A crowd of excited onlookers gathered outside as a small procession, including two representatives of the Auxientia Police Patrol (APP) and one Silas Stanley, made the transition from jail to courthouse. The crowd’s mood seemed gleeful, akin watchers at a sporting event, although no match was to take place later this week other than a match of wits by the appointed lawyers to determine the fate of Stanley
Dedicated readers of the Auxientia Observer will recall how Silas Stanley was once the famous vendor of many a lumenstone product. Specializing in lumenstone salves, the salesman’s products purported to cure all manner of ailments, promising “a more ‘lumenous‘ tomorrow than today.” The savvy customer would note some irregularity in the products Stanley offered, however this did not stop many for falling to his charisma, with several even joining in the ranks of “Stanley Consultants” to help in the peddling of these pretend products.
For indeed, that is what the salves were. After analysis by the Lumenstone Authenticity Comittee, including special investigation by the expert eyes of Luciole Ltd. and Bāhira, none of Silas Stanley’s products were determined to include a single iota of lumenstone. The reader shall be spared some of the truly more unseemly contents of the phony goods; however, for the curious, the full report may be viewed outside Town Hall.
At the annoucement of his pending arrest, Stanley fled, leading the APP on a wild chase through the city. Auxientia’s opinion had turned against the charlatan by this time and he could find no quiet place to stay. His location was given over to the authorities and he was swiftly arrested.
Public opinion against fraud continues to be sour, a fact noted by the defendant’s council, which could mean a tedious jury selection process. For his part, Stanley appears quiet and somber, a shadow of his former showman self.
Despite the defendant’s complaints against the difficulty of selecting a jury, the judge anticipates the trial to proceed at the end of the week. It is unknown whether charges will be pressed against Stanley’s consultant accomplices.
