There Is But One Archduchess

[Rig 17591]

 

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There Is But One Archduchess

 

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Victory had come for Petra's loyalists.

 

As Constanz of Balian and his followers sought to put Archduchess Renilde on trial, despite her absence and innocence, given their attempted, but failed, usurpation, those loyal to the rightful Archduchess, along with the assembled armies of Almaris, stood outside Castle Moere in wait.

 

It took only a moment- a flash! And in came pouring legions of men bearing arms and standards from across the world. At the front of them all rode Sir Valentin and Sir Paul, both scorned knights of Petra seeking to reclaim the Republic from those who wished to erode it.

 

Only Sir Arthur de Lyons stood his ground bravely and acted in the manner becoming of a knight of Petra- the rest, among them their traitorous liege, took to hiding. One by one they were captured and felled, many of them were too scared to even draw their blades. As Constanz of Balian huddled in the basement of the castle, the sounds of the advancing forces of the rightful Archduchess doubtless caused him to soil his breeches. His moment of valor stolen by other men, just as his wife was, Constanz of Balian was soon taken prisoner and brought back to Valfleur, which had also been taken.

 

Although all bayed for the blood of the traitor, it was Father Blackwater who instead advised a softer path. Peace, not civil war, was desirable, and he resolved to sit and make terms until it was had. For hours the two parties argued back and forth, but after nearly a day, it seemed that terms could be made. Petra would be divided into two administrative halves, a split befitting of the coming dissolution of the marriage that once bound Petra together. To govern both halves and ensure their safety and vitality would be Dame Catherine of Furnestock, she who could be trusted to repair the Commonwealth as she had so many times before.

 

However, it was not to be. Despite his verbal agreements, and the signatures by the Archduchess, Dame Catherine, and Father Blackwater, Constanz of Balian denied the chance of peace, instead condemning Petra to civil war and proclaiming his intent to lead his people into demise and ruin, instead of peace and mediation as he has previously agreed to. Despite calls to execute the man, once again Father Blackwater intervened, instead arguing for only a maiming to happen. It would be of ill-faith to kill a man who had surrendered, certainly a man who was legally the Archduke-consort of Petra. The men agreed, and, finding the part of Constanz’s body that would see the most use with women, they gouged out an eye.

 

Such is the tale of those who stood against the Archduchess of Petra, and such will be the tale that is told for many years. Despite her victory over her faithless husband, Renilde showed magnanimity and mercy, which was soon twisted against her, just as her love and devotion were twisted against her in the halls of her council. Peace could have been had, but by Constanz of Balian’s hand it was rendered impossible.

 

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[Spoopy_Duck 3219]

A golden eyed 'aheral would be lying on a bed within his keep, he had been part of the fighting to take the castle and heard the tales from his allies who stayed of what occured within the city. A small grin came to his face as he closed his eyes going back into his sleep.

Miguel had been enjoying a life off on his own after leaving the city. Until he was brought back by an old friend to help defend his Archduchess. He spent hours guarding the doors to the meeting, unaware of what was going on behind the walls. Only confident that he would live to see a united Petra, or die trying.

[Pancho 4197]

“Blessed be!” Victoriano of Petra laughs!

[Malta 2811]

Valentin eyes the paper with a deep interest, happy with it's contents.

"The Consort sat there the entire meeting and provided nothing but crude comments and belligerent childishness. Hopefully the man is less wrathful after sleeping on it."

[crazedpudding 2512]

Josefina Barclay signed the Hussaryian over herself.

[Andustar 4143]

Albert Salvian prayed before the alter of St. Emma of Woldzimir, the conflict having taken its toll on the young lord's innocence.
"May GOD have mercy upon all who take up arms. My duty is to my people, and I shan't rejoice in the loss of anyone, be they sworn to my Mother or my Father."
 

[Mescaffier 6197]

"Hasn' she tried bedding a dwarf before, vhile married to the Archduke ...? And the Prince, n' surely other men?" some Knight snickered, scowling at the paper. "She ist only Archduchess of the Streets."

[Guest]

6 hours ago, Andustar said:

Albert Salvian prayed before the alter of St. Emma of Woldzimir, the conflict having taken its toll on the young lord's innocence.
"May GOD have mercy upon all who take up arms. My duty is to my people, and I shan't rejoice in the loss of anyone, be they sworn to my Mother or my Father."
 

 

On the opposite side of the field, at the Castle of Temesch et Moere, Sir Paul Montalt "The Unspoken" stared through his visor across at the other half of the city of Valfleur. His gauntlet uplifted before his face, and he stared at his worn leather palm. He had killed Dame Livia with his own hands. The price of his oaths was beginning to catch up to him, Sir Paul Montalt, once Squire Pavel Barrow, lamented. And no matter what he could not stop seeing the blood as it dribbled from his fingers. It was stuck to him forever now, just as once he had slain the Lord Carrion's son when he was himself but a squire of twelve-years-old. Was it fated? He thought to himself. For me to be this way? 

"There is but one Archduchess," he said wistfully, now fifty-five years of age. He had killed now hundreds of men, with his own hands or by way of his designs. The Commander of the PRF readied himself for his next fight. 

[RoamingRonin 635]

Masuo of Yamatai breathes a hefty sigh of relief for his friend, the Archduchess. He'd smile upon this news, having heard of the capture prior, but not of the outcome. He would make a pilgrimage to Petra soon enough, to celebrate.