Judge emerges from The Final Edict beneath tolling bells, carrying the oil-wrapped transfer ledger, scraped pages, and altered slips. Corren follows in shackles between two guards, while the archivist and elderly woman remain below in the vault.
The presiding magistrate waits at the courthouse steps with the young adult scribe and dust-covered courier beside her. Citizens crowd the ash-gray road as her silver seal catches the evening light.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
Judge, surrender those records for lawful transmission to Vauld. The royal tribunal’s authority supersedes this ruined court and every private claim made within it.
The guards tighten their formation around Corren without drawing weapons. The scribe watches the bundle beneath Judge’s arm, while the courier keeps his summons close against his chest.
Corren Vale
Read the chain of custody aloud! The archivist held the ledger, the old magistrate removed it, and Judge recovered it from the sealed vault.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
The chain is irrelevant until verified by lawful custodians. Those pages may be compromised, and Judge has no authority to withhold evidence from the royal tribunal.
Judge
The tribunal’s order was authorized before the next bell, and the records are already contested.
✓ Quest Accepted
Have Judge’s custody of the evidence publicly recognized as necessary
“"I object, Magistrate. These records will be submitted to the court. However..." I take out the pages, both the original and the altered evidence. "I deem you as unfit to oversee the rest of this trial. Observe, as I present evidence to my claim." I will recite the ledger’s chain of custody before the crowd and scribes. Including the findings of the elderly woman under orders from the presiding magistrate to conceal certain parts.”
SUCCESS (Fair Persuasion, rolled +2)
Judge
I object, Magistrate. These records will be submitted to the court. However, I deem you unfit to oversee the rest of this trial. Observe, as I present evidence to my claim.
Judge unwraps the oil-dark cloth and raises the transfer ledger beside the original and altered pages. The crowd presses closer as the scribes prepare fresh parchment.
Judge
The archivist held the ledger. The elderly woman removed it from lawful custody after discovering alterations, acting under orders from the presiding magistrate’s office to conceal portions of the record.
Judge
I recovered the ledger, scraped pages, and altered slips from the sealed vault. The pressure marks preserve the erased recipients: the collector’s clerk, a deputy registrar, and the magistrate’s seal-bearer.
Each entry carries into the public record. The scribes compare the scraped parchment with the ledger, while citizens repeat the names and the destination of Vauld.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
You presume to disqualify the bench before verification. Yet the chain is now witnessed, recorded, and impossible to dismiss as a private accusation.
Corren Vale
Then let the record show that Judge submitted evidence openly, while the court demanded secrecy. The people have heard who handled it and why.
“"The accused is correct. Damning evidence was ordered to be concealed by your office. As such, you now hold equitable interest in this trial. Otherwise, how can we trust that you would serve a just verdict when that very sentence was nearly casted prematurely?" I say in reference to the original attempt of Corren trying to flee. "We have discerned the false seal, and now hidden evidence? I declare that a new magistrate must see this trial to completion."”
SUCCESS (Fair Persuasion, rolled +2)
Judge
The accused is correct. Damning evidence was ordered concealed by your office. You hold an equitable interest in this trial, and cannot deliver a just verdict over a sentence cast prematurely. We found a false seal, and now hidden evidence. I declare that a new magistrate must see this trial to completion.
Silence settles over the ash-gray road. The scribes stop writing only long enough to look toward the presiding magistrate, while Corren’s shackles give a quiet metallic chime.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
Your objection is entered. The concealed records, my office’s involvement, and my earlier order concerning Corren establish a conflict that cannot be dismissed.
Corren Vale
Then let the record show it plainly: the bench has yielded because the evidence proved its interest, not because Judge demanded secrecy.
The presiding magistrate removes the silver seal from her hand and places it upon the courthouse steps. The gesture draws a stunned murmur from the citizens.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
I recuse myself from the remainder of this trial. The courier will carry my sealed transfer to Vauld, and the royal circuit magistrate will assume judgment upon arrival.
The Young Adult Scribe
Recorded: recusal accepted, evidence retained by Judge for open submission, and completion transferred to a new magistrate.
Quest Complete
Have Judge’s custody of the evidence publicly recognized as necessary
Skill Upgrade: Persuasion Fair→Good
“"Your name, magistrate? As well as the name of the royal circuit magistrate who will be taking your place."”
SUCCESS (Good Reasoning, rolled +1)
Judge
Your name, magistrate? As well as the name of the royal circuit magistrate who will be taking your place.
The presiding magistrate meets Judge’s masked gaze without reaching for the silver seal. Around her, the scribes hold their quills poised over the fresh record.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
My name is Magistrate Seraphine Vale. The royal circuit magistrate assigned to Vauld is Lord Maeron Vey, appointed by the Chancellor of Petitions.
