Passing the Mantle

[HeyitsNano 1582]

 

 

Of Vindacus and His Will,

 

 

Published by His Grace, Atticus Keen, Princeps of Ivoria

Issued on the 11th of Tobias’ Bounty in the Year of our Lord 2006.

 

---

 

The recent Reinmaren encroachment upon Ivöri soil is a sacrilegious affront to the sanctity of Ivor’s quarters, though the duty to eradicate shadowmancy remains paramount. In recognition of Pontiff Caius and his disciples—and their fervent commitment to the Vander way, even as it intruded upon our own—we hereby decree the following:

 

Vindacus and his remains are to be expelled from Ivoria until amends are made with the Church. The mantle of governance and the position of Ritterherr of Gottenthal is hereby extended by Princeps' appointment to Lamention, henceforth Lord Lamention, in recognition of his competence and immense support to the Ivori way. By the authority of Vindacus' will and the rights of kinship, he shall further assume stewardship of all holdings formerly under Vindacus’ domain.

 

Let peace prevail. GOD above all.

 

 

IN NOMINE DEI,

 

His Grace, Atticus Keen, Princeps of Ivoria, Knight of Ivor, Protector of the Ivöri people

[Ramon 5186]

"I say they ought to investigate that 'Lamentation' fellow also. No good law abiding Canonist would have a name like so."

Godfrey commented after having been presented with the missive at the Monastery of Saint Juli'el by one of his Acolytes.

"I can't say I trust the whole affair. But it is in the hands of the courts of the Holy Mother Church now." 

[DancingZebra267 1626]

Vincenzo read the missive with a furrowed brow, his expression a mix of disappointment, relief, and growing suspicion. He set the letter down carefully, exhaling deeply as he gathered his thoughts before speaking. "So, it is true," he began, his tone measured but heavy with the weight of realization. "Vindicus—once a man of supposed standing among the people of Gottenthal—was a necromancer after all. Though the truth cuts deep, I am relieved to see that the Justice of GOD has prevailed, and his heresy has been dealt with."

 

He paused, his gaze shifting to those around him, his tone softening slightly. "The people of Gottenthal, steadfast in their faith, deserve better. They are Lucienists, loyal to the true faith, and their trust must not be betrayed again. It is for them that we must remain vigilant."

 

Vincenzo’s expression hardened slightly as he continued, his suspicion evident. "Yet this Lord Lamention concerns me. A man I have never met, named heir by the will of a proven heretic. Can such a man be trusted? Does his appointment come with strings attached, ties to Vindicus’s dark deeds? These are questions that cannot be ignored."

 

He straightened, his voice resolute. "I will not cast judgment prematurely, but neither will I turn a blind eye. If Lord Lamention is to govern Gottenthal, he must prove himself worthy of the trust of its people and the blessings of GOD. Until such proof is clear, he shall be watched closely. The people of Gottenthal deserve no less."

 

With that, Vincenzo folded the missive, his gaze steeling as he turned to address his brothers. "We move forward with vigilance. Justice has been served, but our duty to protect the faithful is never finished."