diary An Excerpt

[BuilderBagel 1203]

 

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Below is an excerpt from the diary of Leon Barclay.

 

 

The 11th of Horen’s Calling, 1992

 

THIS SAINT’S DAY PAST, I listened to my grandson play his harp. 

 

As I beheld him deftly stringing his strings and singing his song, I found myself reminiscing of a kinder era. Despite the circumstances of my ascension and coming into power, I look back upon my younger years with fondness. I took the mantle of chieftain and warchief as I led my principality towards righteousness, justice, and prosperity, and my warband to triumph against the Frankish onslaught. 

 

In those days, the Roach was my sole focus, and all my ambitions were bound to my campaign and struggle. This was before my son had come into the world. I was shackled only by my own burden, driven solely by a quest for my own vainglory. My hubris has never truly departed, even now, to the dismay of my brothers.

 

My early days were ones marked with honor and glory. I fear those days have long since faded into time. I have grown venerable, and my Brandt and Frederica have surpassed me in wisdom and strength beyond what I could have ever dreamt. Verily, I am filled with pride for the legacy I have created. 

 

I pray my wife’s aspirations have been fulfilled, she has all that she once yearned for. She is a virtuous and amiable woman, and God has blessed me much. I am afraid I cannot offer her much more, she is Lawspeaker, Vandalore, and Princess!

 

My grandson, young Erwin, is truly a high chieftain in the making! The lad possesses the bravery of a lion and the wits of an eagle. I have every faith that he will bring great honor to our tribe in times to come.

I often find myself troubled by thoughts of my brother Alfred and my grandfather Caius. In my hours of sorrow, I bid Erwin to play his song, “Grandfather”, for solace. My brother Alfred, ever the rational and temperate man, was a steadfast complement to our shared crown. My grandfather, who raised me in the absence of my mother and the shadow of my father’s memory, was my mentor and guiding light. 

 

I am grateful to still have my wife by my side; she has been my steadfast supporter throughout our days. We shall surely need a stone of our own when we pass into the spirit realm!