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Causa Criminalis 1.106BA: THE CROWN VS. EPHREM KERVALLEN 15th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 106 B.A. Recorded by Consul Alaric Diocles var Ruthern The accused party, Ephrem Kervallen, was summoned by the Magisterium of Balian to defend himself against charges based on actions conducted during the Battle of St. Lothar’s Hold against The Scarecrow’s army. Charges from the Lex Criminalis are listed as: Article IV, Section 11D ‘Disobedience’, Article II, Section 2C ‘On Battery’, Article II, Section 1A ‘On Assault’. As Ephrem Kervallen represented himself for his defence, the proceedings were led by Ser Robyn de Lyons, prosecutor of the courthall under the reign of Her Majesty, Sybille I, the trial’s judge. Per this documentum vitae, all witnesses pledged an oath to speak truthfully during their testimony. Upon Her Majesty’s recount of the charges and commencement of the trial, Ser Robyn presented the prosecution’s opening statement. The prosecutor informed the court that Dame Gwenyth instructed soldiers to refrain from killing The Scarecrow and his accomplices, reporting that Ephrem Kervallen ignored and disobeyed said orders. When told of his conduct by Dame Gwenyth, Ephrem Kervallen had then threatened to kill her. Later that day, the Kervallen challenged an individual to a duel to the death, disregarding the required oversight from the Crown or Magisterium. Additional disorderly conduct by Sir Ephrem occurred as he was summoned to the courthall, demanding an immediate trial for his personal defence and threatening Balian officials until Her Majesty arrived at the hall. The Magisterium thus requested additional charges over assault, disobedience, and Harmed Majesty, to which Her Majesty admitted yet disclosed that such additions must be debated and proved. Ser Robyn then rested his prosecution’s opening statement. For the defence’s opening statement, Ephrem Kervallen spoke of how he never went against orders, as The Scarecrow rests alive within one of Balian’s prison cells. The Kervallen continued with saying how he intended on keeping Dame Gwenyth and her soldiers alive as he joined the combat, facing The Scarecrow for his attacks with the Dame to The Scarecrow’s back. Dame Gwenyth told Sir Ephrem then, per quoted recount, “Vy ... idiot, I said not to kill it.” Ephrem responded with, per quoted recount, “Insult me again and you’ll be next.” As the defendant spoke that he himself did not kill The Scarecrow and that his response was to an insult, his retort’s intention was supposed to be aligned with a returning insult, not a killing threat. The Kervallen believed to be slandered by the Dame for being told of his disobeyment to orders, adding that his standing as a Knight of the Realm prompts him to protect Balian’s citizens, even so far to saying that he would have killed The Scarecrow should that need cross him, regarding his pledged oath. The Kervallen also spoke of his threat by saying that he never raised an act against the Dame or another Balian citizen, claiming the ‘On Battery’ charge to be idiotic. Ephrem then concluded that his duel to the death was instead said, per quoted recount, “Find me tomorrow, beast.”, stating that he had not intended to duel the individual to the death nor on Balian soil and asking for said individual to pass an Aurum test. The defence rested its opening statement. Ser Robyn then brought forth Dame Gwenyth as the prosecution’s first witness. The prosecution questioned the Dame over her debrief before the battle, asking if her calls to avoid killing The Scarecrow and his associates were true and if Sir Kervallen was present for said debrief, or at best informed of these orders. The Dame said she did indeed instruct a crowd with her debrief instructions, repeating herself once more before charging into battle with her compatriots. She also noted that Sir Ephrem was present for her second reminder, an individual callout following suit. The Kervallen spoke that the Dame recounts lies, Her Majesty then demanding the man’s silence or he would face contempt in court. Ser Robyn continued, asking for the Dame to confirm her ‘idiot’ callout and the defendant’s response. The Dame confirmed her callout, saying that such was in response to the Kervallen’s attempt at splitting The Scarecrow into halves. She spoke of giving in total three warnings regarding her