The Magnaura

**Warmaster Horus** · 09-09-2008, 19:39

Heavy footsteps are heard outside the Magnaura. The doors burst open, and an angry-looking Nikiphoros charges in the Senate Chamber. He locates Michail Arianitis, goes to him, and begins to raise a fist. One of the Varangian Guard moves quickly enough to show Nikiphoros whatever he intends to do is a bad idea. The angry Senator backs off, sighs, and addresses the chamber:
"Senators, please excuse me just there. Arianitis, I don't give a #%$& if you excuse me, because I will never forgive you for involving yourself in the business of Scopia. It was for me and Tagaris to solve, and the Basileus generously tried to help us do it. When he found an adequate solution, and that solution was accepted by both Tagaris and me. You however went against the Basileus' solution.
I want the Senate to understand that by doing that Arianitis is breaking your oath of fealty to the Basileus. He may have another Lord, but our first allegiance must be to the Basileus.
In the same order of business, it is obvious Arianitis was conspiring with somebody. Before the race, he sent me a letter:"

Dear Sir,

If the Chariot Race to determine Scopia's owner goes ahead, I would like to know your plans?

Do you want to have Scopia to yourself or deny your enemy of it?

If the latter, I may be able to work out a solution to your problem.

Yours in God,
Michail.

The letter is first read by Nikiphoros. Copies are handed out by scribes to the Senators.
"I did not reply to it, since it implied methods of an illegal nature. However, by what has transpired, I get the feeling Arianitis sent this to another person directly involved with this. I get the impression, also, that the decision was to deny me of Scopia. I think you realize who I am talking about.
Senators, I find this situation shameful. I hope we can solve it quickly and in the fairest manner."
Nikiphoros starts to leave, and then turns around:
"And if there are any more competitions. I will participate in them myself, and I ask Tagaris to do so too. It seems that's one solution to this problem."

**Privateerkev** · 09-09-2008, 19:45

It is sad that Michail invokes the name of God when he plans something underhanded. He should come in here and answer for his actions. And he can leave the dagger outside this time...

**_Tristan_** · 09-09-2008, 20:00

Methodios stands up, with a bemused smile upon his face.

What I find sad, Grandmaster, is seeing Manouelitis coming in here, after the race, denouncing another devious plot, after seeing that Scopia seems denied to him.

He tells us you he didn't answer Arianitis, but what proof do we have ? His good word... We all know, and I particularly, the worth of his word, so spare us...

Who is there to tell us that he didn't take Arainitis up on his offer ? The result of the race seems to demonstrate just that he did...

Before you try to drag me in the mud with you, Manouelitis, I'll advise you to think twice... Arianitis offered me the same deal but rather than remain coy about it, I went to the Basileos, before the race, to ask him to resolve the matter in any other way as the race seemed compromised.

Our Basileos in his wisdom waited until the culprits played their hands... How wise of him...

So please don't act the aggrieved party... It is not in character...

Methodios then sits back down, slowly shaking his head, and looking at Manouelitis.

**AussieGiant** · 09-09-2008, 20:22

Apionnas glances at the Basileos for just a second before standing.

Given the lack of decorum and subversion of the Basileos authority and elegant solution, I'd recommend straight forward banishment to some god forsaken part of the world. Something that would seem quite appropriate given the circumstance. That or being buried to the neck is sand and who ever is alive after 5 days takes the province.

Failing that, lets simply do it the old fashioned way.

Each noble makes his case here in the Magnaura before the Basileos.

Then let him decide. End of story.

**_Tristan_** · 09-09-2008, 20:31

Methodios nods at Apionnas.

Don't you think I may already have pleaded my case to the Basileos ? That was for his ears alone... Unless he deems it necessary it is made public before this assembly...

Anyhow I do not think our Basileos is so blind or deaf or so short of memory as to be in need of being reminded of the
facts of the case at hand.

With all due respect, all we need at this time is a definite solution to a long-lived feud.

Don't you agree ?

**AussieGiant** · 09-09-2008, 20:41

I believe you have stated you case Methodios.

But, to hear publicly all aspects, accusations pleas and come to a conclusion, then this is best done in the open here in this assembly. That way the Empire, the people and the wider world can see the true strength, wisdom and insight of our leader.

With all due respect, enough time has passed to possibly invade and conquer whole new worlds. This farce must end now before it turns things into a pure mockery of an issue.

The Basileos should in my view make the topic public here before your fellow peers and then pass justice down as it has always been done.