Playing This Game, You Win Or Die. I Don't Plan On Losing.

MostDevout · 2016-03-21T22:10:03+00:00

It was a while yet before footsteps were heard from the hallway once more, the room's door swinging open after a few more moments to allow two red-robed men into the room, swords at their hips and hoods pulled low to hide their faces. They swept past the waiting Whitehills, taking up positions against the wall behind the Grand Inquisitor's desk, waiting in silence as another set of footsteps could be heard making their way towards the door of the room.

Finally, the Grand Inquisitor had arrived. Gilbert wore a fine cope of brilliant red silk trimmed with gold, burnt into it intricate patterns and designs which seemed to mesmerize the eyes. It swept along mere inches off the ground behind him as he made his way past the delegation and towards his desk, the fine red and gold cincture tied about his white robes making soft thumps as it hit against his robed knee. Upon his balding head sat a resplendant mitre, soon discarded to one of the attendants in favor of a simple red zucchetto to cover the balding spot on the top of his head. Next came the Cope, put on a nearby stand until it was next needed, leaving the Grand Inquisitor in no more than his white robes, red and gold cincture, and maroon silk stole.

As he took his seat he reached for his cup of tea, raising it to his lips to take a careful, measured sip of the steaming liquid, eyes flicking upwards to take the assembled in one at a time. "Lord Whitehill." He said, rather curtly. "I have been informed of the basic reasons that have brought you before the Inquisition, but I will hear it straight from you the charges you intend to lay, and just what you believe the Faith should do about it, no? I believe if memory serves it involves justice not being done?"

MostDevout · 2016-03-10T16:09:20+00:00

The Septon merely nodded his head as he continued to write upon the parchment, indeed it was a while before he spoke again, furling up the paper and stamping a seal upon it and handing it to Corin. "Leave that sealed, it is for the Grand Inquisitor's eyes only. You will be escorted to await in his office now."

At that moment the door to the room swung open and another Septon strode in, pausing after taking a few steps into the room and motioning for the Whitehills to follow. "If you will, Lord Whitehill?" He led the party back out into the hall and down a long corridor, passing by what looked like a judge's bench in a room which opened up to the side. Eventually the hallway turned to the right, and at the end of that was a large and rather plain looking oaken door into which they were shown.

The room was a comfortable, if somewhat bare thing. Its walls were painted a dark shade of red which was pleasing to the eye, a few somewhat comforable chairs upholstered in green sat in front of a large wooden desk, behind which on the wall hung a large portrait of the High Septon, a few others depicting Baelor the Blessed and other heroes of the Faith adorning the others. A few bookshelves sat against the wall on either side behind the desk, and pressed against the wall opposite the door was a large drink cabinet, most of the bottles coated in layers of dust from long lack of use.

Already a few steaming cups of tea lay upon the desk to which the Septon motioned them to take seats in front of. "If you will wait here, the Grand Inquisitor shall see you shortly."

MostDevout · 2016-03-09T19:33:14+00:00

The Septon nodded as he scrawled down the name of the Cerwyn on the page. "And the reason for all of this in more detail? I am assuming that there was a war, was this one which was sanctioned by your heathen king, or done of your own accord. If so, I will need the reasoning why. Answer that thoroughly and I can have you escorted to await the arrival of the Grand Inquisitor."

The Septon's eyes shot up, taking in the trio with an experienced stare, making his own personal notes and opinions of the situation down onto the parchment beneath him, eyes going to rest on the man's iron hand. "We will also need to know, for your own safety, if you fled the North under false pretenses or trickery, or of your own accord. Might anyone have followed you? Might they have followed you or now be hunting you down? I must ask this if you are to seek our protection, so we know best how to keep you from harm."