orders, two of which Sir Ephrem was present for, and that his response to her ‘idiot’ callout was his prior quoted recount, “Insult me again and you’ll be next.” Ser Robyn asked if Dame Gwenyth witnessed the later duel attempt, to which she acknowledged the defendant turning upon segnor Victor Rorin, yet was told of the duel by another witness and wishes to not recount such over them. The prosecution rested then. The defence asked for the Dame to confirm that she was behind The Scarecrow, unable to see the Kervallen’s attack clearly as she had grasped The Scarecrow from the back soon after. The Dame answered that she was a couple dozen feet behind The Scarecrow, tending to a soldier struggling to restrain and clear the airways of a brute, yet still able to see the Kervallen’s actions. The defendant claimed that to be false, stating that The scarecrow was right between the defendant and the Dame - and that her inability to read minds or see through hay would not warrant her the view of his attacks. The Kervallen continued with how his insult had no death threat following suit, connecting this to how since he did not kill The Scarecrow, there could not be a death threat involved. An objection from Ser Robyn was raised, noting that the defendant’s procedure should gear towards asking for objective statements instead of speaking in a personal recount that can be saved for his testimony. Dame Gwenyth responded then, again saying how she was twenty-five feet away as she approached Hilda Brawn entangled in chains from The Watchman, an associate of The Scarecrow. The Dame shouted “Come on, lass!” towards Brawn while also aiding a knight with restraining a brute to deliver him to his family. Sir Ephrem spoke then that he was protecting Brawn from having her neck sliced, asking once more if he specifically said he would kill the Dame. The Dame spoke of how Ephrem, in the midst of combat and attempting a killing blow against The Scarecrow, said back to her “Insult me again, and you’ll be next.” Sir Ephrem once more asked for an affirmative or negative answer, not an assumption of whether he was going to kill The Scarecrow and subsequently, kill Dame Gwenyth. The Dame said that the idea was fully implied, going further to noting that she won’t mention the strikes Ephrem was attempting as Gwenyth hoisted The Scarecrow upon her shoulders to stop him. Her Majesty announced a final question to be given for continuing the trial. The Kervallen said he joined the fight to protect his Kingdom and ‘lady’ (presumably Squire Brawn), with the Dame unable to see if the attack would be devastating or not, and again saying that she couldn’t read his mind. He claims that this was an assumption on the Dame’s behalf that led to her insult. Ephrem also spoke on how the Dame, being a part of the Duana, would disrespect a Knight of the Realm on just an assumption, asking if Squire Brawn’s life is not more important than capturing The Scarecrow. Dame Gwenyth responded with how Sir Ephrem’s opinion on her character is on his own accord, and that Squire Brawn was able to be saved without ending The Scarecrow. Sir Ephrem spoke of the Dame not answering his questions, to which Ser Robyn replied that the defence’s questions should regard what the witness previously saw, not implicating their character. The Dame then asked to be excused for a separate meeting, to which Her Majesty granted. Ser Robyn thus called forth his second witness, Segnor Victor Rorin. The prosecution asked segnor Rorin if he was a part of the debrief, and if the no-kill command was given to those in attendance. Furthermore, if segnor Rorin can recount anything else that happened to himself or otherwise new. Segnor Rorin confirmed that the no-kill order was given, yet said that he mainly saw Sir Ephrem and Dame Gwenyth combatting The Scarecrow while he was battling upon the hold’s walls. Unable to save the peasantry, segnor Rorin did however reach the scene of The Scarecrow combat, commenting on Sir Ephrem appearing battered from earlier fighting with avians. Segnor Rorin said he heard the “Insult me again, and you’ll be next” quote, yet he does not know who specifically said the remark. Ser Robyn rested his examination then. For the defence, Sir Ephrem began with apologising to segnor Rorin for attacking him, being in his closest proximity when under a cursed manner. He then asked segnor Rorin to confirm that there was