Bédenes/1st edition/3

RELIGION
The intense religious climate of Bedenes is intolerant of other churches and even of most other Agrikan orders. In 715, a mysterious fire at the Emesa Beast Fair killed the beasts purchased by the clerics of the Order of the Octagonal Pit. The acolyte they had left to watch the creatures was never found. Since then, the order has sent mercantylers. not priests, to the Fair.

Persons who openly profess other faiths can hope to be ignored at best, even by local guildsmen. The economy is weak and guildsmen who can ill afford to lose a sale can afford even less to be shunned by their pious neighbors.

BEDENES HOLDINGS
Bedenes is the order's primary holding and Meketa (high commander) Bron Zarnist, the constable, is obsessed with the operation of the keep and with the governance of the hundred. Bron has served Horab for years and is unquestioningly loyal to him.

The Akarata's Guard is funded by Apalankh (primate) Klyrdes Bisidril, who is also the Senesharil (grandmaster) of the clerical Order of Mamaka. The Guard is commanded by Meketa Halan Uelasen, who is loyal to the Senesharil. Membership in the guard is subject to the Senesharil's personal approval, which ensures that Akarata Horab is suspicious of them all.

Emesa, the hundred's market center, is held by a Telmen (commander) loyal to Bron Zarnist.

Hask is commanded by common-born Meketa Tolmey Wolkene, who owes everything he has to the Warriors. He is fiercely loyal to Horab. His common-birth appeal to the Laumak makes him an essential plank in any opposition to Halan's future elevation.

Penor is overseen by Meketa Alshain Risalsin, a cousin to Gerd Risalsin, the Baron of Thiri, and a friend of the Earl of Techen. He is close to Meketas Bron and Tolmey. Alshain was left in command at Bedenes during the expedition of 718.

Torkat is held by Meketa Bradas Sekal. He follows Alshain Risalsin out of fear, not respect.

Hengel, far to the south near Golotha, is controlled by Meketa Gereras Bisidril, a cousin of the Senesharil. Horab knows Gereras' first loyalty is not to the Warriors.

GOVERNMENT
While Bedenes is Akarata Horab's seat as Bailiff of the Hundred, the market town of Emesa remains the hundred's judicial and economic center. The Akarata used to travel there to dispense justice but now delegates this role to Meketa Bron Zamist.

As constable of Caer Bedenes. Meketa Bron is the titular governor of Bedenes village but leaves its management to Granek, the Akarata's most-trusted minion. Bron is much more concerned with overseeing the keep and governing Emesa Hundred.

Granek is a capable manager and holds extraordinary power, which he knows could vanish at any moment. He is fully aware that the Akarata's eventual death will see him bum on the same pyre. For now, Granek enjoys his authority at the expense of the villagers and considers his independent future.

Sir Ribar Porteh. Sheriff of Hohnam, rarely travels to Emesa Hundred, although duty requires his presence in spring and summer. At those times, he and his retinue are quartered at the Emesa Moot Hall, although they are clearly unwelcome.