A Letter To The King

[Jarek2 2]

A nameless sergeant of an independent Barony's guard force sits in the cold room. He'd always wondered why the mesa was so hot in the day, yet so cold in the night. He dipped his quill again in the ink, the cold air rushing through the window. He shivered, and reached for his bearskin coat. He draped it over himself, continuing writing. He stamped a crest at the bottom, and slid a now complete letter into an envelope. His comrades had signed the document earlier, and he'd hoped the terms written would impress them. He'd call a rider to take it to Oren by morning. He collapsed into his bed, staring at the cieling and wondering whether this'd make a difference.

His Majesty, King Andrik Vydra of Oren,

"Greetings. I write to you to speak for all the humans of Athera. Recently, several faults in this new, reformed kingdom state leaders have formed and given to you have been brought to my attention. I wish to point these out."

"The first one, is rulership without representation. I have seen on many maps and documents that states and cities you declare your own never signed the reformation contract, nor pledged allegiance. These will include northern, formerly-Oren territories such as Weissburg, Rothchester, and Draydon, as well as southerns such as Vivitas, Atgaard, and Verren ((all in human territories you declared ownership over)). I actually have knowledge of an anti-Oren organization named the Black Blade, plotting against Oren, for fear it is growing too large in territory, and many areas designated as Orenian have little Orenian occupance/influence."

"The second being, disrespect of the church. I can not stress this enough. The house of our Ultimate Lord deserves better than what Oren, Petrus specifically, gives it! The church of Petrus looks abandoned, and I know of one back wing of the church, that actually has a broken window and wall. The structure of the church as well, is horrific. Cobblestones? Those are for ROADS. Would it not kill the builders to cap the towers with avanite, and install stone/clay bricks?"

"My third, and final point, is the military. The Petrusian Regiment in particular, under your direct command. I have seen many helpful guards in the force, but they are rather incompetent. If I had a Mina for every time I saw the gate SHUT and UNMANNED, I could buy out ATHERA. I also called for help while being attacked by orcs outside Petrus gates, on the bridge, and the guards refused to help because it was outside Petrus territory. I barely escaped them, and later I heard them telling a Graven to exit Petrus, and the BRIDGE, because it was in Petrus territory."

"I understand you are busy, but I do hope you take this into consideration. It is an honest opinion, and I do not mean any offense whatsoever. All of these can be fixed, easily. A solution to my first point would be forming a council, or senate, to vote on decisions, as well as contacting the territory leaders to confirm allegiance, as I am sure they will. The second being a reconstruction of the church. The third being better training and guidelines set for the soldiers."

"Thank you for taking the time to read this, your majesty. My comrades and I, a group working for the betterment of Oren, greatly appreciate your listening to our cause."

- Anonymous

[Ark 2835]

Lothar Balian, Third of his Name, Justiciar of the Kingdom of Oren and esteemed Lord stood by the edges of the throne-room as King Vydra read out the missive they had received from the anonymous man. He shifted uncomfortably on his feet when the wax seal was broken, the soft crack causing him to wince. Watching as the scroll unravelled he began to rub his hands together for some warmth in the large hall.

 

As the dreary monologue began he moved over to the main table, gently lifting a small slice of his cheese in his calloused hands and sliding it into his mouth; the soft feel of it eliciting a noise of satisfaction. Finishing the tiny morsel he returned to his former post, back resting against the cold stone pillar.

 

As King Vydra paused for breath he took the opportunity to scan over the inhabitants of the room, sadly fewer than in a normal court session. Richard Reyne stood, vigilant as ever, and behind him a small smattering of Petrus guards, along with one or two other council members to listen to the news.

 

Waving his hand he beckoned over Baron Fournier whom had just entered the court to his side, the pair discussing in hushed tones as the message continued to be read, the grins of several courtiers around the area widening as they began to openly mock the message.

 

His smile continued to grow as the King read more and more aloud, the flickering torchlight giving him an eerie look, along with the rest of the court. The light casting long shadows that flickered across the room as he spoke of the ‘terrible military’ that Petrus had and their lack of enforcement in the law.

“Heh, That’s cute.” Were his only words as the reading finished, the noise echoing and reverberating around the vaulted hall giving it the appearance of a hundred voices all raised in simultaneous mocking.

[Publius 4098]

As mentions of the letter pass through the ranks, Publius laughs hearing its contents.

 

"Those boy's can cry me a river for all I care, as long as they build a bridge to get over it."

 

He goes back to his writing, getting back to constructing lesson's and posting idea's, dismissing it entirely over a day or so.

[Gunner 775]

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