the order to not kill The Scarecrow, and that The Scarecrow was alive when he approached after the fighting subsided. Segnor Rorin confirmed this, stating that The Scarecrow was made of hay, not typical anatomy. Segnor Rorin further said that those who were enthralled by The Scarecrow’s corruption were already too late for saving. He also said that he can’t confirm Sir Ephrem saving any folk, but segnor Rorin did see the Kervallen fighting nonetheless. Segnor Rorin believes Sir Ephrem acted with good intent at that. As Sir Ephrem concluded his examination and Her Majesty dismissed segnor Rorin, Ser Robyn called upon Segnora Hilda Brawn as his third witness. Segnora Brawn’s testimony was provided in a great recount before the court. She spoke that the peasantry could be saved if they were knocked unconscious and the hay within their mouths were removed. The squire said that this note was said in both the debrief and siege onto the hold, although the precise amount is unknown. While Squire Brawn was constrained by a brute, she spoke that the brute could have been incapacitated instead of struck down, as it was already constrained in her own chains. She did however say that she saw Sir Ephrem attempt to kill The Scarecrow. Squire Brawn says she knows of killing blows, being trained in combat starting at the age of five, and thus sees his halving slice as such. She says that if The Scarecrow did not evade said attack, the fiend would not be within our Balianite dungeons. Segnora Brawn also confirmed of additional attacks being launched at The Scarecrow as Dame Gwenyth carried the fiend out of the hold. The squire also spoke that while Sir Ephrem says he wishes to save her, she had to pry herself free of the brute’s chains after the Dame and himself loosened them for her. Concluding Brawn’s testimony, she noted the duel’s affected individual, Dhen, as she was in the clinic. Squire Brawn finds it hard for one to not think the duel would take place on Balian soil as Sir Ephrem serves as a Knight of the Realm under Balian. The prosecution found no want to question Segnora Brawn, while the defendant held questions. The defense asked of Brawn’s association with Dame Gwenyth, and if Brawn is a part of the Magisterium. Her Majesty confirmed that Brawn only affiliates with the Regiment, and that she simply works alongside the Dame on occasion. Sir Ephrem asked if Dame Gwenyth was Segnora Brawn’s direct superior, to which she said she believes it is Ser Artemis instead. Sir Ephrem then asked if the squire was near his fighting, as she was chained by The Scarecrow and the brute was attempting to chop at her neck. Segnora Brawn confirmed this notion, stating that The Scarecrow was behind her and within her peripherals. Sir Ephrem noted that peripheral vision does not work behind an individual, asking how the squire saw this strike through these circumstances and while she was wearing her helmet, noting how convenient this would be on the Dame’s behalf. Brawn replied with how Sir Ephrem was not behind her, instead to the left where she turned her head to see his swing. Sir Ephrem questioned why the squire would look to him in the situation she was in, asking for a yes or no answer as he had more questions. Segnora Brawn said that the chains were around her chest, not her neck, enabling her to move her head. She also spoke of her being a soldier involved knowing how to divide her focus onto multiple threats, further referencing how her helmet had a wide slit for vision, similar to a guardsman’s in attendance. Sir Ephrem said such is of convenience, then prompting if Segnora Brawn passed out during the conflict. Ser Robyn objected, stating that this was leading question, similarly to an instance prior with the Dame that he allowed to slide. Sir Ephrem said that he was asking simple questions, yet Her Majesty sustained the objection, stating that witnesses must speak freely. Squire Brawn then said she indeed passed out, yet she saw before then multiple strikes from the Kervallen that could end The Scarecrow’s life. Specifically referencing in this case the half-slicing strike. Sir Ephrem again recounted that his attack did not kill The Scarecrow, and as such, was assumed to be life-ending. The squire replied with a comparison; the fact that the Kervallen did not kill The Scarecrow does not mean that the strike was not intended to kill. She continued with an example, stating