The Chronicle

of the month of Lorinfall in the year 145

Following overwhelming evidence from a wide variety of sources, Cllr Larken Drumm has been found guilty of banditry and is sentenced to be beheaded at noon on the 15th of Kryll. Both within and outside the packed courthouse, many people protested at the leniency of this sentence and a large crowd gathered on the steps demanding his immediate execution. However Lady Perignon, whilst clearly disgusted by Drumm's crimes, told the gathering, "I will not permit mob rule. As long as I am Lord of this City we do things according to the Law. Larken is a councillor and, however low he has now fallen, we must remember his previous services to the city. He may have forfeited the right to live, but he still has a right to die with dignity." The prisoner was returned to the cells under heavy guard to protect him from the mob.

The trial was a clear cut affair with much of the evidence having been presented at the earlier hearing. However, the weight of proof against Larken was swung by Karen Marsh of the Broiderers guild who testified that Larken had discussed her recent trade activities with her, shortly before the caravan they were discussing was attacked. Mark Sage, a guard on the caravan, also testified that one of the bandits bore a resemblance to Cllr Drumm and could easily have been him. In his summing up Pendentite Antonius put the case for the prosecution succinctly when he said, "All the evidence may be circumstantial, however these suspicious circumstances occur in what can only be described as a damning quantity". Lady Perignon, who is considered to have presided with great skill and fairness throughout the trial concurred with his view. Commenting on the trial Aralan Derwent told the Chronicle, "The Broiderers have suffered badly from the Bandit scourge. I am simply glad that the matter is over." Cllr Avery went further, "It’s bloody obvious he is as guilty as sin and should die for it," he proclaimed. A more formal approach was taken by Sheriff Dixon who had pressed hard for the death penalty throughout. Clearly pleased with the outcome. he told the admiring crowd, "My duty as Sheriff is to root out and destroy threats to this City, whoever and whatever they are".

Drumm did not languish quietly in prison to await his execution. A fiendish floating market-backed plot to effect his escape was foiled at the last minute by the intervention of the Witanmoot Guard. Three mercenaries were killed in the ensuing fight. The Chronicle has learnt that the information which led to the escape being blocked came from Cllr William Trueman. However Cllr Trueman has refused to reveal his sources saying only that, "An honest citizen approached me with the information, and I immediately passed it on to Sheriff Griffiths, who personally lead the guard to stop the escape. Larken must pay for his crime, I did only what anyone loyal to the city would have done."

A Civic Ball will take place next week to celebrate the formal establishment of an Embassy from the city state of Kerun. Ambassador Fernando Sidonia told our reporter, "Trade between our two great cities continues to grow and I am delighted that the Princess Selina has appointed me to the vital role of fostering this relationship." Lady Perignon will no doubt be almost as pleased as Milord Fernando and probably just as keen to see a close relationship built between the two great institutions. This year's harvest has surpassed all estimates and a large and a very successful Harvestide Festival was enjoyed by all. A delighted Alderman Downe told us, "This is marvellous, over the last few years the city has lurched from one food crisis to another. I really pleased to be able to guarantee the people of Linrodeth that there will be no shortages next year".

William Trueman and Alan Monterey are being accused of pulling a fast one by their fellow councillors after they nominated Maud Blessop and Eva Capel for the Kerun Trade delegate post. Sheriff Griffiths, who was presiding at the nearly empty council session (taking place at the same time as the trail) defended his action in accepting the nominations. Lady Perignon's decree was quite clear and I would be failing my role as Chairman if I had not processed the nominations correctly. To be honest I find it odd that supposedly more experienced Councillors were not ready to give in the nominations. It just shows how complacent the establishment has become."