamare’s Academy of Wizardry; Rupert, Novitiate, also of Lenamare’s Academy of Wizardry and all persons seeking to aid aforementioned fugitives be turned over to this commission for the purposes of summary justice. Additionally if present we would demand that the wizard Lenamare present himself to our High Council of Inquiry as required by Oorstemothian Warrant of Inquiry I1432179.
At this point Gandros stepped forward and raised his staff in his right hand before responding. “And I am Gandros, Lord Archimage of the Council of Wizards, Sorcerer Supreme of Norelon, Proctor of Freehold and Bhurgermaster of the City of Freehold. We hear your words, Oorstemoth, and respect your presence. However, due to the large number of applicants seeking our attention on a variety of pressing matters,” he gestured towards the Rod’s main encampment, “we must respectfully request time to assess your request and determine whether we have in our custody such persons as you seek.” Gandros’ voice was also amplified to carry his words to the awaiting ships.
After a few moments pause, Heron replied in his booming authoritarian voice. “In recognition of Clause 32:21.56, subsection 42 paragraph 151, line 256, I Heron, duly appointed Oorstemothian Commissar of the Hand of Justice, admit that your request has legal if not necessarily judicial merit and is provided for under the terms of our treaty. Thus you are granted, in compliance with said clause, two days, a total of not more than 40 hours, in which to present any of the aforementioned fugitives currently existent within the environs of your legal domain. We will await such actions at our present location.”
Gandros spoke up again. “We acknowledge your compliance with the terms the treaty, and thank you for your patience and understanding.” He then turned to look at Damien, carefully avoiding looking at either Gastropé or Edwyrd. Speaking at a conversational level, he said, “Well, Councilor Damien, what do you propose that we do now? These are, after all, your friends they’ve come asking for.”
“This is getting out of hand.” Councilor Mien, the Archimage of Garandur stated as the members of the council seated themselves in their seats at the main table in the Council Chambers. “First the Rod, now the Oorstemothians. In my day, there weren’t so many people foolish enough to lay siege to a town with over ten thousand wizards in it.”
“Admittedly, that has always been a significant deterrent in the past.” Trevin d’Vils agreed.
“Well, it isn’t now! So what are we waiting for? Let’s hand them over.” Davron snapped in frustration.
“It’s not quite so simple.” Damien told him.
“Oh really?”
“No, after all, the Rod wants them too. What do you think they’ll say when we give them over to the Oorstemothians instead? Also as I’ve already pointed out, they are already up to their ears in this Lenamare-Exador thing, which is Council business that is yet to be resolved.”
“Then I guess we need to stop sitting on our butts and resolve this Exador-Lenamare thing so we can deal with the other matters.” Trevin stated.
“What about the demons?” Sier asked.
“We get whoever put them there to get rid of them.” Davron stated. “We are the Council of Wizards; we shouldn’t have to put up with this kind of nonsense in our own city!”
“And what if it was the arch-demon? Are you going to be the one to order it to remove its forces?” Davron asked sourly.
“Hmmpph. We don’t even know if and or what arch-demon is involved.” Tureledor grumped.
“Actually, we may, or I may...” Damien said cautiously. He hated to bring this up but he didn’t know anyway around it.
“Really?” Trevin asked, all the other councilors staring intently at Damien. “And how do you know this?”
“More importantly, who?” Davron added.
“Well, my new friends, whom the Rod and Oorstemothians want, discovered his presence. Like they did that of the lesser demons in the hall.” Damien tried to add another point in favor of Edwyrd and friends. “It is looking like it may be Ramses the Damned.”
“Ramses the Damned?” Davron questioned.
“You mean as in the Anilord?” Tureledor asked; Damien simply nodded.