that if an individual stabbed someone at their heart and did not take their life, that does not mean the assailant did not intend on killing their victim then. Sir Ephrem then continued with the ‘duel to the death’ remark, asking Segnora Brawn if instead of the actual phrase ‘duel to the death’, she heard instead, per quote, “Find me tomorrow, monster.” Yet, an interruption broke out from an individual (later confirmed to be Dhen) stating that Sir Ephrem would, per quote, “Rid [Dhen’s] body back to the hell [he] came from.” A ruckus broke out in the court, where Sir Ephrem said he spoke no such thing while Segnora Brawn confirmed such, suggesting this as the premise of Sir Ephrem’s death threat. When Sir Ephrem asked if this call of the duel to the death, and alongside the “Find me tomorrow, monster” remark, was before or after the hold battle, Squire Brawn said she heard this as they were collected at the main square, potentially after the conflict. The squire asked if she could inquire her own query as the defence rested, yet Her Majesty denied this notion. The final witness the prosecution called for was Segnora Lavanya Aruna, with Sir Ephrem immediately protesting - and then told to properly object. Segnora Aruna spoke of how she has testimony of both the combat and duel allegations, Her Majesty granting the woman to speak as the defence’s objection does not follow the court’s legalese. Thus, Ser Robyn began his prosecution’s question. Ser Robyn asked where the Aruna was during the conflict, also reminding the court that breaking their truth oath would result in treason. With another inciting comment from Sir Ephrem, Her Majesty once more told the defendant to reign himself, one more remark leading him to contempt in court. Segnora Aruna then said that she was atop the keep’s walls during the battle. When asked of what she witnessed, Segnora Aruna spoke of nothing perceivable regarding the defendant himself. However, she did hear of the interaction between the Dame and a man’s voice, to which she now recognizes as the Kervallen’s. When previously yelled at by the Dame from attacking at a distance, she presumed then that Dame Gwenyth’s additional shouts were directed towards her, not at Sir Ephrem. Segnora Aruna added further that she was knocked unconscious during the battle, reawakening in the aftermath of the Kervallen’s curse. As the group returned to Balian, she witnessed Sir Ephrem challenging Dhen to a duel to the death, remarking upon his suspicions of him being a darkspawn. This confused Lavanya as she said that she herself, alongside other compatriots, witnessed Dhen undergoing an aurum test to confirm his nature. Segnora Aruna even added that Sir Kervallen spoke of Dhen as an “alchemical being”, nothing for him to be concerned of as he was not of darkspawn. Segnora Aruna concluded her testimony with how Dhen serves under his highness Alexandros and his Order, as to not be considered a stranger amidst Balian. Ser Robyn rested the prosecution then. Sir Ephrem then began his cross-examination with asking Segnora Aruna about a fiery arrow she shot at towards The Scarecrow, which missed and ignited a tree. Moreover, the defendant inquired that even with her attempt to kill The Scarecrow, did the Dame not call her, per quote, “a ... idiot.” Ser Robyn objected on the grounds of leading question and irrelevancy, stating that the Dame may bring charges against Lothar’s Chosen or other individuals based on herself and the Crown. Segnora Aruna did confirm then Sir Ephrem’s queries, stating she is not accustomed to combat, yet this was objected by Ser Robyn and sustained by Her Majesty, as Segnora Aruna being insulted has no significance to the court trial. Sir Ephrem then asked Segnora Aruna if she witnessed a masked paladin named Cerrick casting a spell upon him to quell his curse and return calm to him, leading into a faint. Ser Robyn objected once more, stating that the defendant must ask what occurred during these instances, not for the Aruna to confirm specific events, to which Her Majesty sustained. Segnora Aruna did however state that she did not see such, as she was concussed and confused then. The defendant then asked if Segnora Aruna witnessed Dhen attempting to kill him as he laid on the floor, and that Dhen would put his head onto a spike and body onto a plate while Sir Rorin consoled Dhen to not do such. Ser Robyn made an objection for