[Royal Guard] Unto Captain Lucius Von Stahl

[Tom Long]

Captain Von Stahl

Sir, I would like to first begin by stating my utmost  respect for my 
fellow officers Duraile and  Chasingfire. I have respect for the 
fellowship of the  Guard and of officers, and so have wrestled with the  
decision to send this letter. This is not to mislead  one as to its 
gravity. While I deem the topic  important, it is not quite as 
world-threatening as one might imagine in Drache.

The issue at hand, Captain, is the frequency of  Guardsmen found on-duty 
in taverns. I have heard a  number of reports and rumours before but 
chose not to act until the events of last night.

As the Blkdragon Inn is between the Wharf and my home  in West Drache, I 
stopped there for a beer, as is not  unusual. Off-duty, no badge.

Within I found not only Spell-Lt. Chasingfire, but also Spell-Lt. 
Duraile - both on-duty. Chasingfire  claimed to have just stopped in for 
coffee (a considerable break), but Duraile later explained he was there 
to watch out for our soon-to-be Arms-Commander Darkthorne, who was in 
the inn chatting with Spell-Sgt. Albesce who, I presume, was off-duty as 
myself.

Despite Duraile and Chasinfire's reasonable explanations, the 
coincidence and image is unacceptable. I realize the Dragon has a 
reputation, but recent years have dulled its true danger. Its demon 
population are all bark, no bite, and little criminal activity has 
emerged from within in the last few years to my knowledge.

What it is, is a popular watering hole. Both high caste and commoner are 
found frequently. Such an establishment, and such a crowd, are the wrong 
audience to witness on-duty Guardsmen drawing Crown coin cooling their 
heels. With all due respect, I have trouble enough with the citizens of 
my district trying to explain the delicacy of Commander Rikneuth's race 
without tarrying upon the use of Crown time and resources.

I know of no other tavern nor inn, even The Double Cross, which receives 
such special treatment. They have, after all, their own bouncers, and 
the Dragon itself is only blocks away from the Guardhouse. If this is 
not sufficient, a polite word to the King's innkeeper on hiring more 
staff seems more appropriate than city servants.

Of course I will acknowledge your decision on this  matter, Captain, but 
I recommend a memorandum to all  Guardsman that beer-halls are not 
acceptable parts of  their patrols - with no exceptions. Should they 
wish to remove their badges and drink as citizens, I have no fears 
little will be thought the worse of them.

If I have overstepped my place in this regard, please  let it be known 
and I shall take such a lesson to  heart.

I am, Sir, your loyal officer

Arms-Lieutenant Soon ul-Xeo Kadmos.