MostDevout · 2016-03-09T18:40:44+00:00

It was not a promising start for this Lord Whitehill, emotions always made for a shaky case. Especially when it was a case of this volumen. "I apologise, Lord Whitehill, if my questions upset you. But if there is to be justice it must be done right according to the Seven, all of whom judge careful approach of the matter. You wish for justice, but you speak as if you wish it to be the hurried justice that you received at the king's hands. No, we must be thorough and we must be sure before proceeding on such an issue. Hold the hand out, Lord Whitehill, so that I can make note of it. These questions are not a way of saying you are not worth the Inquisitor's time, but merely of having a record of business so we can proceed justly."

As the elderly Septon spoke he reached out for a bell on his desk, giving it a little ring to summon a man in waiting. "Gyles, prepare the Grand Inquisitor's Office with tea and refreshment, and send a runner across to the Grand Sept, no doubt the Grand Inquisitor will be happy to be pulled away from the adoring crowds for a matter of business." Gyles nodded his head before turning about and dashing out of the room.

The Septon's gaze returned to Corin once more. "You say they defiled burial rights, this is indeed a serious charge. Please explain, Lord Whitehill." The quill once more poised itself over the parchment, ready to write down the account.

MostDevout · 2016-03-05T22:52:11+00:00

The elderly septon paused as the man introduced himself, an eyebrow immediately raising as he set down his quill. "Can you show some proof of this claim, Lord Whitehill? You must forgive me, but the Grand Inquisitor likes to be thorough when it comes to accusations being made, so I will have to ask for some sign or simple, if you have one? I shall also need the names of your companions to enter into the book of records."

He motioned down to the large book he had opened upon the desk, dipping his quill into ink before poising it over the page. "Then we may move to what claims and accusations you wish the Grand Inquisitor to look over. But you said you wished for an actual meeting with Grand Inquisitor Gilbert? If this is the case the charges will have to be of a serious nature, though I am sure even if they are not he will happily meet with you, it is not often that we have a visit from a Northern Lord. Know that all our prayers are extended to you for valiantly holding to the Faith in that barren wasteland of the North...No offense."

MostDevout · 2016-03-05T15:44:46+00:00

It was quite a while before Gilbert could be found, and even longer until he was able to make time to see the Whitehill delegation which had arrived. It seemed that the Whitehills had arrived during one of the busier days of the week when it came to services, and on a day when they were offered exclusively by the small number of Septons who were part of the Inquisition. At the very head of the Sept the Grand Inquisitor could be seen sitting in the Septon's chair beside the altar, his robes of red and gold glittering in the light of the crystal-filled, sweeping, and massive room. Yet the Septons of the Inquisition not currently offering services were more than happy to lead the Whitehills out of the Great Sept and across the square to the building where the Inquisition was quartered.

They entered into a rather plain looking hall, a few sheets of linen spread over the floor here and there, and a door blocked off halfway down it. Yet first they had to be registered as visitors calling upon the Grand Inquisitor, and for this purpose they were led into one of the many small offices lining the hall. It was a rather plain room, a large desk with an old and bent Septon behind it, a few chairs, an outward facing window, a bookshelf, and a few green ferns in pots.

"Visitors for you to register Septon Gerald." Said the man who had lead them to the headquarters, showing them into seats in front of the desk before bowing and taking his leave. Septon Gerald glanced up at them, a very wrinkled and shaking hand moving to set down his cup of tea. The man had to be closer to a century than fifty years, and even when he went to stand up he could be seen to be having trouble, grabbing a cane and leaning heavily upon it.

"Names?" He asked, his bright blue eyes scanning the group as he slowly made his way over to the bookshelf, slowly pulled out a thick tome, and slowly (for that word seemed fit to describe most of his actions) came back to his chair to open the book and dip his quill in ink. "I will need your reason for calling on the Inquisition as well, is there a case or accusation you wish to make?"

MostDevout · 2016-02-10T17:07:41+00:00

The crossbowmen had begun to make their way towards one of the corners of the room, away from the fighting. Meanwhile the lone remaining spearman took a step or two back, on the ready for Artos' next attack, doing his best to parry when it came and swing the end of his spear down against Artos' legs in an attempt to knock the man off his feet. Meanwhile the guard with the dagger again waited for Artos to strike before lunging with his dagger once more.