this statement’s relevancy, yet Her Majesty overruled. Sir Ephrem added that this statement was relevant as the prosecution claims that the defendant drew a duel to the death onto an individual, whereas the reverse may have occurred. Segnora Aruna then said she can not attest to such being concussed and confused, specifying that she only regained her senses once led away by segnor Rorin to be healed and as Sir Ephrem was already upon the ground. At that, the prosecution concluded its call for witnesses, prompting Sir Ephrem to call the paladin Cerrick as the defence’s first witness. Sir Ephrem asked segnor Cerrick where the paladin was during the conflict. Segnor Cerrick spoke of launching fiery arrows while on horseback, combating brutes alongside a Bolvar of Joma and then approaching the walls to aid those trapped underneath them. Inquired for more details by Sir Ephrem, segnor Cerrick spoke of grabbing segnora Aruna as she leapt from the wall, falling unconscious and thus led to the paladin bringing the woman behind those battling The Scarecrow to heal her. Segnor Cerrick also confirmed him witnessing Sir Ephrem and the other combatants combat with The Scarecrow. Sir Ephrem then asked if segnor Cerrick arrived before or after he faced injuries from previous birds, resulting in his gouged eye. Segnor Cerrick spoke of witnessing these avians attacking the Kervallen while he was tending to segnora Aruna’s head injury, rushing over to the battle shortly after. Sir Ephrem then asked if the paladin could describe what happens to templars when sustaining growing damage to themselves, specifically those severely hurt while protecting Squire Brawn. Segnor Cerrick noted this explanation of multiple or a grievous injury as a turning point of bloodlust, similar to an Olog’s, to which he has previously witnessed before during his Order servitude. Sir Ephrem inquired how segnor Cerrick quelled his madness. The paladin spoke of a spell named Lion’s Heart, a variation of Lion’s Roar, that soothes the emotions of those about the caster. Segnor Cerrick remarked that Sir Ephrem was freed of his bloodlust then, apologising thereafter. The defendant inquired next of Dhen’s acts, asking if he would attempt to kill him were it not for segnor Rorin’s interception. Segnor Cerrick noted that Dhen attempted to engage further, suggesting some form of action, yet was convinced not to by Segnor Rorin. Sir Ephrem asked segnor Cerrick to confirm that if not stopped, Dhen would have killed Sir Ephrem in the first place. While segnor Cerrick stated that he can not speak to Dhen’s state of mind, he does see bodily injury as a potential that would have occurred at the least. The defence rested then. Ser Robyn asked segnor Cerrick if Sir Ephrem insulted Dame Gwenyth before or after his bloodlust initiated, and if a Templar under such bloodlust is able to make these levels of remarks rather than a pure blindness. Segnor Cerrick does not know of the Dame, yet did hear uncharacteristic remarks from the defendant. The paladin continued by saying that Templars can be known for temper during combat, especially against worthy foes. This then results in brash remarks, serving as fuel for their bloodlust, as confirmed by segnor Cerrick. Ser Robyn rested his questioning then. The defence then called for his second witness, Don Achillius Aurelian d’Arkent. However, during Don d’Arkent’s oath pledge, Sir Ephrem asked for Dhen to stay within the courthall. Her Majesty stated that individuals are free to move as they please. Sir Ephrem then said that this is of importance and that Dhen would be later brought forth afterwards, to which Her Majesty said she would not control whether a witness stays or leaves. With Sir Ephrem commenting that Dhen was confirmed to have attempted to kill him by a paladin and is not a witness, Her Majesty said such would then be a separate trial. Her Majesty continued with stating that Sir Ephrem could not trial an individual during an ongoing trial, yet Sir Ephrem said he is not trying to trial Dhen. Instead, Sir Ephrem spoke of wanting to confirm that Dhen did not just try to kill him, but that the Kingdom of Balian is protecting, per quote, “... a soulless creature that is nen part of GOD’s creation and that attempted to slaughter [him].” Sir Ehrem then asked for an aurum test to be performed on Dhen, to which Ser Robyn objected, stating that twice an aurum test was