A JOURNEY OF LOYALTY

[clonky 1976]

A JOURNEY OF LOYALTY

The winds upon the coast of Almaris swept the sails of a rocking ship, the waves thrashing and commanding the boat on its journey. General chatter hummed upon the ship as men worked their way through the torrent sea. The orange hue of the sun dipped into a pink sky, with sunset approaching. At the bow stood their captain; Manus de Ruyter. 

 

“Pink at night, sailor’s delight. Let us hope it is not pink in the morning, my friends.”

 

A voice called upon the deck of the ship, calling upon the captain to meet in the mapping room. Manus de Ruyter was joined by his family and allies, which included a family of yore - a Hargrave. 

 

“Captain, we are nearing our destination. It should be only but a few days until we arrive. Will His Grace be expecting us?”

 

“Of course he will.”

 

Manus de Ruyter remembered the stories his grandfather spoke of, how his ancestors built the Eighth Empire, not only through governmental affairs but with their own hands. Leonard de Ruyter, the Secretary of War leading troops into battle. Katrien de Ruyter, marrying a de Leumont but helping with the construction of the grand city of Helena. Finally, Tybis de Ruyter, the first Mayor of Helena. All of them resided in one place; Adria. 

 

Although many de Ruyters moved from Adria at the command of the rising empire, their keep was nestled across the river from Helena, near where Adria once stood. 

 

Today, Manus de Ruyter knew well of his calling, where his roots now made a path for him back to his homeland, to his Adria. The Adrian Dogs have been rallied, friends with familial and ancestral ties to Adria. They never forgot their name or their occupation, and so that is what they have called their retinue; The Adrian Dogs. 

 

“Let it be known that we shall integrate back into our true homeland once we arrive. His Grace will surely enjoy our awaited company.” 

 

Upon that ship they sailed, and in the next few days, The Adrian Dogs had arrived upon the shores of the Kingdom. A voice spoke then, a particular Nadine de Ruyter, sister to Manus. 

 

“True is the land of our loyalty, our hearts dance with pride for our Adria. We have come home, brother. Rejoice, for our ardent retinue shall continue our ancestors’ destiny.” 

 

“Yes, welcome home, Adrians.”