Between The Head and Heart

[Publius 4098]

Couriers ride hard into the unforgiving northern lands, seeking out the rebelling lords of Courland. They bring with them a letter, each a copy of what is being sent to their: Aleksander Staunton. Though all copies are printed on the press, the original is done by hand in what seems to be a hasty manner. Copies are made for loyalist lords for review, reading as follows:

 

               Dear Aleksander,

 

               It has been a long time since I have written to you, and following my missive, I would not be surprised if this letter moves from the couriers hand into the fire, but I cannot afford to not try at least. With what our families have done for one another, the least I can do is make clear my position.

 

               You must look to the bedfellows you have opted into having, and recognize that you are very close to seeing yourself raped. The Dreadlanders have terrorized the people of Courland for a long time, with the wounds hardly healed from their attacks. Attempts to capture the duchy from foreigners found themselves upon the lands many times in its turbulent history, and they backed them with more fervor than more than the claimants themselves!

 

               I am ahead of myself, but I can not help that; these people have wronged all of Oren, but with great discrimination against the people you stand to defend. Our forefathers saw these lands brought together in the face of persecution, and despite hardship, and against great injustice. Above all of that though, they served with what was most important: Loyalty and Patience. It is affirmed in even the Bracchus motto, "Strength Through Service". Though the family may be just a name that makes cameo's in the history books and is bore now only by peasants, yours is not. It is why it is so imperative to me that your legacy carries on, as your success brings the only honour left to my name as well.

 

                Playing dumb is not my forte though, as you know. I understand the intense outrage you felt at the allowing of this 'feud' to be carried out, - the last that was allowed to be carried out led to the Duke's War directly. The move was beyond a gaffe, and will probably remain the Empire's greatest mistake until John II's death, but good can come of this! Conflict with Carnatia can now see an end, and better yet, the position you are in and the circumstances of both the slight against you and the stance you are taking makes the negotiating table a place of bounty for you now.

 

                We both know it is not about what is to be gained though, but what is right for the people.

 

                But what is right for the people right now is not something you are pursuing right now. I mean you no disrespect in saying that, I refuse to even call you Aleks despite our history to maintain all ounces of respect, but you must see the den you have walked into: This is a deal with Iblees. You believe you are about to get a bargain, but it is in all honesty a scam, as you work with the very people who have backed every venomous word they have said with action far more stinging. These men have not changed their mind, but rather their tune, as the harshness of Orenian court clamor makes the soothing words of Dreadlandic savages even sound pleasant. A Siren's song, one that someone like you must ignore as he sets the course for the crew.

 

                 These men are not acting with you, but off of you. Their agenda is to make Oren weak so they may prosper in its place, and if you believe they will allow you to rise like a phoenix from the ashes of Felsen, you will be dead AND wrong - and I pray you see this and reject the opportunity to be either and see yourself with distance between you and these vultures.

 

                Your decision may not be the only one that requires heeding, but I beg that you reconsider this all. As your friend, as your comrade, and as your brother, I hope you know that I only urge this because it is what am assured of. If you truly believe you walk the our forefathers marched along, so be it, but if not...

 

                Then do them proud. I will be available to you either way, just promise me that you will be the helm needed to charge into the coming storm.

 

With warm regards,     

'Lep'

[Narthok 10416]

Get fucked Alek you've been rused says Thomas as he destroys Alek in a friendly game of chess

[Elad™ 560]

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