performed upon Dhen in public from segnora Aruna’s testimony. Her Majesty stated then that no witness is forced to take the stand and testify, adding that she witnessed Dhen being aurum tested twice, once by the Church and once by Lothar’s Keep. Sir Ephrem inquired of the aurum burning Dhen, to which segnora Aruna commented with her disagreement and Her Majesty saying such is far from the trial’s objective, once more imposing contempt onto the defendant. The defendant questioned the idea of fairness, saying that he is on trial for imposing a duel to the death onto Dhen, yet segnor Cerrick’s testimonial spoke of Dhen attempting to slay Sir Ephrem first. Her Majesty imposed once more for Sir Ephrem to conduct his defence appropriately. At that, Sir Ephrem asked Don d’Arkent who the man mainly combatted alongside while at Lothar’s Keep. Don d’Arkent responded that he fought primarily alongside Sir Ephrem. Sir Ephrem then asked Don d’Arkent that, while being besides the defendant, if he could confirm without doubt that he attempted to kill The Scarecrow as previous testimonies spoke of, instead keeping the fiend away from Squire Brawn. Don d’Arkent spoke of Sir Ephrem charging furiously against The Scarecrow, yet The Scarecrow was not slain by him. Don d’Arkent thought Sir Ephrem took appropriate measures with tackling a foe imposing danger against the Kingdom. Sir Ephrem then asked if Don d’Arkent heard Dame Gwenyth’s insults targeting Sir Ephrem’s actions of potentially killing The Scarecrow, then into answers of him going to kill her. However, Ser Robyn objected here, stating that the question is not regarding appropriate force, rather if there was an attempt to kill The Scarecrow when already instructed not to do so. Her Majesty sustained the objection, asking for the defendant to rephrase his question. Sir Ephrem restated his question to Don d’Arkent, asking if the man is one-hundred percent sure, being besides the defendant, that the blow was intended to kill, or if Don d’Arkent saw Sir Ephrem attacking The Scarecrow and then afterwards The Scarecrow was still alive. Ser Robyn raised an objection once again, based on leading questions and how sure Don d’Arkent holds little weight. The prosecution reiterated that knowing if the attack could have been a lethal attempt at slaying The Scarecrow to an observer was the objective in this instance. Her Majesty sustained, asking once more for the defendant to rephrase his question. Sir Ephrem said that his question is clear, whether Don d’Arkent is one-hundred percent sure that the attack was meant to kill and if that can be confirmed. Ser Robyn then reiterated the leading question premise, that the defendant can not ask for witnesses to confirm certain events as testimony, rather simply inquiring witnesses on what they saw or heard occurring. Sir Ephrem then asked Don d’Arkent, from his point of view, the defendant’s intention towards The Scarecrow while it attacked Segnora Brawn. Don d’Arkent spoke of Sir Ephrem attempting to save the squire’s life to the best of his ability, as she was chained and in a dangerous environment. Sir Ephrem then asked if Don d’Arkent heard Dame Gwenyth’s insults towards him, on attempting to kill The Scarecrow, and him answering with aiming to kill her afterwards. Don d’Arkent recalled the situation, brought about by the Dame’s initial comment. Don d’Arkent did not believe Sir Ephrem threatened her life, instead thinking the exchange went out of control. As Sir Ephrem asked how the fighting unfolded when his curse overtook him, Her Majesty announced two additional questions for Sir Ephrem. With Sir Ephrem complaining on such, Ser Robyn objected to how multiple events were already described from prior testimonies, and that questions are limited based on the court’s ruling guidelines. Her Majesty overruled Ser Robyn, stating that the defence may describe events with their witnesses as well. Don d’Arkent then described Sir Ephrem’s and Dame Gwenyth conflicting words, yet they were not clear to him. Don d’Arkent then described seeing Sir Ephrem and the Dame securing The Scarecrow. Moving to focus on combat along the walls and flank, Don d’Arkent was knocked unconscious by a flung rock to his head, awakening to Sir Ephrem regaining clarity from his bloodlust. Sir Ephrem then asked Don d’Arkent about the discussions with those around his recollection, to which Don d’Arkent simply stated