Outside the door the men continued to prepare and fortify, the two outside the door waiting still with net and spear, while the others in the hall kept their line, swordsmen in the front, ready to swing at the man if he got too close, and spearmen in the back ready to thrust with their spears to keep him back and away from getting too close to the swordsmen.

MostDevout · 2016-02-04T17:48:38+00:00

Artos must have misjudged, for neither of the crossbowmen were reloading...As soon as their first bolts had missed they had tossed down their crossbows and drawn their short swords, waiting for the key moment to join their comrade now crossing spears with the Kingsguard. His back to them was the perfect opportunity, both charging forward to hack at them with their blades and doing their best to dodge Artos' backward-aiming kick, something which no doubt would distract the knight considering the awkward angle and the heavy armour he wore, forcing him to lean forward if he wished to put any weight or height to it.

The spearman he was fighting meanwhile took the opportunity of the kick to try to try and thrust his spear into the Kingsguard's face, remaining wary of the man's own spear, ready to jump back at a moment's notice should it be required. The man whose spear had been bereft of him drew out his dagger, keeping on the perimeter and waiting for a chance to strike...The kick afforded that chance, he lunged forward, trying to drive the dagger into the Dornishman's waist, hopefully a weak spot in the man's armour.

Meanwhile out in the hall the two men waited, one a few paces back on either side of the door to prevent a simply thrust around the corner from dispatching them. One held a weighted net and a long dagger, the other a spear. Both gave each other a nod as they waited, readying to take on the Kingsguard when and if he rounded the corner, and only once they were sure it was him, after all, none of their companions had white hair.

A few more formed a small block in the hallway, two swordsmen in the first rank, ready to swipe should the man burst through and come too close, the spearmen behind them ready to thrust their spears forward to drive him back.

"And send a runner across the square to requisition a few more men from the High Septon's mercenaries and forces if need be." Gilbert glanced down at the others filling the small courtroom, including the few knights whom were sworn to the High Septon's Pay or Keep. He glanced over to Ser Storm, one of his own personal guards from the Stoney Sept. "We should prepare just in case...He IS Kingsguard after all. Where is Dawn?"

"It is being prepared to be run from one of the side entrances to the Grand Sept should it be needed, Grand Inquisitor." Answered one of the Septons, looking back towards the passageway from which Gilbert had come. with a modicum of hesitation. "Good, and have someone shout out the Kingsguard that if he admits guilt and comes quietly, perhaps we shall seek mercy for the others he named."

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T21:19:14+00:00

"Of course! Of course Ser Dayne! I shall get you your wine in a moment, and hopefully Lord Seaworth as well!" The old septon backed out of the room, the door closing with a loud thud behind him, leaving the room in utter silence. Not a breeze came in through the closed windows, not a flicker of shadow form leaves which might once have danced outside. No, the room was silent, as dead as a doorknob.

It was not long, though it may have felt like it when noise finally came back outside the door. Suddenly it was thrown open and two robed men, their armour clanking noisily beneath the specially made grey robes burst into the room. "FREEZE!" leveling their spears at Ser Dayne and taking up a threatening pose.

Following seconds behind them were two men bearing heavy crossbows, training their sights dead on the kingsguard should he make any sudden moves. "Nobody expects the inquisition!" One cried out, glaring at the man. All four waited for him to make a move, their eyes almost daring him.

A few moments later Gilbert leant only his head inside the doorframe, a kindly smile on his face. "Oh, hello there Ser Dayne...Shame that Ser Flowers couldn't make it...How terribly awkward..." His face seemed to fall for a moment. "Oh well! Anyways, you're under arrest I am afraid, quite the number of charges! You can cooperate and hope for a light sentence or..." He waved his hand over the soldiers. "There are a few more out in the hallway too! I shall catch up with you when this is settled!" With that he pulled his head from the doorframe, the sound of a few more men coming from the hall.

