Regarding Slander and Gossip

[Aegohl]

*A note is attached to the wall. The penmanship suggests a heavy hand.*

I write this today in regards to the gossip which so many have spread in Cadomyr about myself in the hopes it will deter the further spread of violence and further undermine those who yet still would aid the kidnapper Sarai. These lies were purposefully manufactured and those who chose to believe and spread them should examine their own hearts. Those who chose to spread them should examine their morality. It was lies and gossip that allowed Sarai to accomplish her kidnapping and the burden of guilt lies equally to all who furthered her cause with this action.

I have been accused of being a slaver. I am not. Though I find it peculiar that so many would hold enmity to me for this lie when slavery is not illegal and a slave market operates only some footsteps from Cadomyr. It is true that Finley Flamard of Albar is contractually obligated to serve me for a time by legal arrangement. She has signed in triplicate under no duress a contract of temporary indentured servitude in reparation for crimes committed. The alternative would have certainly been death. Servitude is by far a more humane punishment. While traveling the Albarian countryside I was offered the chance to buy up her contract from it's original issuer and I paid the negotiated fee. Before anyone gets up on their high horse, her servitude is not altogether different from that of anyone who works for another person. There is work and there is reward, and I take care of my worker. I make sure she is fed and has a roof over her head. I offer her invaluable training that would have otherwise only come at a fee. I am demanding. Any employer would be.

I have been accused of abusing Finley. I don't feel I even have to justify this by explaining myself. The accuser is a savage and a kidnapper who when caught attempted to assassinate the Queen.

I have been accused of being a bad person. That is a matter of opinion, but none of the gossip hounds know me. I am a decorated veteran of the Saelkamaerian Legion, discharged due to injury. I am not graceful nor am I pretty. If that is a sin in your eyes or the eyes of the gods, then I am guilty of that sin. But beauty and grace all fade with age. Be prepared when your time comes to be shunned like me.

The behavior that I've seen is unbecoming of Cadomyr, of Albarian peoples (though I fought on the opposite side, each opponent I faced was worthy of respect), and most of all unworthy of Her Majesty the Queen.

I'm not asking for pity nor apologies. I only want to be left alone. Let no more blood be shed over this.

LONO