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Long ago, the emperor traveled through Daleth to listen to the people who consulted him with their problems. It was on occasions like this that the emperor acted as the superior judge of Daleth. In fact, he moved the high court of law with him. The emperor held court at a variety of places. Often it was a room in a local castle where the count or duke would host the event. In smaller settlements the emperor demanded a room in a large farm, or a farm with a big shed. In the room he slept and worked, in the stables or in the shed the court was held. These rooms were to be used at any time the emperor demanded it. A few inspectors were send out each season to make sure the rooms were still there and in a condition that was requiered. The rooms were called the "Chambers of Law". The owners of the house got paid in order to maintain the chamber, and got extra money when a court was held. When the emperor had planned to held court in a certain place, a messenger was sent there so the arrival of the emperor could be prepared: a meal would be made, the bed too, the fire in the hearth would be lit, dust would be swept away, warm water for a bath would be boiled and so on. Many Chambers of Law had an imperial booklet with the complete script in it. When books of law became common and local judges used them well, and at the same time, travel became more comfortable, there was no longer a reason for the emperor to held court outside Ildritz. However, the laws and rules for the Chambers of Law still exist. In some conflicts, the emperor can decide to travel to the place of problems and judge there. But most of the time the Chambers of Law are empty. Because the messengers would show up at least a day before the emperor would arrive, some of the owners of the chambers decided to use the extra room for paying guests who could spend a vacation there. Of course, when the emperor would come, the guests had to move out of the room, but the emperor hardly ever visited the rooms, and the guests would have all imperial luxury in exchange for a possible short-time leave. A chamber of law had a minimum of requierd luxury. Many owners tried to please the emperor with extra luxury. The minimum contained:
Sometimes, a whole new house was built for the emperor. These had a garden, an own kitchen, a livingroom, a cupboard with expensive table-ware, a small library and so on. These houses are popular with the freshly married couples of noble birth who do not have a place of their own, because they live with their family in castles, palaces and mansions. During the honeymoon, they have a small palace of their own this way. Reservations must be made when one wants to spend the night in a Chamber of Law. Most owners do not accept uninvited visitors who are only looking for the nearest place to spend the night. The prices are also a bit too high for a normal traveler, starting with 10 Skilligs a night per person (this includes meals and room-service). |