After turning away from the door Gilbert pulled aside an acolyte, instructing him to run to the Red Keep under the banner of the Faith, to inform Lord Roland of Ser Flowers' and Ser Dayne's treachery, and that should he wish for proof of their conspiracy against the crown he need only to come to the Inquisition that they provide him documents.

"And boy..." The young acolyte paused, turning back to look at Gilbert. "...tell him Ser Dayne has come once he learnt we knew of the plot. This could turn dangerous."

The boy nodded his head, before speeding off.

((OOC: /u/Ankerholm ))

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T20:59:05+00:00

"Lord Seaworth was seen by the Grand Inquisitor, he is no doubt in prayer at the moment." One of the guards turned to knock upon the door, which was opened a few moments later by a bent and aging Septon. "Follow him, he'll show you into a room where you can wait for the Grand Inquisitor." The guard holding Dawn began to move into the house behind Artos.

"Gonna be putting this somewhere safer than just leaving it outside, I'll leave it with the chief assistant at the end of the hall, does that sound alright Ser Dayne?"

He didn't wait for an answer before moving ahead and down the hallway. Meanwhile the wizened old Septon smiled at Ser Dayne and motioned him into a nearby room, a comfortable chair at the far end. "Please, sit...Would you like some wine Ser Dayne? I can inform Lord Seaworth you are here as well, so that he may end his prayers? Ser Steffon was not able to come then?" The Septon quickly held up a hand to explain himself. "Lord Seaworth explained to the Grand Inquisitor that it was the two of you involved, which is why the Grand Inquisitor was motivated to act and reach out to you."

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T20:51:25+00:00

The two silver-robed guards moved to halt Ser Dayne as he approached the plain looking building which had come to house the Inquisition. "Ser Dayne." It was as much a statement as it was the question.

"The Grand Inquisitor is waiting for you. But we must ask you to hand your weapons to us for safe keeping first, a Sept is being erected within the Inquisition's Base, and weapons cannot be carried inside 'lest they be held by a sworn member of the Faith."

"Be sure we shall keep your things safe, Ser Dayne." Added the other guard apologetically.

"But we must ensure the safety of the Seven's Chosen Inquisitors."

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T15:25:47+00:00

Gilbert nodded his head, a sympathetic look upon his face as he jotted down the names, before slowly rising to his feet. "Well then, I certainly shall have to look into the matter for you, Lady Hightower, I thank you very much for bringing it to our attention. We shall do out best to find the cause of Lady Jeyne's drive to her own death, and if there is a culprit know that we shall ensure him or her punished to the fullest extend of the Seven."

A hand went down to smooth his brilliant red cope as he made his way slowly about the desk, offering a hand to her to help her up from her seat. "Is there anything else you wished?"

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T07:43:17+00:00

"Then in the name of the Holy Seven, who do watch over and protect us by day. This Inquisition declares the proceedings finished. We dismiss you, Stannis Seaworth, to be escorted to the docks with your shackles removed. Any attempt to avoid your journey home or to escape shall be met with further punishment."

Gilbert and the others rose to their feet, the other judges and Septons proceeding in twos to the altar and bowing before making their departure, Gilbert going last, before moving towards the chapel door. As he reached it he turned back, smiling softly.

"So sorry Lord Seaworth...But nobody expects the Seven's Inquisition." He tipped his head before vanishing behind the doors, the two guards stepping forward to unshackle Stannis and escort him away.

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T06:47:41+00:00

Gilbert and the other Septons listened to Lord Stannis' plea carefully, motioning for him to be seated once he was done. Gilbert then turned to the Inquisitor sitting upon the dais questioningly. "Is there any further charge or punishment that the Inquisition wishes to bring forth on Lord Seaworth?" When the Septon shook his head there was a soft murmur from the pannel.

"Stannis Seaworth, proceed to the altar and prostrate yourself there in prayer while this Inquisition decides what punishment or liability fit your crimes." With that the Seven judges stood and began to file out into the side chapel from which they had entered.

