Under the dukes are the barons, originally appointed because the lands conquered were too vast to manage without help. These positions are not technically hereditary; dukes or prosecutor barons can appoint or dismiss them at will. In practice, though, this hardly ever happens. Over the centuries many baronial families have grown to be almost as large and influential as ducal ones. Only extreme treachery or incompetence can cause a baron’s removal at the present time.
When a baron is appointed, he adopts a name or title. Barons from newly elevated families will often take the name of the chief town or city they represent such as Eburg; those from established families tend to keep their name such as Baron Fenchard Aarlen of Haslan Falls. Others will go so far as to rename their capital after the family name. There are numerous examples of this in the east – Felmere, Vinoyen, etc.
To administer the smaller towns and villages under their control barons appoint magistrates who command the local guard, dispense justice and see to all those issues not deemed important enough for the baron’s ears. These positions are not hereditary, though nepotism is frequently practised in this instance. It is common practice, if a magistrate dies, for his replacement to be named before the approval of the baron is sought, so unlikely is it that he will object to the choice. In fact, these days it is often taken for granted that the next in line to the position would be a suitable heir of the current incumbent, baronial interference being so rare. The situation of Sir Varen being offered and accepting the position on the death of his father is therefore a common occurrence throughout the country.
Table of Contents
About the author
Title page
Copyright page
Dedication page
Contents
Book One: Autumn
Book Two: Winter
Book Three: Spring
Epilogue
Appendix I: A Brief Chronology
Appendix II: A Note on the Artoran Church
Appendix III: A Note on the Tanarese Nobility
The Forgotten War Page 150
