Changing Of The Guard

[Aetosion 2062]

A letter arrives at the private residence of Harold Winter II, clutched in the claws of a regal Aquila with a fading of grey feathers crowning its head, and piercing golden eyes staring at the man who picks up and opens the letter.

 

 

Harold,

 

It was in your absence that I created the Kingdom of Herendul, ruled as king for a decade and as archduke for a decade more.

 

But now you have returned. Between the two of us, you have always been the better leader. I never quite understood how to win the hearts of the common man, but this art has never escaped your grasp. I do not relent of my service to the house or the empire, but my duties more than ever mandate that I spend more time on the imperial palace than in our keep. It makes little sense for me to call myself the patriarch of the family if I rarely get to see my kin nor holdings. It is with great pride that I relinquish my claim to you, my elder brother, for this is right and just, and you will rule wisely and with strong mind and body.

 

Good luck, brother and friend, and Ave Orenia,

 

-Edward

 

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A stamped declaration accompanies the letter, the archducal seal of Herendul glittering under the candlelight,

 

Issued and confirmed by his venerable grace, Archduke Edward Winter II of Herendul, Imperial Chamberlain to the Chivay dynasty of Oren, dynast of the Great House Winter, Lord Protector of the North, Former jurist primus of Oren, Former King of Herendul, Kingdom Knight to Oren, Former Lord Chancellor to the Carrion dynasty of Oren, Former Lord High Steward to the Horen dynasty of Oren, Former Lord General of the Royal Orenian Army, Former Royal Scribe to the Orenian privy, Former Baron of Frostlake, Former Count of Northal, Former Count of Skyed, Former Baron of Horenswood, grandson of Harold Winter I, grandson of the exalted St. Godfrey Horen, and "Rex Aquilonius"

 

I relinquish the holdings and associated titles of the Archduchy of Herendul, the Duchy of Winterlands, the Lord-Protectorate of the North, and the head-of-household of House Winter to my elder brother. I will retain the titular County of Northal, and establish myself as Chancellor of the Archduchy, so as best to continue my service to Herendul in an advisory position. I will rear my children as stalwart sons and daughters of the northern culture and upstanding imperial citizens. It is with these asseverations that I now leave my aforementioned holdings, titles, and legacies to Harold Winter II.

 

 

[Birdwhisperer 1174]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.