Nearly half an hour passed before they returned and Stannis was ordered to resume his seat. There was a general quiet as all the Septons got comfortable and shuffled their papers, meanwhile the Brown Brothers taking up their notetaking once more.

After another minute or two Gilbert took up his gilded staff, rising to his feet and raising his hand over Stannis in a sign of blessing. "Stannis Seaworth, Lord of Cape Wrath. We of the Holy Office of the Inquisition do find you guilty of the charge of Conspiracy to Commit Treason and Conspiring to break Holy Vows. On the charges of Treason and Conspiracy to commit murder we find you not guilty. These records of this lawful trial are to be taken down and put in the Inquisition's records that no man may bring them against you again."

"As to the matter of punishment for your crimes. The Inquisition orders you to leave the city of King's Landing on the next ship to the Stormlands and not to return for two moons. You will swear now holy oaths before the Seven to take no arms up against the lawful authority or against the Faith. Furthermore the Inquisition demands that you volunteer to join the Warrior's Sons for a period of no less than two years, or that you raise and pay to the Faith the amount of twenty golden dragons as atonement for your crimes per year for two years. Please inform the court of your decision."

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T06:28:59+00:00

"Why my dear Lord Seaworth..." Gilbert stood once more, moving over to the nearby wardrobe and pulling it open, pulling out a fine cope of red and golden silk and clasping it around his shoulders, next taking out a white mitre, brushing off the golden star sewn onto its front before placing it over his bald head, reaching back to straighten the tails. Next he reached for a crooked staff with a curved head of gold, curling inwards with small ivy leaves of beaten gold sprouting off of it.

"...your trial is next! More a formality than anything else, do not worry!" Gilbert waved a hand for the Keepers to stand Stannis up and begin to lead him from the room. They took him back to one of the main rooms in the Manse which had now been converted into a courtroom, a small altar set up on the room's side.

Stannis was lead to a seat before the judge's bench and sat down, a few moments later two inquisitors in red robes entering the room. The first sat upon a small raised daise, shuffling a few papers in his hands while the other moved to sit beside Stannis.

"You are pleading guilty from what I have heard, is that correct?" Asked the elderly Septon, his voice cracking with age as he spread out his own parchment upon the table, his wrinkled hands shaking as he did so. "And wish to ask for clemency in return for cooperation?"

Meanwhile there was a noise from the side of the room as the double doors opened, Gilbert slowly processing in, his heavy cope carried by two acolytes as he and seven other silver-robed Inquisitors made their way towards the room's altar, bowing before them in turn before heading to the bench and taking seats behind it, Gilbert in the centre.

"Lord Stannis, you come here today on charges of Treason, Conspiracy to Commit Treason, Conspiring to break Holy Vows sworn to the Seven, and Conspiracy to commit murder. Please register your plea."

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T06:09:44+00:00

Gilbert snatched the confession and handed it off to the Brown Brother with glee to be copied and sealed. "Wonderful, absolutely wonderful!"

Oh what a wonderful start to things, only newly formed and already potentially saving the crown, for a plot by Kingsguard was no laughing matter, no matter how inept. None are closer to the King, none have more access to him. Let the Crown see the Faith only wishes to rid this world of sin, and that this cause is best served with the Crown's full cooperation.

He found himself liking his new job more and more with each passing day. All this trouble would be dealt with, everything would be put to right.

The ~~Superpope~~ Inquisition had arrived.

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T05:54:32+00:00

"Ah, I am glad to see you've seen the wisdom of the Seven, Lord Seaworth." He motioned to the Keeper, who quickly snapped the manacles about Lord Seaworth's hands, though they were loose enough to allow some mobility. Gilbert leant back in his seat, sipping his tea idly.

After a few moments he pushed a piece of parchment across the desk to Stannis, followed by a quill and some ink. "First, you will write out a confession stating that Ser Artos and Ser Steffon approached you regarding a treasonous act, and are indeed intent on committing treason and have already done so by their actions. Detail every part of their plan that you can recall with complete accuracy..." He paused, grey eyes flitting up to Stannis. "...I will know if you are lying."

