High Council Chambers, Caltris
Chancellor Eames looked grim as he saw his best friend across him in chains as the Tribunal commenced. Yalij had recused himself from the tribunal because he was remarkably shaken and he seemed to be a complete train wreck of emotions at the idea of Maven being executed for what he believed in. Maven was like a father to him, and Yalij found his ability to bring the best out of the worst people to be remarkable. He was even able to tame an unbidden, and Yalij truly believed the unbidden did not try to kill Maven, but Maven would not say a word about his attempted assassination. Yalij was completely loyal to Maven, whether he was working with an unbidden or not. The High Council was there in support of Maven along with many of his well-wishers, but the Uncorruptible Tribunal was not under the High Council. Yalij Dontoth, Ralia Norton, Jurgen Mardoc, Eryeil Nendis, Tristal Muller, Justine Macral, Riel Mastai, Oyelia Pontroff and Treagan Markoff were the ones who were called to the Tribunal to judge, and the fact that Yalij could not bear to undergo the tribunal meant that Maven's biggest advocate was not there on the judging desk, and the fact that Representative Nendis was judging Maven was a very grim situation for him indeed. Chancellor Eames tried his best to get Yalij back into the tribunal, but when he did, Maven spoke for the first time in a while with his powerful voice and he warmly said to Yalij, "By simply being there for me you have done more than anyone could ask of you, Yalij." With his usual gentle comforting smile. This made Eames very, very nervous for Maven.
Does he somehow desire to die? Eames thought as he sat in his seat. Or does old Maven have something hidden up his sleeves, since he is much the magician he always seemed to be. Maven is a cunning man with no desire to give into someone else's ideals of justice, so he must have brought something to the tribunal that will save himself. He has to.
Maven still gave Yalij a comforting smile as he waited for Maddy to enter the room. He waited but he did not see her which made his smile slightly become tinted with sadness.
"By the oversight of our Lord Fornt, I hearby declare this Tribunal session open. We are here to discuss the alleged charges of the corruption of Maven Auryn, the High Chancellor of the Beastling states and Representative of Caltris. We who know of the dangers of Corruption more than anyone else know that the sentence for Corruption and Treason is the Ceremony of Purification." Eryeil Nendis said clearly in a satisfied voice.
Pah! Purification. Chancellor Eames thought. The Public execution of the much beloved High Chancellor would hardly qualify for any sort of pure act.
"The purity of heart, mind, and spirit is represented by words, thoughts, and actions. Maven Auryn, Every sentient being is responsible for their own words, thoughts, and actions and are obligated by law not to willingly commit harm to another sentient being with greed, hatred, or ignorance as a motivation." Jurgen recited the religious texts as he looked at Maven in disbelief. Never once did he think, not even in the war where Maven had killed men, not once did he think that Maven was corrupt.
"I promise with my full heart that I have not acted in hatred, greed, and that I am aware of every consequence of my actions." Maven recited as he put his hand over his heart and bowed.
"Be seated Maven," Justine said with a sincere nod. "We shall review the evidence against you and you are free to interject or have a Defense mediator speak on your behalf."
"Though it is said that the person who mediates on his own behalf is a fool, I'd be more foolish to have someone else speak on behalf of me, so I'd prefer to be a fool." Maven said with a smile to Justine who somehow didn't seem very amused. She frowned as Maven was released from his bonds.
"Maven Auryn, you have been accused of having provided shelter for, communicated with, and conspired with an unbidden. You have been accused of starting wars with the Order of the Flame, and the Dwarven Kingdom, putting our people in grave danger. You have shown complete and total disregard to holy law, and have been accused of blasphemy, and apostasy." Once his accusations were read Maven couldn't help but chuckle as he thought about the sheer absurdity of the situation. He bowed as the Rod of Judgment was raised over his head.
"Maven Auryn, do you believe in and continue to believe in the Gods, and the redemptive power of the Lord of Justice?"Justine asked Maven as the Rod of Judgement glowed the deep blue over his head.
"I do." The color remained unchanged.
"Did you provided shelter for, communicate with, and conspire with an unbidden?" She asked as the sword still stayed blue.
"I did." There was an outcry in the courtroom and it fell into disorder.
ORDER ORDER IN THE COURT! I CALL THIS COURT TO ORDER! Eryeil Nendis shouted as Maven smiled watching the uproar happen and he held his hand up to silence the court and it became silent. Maven still had the respect of the people and strangely he had the charisma and power in his voice as normal as he did before.
"When I became a Minister, I promised that I would treat all sentient beings equally with the love and compassion of a father. ' All reasoned beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act kindly towards one another in a spirit of goodness. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in these laws, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, blood type, or any other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the Nation or State to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty' These are words of the Law and those given to us by our Lord Fornt, our true father of Justice, and these I hold close to my heart, and if these laws are deemed impure then kill me here and now. There is no words in the holy law that state 'unbidden are an exception' and I will not deny the fact that I have found that the Unbidden are indeed reasoned beings."
"Reasoned beings? What proof do you have of these claims Maven?" Riel Mastai asked curiously as she adjusted her necklace. "No unbidden has ever attempted to reason with the bidden in all the ages past, and the same it is today. What proof have you that the unbidden possess the capacity to reason?"
"I have experienced a sapient unbidden. He possessed strengths of wisdom and knowledge, the ability to think of new and productive ways to conceptualize and do things. I have seen this unbidden create things with his own hands with taking an interest in experience for its own sake by exploring and discovering new things exercising judgment and thinking things through and examining them from all sides; weighing all evidence fairly with a sheer love of learning and mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge, on his own. He was able to show love and concern, and valued the close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated, he was able to perform good deeds for others of his own volition showing his awareness of the motives and feelings of other people and himself. He showed immense loyalty to me and when he believed I was in danger he came to my aide. He also appreciated wonder and beauty and liked to laugh and tease and bring smiles to others. If this isn't the work of a reasoned being then I declare myself unreasoned and unbidden and ask that you slay me." Maven said as he looked at the sword which stayed blue and there was once again an uproar.
ORDER ORDER IN THE COURT! I CALL THIS COURT TO ORDER! Eryeil Nendis shouted as Maven smiled satisfied with the uproar he created. Because he spoke the truth and the rod never lies, he was surprised when he was chained and dragged out of the tribunal and locked up.
Maven sat in the cold prison as he looked through the bars watching the snow fall. He tried to stay warm, but the satisfaction from Councilwoman Eryeil Nendis's horrified face was enough to make him feel satisfied with his predicament. Now the whole world would know.
The Unbidden are reasoned.