how individuals felt upset per the curse, unclear as well to the witness. Sir Ephrem concluded his final question by asking Don d’Arkent about the duel to the death context with Dhen. Don d’Arkent responded with how Dhen was upset with Sir Ephrem regarding the fighting, recalling that Dhen was aiming strikes that would be severe to the defendant’s spine, once more stating he was not paying clear attention to this situation. Sir Ephrem rested his defence then. At that, Ser Robyn spoke of no questioning from the prosecution. Upon her Majesty asking for any more witnesses from the defence, Sir Ephrem expressed no more. Yet, Sir Ephrem said that if necessary, a Templar can confirm that one can not control themselves with the curse of the deceiver upon them. Her Majesty did not need such, and closing statements were thus made. The prosecution’s closing statement spoke of how evidence directed towards Dame Gwenyth’s and Sir Ephrem’s altercations during the Battle at St. Lothar’s Hold, and that an intent to kill was perceivable by witnesses brought forth. Alongside this was the Kervallen’s aggressive conduct in both court and previous instances, capable of such insults and remarks without being afflicted by a curse. The evidence is valid to the prosecution, pointing to an issue taking place regardless of his rage eventually taking hold of him. Furthermore, the defendant’s negative attitude towards Dhen regarding titles of 'monster' and 'creature' serves as support towards this aggressive nature, as Dhen had been previously aurum tested and confirmed not to be darkspawn by Her Majesty’s own witness. The prosecution ultimately called for Sir Ephrem to be stripped of his Knighthood and Balian citizenship. The defence’s closing statement noted how the defendant did not break no-kill orders for The Scarecrow, saying that the defence’s witness directly saw his intention of saving Squire Brawn instead of slaying The Scarecrow. This is compared to the prosecution’s forward- and backwards-flanking witnesses. Furthermore, the death threat notion was not directed towards Dame Gwenyth as such was not said upon her initial insult, ignoring a means for apologising and instead defacing the defendant during court. The defendant did not make an intention to strike at the Dame as well, as such never crossed his mind considering his honour and duties as a Knight. Regarding the duel to the death notion, the defence once more stated how Dhen initiated aggression against Sir Ephrem. The defendant speaks of how no individual is able to speak on him proposing a duel to the death before the instance occurred at the main square, such being lies and fallacies. The defendant also emphasised then that Dhen is bespoken as a 'creature' as, per quote, “it has nen soul, it’s nen born from GOD and thus unable to pass an aurum test.” Once more, an objection conflict arises between Her Majesty, Ser Robyn, and Sir Ephrem, regarding how Dhen previously succeeded in passing an aurum test. A defamation charge was threatened towards Sir Ephrem by Her Majesty for suggesting her lying amidst the aurum discussion. Her Majesty stated that the Church has confirmed Dhen to be of no darkspawn, and such accusations without proof are fined for one hundred (100) mina. In conclusion, Her Majesty claimed that a collection of charges against the defendant are circumstantial, primarily based on personal perception and interpretation. Yet, she spoke of Sir Ephrem’s conduct as having shown aggressive nature outside of the curse’s control. Her Majesty spared Sir Ephrem execution, yet has banished Sir Ephrem for twenty (20) years and has stripped him of his Knighthood. However, turbulent conflict ensued after the court was dismissed by Her Majesty. Sir Ephrem and his convoy, Sir Philip The Righteous and Ser Ailred of Druzstra, argued with Her Majesty, Ser Robyn, and other Balian officials and citizenry over the trial’s progression. Such arguments escalated swiftly, and as such, Her Majesty imposed official judgement as followed: Banishment Eternally Upon Pain of Death for Treason Sir Ephrem Kervallen Ser Ailred of Druzstra Signed, Her Grace, Dame Gwenyth ‘The Unyielding’ Callista Vilac Vuiller, Duchess-Consort of Aquilae, Lady Sentinel of The Royal Sentinels, Royal Magister of The Royal Balianese Duana, Cavalier of The Order of Saint Michael His Lordship, Alaric Diocles var Ruthern, Consul of the Balianese Magisterium