The Magnaura

**_Tristan_** · 01-20-2009, 14:21

Lord Kalameteros raises a valid point.

Until the death of Armatos has been fully investigated, I would suggest that Senator Erotikis releases command into the hands of the Order.

I would also like to hear from Senator Erotikos how he gathered the knowledge of the identity of the person who ordered Armatos killed in such a gruseome way.

It seems the Hashishim have finally succeeded in worming their way into our ranks.

Please tell us Senator Erotikos who is the culprit so that the full power of the Senate can descend upon him.

**Ramses II CP** · 01-20-2009, 20:12

Io's eyes light up and he nods his head companionably towards Vartholomaios Ksiros before standing to speak,

Actually my good man I can't elaborate on who I know to be responsible at this time, lest the cowards hear I know their names and am coming and so flee into the underbelly of our society to cause more harm later. You wouldn't want Armatos' killers to escape, now would you?

As far as Tortosa, I've simply been called to meet a companion there. My word of honor that I have no ill intent for the place or any of it's inhabitants! Of course if I left my army at just any old watering hole, why, very soon they wouldn't be my army anymore would they? And then poor Armatos would stand unavenged, an unacceptable state of affairs for certain.

Messengers were dispatched, of course, and word clearly had come to the Magnaura ahead of me, but, alas, the eastern marches are aswarm in Turks, precisely why I sought Aramtos' aid in the first place, and I fear the few men I could spare were all intercepted. As far as asking the Order's help... no, I do not intend to do so, nor do I believe Armatos would wish it of me either. Your vast tracts of land are ill guarded and there remain but two of you to do the work of seeing off the Turks. Unless I am attacked or barred from my quest I will merely take the men I need to avenge my great friend and depart, leaving you noble sirs to ward your land at the east end of the Empire.

That knife is none other than one of the very weapons used to foully murder Lord Armatos. There were several mixed in a pile after the combat, so I can't guarantee which struck the death blow, but that one was carried by one of the enemy and no mistake. You can see it's design that it is of Muslim make, likely a tool of the cult of assassins or some offshoot. Who can really tell with these heathen factions, hmm?

The army entrusted me by Armatos will not be surrendered to any man, under any circumstances, until he is avenged. I am bound to this course by an oath before God himself, by the noble words of Armatos on his deathbed, and by my own sense of honor. If I am prevented from seeking justice by anyone or anything that obstacle will I annihilate without hesitation.

Speaking of which, I think I'm still at war... would anyone like to propose a resolution to that little matter? I'll have to be off soon to get the lads a marching again, can't let discipline lapse in the field just for a little conversation here.

A smug grin creases Io's face as he returns to his seat.

**Northnovas** · 01-20-2009, 22:15

Megos Aleksios having listened to both sides, the frustration of getting no answers begins to show on his face...

Ioannis,

Where do you plan to march this army that will not surrender to any man? This army will not be supplied unless I am satisfied that you are avenging the death of Lord Armatos and are not the one responsible for his death.
The concern of you being at war will be of little concern to this Senate if your you no army. They may not surrender to any man but they will desert if they are not paid and fed.

Stop with the ambiguity and give us the answers we are looking for! Are you or are you not responsible for the death of Lord Armatos. If you are not then I demand to know who is so this matter can be dealt with and done!

**Ramses II CP** · 01-20-2009, 23:01

Another quick little nod is directed at the Megas before Io speaks again,

"I sympathize with your concerns my Megas, but as I've said, I simply cannot let the brutes behind this crime have any warning. Thus I can't announce their names or where I intend to march. Pure necessity demands that I keep these things a secret so that I can uphold my vow.

As far as money and food... well... let's be frank, gentlemen, an army of this size has ways of finding what it needs. At least for awhile. I don't want to go down that road, but, as I've said, nothing will bar my course on my quest. Nothing.

Besides, the army is legally mine. Why should we not be supplied as the law requires? If the Megas can withdraw support from my armies over some petty dispute who would he target next? The law of the Emperor and Empire must come before the personal whims of any one Megas, surely.

I will say again, I am not responsible for the death of noble Lord Armatos and I intend to deal with this matter as quickly as can be so that the Empire can return to good and profitable progress."

**KnightnDay** · 01-21-2009, 04:03

My lords, I have heard enough. Senator Erotikos has asked for a resolution be offered. I shall offer one now. I call for a vote of the full senate over whether this man shall undergo trial by ordeal. Let his hands be immersed in boiling water, bandaged, and then examined after several days. If it be judged by men of the cloth that his injuries have sufficiently healed, then it is a sure sign from God that the sentor be innocent. At that point he should be free to do as he sees fit, with nothing held against him.

If however, the injuries are not deemed to have healed sufficiently, then he be judged guilty by God's will and suffer the consequences of his crime.

**Ramses II CP** · 01-21-2009, 05:24

A faint look of discomfort mixed with amusement crosses Io's face before he replies,

Hmm, yes, good idea that; let's subject any senator who stands accused by a non-noble to this treatment. As a matter of fact I think I tossed a coin to a beggar just past those doors who was muttering that someone by the name Ammonia, or Ammerinia, or maybe Ammonathas had murdered a half a dozen men the other day. Let's boil that chap up and see if it's true!

Let me propose a simpler solution! I take note that the Order has accepted a new man into their ranks, a man who has yet to take on any responsibilities for defense of the eastern front. I have been in contact with this man, and I find him to be caught in the same web of destiny in which I am bound. If he will vow to avenge Armatos by the same vow I have taken, if he will embark on the same quest upon which I have embarked, then I will go where he goes, even surrendering some part of my troops to his command. Would this not fulfill the request that I 'give back' the men Armatos charged me to use to seek revenge for his murder?

Would this not give the Order's little war sufficient cause to come to an end? If not, well, the Order may even find itself ignobly attacking an ally...

That man is Kousinos Sophianos, and I must now adjourn from this, well, simply splendid session of the Senate to negotiate the exact terms of our agreement just beyond the walls of Tortosa.

If anyone seeks me for any serious cause (Here Io pauses to wink at Ammonathas) simply send word and we can arrange to meet. Good day gentlemen!

With a somewhat flippant suggestion of a bow Io then rises and walks calmly from the chamber without looking back.

**Rowan** · 01-21-2009, 09:09

For a man accused of murder Erotikos sure isn't too worried. I do not trust him. While Theo's declaration of war was maybe a bit premature I shall support it for now. I'll let Kousinos Sophianos decide for himself if he wishes to follow that man to the desert. If he does, I insist that Erotikos give at least half of his force to Kousinos.