Paris - 2nd October 1667

There was a low hum running around the courtroom, an air of expectancy, all there were hoping for something exciting to happen.

Pray silence for the honorable Sir Hugo Pux, Commisionner of Public Safety and public prosecutor, the voice of the court usher rang out load and clear. A hush fell over the room as Sir Hugo strode into the courtroom and took up his place behind the prosecutor's desk. A proud upstanding figure, with a look of determination in his eyes. All rise for his Honour, Count Charles Louis de Sapear, Minister of State and president of this court, a shuffling of chairs, and even some clicking of heels was heard.

In walked Count de Sapear, it was easy to see why they call him The Deadly Ghost but only behind his back. A medium height man, but of a sallow complexion, handsome, but pale and thin. That did not change the way he entered the courtroom, head held high, a man of extreme distinction, charisma radiating from him. He sat down and lifted his gavel, I say lifted because it took him two hands to do it, and he let it fall rather than banged it. There was nothing weak about his voice though.

You may now sit. He waited until everyone was settled. Bring in the accused, this is what we had been waiting for. The door to the holding cells opened, and M. Von Fersen was lead in, he blinked in the light. He looked pale from the lack of sun, but not at all mistreated, well nourished in fact. He sat in the dock. Prisoner, please rise and state your name, ordered Count de Sapear. Von Fersen rose, and in a clear, though tired voice spoke, Axel von Fersen, Kaptain 27th Musketeers, his german accent could be heard, as could the murmerings of the crowd.

Traitor, German Swine, I Ferdinand Au Juste spit on traitors and those who would treat them leniently. You are nothing but vermin and should you escape punishment, I shall demand satisfaction on behalf of La Belle France. Vive La France! Vive le Roi! A bas les traiteurs! The voice full of hate came from the back of the room, a man in well cut clothes, but obviously just arrived in Paris had risen and had managed to shout out those few words before being forcefully ejected from the visitors gallery. It looked obvious that a few of the men there seem to agree with him.

SILENCE! The voice cut through the babble like a knife, Silence or I will order the evacuation of the hall and this trial will continue behind closed doors. Count de Sapear had spoken, a silence fell. >Sir Hugo, will you please read out the act of accusation and present the evidence Sir Hugo rose, brought out a large sheaf of documents which were placed before Count de Sapear, who did not even glance at them, it was obvious that he had prior knowledge of them.

Captain Axel Von Fersen stand accused of blackmail against the person of the ex-Major of the Dragoon Guards Niel Sven, not his real name, to incite him to arrange for the forces under his command to not follow through on their attack and hence thwart our whole summer campaign. I present in evidence letters which the Major Sven received and letters in the handwriting of Capatin Von Fersen, as you can clearly see the handwriting is the same.

Yes, yes, I have examined the letters and there is indeed a certain resemblance, now will you present the witnesses for prosecution.

Sir Hugo blanched slightly and coughed, something was bothering him. Ah well, unfortunatly Major Sven is missing and there are no other witnesses for the prosecution, no one presented themselves. A gasp ran through the crowd, and Captain Von Fersen perked up slightly, it seemed that the case for the prosecution seemed rather weak. On the other hand, there are signed documents by the Major, certifying that these were indeed the letters he received, as well as documents by experts corroberating the handwriting.

Indeed, indeed, that there is, and rather impressive, stated the Count, Von Fersen's face fell, in the end if the Count felt he was guilty then there was nothing he could do.

Captain Von Fersen, you have heard the charges put against you, how do you plead and have you anything to say in your defence?

Von Fersen rose, and spoke, Der accusations against me are falsch. I am not guilty of der charges held against me. Just consider the following:

If I really vanted to betray France I would have remained aide to Count Georges Clattuc, a position from which I could have done much more damage to than just to make one battalion fall back during some battle.

I vould not have been so stupid as to publicly announce that I vould not fight against Germans, since that would naturally start rumours about treason and would undoubtedly put me under the scrutiny of the Commissioner of Public Safety.

I vould not have failed and I vould not have been discovered If I had vanted to betray France.

The last sentence caused a mumble to run through the crowd, a couple of men were heard to curse under their breath, Arrogant foreign chien.

Oblivious to this, Von Fersen continued. I am a man of honour, and I vould *never* blackmail a man. Finally, der accusations are falsch since I give you my word that they are falsch. Everyone must know by now that I am a man who *always* stand for what I believe, and I would not lie if I had been discovered.