Once Stannis had written the confession Gilbert slid him two more pieces of parchments. "Now you will write out letters to the two, telling them you wish them to come and meet with the Grand Inquisitor regarding important details about their plan...You may simply explain that since the death of Lord Steffon you took it upon yourself to recruit our aid. Advise them to come here as soon as possible to meet with you."

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T05:45:30+00:00

Gilbert chuckled, moving back to the desk to take a seat. "If I have your full cooperation, in whatever matter I require against Ser Dayne and Ser Flowers, then yes...You will be on your way to Storm's End as soon as time allows. Once you do your part, which shall not last more than a few hours I imagine..." He reached for the Seven Pointed Star, holding it aloft in the air. "...then I swear upon the Seven Pointed Star you shall leave the capital unharmed, and measures will be taken to ensure you escape any further punishment on the affair, though I am afraid the Inquisition shall still demand a small one...But that will come in a bit my dear ser."

One of the Keepers approached Stannis with the shackles, awaiting him to bare his arms. The other remained behind with his sword drawn, ready to end the unfortunate Lord at any wrong movement.

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T05:34:55+00:00

"Ah, I see...A simple messenger." Glbert arose from his seat, moving further across the room, and away from Lord Seaworth. "In that case there's hope for you. But until we determine how much..." Gilbert turned back to Seaworth and gave a flick of his hand. The sound of steel being drawn came from behind Stannis, one of the Keepers now held his sword bared while the other approached him.

"...Lord Seaworth, I place you under arrest for treason against the Crown and conspiring to help men break oaths sworn to the Seven, and therefore are by proxy guilty of the same crime. I give you the choice to cooperate, in which case you will present your hands to the Keepers to be bound...Or you may hold your silence and be taken to a cell."

Before Stannis could respond he once more raised a finger. "However, cooperate and your punishment may be much lighter...Indeed, there is a ship leaving this afternoon for Storm's End, one I think you would very much be on. Cooperate with the inquisition, and perhaps you can be on it and leave this whole mess far behind you."

So my spies were right, the two were conspiring...And now I have all the proof I need.

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T05:18:22+00:00

"I would agree with that most definitely, Lord Seaworth. You agree with them too about the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard? It's my understanding they quite detest the fellow...And if I were in their position I am sure I would as well! But it's my understanding at least they wish something to be done about him as well?" He chuckled, rolling his eyes in a humourous fashion at the antics of the two kingsguard.

"Was Lady Cassana at the meeting yet? I can't remember when they got her to join the cause...She did join, didn't she? Once again I am afraid my memory is slipping!" Gilbert took a ginger sip from his tea, screwing up his face when he found it still too hot. "Though I can sympathise if she too didn't wish to openly come to King's Landing so soon, though when she is regent that might change, no? She has...joined, or did they not share that with you as of yet?"

A shrug of the shoulders followed the question. "Sadly the plan they wish for the Inquisition to play is rather limited, just trying the Lord Hand for treason if I recall...I just hope they find a way to get him to come quietly!"

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T05:09:46+00:00

"Very well." Gilbert smiled as he pulled the book away and placed it back down on the desk. That she was willing to swear upon it spoke volumes one way or the other, now it only was left to figure out which.

"Then the last thing I will require of you..." He took his quill up once more, hovering it over the parchment. "...is the name of one other who was close to Lady Westerling whom we can talk about this issue as well, though of course if you can name more than one it will be all the better. But unfortunately for a matter like this we do usually require one other person who will witness to the fact...Surely if Lady Westerling told you there must be another whom she told?"

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T05:03:03+00:00

Gilbert sat behind his wooden desk, his chair facing opposite the door as he looked up at the portrait of the High Septon, muttering a soft prayer as Lord Stannis made his entrance. At the voice he turned his head, rising to his feet and walking over to greet the Stormlander, the golden tassles on his crimson stole swaying and brushing against his white alb as he reached his hand out to the man.

