Fence Dispute (2/2)

Writers: Eimi, Paula
Date Posted: 1st February 2019

Characters: Corowal, Jihan, Denber, Kibbins
Description: Corowal is assisted by Jihan when settling a land dispute.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 9, day 3 of Turn 9

Corowal took the map, unrolled and inspected it. He even turned it upside down and sideways. The map was probably indeed the original one. Unfortunately
the ink had faded to point of being unreadable. The klah stains
didn't help. At least Corowal hoped they were klah. "I'm sorry, this
map is so old that I can't make it out. It might as well be a map of
Jade Harbour Hold. What did you do with it? Use it as dishrag?"
Corowal said with a shake of his head and Denber actually blushed at
his quip. Corowal handed the map to Jihan, maybe his younger, sharper
eyes could get something out of it.

"Who knows when that thing was made. It could be a fake for all we
know," Kibbins objected. "It doesn't even show our cots on it!"

Jihan, took the map but did not look at it. "Sir, if I may, I don't
think this map is necessary. I believe, sir, that the workshop that
they have been using as a boundary has been modified since their
families moved onto their allotments."

"Oh? Care to explain how you came to that conclusion?" Corowal asked.
He didn't know much about Jihan, his duties were such that they rarely
crossed paths.

"If you look at the building itself, sir, you will notice that there
is a distinct color change in the bricks of the eastern half of the
building to the western. This change begins at this line." Jihan
trotted across the road so he could more easily point out the line
where the color of the wall changed by several shades in the middle of
the wall. "This line is directly across from the fence that Holder
Denber built. The eastern bricks are actually more worn, which
probably means they were recycled from another building. This is also
reflected in the window sills where those of the western side have an
elaborate brick pattern while those on the eastern side are relatively
simple, and the panes of glass do not seem to be of the same quality.
If this improvement was made after the allotments were drawn, but not
within Holder Denber's memory, I would hazard a guess to say, sir,
that this was done around the time of the Plague or soon after, when
experienced crafters and materials were expensive. And it would also
explain why no one was paying close enough attention to redraw the
maps or amend the charters over one weaver shop. I believe, sir,
that Holder Denber has built his fence in the correct place, and that
if we went to the Hold to look at our tithe Records, it would support
his claim."

Corowal inspected the building. "You got a point, there's distinct
difference. So, the workshop was repaired and enlarged some turns
ago."

He looked if the cotholders had anything to add to that. Denber just
looked satisfied that events were turning out well for him.

Kibbins didn't look nearly so pleased at seemingly be proved wrong.
"If that is the opinion of our Lord Holder..."

"It's a fact, not an opinion," Corowal said firmly. "Denber's done
nothing wrong. And if the previous fence wasn't in this spot, then
your ancestors had been poaching his lands," his tone held a challenge
to Kibbins.

Denber just have a gratious bow. "Thank you, my Lord."

Kibbins' certainly took exception with the Lord Holder's condescending
tone, but he bit his tongue, only bowing slightly to show that he
understood that his case would not win out.

"My Lord," Jihan said in his usual quiet tone, "if it would please
you, may I perhaps see to it that a new charter is issued to each
Holder with a more current description of their allotment's
boundaries, and provide each with a more accurate map so that they
both have it for future reference in case questions arise in the
future?"

In Corowal's books, suggesting something was volunteering for it.
"Sound idea. Why don't you make drafts and deliver them to my office,
Jihan?" If the young man was as capable and reasonable as he seemed to
be, Corowal would probably just end up approving them.

Last updated on the February 26th 2019

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Fence Dispute (2/2)