As for the so called 'evidence' that the justice department has produced they appear to be just ein letter in my handwriting. This is a forgery or else it is just simply written by someone else. This is hard to prove, but I vill try to.

I write several letters each veek, zo if anyone vanted to get a sample of my handwriting it vould be easy. To forge it would not be very difficult. Anyone who has visited Prussia knows that ve always like to organize things. Ein excellent example is the schools and the private teachers. All children that learn to write must use exactly the same handwriting, namely ISO 8859-1. It is therefore impossible to distinguish the handwriting of one Prussian gentleman from another.

No, this is either just a terrible blunder by the justice department or a plot by some of my enemies. With this Von Fersen sat down, a smattering of clapping was heard, quickly silenced.

Yes, eloquent indeed Captain Von Fersen, I take note. Witnesses for the defence, do we have any witnesses for the defence? asked the Count.

Several in fact your Honour:

• BBG Juan Ferawl don Alferwan KM
  
• LtC Sir Robert de L'Aubergine KM
  
• Major Sir Napoleon de Leoncourt KM
  
• Capitain de Provence, DG
  
• Subaltern Enguerrand de Bretagne KM
  
• Subaltern Argenta de Pheasante 27M
  
• Sir Guy de Faixg, Guards Brigade Major
  
• Captain Lyrrad de Lioncourt, CG
  
• BBG Count Clattuc CPC

As the list of names was read out there were gasps when some were read out, indeed it was known that no love was lost between the accused and the Cardinal's Guard, and some of the most powerful men in France were stating their support for Von Fersen, indeed his face had brightened, while that of Sir Hugo seemed overshadowed.

Well then, I will call on four witnesses as is the privilege of the court, the others need not be heard, as I have written statements from them. I would also like to remind the court that anything that I might have said in the past is NOT to be taken into account, I am taking a neutral position. It would also be in the best interests that that matter be dropped, I hope that I am understood, n'est-ce pas? The voice was not loud, but it chilled you to the bone, here was a man with whom it would not be nice to be enemies.

Call BBG Juan Ferawl don Alferwan to the stand, the voice once again became business. The call was echoed by the usher. A man of considerably military bearing entered the room and stode across. Resplendant in his uniform of a BBG of the King's Musketeers, he glared at Sir Hugo and then turned to Count de Sapear. State your name and rank for the court, then give your deposition.

Brevet Brigadier Jeneral Juan Ferawl don Alferwan, King's Musketeers. I wish to make a representation to you on the behalf of M von Ferson, whom while headstrong and rash, has always struck me as one of the most honest and open men of Paris. That he is of lowly birth should not be held against him I feel. Certainly, it has proved no real impediment to the careers of many in Paris, notably myself and Captain Senior of your own regiment. I feel that Axel is innocent of the charges. Furthermore I wish to state that concerning Sir Hugo...

Yes, yes, I know, but that has nothing to do with the trial, if you have nothing more to say on Captain Von Fersen than thank you, you are dismissed, The Count had cut him off, yet seemed troubled by what the Brigadier General might have said. Don Alferwan clicked his heels, turned and strode out.

Next call Captain de Provence. A man in the uniform of the Captain of the Dragoon Guards came in, he saluted both the Count and Sir Hugo, I could detect a slight hesitation when he turned to the prosecutor, after all was he not his commanding officer?

Captain de Provence, Dragoon Guards. The charges are that the accused did attempt to blackmail an (ex-) Major of the Dragoon Guards (known as Niel Sven, though that is not his real name) in an attempt to damage the recent military campaign. The accused was supposed to have insisted that the officer order the battalion to fall back from combat against the enemy. While I do not for one moment think that any member of the Dragoon Guards, past or present, would be suceptible to such foul play, one thing must be noted.

To my knowledge, neither the Major concerned nor the regimental Commander that the CPS linked with the charges were in command at the Front this season. Soley the late Major d'Orleans, the ex-LtC,and myself have been in command at the Front from the DG, with no mention of any blackmail heard in these quarters. Indeed, our success on the battlefield precludes any possibility of less than whole-hearted fighting. Though the CPS is my respected senior officer, LtC Sir Hugo Pux, I feel it is my responsibility to see that the facts are heard in this grave matter.

In the public forum of discourse, Captain Von Fersen has always stood up for what he believed in, defended it to the hilt, and conducted himself in the manner of a man who wishes to advance his social standing in this world over his humble beginnings. This does not seem, to me, to be the manner of conduct of a man involved in subterfuge and sculduggery.

