Records of an Inquiry Into Unlawful Conduct in Angband Division C-134-B by kimikocha  

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Initial Acts

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[A parchment bearing the Grand Seal of the Lieutenant’s Office.]

In the city of Angband, on the thirty-seventh day of Ulubhân and the five-hundred and nineteenth year of the Jewels, Lord Mairon, Lieutenant of the Lord of All, having examined information received by himself and his Office against Assupilik, captain, division C-134-B, son of Madharkiš, of the clan of Gundešha, for the crimes of corruption, abuse of office, prostitution, and other offenses—

Orders that the said Assupilik be removed from his command and confined in holding cells; that his property be seized, and its relevant items arranged for his accusation; that the clan of Gundešha be furnished with notice that their kinsman is held, this notice to include the location where subsistence shall be provided for him; and that should the accused’s clan declare that he is dead in their sight, the accused shall be kept in the usual style determined by the governor of prisons.

In my presence—

Halkiran, Secretary, First Rank

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[A parchment bearing the Grand Seal of the Lieutenant’s Office.]

In the city of Angband, on the thirty-seventh day of Ulubhân and the five-hundred and nineteenth year of the Jewels, Lord Mairon, Lieutenant of the Lord of All, having examined information received by himself and his Office against Thuringwethil, herald, for the crimes of rape, corruption, attempted murder, and other offenses—

Orders that the the said Thuringwethil be provisionally stripped of rank and confined in the secret prison prepared for this inquiry, where folk of the late Prince’s Guard shall be assigned to keep watch; that her property be seized, and its relevant items be arranged for her accusation; that in her confinement she receive nothing from any hand, nor be spoken to by any person; and that if at any time during her confinement she or her attendants be seen walking free in these halls, that she not be approached and he, the Lord Lieutenant, be made immediately aware, regardless of the time or circumstance.

In my presence—

Halkiran, Secretary, First Rank

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[A parchment bearing the Grand Seal of the Lieutenant’s Office.]

In the city of Angband, on the thirty-seventh day of Ulubhân and the five-hundred and nineteenth year of the Jewels, Lord Mairon, Lieutenant of the Lord of All, hereby orders on his own authority:

That Nárelótë, seamstress, formerly of Gondolin, be removed from her assignment to division C-134-B and reassigned to division S-2, the secretarial division, as a secretary ninth rank, junior;

That the same Nárelótë remain in custody of infirmary CL-23 until such time as she is determined by its chief medical officer to have become fit for duty;

That until further notice, no changes may be made to the worker assignments for infirmary CL-23 without the express written approval of the Lieutenant’s Office;

That the remaining workers currently assigned to C-134-B be kept ready to testify at the Lieutenant’s pleasure;

That Surkimâghan, accountant second rank of division S-9, be maintained in secret at the Lieutenant’s expense until such time as sentences are pronounced or other resolution reached in the cases in which he is a witness;

That Maktušakhar, chief accounting officer of division S-9, be presented with the opportunity for the same secret maintenance; and that if accepted, his command shall be preserved until such time as he is able to resume his post.

In my presence—

Halkiran, Secretary, First Rank

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[A parchment bearing the Grand Seal of the Lieutenant’s Office.]

In the city of Angband, on the fiftieth day of Ulubhân and the five-hundred and nineteenth year of the Jewels, Lord Mairon, Lieutenant of the Lord of All, hereby orders on his own authority:

That a full accounting be made of the actions and inactions undertaken by those officials who have been in receipt of reports pertaining to unjust punishment, atypical punishment, prostitution, rape, and other offenses committed against individuals assigned to divisions C-134-B or CL-23, for the period of time beginning on the first day of Rûzhân and the five-hundred and fifteenth year of the Jewels through the present.

In my presence—

Halkiran, Secretary, First Rank

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[A small sheet, folded twice, bearing the seal of the enforcers for the division of internal matters.]

To the Lord Lieutenant, from Tornamukhaí, enforcement officer, second rank, internal matters.

I received the order of the Lord Lieutenant concerning Assupilik, captain of division C-134-B, at the evening bell of the thirty-seventh day of Ulubhân, and put it in execution the same night. With two officers of my division, I went to the quarters of the captains of section C-134 at the second bell after the evening meal. We found the said Assupilik at table with two other captains, dicing.

I asked him to stand apart from the others, which he did. I read him the order. He asked by whose word. I showed him the seal, and he looked at it a long while. Then he said that this would be the elf’s lies, and that he had always known she would bring the division to grief. He asked that word be sent to the Lady Thuringwethil. I told him I had no order to carry messages for him, and he did not ask again.

He went without restraint, and offered no resistance.

