Preparations for War

Aramalia stood over her desk, a pile of partially-filled official papers to her left and an open notebook on her right.  Glancing from right to left, she copied the contents word-for-word onto the fresh parchment with a cautious hand.  Despite the late hour, her actions had energy, her eyes a focus that defied the lack of sleep that threatened to close her eyes.  She had hoped that there had been some underlying factor that could explain his actions, but no.  There could be no reason for these actions. Aramalia rolled her shoulders, not relieving any tension, but succeeding in making a number of cracks and pops.  Soon, she thought, soon…Checking for any missed details, she bound the pages together and slipped it into an envelope, sealing it with red wax.  He had considered the Virtue of Compassion a weakness.  To those who would refuse compassion to others, there would be none.

General Aestan Firatril,

As requested, I have investigated the reports made by a number of citizens both within the city and within the Horde.  Based on their testimony, I regrettably inform you that I find it necessary to continue with a formal trial against Hamlen Prideux.  The list of charges includes, but is not limited to: assault, threats of violence, harassment, and attempted unlawful arrest.  Included are the testimonies I have collected detailing the events.  Be sure that these remain private and only seen by you.

Now, I have heard that the voting for the replacement Convocate of Regulation is to happen soon.  With Prideux as one of the candidates, this may cause a bit of trouble.  I trust that you within the Convocation will find a suitable solution.

Dutifully submitted,

Aramalia Solisbane, Lieutenant-Colonel

Testimony concerning Assault

“Some time ago, I was speaking with people at Fancy Cakes.  After hours.  Hamlen stood guard at the door.  I had invited a young girl – to call her a woman would be borderline ridiculous.  No more than a few decades old.  She is a mute.  She came up behind Hamlen and was fascinated by his armor.  I assume she was trying to get his attention, but rather than acknowledge her, he turned around and punched her in the face.  It was horrific and sickening.  Luckily, there were healers nearby.  He turned and left without speaking a word and without trying to help.  As soon as I was sure someone was taking care of the girl, I turned my full attention to that metal monstrosity.  I demanded that he help the girl, and ordered him to drop his weapon.  He ignored me and stalked off.  So, later on, I reported the full incident to Aestan.  He refused to take any action other than to order Hamlen to follow orders from every Convocate, not just him.  I suppose so next time the idiot cracks an unarmed girl’s skull, I can order him to dive on his own blade.” Testimony from Lady Convocate Heathhenel Rosewater, witness.

“We were at Fancy Cakes a while back.  He was standing in the doorway, I was outside.  He has a very pretty sword, so I was admiring it.  I touched something on it, I think it was the little glowing ball on the top.  When I did, he turned around and hit me.”  To this, she pointed at her eye.  “I remember someone gave me tea, and there was alot of yelling.  I think someone tended to me, it is all somewhat hazy.”  In response to whether she thought she had been struck very hard, she nodded.

Witnesses: “There was a friendly priest I didn’t know.  Female, red hair, about my height.  Lady Rosewater was also there, she was the one who yelled a lot after.”  Testimony from Sulvina, victim.

Testimony concerning Threats of Violence/Harassment

“He was attending some party or something on Kalimdor.  He was meeting with a patient or some such nonsense.  Hamlen started stalking them.  When approached and asked why he was following, Hamlen got violent.  He threatened them, and eventually shot Jakobus with a crossbow, unprovoked.  This was far outside Silvermoon’s limits, and he had no authority to even be there as a Legionnaire.  Let alone the fact that he once again attacked an unarmed person.”  Testimony from Lady Convocate Heathhenel Rosewater, as told to her by Jakobus Nachtengaal, victim.  Witnessed and confirmed by Aedran Starfire.

“Firstly, he pulled Lord Nachtengaal aside and questioned him about his relationship with someone they referred to as ‘the Adept.’  They doctor stated they were friends.  Hamlen said that he knows the consequence if their relationship is anything else.  Lord Nachtengaal said, “A slow, painful death?”  Hamlen said, “No, I will grant you a swift one.”  He threatened to kill the doctor, and not even for any illegal activity.  Just something he does not approve of.  He, as a member of the Legion, cannot hurl such threats around.  Lord Nachtengaal…he, erm…He said to me that he would not admit this incident happened, if you were to approach him about it.  But Lady Starfire saw it, and she will confirm my story.” Testimony from Aurumna Sharphorn, witness.  Witnessed and confirmed by Aedran Starfire.

“On his way out, there were people in the road.  Not blocking the entire road, just in it.  Hamlen told them to move or they would be run over.  The troll, Xiuhteena, yelled for him to go around and not hurt anyone.  Hamlen said that the people are not protected by Silvermoon’s laws here, and therefore he can injure them.  I believe he said he has ‘all the rights of a common bandit.’  His words, not mine.  The troll said that he is not protected, therefore, either.  I stated that they both were wrong.  As a member of the Legion, the people cannot hurt him without being subject to our laws.  But likewise, despite the fact that he’s outside the city, he must follow our laws and not hurt anyone.  He began hurling insults at me.  I took up a position in front of the crowd, to prevent him from running any of them over.  He called me a pawn, an idiot, a ‘political whore’.  I pointed out my position under Regulation.  He called me a liar and proceeded to insult me.  He took out various weapons in an attempt to intimidate me.  He even produced a crossbow.  Eventually, the crowd dispersed, so I stepped aside that he might pass.  The troll, and anyone else outside, saw and heard everything.  You can talk to any of them for confirmation.” Testimony from Aurumna Sharphorn, witnessed and confirmed by Xiuhteena, Dubaku, Zyjiin, Khatarra Thunderhorn.

Testimony concerning Attempted Unlawful Arrest

“Recently, there was an argument at Fancy Cakes.  The troll woman who helps run the place and some kid were fighting over the Light knows what.  Hamlen decided he had the authority to command the situation.  He effectively shut down the business and started the interrogation.  After disrupting business and realizing that no one had committed any crimes, he decided to arrest both the troll and the boy, due to lack of evidence.  Arresting people because he couldn’t prove they committed a crime.  Furthermore, a member of the Black Fellowship stepped forward and ordered Hamlen to release them, due to the fact that prisoners are under the authority of Regulation.  Hamlen refused, scoffed, and marched off with the prisoners.”  Testimony from Lady Convocate Heathhenel Rosewater, as given by a letter from the Black Fellowship member, witness.

“He couldn’t even name the crime.  At first, he told me I was being arrested for public disturbance.  But I had only arrived at the shop when the shop keeper, Xiuhteena, began screaming at me and raging.  Eventually he tried to arrest us both because he couldn’t figure out which one of us was lying.  I buggered off.  He attempted to arrest us first, couldn’t muddle it through, then attempted an investigation with a demand we return to be arrested.  Again.  He’s worse than a blind butcher.”  Testimony from Iloam Blacksong, victim.

“Oh?  Iloam?  I thought he had sexually assaulted a friend of mine.  That whole business was taken care of.  My friend and Iloam talked it out, it was misunderstanding…they were both drunk and stupid.  I don’t know, but I did ask him to arrest Iloam at the time.  He said there needed to be an investigation…he said I might be arrested if things turned out to be false.  Little later after that the tauren who works with you folks said I had been dropped of any charges.”  Testimony from Xiuhteena, victim.