I myself would be greatly shocked if this man was guilty of blackmail. Hopefully, your great wisdom as France's Minister of State will allow yourself to see the truth in this matter, and guided by God, proclaim guilt or innocence accordingly. Please, consider all that has been put before you, but allow yourself only to use your better judgement, as this is a serious matter for all concerned.

Yours, in service of la France et le Roi.

At this the Capatin fell silent. Count de Sapear smiled, he seemed amused, but the look in his eyes made me shiver.

Well, well, well, Captain, an interesting speech indeed, and one which took great courage I am sure. The Count's eyes softened, maybe even admiration, I thank you for you testimony, you are dismissed. The Captain breathed a sigh of relief and exited.

I now wish to see Lyrrad de Lioncourt. A man in the uniform of the Cardinal's Guard entered, the name certain fitted him, he seemed to have a mane of golded hair, a lion of a man.

Captain Lyrrad de Lioncourt, Cardinal's Guard I recognize that by speaking on behalf of Axel von Fersen, I may actually cause him to get the rope. He grinned However, I must point out that I have never liked the little rodent. He is the epitome of evil, a vicious, deadly little snake more akin to an assassin than to a knight. From the day I first came to Paris, he has done nothing but insult the Cardinal's Guard -- and especially, my good friend and blood brother Sir Guy de Faixg. Nothing would please me more than to see von Fersen executed as a traitor. Unfortunately, even I cannont honestly believe him guilty of such a crime. In the time I have known him, he has proven to be one of the more forthright enemies I have made. He has always proven himself a gentleman who keeps his word and says exactly what he means. I can't imagine anyone less likely to stoop to blackmail or treason. So, for what it's worth, I say aquit the devil. Sooner or later, he'll end his miserable excuse for a life on the end of rapier anyway. He grinned again.

Certainly an interesting testimony Captain de Lioncourt, and need I remind you that the rapair of which you speak had better be that of an enemy soldier and not one of ours, duelling is forbidden by the Cardinal Richelieu's edict, remember? Dismissed De Sapear certainly had a way with words, de Lioncourt started, bowed and exited.

For our final witness, I call BBG Count Clattuc. A tall, thin man entered, even in his clean pressed uniform, he had more of a scholarly look about him, yet this was one of the formost military minds of France.

Brevet Brigadier General Count Clattuc, Crown Prince Cuirassiers Monsieur le president of the court, Although I have no firsthand knowledge of the particulars of this case I do find it hard to believe that M. von Fersen would behave dishonourably. In fact he served for several months as my aide, distinguishing himself several times in battle against the enemies of France. At the very least, sir, should you find him guilty I urge you to let him enter combat against the enemies of our king and judge him by the results. Surely a man who has shown such honour in the past should at least be granted that rather than a cowardly death par un short piece of hemp. Once he had finished, Count Clattuc glanced at Von Fersen and nodded. Von Fersen seemed slightly put out, it seemed to me that he might prefer the rope, rather than a year at the front.

Well M. le Comte, a glowing character reference, and one which I have certainly taken into account. I thank you for coming, and I will now retire to consider my verdict. With this the Count rose, slowly as if it was an effort for him.

All rise for his Honour, Count Charles Louis de Sapear, Minister of State and president of this court, we all rose, once again a couple of people clicked their heels. Then Von Fersen was lead out, it had been a long day after all.

The court is in recess and will reconvene tomorrow at the same time. I stood up and made my way to the exit, interesting indeed, I wonder what the verdict would be, it seem to me that Von Fersen has a strong case for aquittal, but then I do not have access to all the pieces of the dossier. I wondered just how damning was the evidence presented by the Commissioner, oh well we would find out tomorrow.

Paris - 3rd October 1667

The familiar voice of the Court Usher was heard again, Pray silence for the honorable Sir Hugo Pux, Commisionner of Public Safety and public prosecutor. In strode the Commisionner, looking quite refreshed and confident, did he know something that we did not?

All rise for his Honour, Count Charles Louis de Sapear, Minister of State and president of this court, the shuffling of chairs, and clicking of heels was heard. Count de Sapear walked in, he looked even more pale than usual, as if he had barely slept the last night, something seemed to be weighing on his mind, in his hand he carried a dossier and a black cap, murmurs began to go through the crowd. The Count sat down, he seemd to have all the weight of the world on his shoulders. Yet once he spoke, all doubt about his strength was banished.

