The Tribunal of 1204

1204, Summer

The entire covenant would travel, as would their individual servants. Etienne was asked if he would serve as guide and he agreed. The cart would be taken, with all the magi walking or riding as far to the rear as possible to avoid disturbing the animals, except Lilia who had the Gentle Gift, and Osprey who preferred to fly. The rest of the cart would be loaded with supplies for the trip.

Two weeks before the Tribunal was to begin they set off, to allow time in case of inclement weather - although Osprey said he could deal with most bad weather. They made their way down to the Veneon, but rather than turning toward Venosc, Terrus stepped forward and used his art, casting the Stone Ship of Terrus twice, once for the cart and once for the travellers. His spontaneous use of Rego and Terram pushed the craft across the river and the party was able to continue alon their way. At nightfall, he concentrated and conjured a small stone house from nothingness. Warning that it would vanish at daybreak, he retired within. Inside were two rooms, one of which he claimed and the other which he offered to the other magi to share. Osprey chose to pass the night perched on a nearby tree.

And so the days passed until the reached the inn that served as the first outpost of the Covenant of Rochehaut. There they were greeted with suspicion by the other travellers, but with grace by the tavern keeper Dietrich, who had clearly been informed of their coming. They had the best meal they had in a long time, certainly since leaving Lakehome and for most of the magi, for some time before that.

The next day they left the main road to follow a small road north into the valley that contained the Covenant. They were met by the magi of the Covenant, some of whom were known to the magi of Lakehome - Leporideas had met Octavian, Octavia and Laurel at the Gathering at Crintera; Julius of Jerbiton had witnessed Lilia's Apprentice Gauntlet and subsequent initiation into the order. Guillaume the Redcap had already arrived, as had Juana, 'Malleus Hermeticus', the Quaesitor.

The next few days passed quietly as the magi talked and renewed acquaintances, while waiting for the rest of the attendees to arrive. Pandrin was next, and then Stonehollow. Bremerren sent only a single magus, Diasthanon, bearing a handful of his fellow's sigils with which to vote.

The next day was the official start of the Tribunal. At nightfall, the magi entered a large room in the cliffside where the nearly thirty magi could sit. As was customary in the Tribunal, the senior magus of the hosting Covenant, Julius of Jeabiton, would serve as Praeco. The Hammer of Hermes, Juana, was senior Quaesitor and would be assisted by Anna, who gave her sigil to Octavian.

The Tribunal began with Julius opening the floor for topics of discussion. Among the usual quibbles about rights to contested Vis sources, griping about mundane incursions, request for Vis trades and so forth, there were several topics of particular interest. First, Umberto Dierro of Rochehat was wondering if anything had happened to rouse the Bishop of Grenoble, who was making inquiries about remote groups of wizards. Second, Pandymion of Pandrin wished to bring Guillaume of Mercere before the tribunal and charge him with dereliction of his duties. Julius took all these topics under consideration and then dismissed the Tribunal for the night, as it was nearing midnight. They would convene at nightfall tomorrow to begin dealing with the issues raised.

Leporideas remained quiet during the proceedings. As a new magi surrounded by so many more powerful than himself he felt somewhat overwhelmed. It was good to see some familiar faces, and the reawakening of stale conversations proved well enough to cure him of his shyness. It concerned him that the Bishop's men were peddling their inquiries across the countryside, yet now that the tribunal requested information it brought him to a greater ease. He did, however, wonder what Pandymion had done to cause such charges to be brought forth. Thinking it not proper to ask formally, and curious by nature, Leporidaes sought out Laurel to see if she knew more.

He found Laurel, with her ubiquitous wolf companion Smells-Strange, in the wooded area on one side of the valley. She offered some insight into Guillaume's situation. "Although he is of our Covenant, he spends much time travelling to discharge his duties. He is generally home for perhaps one month, maybe two, each season. But the last few years, he has been gone all winter and will tell no one where he has been."

Leporideas recalled that they had had no messages from Guillaume during the last few winters themselves.

Leporideas nodded, and made a mental note to ask Osprey about it when the opportunity presented itself. Carefully he sidestepped around the wolf keeping a watchful eye upon the beast, and asked Laurel about what had happened since their last meeting.

The pair gossipped for a bit. Laurel had spent the last few years studying Animal and was developing a spell, which she called Becoming the Behemoth which she said was an improved version of the Hermetic standard Preternatural Growth and Shrinking. And of course, she had spent much time in the woods in her owl-shape with her friend Smells Strange. Apparently, she added, Smells Strange could actually smell auras!