The young adult scribe writes both names in a bold new line, while the dust-covered courier’s expression tightens at Lord Maeron’s title. Citizens repeat Seraphine’s name in low voices.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
Lord Maeron Vey is expected before the next bell after tomorrow’s dawn. Until then, I remain recused and cannot direct the trial.
Corren Vale
Then the record has names for every authority involved. Let Vauld’s magistrate answer publicly when he takes the bench.
The young adult scribe adds the appointment and deadline beneath the names. From the distant city, a deeper bell answers the courthouse toll, and the dust-covered courier turns toward the eastern road.
“"Vale....? Are you kin to the accused? I pray that is not the case."”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled -2)
Judge
Vale...? Are you kin to the accused? I pray that is not the case.
A murmur passes through the citizens. Seraphine’s lined face tightens, and Corren turns toward her, shackles chiming softly between the guards.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
Yes. Corren Vale is my sister’s son. I did not disclose our kinship because I believed recusal would follow immediately.
Corren Vale
You are my aunt, Seraphine, but you were never my advocate. Your office sealed my testimony before it condemned me.
The confession lands heavily. Several citizens look from Corren to the abandoned silver seal, while the scribes add the relationship beneath the recusal.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
Your question has secured the truth, Judge, but it has cost you the crowd’s presumption of impartiality. They will now ask whether your custody of the evidence serves Corren.
Corren Vale
Then let them ask. Kinship explains the silence surrounding my testimony, but it does not erase the false warrant or the ledger’s names.
“"My custody of evidence is to prevent any further tampering to be done in addition to what has already derived. I serve the side of justice. To turn a blind eye to what has transpired would be antithesis that very philosophy. Why did you accept this case, Seraphine? Knowing your direct relation to the accused."”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +2)
Judge
My custody prevents further tampering. I serve justice, and ignoring what has transpired would betray that purpose. Why did you accept this case, knowing Corren was your kin?
The citizens fall silent. Judge’s words settle over the abandoned seal and the exposed ledger, while Magistrate Seraphine Vale lowers her gaze to the record bearing their shared name.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
I accepted because the docket arrived altered. Corren’s name was already marked guilty, and the court demanded a presiding hand before anyone could challenge it.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
I told myself proximity would let me protect the record. Instead, I protected the office that corrupted it.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
I knew our relation, Judge. I concealed it because I believed I could expose the forgery from within the bench. That was vanity disguised as duty.
Corren Vale
You saw the accusation was false and still sealed my testimony. Your reason may explain it, Aunt, but it does not cleanse the act.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale accepts the rebuke without reaching for her seal. The young adult scribe records her admission, and the dust-covered courier turns toward the eastern road as Vauld’s deadline draws nearer.
“"While I understand the desire to expose the forgery. You have betrayed the court and its trust. And a court without trust can not serve its people properly. I should see to your punishment, but we have bigger priorities rapidly approaching..." I turn away from Seraphine, giving a dismissive wave. "You are dismissed for now. We will return to this later."”
FAILURE (Poor Leadership, rolled -1)
Judge
While I understand the desire to expose the forgery, you have betrayed the court and its trust. A court without trust cannot serve its people. I should see to your punishment, but greater priorities approach. You are dismissed for now. We will return to this later.
Judge turns from Seraphine and gives a dismissive wave. The gesture fails to disperse the gathered witnesses; instead, the scribes keep their quills poised, preserving his proposed punishment in the open record.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
I accept no dismissal that erases my testimony. I am recused, not released from accountability, and no private verdict can replace the lawful hearing you demand for others.
Her words steady the citizens’ attention. Seraphine remains beside the abandoned seal, visibly barred from the bench yet still present as a named witness to the corrupted docket.
The Young Adult Scribe
Recorded: Judge defers punishment, but the accused magistrate remains subject to formal examination. Her testimony can be taken before Lord Maeron Vey arrives.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
Then let that be the opening you require. I will identify every order I received, every seal-bearer who carried it, and the clerk who altered Corren’s warrant.
The dismissal does not remove Seraphine, but it converts her from presiding authority into a compelled witness. The scribe’s fresh page offers Judge a lawful path to question her before Vauld’s tribunal convenes.
“"Normally, I would not stand for such an act of defiance. But should you now propose to instead of being the presiding authority, and instead become a witness. Then I must remind you. Any further deception to make a mockery of the court will render your testimony insufficient. Do you understand this, Seraphine?"”
