Transgressions

Writers: Estelle, Eimi
Date Posted: 18th October 2005

Characters: Almonteo, Enrizial
Description: Enrizial writes to Almonteo to complain about his Hallsecond
Location: Harper Hall, Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 8, day 9 of Turn 3

Almonteo

Enrizial took out a sheet of fine paper, emblazoned with the crest of the Hold, and dipped his pen in the inkwell. He felt no regret at all for what he was about to do. The Harper Hallsecond had openly mocked him, deceived his holders and led his lady wife astray by involving her in his plot. The very _least_ he could do was to see that the man suffered for it.

He had spent a long time in drafting the letter after he had broken the bad news to Reilina's parents. The first draft had been openly insulting and filled with bitterness and scorn, but as the first hot rush of temper had cooled he had modified his tone. If he wanted the new Hallmaster to discipline his Hallsecond as the man deserved, insults would not be helpful.

***

To the new Harper Hallmaster, greetings from Emerald Falls.

I offer you my congratulations on your new appointment, and wish you success and prosperity despite your regrettable decision to move the Harper Hall to a new location. However, I believe it would be only just to inform you of a serious transgression by one of your harpers while still in my territory.

At the same time as the harpers left Emerald Falls by boat, a young girl was discovered to be missing in my Hold. After a thorough search, I realised that she might have left with the harpers, and sent word to one of my holders to intercept the riverboats and find out if the girl had somehow managed to stow away. Imagine my astonishment when I received word from Holder Gelran that the girl was _not_ hidden on the boat - she was aboard with the full knowledge of the ranking harper, your Hallsecond Ryndel! Furthermore, when Gelran requested that she be handed over to him for return to her family at Emerald Falls, this harper refused on the grounds of a false claim that the boat constituted the Harper Hall's territory and that I had no authority there.

Gelran consulted the Charter and found the Hallsecond's argument to have no basis whatsoever in law, but by then it was too late and the harpers had departed. By now, this innocent young girl is out of Emerald Falls territory and on her way to the Weyr. Her parents are obviously distraught and despair of ever seeing her again.

In view of what has happened, I make the following suggestions:

1) That the girl, Reilina, be immediately returned to Emerald Falls territory and to the family she belongs with;
2) That your Hallsecond and all those who supported him in his lies receive the appropriate punishment for their actions.

I look forward to receiving your response.

Enrizial Lord Holder of Emerald Falls
***

Almonteo set down the letter and stood up from his chair. He walked around his desk, annoyed that there was no window to peer out of thoughtfully. Where was a window when he needed one! He had never realized the small comfort a pane of glass could bring until he had moved into his office in the Weyr and had none.

**Ryndel, Ryndel... You have gone too far this time.** The Hallmaster shook his head. He could not understand the irrational animosity that had grown up between his new Hallsecond and the Lord Holder. No matter what the history, no matter the grievance, a master Harper should know better! He could not just turn away. But he needed Ryndel too.

With a weary sigh he grabbed up his pen and a clean piece of parchment. This was not going to be easy.

***

To the Lord of Emerald Falls Hold, Lord Enrizial, greetings from the Harper Hall.

I am most distressed by your letter. As a parent myself, I can imagine what pain and anxiety the poor girl's parents must be feeling. My heart goes out to them, and I sincerely hope that the girl will be found and their fears can be laid to rest.

As to my Hallsecond's involvement, I am afraid I cannot yet speak on that matter. They have not yet arrived, and will not for more than a sevenday. However, as soon as the boat touches shore I will confront him on this matter. Whether or not it is the same girl that is on the boat, my Hallsecond's false claims about the Charter will not be taken lightly. Please pass along my deepest regret and sympathies to the girl's parents. If it is indeed their daughter on the boat, I would like to assure them and yourself that she will receive the best care while in the Harper's protection. When the boat arrives I will make this matter my first priority.

Until then I beg your patience in this matter and assure you that it will not be ignored.

Respectfully, Almonteo Hallmaster, Dolphin Cove Weyr Harper Hall

Last updated on the November 1st 2005

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Transgressions