Leporideas responded in kind, telling her about his discovery (albeit by accident) of Dust of the Floating Beast, and his future endeavors. "Smells Strange seems to be quite valuable. My quarters prevent me from benefiting from a strong aura," he said sadly.

Laurel listend to his woes and expressed sympathy. "We have lab problems as well, there are only a few good ones in the cave and we have to share them. As the most junior magus, I have problems getting enough lab time." She shrugged, "Fortunately there's plenty of space in the woods."

Leporideas commiserated with her. "It is a difficult position to be the most youthful of any group," he commented remembering life before the convenent when he was with the troupe. Not wanting to sound as if he was bragging, Leporideas shared his grand dreams and plans for the expansion of his rabbit hole and began to throw out ideas he had for new potions and spells. It felt good to be able to talk to one as young as himself in the arts and even better to one who shared an interest in Animal.

Lilia sought out her fellow Jerbiton to discuss relations between mundanes -- particularly the Church -- and magi. She was disheartened to find her meeting in Grenoble had apparently stirred up such trouble with the Bishop. Relations between the Order and the Church was a favorite topic in House Jerbiton, and although Lilia, Pierre, Julius and Umberto spoke at some length, no one was able to add much of substance to the debate. The relationship between the two groups was problematical since the Dominion overwhelemed any magic aura and made the practice of magic more difficult. Some of the Church used this to claim that magic was evil, but the Order, naturally, did not hold this view.

Her fellows were not too concerned by the interest shown by the Bishop of Grenoble. The general feeling was that he was merely a politician, and as such looking for allies or tools in his political games. Pierre warned her, though, to be careful about interfering too much in mundane affairs, lest the wrath of the order fall upon her. However, many Houses considered any interaction with the mundane world "interference" so there was no cause to be paranoid.

"I thank you for your encouragement. I have feared many times in recent weeks that I may have brought down the wrath of God -- or his emissaries -- on our heads. I did not think asking for a pigeon roost would bring such interest."

	*		*		*		*

The voting had few surprises. Rochehaut voted for themselves and seniority. Pandrin voted for themselves and proximity. Bremerren voted against Pandrin, with whom they had been feuding for decades. Stonehollow was split with two for seniority and three for Certamen, Terrus voted for Certamen as did Osprey, the Twins voted for seniority, Lilia also voted for seniority, while Leporideas cast the sole non-Pandrin vote for proximity. Seniority won easily.

Leporideas hung his head. He hoped that his dissenting vote did not cause any trouble within the covenant. Yet again, it appeared that he was on the outside. Not only that, but again the privileged by either station or lineage had triumphed over one not so fortunate; in this case losing that which was nearby. There were no surprises in the covenant. Osprey and Terrus voted as he had thought they might, the Twins he did not know too well, but Lilia with her bloodlines expectedly sided with the seniority vote. It was another example of life that he was often reluctant to learn.

After several days or more minor issues, the question of the Bishop of Grenoble came up. Julius, having previously discussed the issue with Lilia, cleverly manouvred the issue to minimuze its importance, stating that the clergy often too an interest in Hermetic affairs and just as often lost interest. This too, shall pass was his theme. Umberto did not push the issue, since his questions had been answered early in the meeting with Lilia.

A few more days passed in discussing other minor topics, until the day when as the first order of business, Julius indicated that the subject of Guillaume of Mercere would be discussed and called on Pandymion of Pandrin to speak.

"Sodales," began the Tremere, "Even moreso than the mundanes, we depend on information. It feeds us, makes us secure and enables us to strike at our foes. For long has Mercere, the Redcaps, served the Order well serving as messengers, historians and witnesses. Thus it is a grevious thing when a Redcap is derelict in his duty. I charge that Guillaume of Mercere is a fallen Redcap, who fails to his discharge his duty, and request, no more! Demand that we send to his Domus Magnus and Primus and ask for a new Redcap who will be more attentive to his duty."

"What do you have to support this accusation?" asked Julius.

"For two years now, we have had no messages from Guillaume all winter long. In one case," Pandymion looked pointedly at Julius, "that allowed magi from another house to journey to a vis source before we ourselves were made aware of its existence. And there have been other failures." He looked around at the members of the other Covenants, "Have you not also been neglected? Have you not spent your winters in isolation with no word from the Order outside your own Covenant?" The other Covenants, some reluctantly, some enthusiastically, agreed.

"Guillaume, have you any defense to make? Can you explain where you spend your winters, since it is well known you do not spend them here?" asked Julius.

"I," began Guillaume, then dropped his head, "I have no defense."

Julius shook his head. "Are there others who would speak?"