His quarters were sealed and searched in his presence, and the following found and taken in charge for the accusation: a flask of the wine of the south, half full; a ring of gold set with a garnet, in a box under the bed; two lengths of fine silk, blue, folded, in the same box; tallies for rations, seven, of division C-134-B, not issued to him. All other property is sealed in place.

The two captains at table with him were told that they had seen nothing, and were reminded of their oath.

Tornamukhaí, enforcement officer, second rank

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[A copied page from a bound register.]

Register of the holding cells, lower ward.

On the thirty-seventh day of Ulubhân, at the fourth bell of the night, received from Tornamukhaí, officer of arrest: Assupilik, son of Madharkiš, of the clan of Gundešha, lately captain of division C-134-B, by order of the Lord Lieutenant. Placed in cell nine. Allowed nothing contrary to the instructions of the governor of prisons.

Found upon his person: shirt and breeches; a coat of a captain’s cut, with the cord of rank, which was removed and set aside; boots, one pair; a belt with a knife, which was taken; a pendant of division C-134-B; a comb.

He asked when he might send for his clan. He was told that notice has been sent by the Lieutenant’s order. He asked nothing else.

Hokhešha, keeper of the lower ward

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[A sheet bearing the seal of the division of internal matters.]

Record of the execution of the order of the Lord Lieutenant concerning Thuringwethil, herald, made by me, Nênšelardi, recorder, internal matters, first rank, who was present at the Lieutenant’s direction for this purpose and no other.

On the thirty-seventh day of Ulubhân, at the third bell of the night, the Lord Lieutenant went to the chambers of the Lady Thuringwethil. With him were six wardens of the late Prince’s Guard and myself. The Lieutenant had told me beforehand what I might see, and directed me to write it as I saw it and not as I feared it. I have tried to do so.

Šalmiškallái, warden of the Prince’s Guard, knocked three times. The Lieutenant stood behind him and to one side, where anyone opening the door would see him. Before the door opened, the corridor turned cold, and there was a scent of witch-hazel.

The Lady opened the door herself. Behind her the room was full of figures. I could not count them, and the lamp did not touch them. Their teeth made the sound the witnesses describe. Then she saw the Lieutenant, and they were gone, as a lamp goes out. She did not look at the warden again.

The warden read the order aloud, in full. She heard it without speaking. When he had finished, she said to the Lieutenant, by his name and without his title: “Is this his word, or yours?”

The Lieutenant did not answer. The Lieutenant did not speak at any time during the arrest.

[Note — a line here has been burnt, such that a fine hole remains in the page. Nothing can be recovered. —E.]

She laughed once, not loudly. She held out her wrists to the warden. No restraint was put on her; it would not have served. She went between the wardens of her own accord and did not look back at her rooms. The Lieutenant followed at a distance of some ten paces, and I followed him.

We came to the place prepared. The Lieutenant went in alone with her and two of the wardens. I was not permitted to follow, and I did not see how the door was made fast. He came out after somewhat less than a bell. The wardens of the first watch took up their posts, and the Lieutenant gave them their orders in my hearing: she is to receive nothing, be spoken to by no one, and be reported to him at once if seen walking free.

The Lieutenant then returned to her chambers, where the inventory was taken in his presence. That inventory is entered separately.

Read over by the Lord Lieutenant, and approved, with the one line struck by his hand.

Nênšelardi, recorder, first rank

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[Copies of several ledger pages, ruled in columns, bound with cord.]

Inventory of the chambers of Thuringwethil, herald of the Lieutenant, made on the night of the thirty-seventh day of Ulubhân and the five-hundred and nineteenth year of the Jewels, by order of the Lord Lieutenant, he being present; the wardens of the late Prince’s Guard being present; the clerk Mîragniš, of stores, third rank, writing.

Items marked S are set aside for the accusation. Items unmarked are sealed in place.

The outer room.

1. Couch, long, of carved wood, heaped with cushions of silk and velvet, in all twenty-two. Unmarked.
2. Table, low, of black wood inlaid with silver, set for one: one plate of silver, one cup of crystal, one spoon of silver, one knife for fruit. The plate has been used. Unmarked.
3. Honey, in the comb and run, imported, in crocks, eleven crocks. Nine full. S
4. Figs, apricots, and dates, southern imports, dried, in jars, fourteen jars. S
5. Caribou and salmon, smoked, hung in the cold-press. A quantity. S
6. Wine, of the south, in skins and jars. A quantity. Unmarked.
7. Witch-hazel water, distilled, in stoppered jars of green glass, six jars, two of them half used. S
8. Ointment of witch-hazel in wax, strong-scented, in pots of white clay, four pots, one much used. S

The bedchamber.

