A Beacon of Hope

[Kaldwin_ 241]

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

“War only serves as an excuse for tyrants. But passion has has overthrown tyrants and freed prisoners and freed slaves. Passion has brought justice where law once had no hold. Passion has birthed freedom where there was once only darkness and fear. Passion has helped souls rise from the ashes and passion has helped many build something better, stronger, and more beautiful. I have a dream.”

 

-Bruce Hornigold

 

Amid years of violence, turmoil, and confusion amongst the citizens and government of Lorraine, a single man saw the true path.

 

A bearded man gazed across the lake that surrounded the city of Metz, his one eye squinting, surveying what was rightfully his. He sighed and turned, hand resting on the hilt of his blade, walking back towards a ramshackle fishing hut alongside the side of the lake. He pushed open the creaking oak door, taking a seat in one of the cabin’s dim corners. “So Bruce, what now?” Though Wem knew very well what he was doing, he needed to hear a decisive decision from Bruce. “Well Wem… we ride.”

For two long months, they rode the wilderlands of Axios, garnering support from all continents. At last they arrived at their final location, just downhill from a secretive cave in the mountains. Soon enough, men started to gather. Day-by-day, more battle-hardened warriors from all races and groups rallied under one single banner - that of Ser Bruce Hornigold. Cavalry from Mardon, unyielding mercenaries from the Dwarvish foothills, Haensetic marksmen, and various ex-Dunamians. Ser Hornigold appeared from the cave, walking down the hillside towards his dedicated allies. They circle around him as he arrives with a small entourage, including Wem.

 

“Men. Those who worship freedom and liberty among this harsh and brutal time of tyrants. You stand here with me today in order to support these virtues, those same virtues that have brought peace and happiness to many nations. Yet for years, Lorraine has continued to gradually lose sight of these virtues. War after war, pointless bloodshed followed by a rising death count of our boys. This is why we gather here today. I trust each one of you to aid in the return of decency to these red fields. Today is the beginning. Though it will be a struggle until the end, no true and honorable victory is without sacrifice.”

 

The surrounding force silently nods in agreement, shifting in their armor. The sun beamed down on the earth, the group only protected by the large trees in the countryside.

 

“This sacrifice and the sacrifice of the warriors of Lorraine who have come before us will not be in vain. This I swear.”

 

Mumbling flowed through the crowd as they realized their importance in the coming future, in their honor and will as men of VIRTUE.

 

“Madness has had it’s day.”

 

[Mj. 697]

Wem sharpens his blade.

[Heff 2460]

Canonist? questions Sebastian