Lilia whispered to Leporidaes, "but Guillaume has been a frequent visitor to Lakehome in my time there. Indeed, it was he who brought me from Stonehollow. Is Guillaume in some sort of trouble? Should we not speak for him?"

Leporideas thought briefly and responded, "While it is true we have seen Guillaume frequently of late, I cannot remember seeing him during the winter. Although, I must confess that I spent much of it underground. You would be better able to determine if he completed his duty during the winter."

"I, too, was underground, cozy in my quarters for the winter. I suppose I never thought about Guillaume's absence one way or the other. Redcaps are busy; sometimes we don't see them for a time. But I like Guillaume and it surprises me to see him admit to this dereliction of duty."

"Perhaps you could speak with him," offered Leporideas. "There could be more to it than meets the eye, it does seem unusual for a Redcap like Guillaume to be so careless."

Julius waited a moment then continued. "I do not feel that such action as my sodalis Pandymion has suggested is warranted at this time, although I agree there is a problem. I suggest rather that Guillaume be given one year from this date to correct his behaviour. If he does not, then a request will be forwarded to his Primus."

"Who will decide?" Pandymion was quick to ask.

"I will," said Juana, "assisted by my fellow Quaesitor Anna."

"Indeed," said Julius. "Let us vote on that proposal first."

The vote, with the exception of the six votes from Pandrin, was unanimous for Julius' proposal.

With the decision made on the subject of Guillaume, Julius adjourned for the night. "Tomorrow," he said, "we shall vote on where the next Tribunal shall be held." With that, the magi began to disperse.

As they did so, one of the covenfolk approached Julius and whispered something to him. Julius raised an eybrow and then hastened to the magi of Lakehome. "Bertrand tells me guests arrived shortly after dark tonight. One is a crusader who gives his name as Alain de Fortier. The other is a magus, le Main-d'Argent, filius Terminus, Follower of Flambeau. He said he wished to speak to the magi of Lakehome. They are lodged there," he pointed to one of the huts which had been intended for Bremerren, but which had proven unneccessary.

Osprey thanked him. "It is too late to speak with them tonight," he said to Lilia and Leporideas. "Tomorrow morning, though, why don't you two see what he wants?"

Lilia waited for Guillaume to be alone, not difficult, as he seemed to be shunned by most.

"My friend, is there something happening here you could tell me? Do you need help? I have always thought you a loyal and trustworthy Redcap and it pains me to see you admit to this shame. It does not feel right to me. Speak to me... please."

Guillaume looked at her and said, "I make no excuse. Let us talk of better times. Do you remember our trip together from Stonehollow to Lakehome? I enjoyed that trip." There was an intensity about him which belied his casual words.

"Of course," said Lilia. "It was an important day in my life and I was so glad to have you with me. At the very beginning, I thought you might be my only friend there. Did you hear I have set up a pigeon [what is the 13th century version of "network"?] with nearby towns? It was quite an education, but I think it will do Lakehome some good." Lilia watched Guillaume closely, but followed his cue.

"I only hope this is a problem he can solve on his own," she thought.

The next morning, Leporideas and Lilia went to the hut where the newcomers were lodged.

Leporideas entered quietly and looked upon the Crusader with awe and fright. Authority always caused concern to creep into his conscious and just knowing the might possessed by one such as he demanded that Leporideas keep an open path to the door within sight.

It was easy to tell which was the crusader and which was the magus. Alain de Fortier was typical of the Norman Crusaders who so recently sallied forth to the holy lands. His hair was light brown and well-kempt. He wore no facial hair. No armor adorned him as he dressed simply for the road. At his belt was a broadsword and dirk. His eyes were a dark blue and showed a certain world-weariness. Absent from his countenance was the typical zeal one of his path might possess. He seemed of middle years, perhaps thirty.

It was hard to tell much of anything about the magus. A large man, solidly built, he was swathed in a black robe shot through with silver thread. His face was covered with a silver mask and it quickly became apparent that his left arm was artifical, a silver sculpture which hung inert in its place. He introduced himself, speaking annoyingly slowly, as le Main-d'Argent, filius Terminus, Follower of Flambeau. "Though some call me Nuada," he added.

Lilia introduced herself and Leporideas. "We understand you wish to speak with the magi of Lakehome. We have been sent as representatives of Lakehome -- what business do you seek with us?"

Lemain spoke first, "I seek a home. I have heard of your Covenant and I found what I heard to be to my liking. I ask to accompany you to Lakehome and then perhaps to petition for entrance."