9. Bed, of four posts, of dark wood carved with wings, very fine. Hung with curtains of silk damask, dark red. Made up with sheets of the finest lawn, a coverlet of silk damask, and pillows of eider down, nine. Unmarked; sealed in place.
10. Cords of silk, braided, dark red, four. Found tied, one to each of the four posts of the bed. Cut down by the clerk at the Lieutenant’s direction. S
11. Collar, of soft leather lined with silk, with a ring of silver. S
12. Lead, of braided silk, fastened to the ring of the said collar. S
13. Whip of many short tails, of soft leather, not of the regulation pattern. Too light, by the clerk’s judgment, to serve as an instrument of punishment. Its purpose is not known to the clerk. S, set aside by the Lieutenant’s own hand.
14. Cat, of the regulation pattern, nine tails. Cleaned, but not well. S
15. Gown, of dyed silk, blue, lined with lawn, finely made. Made to a measure smaller than the Lady’s in the bust and hip. S
16. Shifts, of lawn, six, made to the same measure as the said gown. S
17. Slippers, of silk, two pair, made to the same measure. S
18. Comb of ivory; brushes, three; pins for the hair, of silver, a quantity. Long dark hairs caught in the comb and brushes. S

The press in the bedchamber.

19. Press, of black wood, two doors, five shelves. Unmarked.
20. Sheets, of the finest lawn, folded, eight pair. Unmarked.
21. Pillow-cases, of the same, fourteen. Unmarked.
22. Towels, of linen, a quantity. Unmarked.
23. Gowns of the Lady’s own, of silk and velvet, black and dark red, five. Unmarked.
24. Sheet, of the same lawn as the bed, folded small and pushed to the back of the lowest shelf behind the said towels. Stiff with old blood through every fold. S

A chest at the foot of the bed, locked; opened at the Lieutenant’s direction.

25. Kerchiefs, of rough cloth, pieced from scraps of many colors and kinds. One hundred and sixty-three. Folded and laid in rows. S
26. Gown, of the fashion worn by the elves of Gondolin, of fine wool once blue, torn at the hem and one sleeve. Stiff with mud, soot, and ash. Never washed. S
27. Shoes, of an elvish fashion, one pair, worn through at both soles. Caked with the same. S
28. Veil or head-cloth, of fine white linen, of an elvish fashion, grey with ash. S
29. Locks of hair, each tied with a thread, in a small casket of silver. Seven. By the clerk’s judgment, from seven different heads, of several colors. S

A stand by the wall.

30. A cloak, or a hide, or a pair of wings, of very great size, of dark skin and hair, as of a bat. The clerk could not approach it. When any came within a pace of it, a sound came out of it like voices screaming. It was taken down by a warden of the Prince’s Guard, folded at the Lieutenant’s direction, and bagged in sacking. S, kept apart.

A box of small things on the table by the bed.

31. Brooch, of gold, worked as a pair of wings. Of very fine work. Marked on the back with the sign of the Eye. Taken up by the Lieutenant. Not entered for the accusation.
32. Rings, of gold and silver, nine; a necklace of garnets; earrings, three pair. Unmarked.

Note of the clerk

No quarters, bedding, rations, pendants, or possessions were found anywhere in these chambers for any attendant of the Lady. The clerk could find no place where the Lady’s attendants sleep, eat, or keep their things.

All the above was entered in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant, who read it over and approved it.

Mîragniš, clerk of stores, third rank

In my presence—

Halkiran, Secretary, First Rank

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[A small sheet bearing the seal of the division of internal matters.]

On the forty-ninth day of Ulubhân and the five-hundred and nineteenth year of the Jewels, in the infirmary CL-23, at the bedside of Nárelótë, secretary ninth rank, junior, lately seamstress of division C-134-B; present Ilûkhobh, investigator, third rank; Bakharma, chief medical officer of CL-23; and Nênšelardi, recorder, first rank.

The articles numbered 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, and 28 in the inventory of the chambers of Thuringwethil, lately herald, were shown to the said Nárelótë one by one, and she was asked whether she knew them.

She stated that she recognized them.

[Note — Remainder of the sheet badly crumpled and stuck together with some sticky substance — made an attempt to unstick and gave up for fear of damaging the records. —E.]

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[A parchment bearing the Grand Seal of the Lieutenant’s Office.]

In the city of Angband, on the fiftieth day of Ulubhân and the five-hundred and nineteenth year of the Jewels, Lord Mairon, Lieutenant of the Lord of All, orders on the authority bestowed on him by the Master of the Fates of Arda the following Instructions for the conduct of the present inquiry into matters concerning divisions C-134-B and CL-23.

Whereas the offenses alleged are grave, touching the honor of the Codes and the bodies of those who live under them;

And whereas one of those accused holds office by the Lieutenant’s own appointment, and was of his household;

And whereas such an event is without precedent and unanticipated in the Codes, the Lieutenant being the highest judge beneath the Lord of All, and there being no other to whom the matter may be given;

So that judgment in this inquiry may be just, and be seen to be just by all who live under the Codes, the Lieutenant orders:

I. That these Instructions shall govern the present inquiry and no other, and shall bind every person accused, called as witness, or appointed to office in it.