SUCCESS (Great Intimidation, rolled -2)
Judge
Normally, I would not stand for such defiance. If you now become a witness rather than presiding authority, understand this: further deception will render your testimony insufficient. Do you understand, Seraphine?
Judge’s warning falls quietly, but its authority reaches every witness. The scribes pause over their parchment, and the crowd waits for Magistrate Seraphine Vale’s answer beneath the abandoned seal.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
I understand. As a witness, I will answer plainly, and any concealment will discredit my testimony before this record and the tribunal at Vauld.
The admission secures her compliance, but the crowd’s murmur turns toward Judge. His threat has made Magistrate Magistrate Seraphine Vale Vale’s credibility depend visibly upon his judgment.
The Young Adult Scribe
Recorded: Seraphine Vale accepts witness status and acknowledges that further deception renders her testimony insufficient. I will mark Judge as examiner.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
I accept examination, but not private condemnation. My answers must be heard by the scribes, the citizens, and Lord Maeron Vey when he arrives.
“"Daylight is burning. Make your testimony Seraphine, so that the scribes may record it, and we get this information to Lord Maeron Vey. Giving them ample time to review it for tomorrow."”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +2)
Judge
Daylight is burning. Make your testimony, Seraphine, so the scribes may record it and Lord Maeron Vey may review it before tomorrow.
Seraphine inclines her head and steps before the scribes. The young adult scribe readies a fresh sheet, while the courier moves nearer to carry the sealed record east.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
I accepted Corren Vale’s case knowing he was my sister’s son. His docket arrived already marked guilty, and his testimony had been sealed before examination.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
I received orders from my office to preserve that judgment. The deputy registrar delivered them, and the magistrate’s seal-bearer authenticated each instruction.
Quills move rapidly across the parchment. Seraphine names the collector’s clerk as the warrant’s later author, then identifies the deputy registrar as the channel for the concealed order.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
I concealed our kinship and failed my duty. The false warrant, altered docket, and removed testimony were connected. Lord Maeron Vey must examine every name and seal.
The Young Adult Scribe
Recorded in full. I will prepare a sealed copy for Vauld tonight, so Lord Maeron Vey has the testimony before he takes the bench.
“"We need names, Seraphine. Concise information with no ambiguity. Who delivered the docket? Who issued the order? And who was the seal-bearer?"”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +0)
Judge
We need names, Seraphine. Concise information with no ambiguity. Who delivered the docket, who issued the order, and who was the seal-bearer?
Seraphine answers without consulting the scribes. The courier pauses beside the eastern road, while every quill remains poised over the testimony.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
The docket was delivered by Deputy Registrar Odran Pell. The order to preserve the guilty judgment was issued by Chancellor Voss.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
The seal-bearer was Merek Thane, my office’s senior bearer. He authenticated each instruction and carried the sealed orders to me.
The scribe writes each name on a separate line, then underlines the offices and actions attached to them. The crowd hears the chain without confusion.
The Young Adult Scribe
Recorded precisely: Odran Pell delivered the docket, Chancellor Voss issued the order, and Merek Thane authenticated it as seal-bearer.
Magistrate Seraphine Vale
Those are the responsible names. I will attest to each before Lord Maeron Vey and accept examination on how I learned them.
✓ Quest Accepted
Have the courier depart with the summons to Vauld
“I give a solemn nod, turning towards the courier. "You have your testimony. Now, deliver them to Lord Maeron Vey before sundown." I then turn to the overlooking crowd, Corren, and the scribes. "This session is adjourned for now and you all are dismissed. Lord Maeron Vey will not be arriving until after tomorrow's dawn bell tolls."”
SUCCESS (Poor Leadership, rolled +2)
Judge
You have your testimony. Deliver it to Lord Maeron Vey before sundown.
Judge gives a solemn nod toward the courier, then turns to the overlooking crowd, Corren, and the scribes. His masked authority settles over the road.
Judge
This session is adjourned for now. You are dismissed. Lord Maeron Vey will not arrive until after tomorrow’s dawn bell.
The Dust-Covered Courier
I will ride east at once. The sealed testimony will be placed in Lord Maeron Vey’s hands before sundown.
The courier secures the testimony beneath his cloak and heads toward the eastern road. The crowd parts for him, its murmurs carrying Odran Pell, Voss, and Merek Thane into the dusk.
The Young Adult Scribe
Recorded: the session is adjourned, the testimony travels under seal, and Lord Maeron Vey assumes the matter after tomorrow’s dawn bell.
Corren Vale
Then tomorrow, the tribunal will face the names instead of a sealed accusation. I will answer every question before it.
Quest Complete
Have the courier depart with the summons to Vauld
Skill Upgrade: Leadership Poor→Mediocre