"I would also like to travel with you to this place, although I understand my place would be much different that my traveling companion. I no longer wear the Crusader's Cross and would offer my services as a man at arms." Alain gazed at his pack -- the sum of his worldly possessions at this point -- and let out a small breath. The heraldry on his kite shield was covered in a cloth and it would remain that way for the rest of his life. "I have all my own equipment and no ties to lord or land at this time. I can train as well as fight. All I ask is the opportunity to continue what I started in Constantinople. I began an education and now seek knowledge instead of glory."

Leporideas marvelled at the former Crusader's boldness. Of course, that was expected on the Crusades from a man of armour and sword yet Leporideas sensed much more depth in the man. While a bit intimidating, he understood the necessity for such a quality and it intrigued him; perhaps because he knew his own deficiencies when it came to bravery. All in all, Leporideas instantly liked the man called Alain and tugged gently on Lilia's robe.

"I think we should extend the hand of hospitality to these men," he whispered.

"I am inclined to agree," whispered Lilia back, "They seem strong and well-spoken... but we should perhaps agree to speak on their behalf with Terrus and the others first so we do not overstep our authority here."

Leporideas agreed and they said as much to Alain and Lemain. The two travellers thanked them and said they would wait. The Lakehomers went to the senior magi and told their tale. Osprey and the Twins deferred to Terrus who agreed that the two should be invited to come and guest. In his roundabout way, he made it clear that another magus might be welcome, to strengthen the covenant, and that a strong arm to train the grogs would be a useful thing.

Word was duly passed back to Alain and Lemain.

That night, the only scheduled item was to determine where the next Tribunal would be held. That would followed by a feast to conclude the Tribunal. As a courtesty, Lemain was invited to the feast.

Julius began by asking who would like to be considered to host the next Tribunal. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Pandrin and Bremmeren, of course, put forth their names. There was some surprise when Lilia, speaking on behalf of Lakehome put forth its name as well. Stonehollow declined, and Rochehaut could not host for two consecutive years. Voting was mixed. Bremmeren voted for itself, as did Pandrin. Osprey, Leporideas and Lilia voted for Lakehome, while Terrus and the Twins voted for Bremmeren. Of the Stonehollow magi, two voted for Lakehome, two for Bremmeren, and one for Pandrin. Rochehaut voted five for Lakehome and one for Bremmeren. The totals were: Lakehome-10, Bremmeren-10, Pandrin-7. Since there was a tie, the issue would be settled by Certemen.

"Wait," said Pandymion. "I wish to change my votes. I vote for Lakehome."

"So be it," said Julius with a glance at Juana who nodded. "Lakehome then has fourteen votes, and Pandrin but three. The next Tribunal will be at Lakehome. I charge you to make ready for us!" he concluded formally. "Now, let us dine!"

With the Tribunal concluded, the magi departed to return to their homes. Accompanying the magi of Lakehome were the masked figure of Lemain and the mysterious ex-crusader Alain on his warhorse.

The trip home was similar to the trip out, with the addition of the two new companions. Both were fairly reticent fellows, but some of their stories came out as they travelled.

Lemain was fleeing his old master, Terminus, and warned the magi that should they accept him, they might earn his enmity as well. He had chosen Lakehome, apparently, based on the reputation of Terrus - Lemain was a Terram specialist as well, which was an odd thing to find in a member of House Flambeau - and because of the underground nature of the covenant - which reminded him of his home covenant. He had fled Calipher almost immediately upon passing his gauntlet; his meeting with Alain who wished to return to Europe had proved fortunate for both.

Alain had taken up the Crusades after his wife's untimely death. He never said it, but the tone of his words indicated he had not planned to return. Instead of finding his own death, he found a world of wonders. When his group decided to take a detour to engage in some pillaging of a Christian community, Alain left their service. He returned to Constantinople where he spent several years working and pursuing an education. When finally his money had run out, he set out for his home to raise more.

Upon the return to Lakehome, Terrus and the Twins vanished into their labs, as was their wont. Leaving the newcomers to learn of the Covenant and the surroundings on their own and from the more garrulous younger magi.

After several weeks, Lemain pronounced himself satisifed and formally petitioned for admission to the Covenant.

Alain found much scope for his skills and talents as well. The grogs, such as they were, were poorly armed and poorly trained, and most doubled up as servants as well. They had few facilities and were obviously the merest afterthought. Any decent fighting force would make mincemeat of them. Although the library showed little of interest to him, being filled with texts concerning magic and nothing else, the magi did seem to have some money to spend and Lilia in particular was interested in expanding the library to included other works.

Lilia was the one who really inclined him to stay. She was of a similar background, educated and charming. She seemed to also seek some of the things he sought, or at least understand the lure of learning.