II. That three assessors shall be appointed by commission to sit with the Lieutenant throughout the inquiry. No assessor shall be a witness in it, nor of the clan of any person accused, nor hold any office by appointment of a person accused, nor owe any person accused a debt of life or service.

III. That the assessors shall attend the audiences, examine the record, and, with the Lieutenant’s leave, put questions to any person appearing. Before any sentence is pronounced, each assessor shall give an opinion, which shall be entered in the record in the assessor’s own words, whether the assessors agree or not.

IV. That the opinions of the assessors shall advise and shall not bind. No sentence shall be pronounced, nor any proceeding had, save by the Lieutenant, who alone shall judge.

V. That the assessors shall speak plainly, and shall say to the Lieutenant what they judge to be true, whether or not it is what he wishes to hear. No assessor shall suffer in rank, assignment, person, or clan for any opinion given in this inquiry.

VI. That each person accused, after the accusation has been presented and answered, shall be offered a choice between two advocates named by the Lieutenant’s Office. The advocate shall swear to defend the accused faithfully, so far as the Codes allow; to tell the accused plainly if the cause cannot be defended; and to keep secret all that passes. The advocate shall speak with the accused only in the presence of the recorder.

VII. That the elders of the clan of any person accused may ask to be heard once before sentence, and if they ask, they shall be heard, and their words entered in the record.

VIII. That those persons offended against, as well as the elders of their clans, may ask to be heard once before sentence, and if they ask, they shall be heard, and their words entered in the record.

IX. That the Lieutenant may admit observers to any audience. Observers shall be sworn to secrecy, and shall not speak unless asked.

X. That every audience shall be recorded in full by the secretary and the recorder appointed, and that the record shall be read over and attested at the close of each audience.

XI. That all persons appointed or admitted under these Instructions shall be sworn to secrecy, upon the same terms as witnesses.

In my presence—

Halkiran, Secretary, First Rank

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[A parchment bearing the Grand Seal of the Lieutenant’s Office.]

Lord Mairon, Lieutenant of the Lord of All, to Urukišha, lately Arbiter of the Clans, now elder of the clan of Zíšelardi, greeting.

The office of Arbiter of the Clans being at present held provisionally, pending the assent of the clans; and the Lieutenant reposing especial trust in your wisdom, your knowledge of the clans and their law, your long and faithful service, and your readiness to speak plainly before any person:

The Lieutenant by these presents appoints you assessor in the inquiry into matters concerning divisions C-134-B and CL-23, to sit with him throughout, according to the Instructions given on the fiftieth day of Ulubhân and the five-hundred and nineteenth year of the Jewels. He charges you to attend the audiences, to examine the record, to give your opinion before any sentence, and to say to him what you judge to be true.

Given in the city of Angband, on the fiftieth day of Ulubhân and the five-hundred and nineteenth year of the Jewels.

In my presence—

Halkiran, Secretary, First Rank

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[A parchment bearing the Grand Seal of the Lieutenant’s Office.]

Lord Mairon, Lieutenant of the Lord of All, to Šunilukkái, warden of the late Prince’s Guard, greeting.

The Lieutenant reposing especial trust in your courage, your steadfastness, your fidelity, and the fairness you have shown to those beneath you in rank:

The Lieutenant by these presents appoints you assessor in the inquiry into matters concerning divisions C-134-B and CL-23, to sit with him throughout, according to the Instructions given on the fiftieth day of Ulubhân and the five-hundred and nineteenth year of the Jewels. He charges you to attend the audiences, to examine the record, to give your opinion before any sentence, and to say to him what you judge to be true.

Given in the city of Angband, on the fiftieth day of Ulubhân and the five-hundred and nineteenth year of the Jewels.

In my presence—

Halkiran, Secretary, First Rank

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[A parchment bearing the Grand Seal of the Lieutenant’s Office.]

Lord Mairon, Lieutenant of the Lord of All, to Lakjašalli, Chief Investigator, internal matters, greeting.

The Lieutenant reposing especial trust in your learning in the Codes, your exactness, your integrity, and the counsel you have already given in this inquiry:

The Lieutenant by these presents appoints you assessor in the inquiry into matters concerning divisions C-134-B and CL-23, to sit with him throughout, according to the Instructions given on the fiftieth day of Ulubhân and the five-hundred and nineteenth year of the Jewels. He charges you to attend the audiences, to examine the record, to give your opinion before any sentence, and to say to him what you judge to be true.

Given in the city of Angband, on the fiftieth day of Ulubhân and the five-hundred and nineteenth year of the Jewels.

In my presence—

Halkiran, Secretary, First Rank