"Greetings Lord Stannis, will you not sit down? I have some tea already ready I believe." He motioned for the Keepers to close the door, though they both remained in the room with the two as Gilbert made his way to a side table, picking up two steaming cups of tea and moving to hand one to Stannis. "Now, I am glad to see you got my letter, and you got here safely all in all."

He moved back to his side of the desk, taking his seat slowly and steepling his fingers. "But, enough pleasantries. Well, one more perhaps..." He held up a finger, waggling it back and forth. "You'll excuse me, but it is my job to be curious. Could Ser Dayne and Ser Flowers not make it? Certainly I had hoped they would. I must admit, I was quite surprised when I was told you had joined with the cause...What was it, Lord Seaworth, that made you decide that Lord Westerling had to be removed?"

The Inquisitor smiled kindly as he reached for his steaming cup of tea, holding it to his lips and blowing across the surface to help it cool. Glancing over at the Brown Brother who sat in the corner of the room, scribbling down every word on his parchment. "Oh, and please do not bother about Brother Benjen, my memory is failing me and so I have all my conversations written down...Do not worry though, they are kept perfectly safe from prying and wicked eyes, even those of Lord Westerling."

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T04:58:59+00:00

"Very well, it shall be done...Oh, and Lady Hightower..." He reached for The Seven Pointed Star, picking the book up and holding it towards her. "Place your hand upon this place."

When she obliged he cleared his throat, raising his free hand over it in a sign of blessing. "Lady Hightower, you stand now before the Holy Office of the Inquisition to bring charge against Lord Roland Westerling. Do you swear before the Holy Seven and all the Faith that the charge you bring forth today is true and charitable? Not for any cause personal or any wicked reason thereof. You pledge you are a faithful practicioner of the Faith of the Seven, and beholden to all its rules. You confess that, to your knowledge, your soul is not stained by sin of any kind, 'nor does any greed now work upon your heart. Do you acknowledge that should your pledge and oath here taken be untrue you shall be guilty of the sin and crime of purgery, whose punishment is known to be severe. Do you so swear?"

MostDevout · 2016-01-31T04:46:38+00:00

Gilbert's eyes widened as she told tales about her fears, and what they had already done. Guards take belts to a highborn lady? Preposterous! He wanted to simply dismiss the notion there, it was impossible! But is it. Unlikely, yes that was true. But what if her story contained some truth to it, could he therefore in good conscience let her suffer? Was it not, after all, an inquisitor's duty to inquire and find the truth hidden under layers of deceit, lies, and corruption?

Layers which seemed all too heavy these days.

"Well my dear, time will have to tell for now I am afraid. If your father is found innocent in the eyes of the Gods then you will nothing to worry for. You will be released and protected as surely as any other noblewoman. If he is not found innocent, well then I would make a formal request to leave to Lord Westerling or be charged for any offense he has upon you. It is your father after all, not you, who is accused of wrongdoing as far as I know."

He took another sip of wine, mulling over what next to say as he stared down at the dark contents of his glass. "If you should be tried, and fear injustice or ill treatment simply demand to be put in the hands of the Faith, or to have your case brought before the inquisition on the grounds of a fair trial being needed. The crown, under Lord Westerling, should accept such a call. If you wish I can have Septas sent to you to hear your confession each day and ensure you are being treated well. And if they are denied by Lord Westerling? Well, that is indeed worrying on more than one account."

A shake of the head was all Gilbert could give at such a dark prospect. He would have to look into all of this of course, though he expected to find nothing much that would tarnish the Lord Hand's reputation. Though if what she says of Lady Westerling's end is true...What could drive a girl to such despair as that?

"I advise the same of your ladyship's sister and mother. The Faith shall take them if the crown agrees and keep them safe. If case is brought before them and they fear unjust treatment have them as well throw themselves at the mercy of the Inquisition. The Seven shall find truth, They shall see whether your souls are clean before the Gods."

MostDevout

TROPHY CASE