Welcome to Cove

In a somewhat unsurprising but nevertheless interesting turn of events, the Covian Army's operations against the neighboring town of New Hope came to an official close today as the authorities of New Hope arrived at Fort Richter with the two fugitives in tow, having finally bowed before the superior might of Cove's unrelenting quest for justice. Having gathered a small crowd, but with the Steward of Cove conspicuously absent, Commander Torrak Keres presided over the trial, delivering the charges in a tone that would drive home to any man the gravity of the crimes of which they were accused.

The charge was as follows;
"Keitaro Kazami and Marcus Tel'var, formerly of the First 'Baron's Own' Grenadier Regiment in service to the Baron of Cove, Lord Octiovus von Richter, and his family, you stand accused of violating the oaths of loyalty sworn to that family and to the people of Cove. Of forsaking your duties and encouraging others to bear arms against Cove that you might escape punishment for your crimes."

With such a damning opening statement by the Judge-and-Prosecutor, it came as a great shock to some that both of the defendants plead Not Guilty, making a series of bizarre and outlandish claims such as that they abandoned the Army and the People of Cove because the Baron is, as they put it, 'gone'. What exactly they meant by this is uncertain, but what is clear is that the 'jury' was unconvinced. As such, they made the further - and equally ridiculous - claim that another member of the esteemed Grenadiers had made threats against their family! Doubtful, to say the least.

Citing bias, the Commander left the verdict to a vote by the citizens of Cove present; those endangered by the accused's desertion of their duties. The vote was almost unanimously in favor of a verdict of GUILTY. The Commander the proceeded to the sentencing, which went as follows;

1. Thirty lashes total, to be divided between the two convicts as they saw fit.
2. Branding as Traitors in the form of a large "T" on each of their left shoulder blades.
3. Banishment for life from the realms of Cove and her allies, punishable by death.

There you have it, good people of Cove! Our noble and fair Council has once more brought justice and truth to an otherwise uncivilized and brutal world. Here's assuring you all that the Gazette is still operational (just horribly undestaffed), and wishing you all safety and prosperity in these troubled times.

*Signed elaborately*

Lucius I. Edwards, Acting Editor
  The Covetowne Gazette