Internal Investigation: Asher Swiftfoot
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Asher,
Congratulations on your recent showing at trial.
You will be aware, however, that the result was not without blemish. The Crown Guard have been forced to defend your credibility on more than one occasion and I would like to satisfy any lingering doubt.
Accusations have been levelled at your moral character and willingness to use whatever authority is bestowed upon you for selfish and illicit ends.
Claims revolve around your association with Finwick, a Halfling criminal.
To advance this audit, you have two actions:
- You are to provide a statement in response to accusations levelled. To be issued here, in this case file. You are not to speak of this investigation outside of the Crown Guard until such a time that it is closed.
- You are to bring Finwick in for questioning. Interrogation of the Halfling will be done by an independent member of the Crown Guard. You have until weeks end to bring him into our cells, failure to do so will escalate this internal investigation.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sir Everduke.
@ARampantBull -
Sir,
Thank you for your congratulations, I shall pin that part of this letter to my wall. My mother would have been proud, were she alive.
Regarding the more pressing part of your letter, I feel I cannot respond to the accusations about my character without insulting my betters. This is an action I will not stoop to, preferring instead to let my actions speak for me. I would hope that uncovering a traitor and spy would give me some credit within this fine establishment.
I would also like to mention that I have not used this to better my own position externally, instead allowing full credit for this to fall upon ourselves as an organisation. This is even more important in the face of commentary from the Skulls post-trial; any evidence that we are an effective policing organisation should be quietly gathered to rebuff their likely complaint to the Regent should they prove themselves loyal in the war. I reference my file on Adrian Iverlesk, quote:
Skull Dall, in fact, said that he would quote ”crush the crown guard and instil real law when the war ends” end quote. It would be remiss of me not to mention this to you.
Unquote.
I will continue to act in the best interest of this organisation, the people, and the law in the face of slanderous accusations from all quarters. As is my duty since donning the colours. I hope this response will not negatively influence your, or the Crown Guard’s, thought on me.
Regarding the second point, my association with young Fin. This is merely a business arrangement. He is a street urchin and petty criminal (minor thefts, occasional threatening behaviour, nothing of serious import).
I have been known to pay him (out of my own wages) for information regarding more important happenings in the less salubrious parts of this city. Furthermore I have looked the other way when hearing of some petty crimes which he may be implicated in, in order to retain trust and keep my source alive. I am actively using this clemency to ensure he does not stray too far from the straight and narrow.
It is through this business arrangement that I learnt about a plot to do harm or even assassinate Lady Rosa. Because this plot involved my betters, I did nothing more than to inform her loyal companions (again, via Finwick) who have given me their word they will ensure Lady Rosa remains unhurt.
There are other, less important, crimes which Fin has informed me of (robberies of commoners, theft from stores, etc) which I have dealt with in accordance with my role and not seen fit to brag about internally.
It is for this reason that I would implore you to allow Fin to continue his wretched life on the streets as an asset for the Crown Guard fostered by myself. If he is to be brought in, I would ask that it be into a less confrontational setting than the cells. I will happily ask him to present himself to Master Rauf or any other member of the Crown Guard of your choosing. As you mention, this should be handled independently of my involvement and so I will offer to take an unpaid leave of absence whilst Fin is questioned.
I look forward to your orders.
Asher
