Chapter twelve
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On the hand at the hall,
Every signatory legally assigned to work for the province was present. Lord Cunningham and Lord Preston sat beside Lord Salvador, each on his left and right. Xavier sat next to the them since he held a major title and the next Lord in waiting. Lord Salvador had the most superior title because of the his generational and sole impact on Saxton's affairs while the others looked up to him for whatsoever it was. The meeting had already begun.
"I can not bring myself to belief that such scandal could surface after a long time. What must have conspired?" Jim asked but everyone was silent.
"We demand an explanation for that!" Preston inquired
"Of course! Man of valour, can we hear you speak!" Cunningham asked as well
Xavier took it up without hesitation.
"My lords!" He slightly bowed his head before them, they acknowledged with a positive nod. "Saxton's goods have been taken and my men are yet to return more information about such thieves."
"That's not enough, you see!" The legal adviser pointed
"It may not but my men are yet to return!" Xavier said
Chatters from within the dignitaries stirred up.
"Why did you bring us here if you didn't have a reason or solution?" The chief in charge of borders asked (Leo)
"Which compels me to ask you specifically! If you're in charge of the borders between Saxton, Lesner and Goldstein respectively, what must have conspired? My men are not obligated to protect borders, they protect the citizens and its financial affairs. If they look out on the borders lines, may i still remind you that they are not obligated to such duty. Its a freewill and all in the interest of Saxton." Xavier stated outrightly
"Bu...But my soldiers were present and as well performing their duties." Leo defended
"If they are efficient just as you portray then why are our goods stolen?" Xavier asked, the little crowd murmured
"If i may, Sir!" Jason interrupted "I personally sent a letter to Lesner earlier and i received a positive response, who must have meddled along the line? If at all your soldiers were present to keep guard!"
"I want to believe that the woods were as well protected, wasn't it?" Xavier asked
"It was!" Leo said
"How on earth did the goods take a turn towards an unprotected area such as the woods...."
"The...."
"This same territory had been forbidden over the years, merchants or not are restricted from such a place, do you know why?" Xavier tilted his head forward "I ended it five years ago! I'd ask again, who must have conspired to take that turn?" Xavier asked
"I...I...I understand that I've made a mistake by building so much trust in my soldiers, I'd do everything to find the culprits."
"We should talk better after the meeting, we both carry out peculiar duties right?" Xavier suggested
"Of course, Sir Xavier!" Leo turned away
Every one was quiet, they had different speculations about the stolen goods yet they agreed to Xavier's suspicions.
"The man of valour is right, if the chief claims to have an effective protection over these territories that has been compromised which means there's a conspiracy." Preston said
"Very correct! We should hand over this task to someone more capable!" Cunningham added "Lord Jim?"
"The man of valour should handle this case instead!" Jim Said
"But this is a crime and the..." The legal adviser said
"Do you have a problem with my pronouncements?" Jim asked
"Of course not! Forgive me!" He said turning away. The legal adviser signalled Leo and Nathan who was sitting opposite. Xavier carefully observed their eye contacts which was unknown to them.
"We are dismissed, we shall meet after 72 hours unfailingly!" Jim instructed. Everyone stood erect as the three lords walked out with soldiers accompanying them. The hall was now scanty leaving behind the chief, Xavier and Jason.
He was about to ask a question then a soldier interrupted and demanded that they speak in private, they moved aside.
"Sir! A slave girl from your residence has been sent to see you!"
"I can't talk now..." He turned to leave
"It might be urgent!" The soldier said
The soldier brought in the girl, Ursula. He was shocked to see her, a sudden thicker frown rested on his face.
"What are you doing here?" His hoarse voice startled her
"Sir Xavier! Madam Marie sent me to give you this!" She showed him the letter
"Can it not wait? Did you have to interrupt even at work?" He scolded
"Forgive me! Madam Marie...."
"Go home, I'll see to it!" He said to her. "Take her home and not a scratch!" He motioned with his head instructing the soldier.
They left.
He returned to the men, he sat facing their unsure faces.
"That girl has got some nerves, a non Saxton cannot be seen around here, its an offense and you let her...." The legal adviser complained but Xavier continued regardless
"I have called you both for nothing else than to pass a warning. If by happenstance, i find out that you both are a major conspiracy in this then i wouldn't have
to explain what I'd do to you." Xavier icily said
"Sir Xavier! We have no clue about what you're talking about!" Leo said
"We? You could defend yourself and no one else!' Xavier rose up pacing back and forth slowly "I've figured out the thieves but as you all know, i don't let my
assumptions over rule, i sought for the flat truth. We all shall wait and after a few moments, we'd find out who's been sneaky all along!" He stopped, staring at them intensely while they flustered. "Once they are caught, i hope not to find you there! We cannot set up rules and you break them, Saxton didn't permit that either."
"If for any reason Sir Xavier, you think that i have trespassed, i ask that you forgive me. Im concerned over the treasures of this province and i'm hurt to know that there's some sort of conspiracy going on..." Leo said innocently
"Ye...Yes Sir Xavier, i am hurt as well. I had thought that we'd not have to go through another phase of dirty conspiracies..." The legal adviser added innocently as well, Xavier interrupted
"I do not have such time to listen to your sentiments, just as i have warned you, i have also warned everyone. Leo, go back to the borders and restrict every movement until we've cleared the mess. And you, Beckett, review the punishment for such offense, intensify it and send it to me soon and then my father and i shall decide whether or not to stamp on it or to intensify it better!" Xavier's dark eyes frightened them "Any more observations? No! Ok, I'll see you soon" He turned to leave, he turned back again "Inform the financial head that i want to see him!" He left finally