To Nobles and Kings

[Aetosion 2062]

 

Brother Alaric signs his name at the bottom of the scroll, rolls it, and applies the Everardian seal. He bows his head in prayer and mutters something quiet and holy in Flexian, and pushes himself up from his chair, the shaved patch atop his head reflecting candle-light like a halo and his monk’s habit rustling softly with the movement. Other muttering voices can be heard from the dimly-lit near-darkness, and the many-colored vestments of  clergymen glitter alongside the gold icons of the Exalted Siegmund and Godfrey that can be made out through the incense smoke pervading the room. Brother Alaric reaches the door and pushes it open, the star-lit night air filling his lungs as he walks into the still courtyard, bringing his letter to the Scriptorium to be copied and posted to the cities and castles of all the great men of the Realm.

 

"To the Nobles and Kings,

 

Never before have I been so disappointed in my brothers, in my fellow sons of Horen. I had read of great betrayals in the chronicles of the Church’s histories. I had seen the same instinct in the women of the South, who fainted at the sight of danger. But I had hoped not to witness it in you Pious Lords. I have been gravely disappointed.

 

His Holiness is deep in prayer as I write from His residence. He worries for his flock, for their lives and for their souls. I wonder what he’s saying to our Creator? Does he ask for mercy upon the craven King Staunton, who huddles in fear in his high tower as the Horde marches towards Metz? Does he beg forgiveness for the cowardly Crow Prince, who picks at his feathers while his brothers in Faith stand as the bulwark against the savagery of the Dunamites alone? What shame is brought to the blood of the Exalted St. Siegmund the Unifier! What of the many Lords Horen? Does His Holiness pray for their salvation too? I do not know.

 

But I know what I pray for. I ask the Lord God to lend ever more of his divine strength to my King Hughes, the Lion-Hearted and High-Minded, who even now walks the walls in preparation for the upcoming siege. I ask the Creator to strengthen the shields of the Teutonic Order, whose stoic Hochmeister knows well the true meaning of loyalty and piety. I plead with our Creator to strengthen the hearts of men, to lead them to fight the just war, and to smite the Horde with the hammer of humanity's  united faithful. May none of that savage pack of rats escape alive. Deus Vult.

 

Brother Alaric Hightower de Montfort, S.S.E., L.S.L.”

[_Sug 2809]

"Deus Vult." A young man of faith retorts upon reading the note.

[seannie 7443]

"Just get your guys to smarten up and have them better equipped. I sure do not want to get slapped again by stupid horse lords." grumbles Harren.

[Paleo 298]

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

 

If you feel this is a mistake, please contact myself or any FM and we'll restore it.