The Herald has received word that a Royal Writ of Summons has been drafted for the Baron Leon Vladmir Belrotte. A rarity, even during times of war, the Baron’s Writ is even more remarkable because it is being issued to a man who has never served in the Daelowsian Army, and who has only had a substantial presence amongst the nobility of Greater Daelows for a handful of months. For such a youthful minor noble to receive such an honor may be unprecedented in all of Daelowsian history.
The Writ elevates the Baron Belrotte to the Noble Rank of Count and confers all the associated privileges and responsibilities on the House Belrotte. Though it does not explicitly state which lands are to become Lord Belrotte’s Countship, it is expected that the some or all of the holdings of the Deposed Marquess D’Ergland may be included in the formation of the Belrotte County. The Baron, himself, has familial claim to a small rural Barony on the outskirts of the kingdom, however the lands are currently administered by the Viscount Tremway in settlement for outstanding debts of the family Belrotte.
The Writ cites extraordinary braveness and loyal service to the Krown in the administration of justice and the quelling of lawless elements within the Capitol. Our readers will recall a series of articles detailing the Baron’s exploits during his push to restore order to Greater Daelows. During his service as Deputy Comissioner of the People’s Guard, the Baron oversaw a major reduction in crime and personally led several operations to eliminate the organized criminal elements which had been expanding within Daelows. During this time, the Baron survived several assassination attempts, and it is likely this willingness to risk life and limb which won the House Belrotte his newly exalted position within the Daelowsian Gentry.
Our sources report that not all the Court is so taken with the Baron Belrotte as is the Royal House of Silverblade. Many allies of the House D’Ergland see the Belrotte Countship and assumption of the position of Comissioner of the People’s Guard as a outright usurpation of the proper position of the Marquess, however, the actions of the Marquess D’Ergland have made him a pariah within both the gentry and the common folk and there are few who will speak openly against the Baron Belrotte on the Marquess’ behalf. Still, rumors about possible criminal activities of the Baron Belrotte himself are said to be flying at court, even as he is welcomed into the upper echelons of the Capitol’s ranks of nobles. Despite the hearsay, no solid evidence has surfaced to implicate the Baron in his rumored misdeeds. A shortage of ranking Nobles willing or able to assume the hazardous position of People’s Guard High Comissioner may have influenced the King’s decision to issue the Writ of Summons.