The court is now in session, you may sit. Have the accused Axel Von Fersen brought in. The door to the holding cells was opened, and Axel Von Fersen shuffled in. This was not the same man that we had seen yesterday, he looked much older than his age, dark circles were to be seem under his eyes, if Count de Sapear had barely slept, Axel Von Fersen had not slept at all. He looked over towards the Count and then his eyes dropped to the black cap sitting on the desk in front of him, Von Fersen blanched even more and had to be helped into his seat. I told you 'e was fer the rope, a voice said behind me, be a pleasure to see that traitor dance a jig on the end of a piece of hemp.

Count de Sapear rose and look straight at Von Fersen, a deathly silence dropped over the courtroom. What Von Fersen saw in de Sapear's eyes I know not, but he suddenly seemed to regain his strength and sit up. I wondered if he had decided that it was better to face his fate as a true soldier, and not as a common peasant.

Captain Axel Von Fersen, you stand before us accused of the crimes of blackmail and treason. You pleaded not guilty and witnesses have been heard. Have you anything to be said before my verdict is known.

I have nothing to say your Honour, except that I have placed my fate in the on the justice of my adopted country and I am sure that France will see justice done, vive le Roy! A hiss echoed through the hall, How dare he! exclaimed someone over in the gallery. SILENCE! Counr de Sapear's voice came loud and clear, there was immediate silence, I could only admire the man for his control over the masses.

Captain Axel Von Fersen, after hearing the witnesses, and examining the documents presented before us it is the the opinion of the court that the charges of blackmail and treason brought against you are unfounded and thus they are dropped. At this point you could have heard a pin drop, Sir Hugo's face certainly did, an unsuccesful prosecution would mean his immediate dismissal. Von Fersen's face lit up with relief, he was to be a free man. The crowd started to move, ugly mumblings were heard, I heard a voice saying that they would be waiting outside the court with a rope, string him up anyway.

However, Count de Sapear's voice brought me back to reality, there is the matter of a certain document that was delivered into my hands not too long ago. This one bears your signature and your seal, and has been authenticated by all the experts. It concerns a confession of yours, indeed published so that all of Paris could see, concerning the matter of duelling. In it you state clearly that you have engaged in many illegal duels, now as I stated to Captain de Lioncourt yesterday, duelling was forbidden under an edict published by Cardinal Richelieu. You are lucky that you only guilty of duelling and that no death of an opponent is known of or confessed to or I would have no option but to apply the capital punishment, but I need not do this. There is also the fact that his Majesty's gamekeeper asked to see me last night and he clearly pointed you out as one of the protagonists in a duel in the Foret of Fontainbleau not too long ago. Indeed it seems that in this duel you were victorious.

I looked at Von Fersen, the beginnings of a grin could be seen on his face, the Count continued. The Gamekeeper was quite adamante that the blood you spilled caused an awful mess in the clearing were you fought, he had to dig out the bloody soil and replace it with new turf. I present in evidence the soil. At this point the door to the president's quarters opened and a rough looking man in moderate finery enterd, he was carrying a clump of soil on which could be seen a large brownish-red stain. In view of this, Captain Axel Von Fersen, I find you guilty of illegal duelling and despoiling his Majesty's forest. I therefore sentence you to 500 crowns fine and a week in the Bastille to mull it over. I also must warn you that there is no second chance concerning duelling, should you find yourself before me on the same chage, then there can be only one sentence.

At this Count de Sapear picked up his black cap, a shudder ran through the audience. Von Fersen showed a mixture of relief and concern, after all was he not known as one of France's formost duellists, it would be hard for him to keep such an order, but then not keeping it is one thing, getting caught is another. Capatin Von Fersen, in the future, I suggest that you think before you act so rashly, had you not had published this letter, then you would have left the court a free man. I suggest that you learn from your mistakes, and perhaps from others, after all you are not the first man to be involved in a duel are you? Count de Sapear had a wry grin on his face and laughter ran round the courtroom from the military men, seemed that they were privy to some joke not shared by us commonfolk.

Sir Hugo Pux looked relieved, after all had he not seen his position as Commisionner confirmed after this conviction, all be it through some interesting dealing by the Count. Axel Von Fersen looked relieved as well, as a matter of fact a general air of satisfaction surrounded every one, except a few men, who glared darkly at both Count de Sapear and Von Fersen, ah well there were always a few malcontents everywhere.

Count de Sapear, raised his gavel, one handed surprisingly enough, it seemed that he gained strength through these last few minutes proceedings. It came down with a sharp crack.

Case ended, gentlemen of the Guard, please escort Captain Von Fersen to the Bastille to begin his sentence, and ushers, you may clear the court. Count de Sapear rose, and the whole room rose with him and watched as he left, the trial was over.

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