{PK} The Old Loyal Guardsman

[CanadaMatt 873]

 

The Old Loyal Guardsman

 

[Spoiler: Music ]

-Portrait of Lieutenant Tancred Krüger-

The bells of the imperial capital chimed as they often did, Tancred inspected his guardsman at the gate as was his routine as the Old officer of the imperial guard, though he didn't know it would be his last thing he'd do. Tancred Krüger was never well liked amongst most the populace of the empire but in the end, the old imperial always did his job regardless of how unorthodox it was he always did his job. 

 

Tancred Küruger, founding member of the Reiksguard, stuck through its rise and decline, guarding and protecting the empire he fought to see rise from a once Duchy and then Kingdom of Burgundy and then Empire of Man, having served 3 Emperors and Lord marshals. The man's loyalty was never questioned, especially after his actions to protect the former Emperor Hadrian. Tancred's loyaltys kept him him forever loyal to the Imperial Reiksguard, some would say over zealous in his duties but thats what made Tancred Krüger, an old loyal zealous man with many faults but alot of the public of the empire didnt know of his actions and duties to the imperial family and empire in the background, the man never boasted of his accomplishments only of his undying loyalty to his nation 

 

In the end, Tancred did what he said he would do: die on his own terms, loyal to his empire until death, even though it was over pride that got the better of him and evidently led to his death. The man always ensured order was maintained when he could, regardless of what ever over entitled nobel or privileged individuals disagreed with him.

 

Now Tancred Krüger may rest, be it in peace or not, he has officially retired 6ft below a grave monument in front of his old home, the Old Barracks of Rittersburg, his only true home.

 

It is quoted the Old Loyal Guardsman last words were 

“ I lived a long life, iv seen kingdoms rise and fall, emperors crowned and given funeral. I care not for those who rejoice or  those who feel pity or sadness over my death. For I know what I did in my service that brought the empire to where it is today, though be it minimal in contribution in comparison to those who hold high title and blood, but at least I am going out in my own way as I intended, in combat, but at least I died not a craven though many of the people of this empire and beyond will call me such still even in death. I hope that my contributions and legacy to the reiksguard and imperial family will be remembered, as founding father to such a guard and loyal subject to the imperial family and my comrades in arms…. Ave Imperium and Wes Thu Hal… got mit uns”

 

[cometking123 236]

Death is but an end of watch

To witness what others could not

To defend the nation with body and soul.

Even as time took its heavy toll that seeped through bone

A lifetime of service, past three of Horen's finest.

Restorer, Conqueror, and newly crowned.

Watch within those sturdy walls,

And see the seeds you've guarded bear fruit.

A century served under Imperium's Eye

Darkspawn, Mages, and beasts defied.

Yet when you enter Rittersberg's square.

You'll see his visage still standing tall.

 

 

 

Spoiler

(( Consider this part of his personal narrative. Do not metagame ))

 

Rewan finished the poem and sighed. He won't see him every again within that square. It is as that thing said not too long ago. Service truly is its own reward. 

 

The bard writes and writes, until two stories penned. They are sent by letter via aviary.

 

 

Edited May 24 by cometking123

[Pegleg_Bob 1107]

A teenager smiles somewhere, knowing the lessons he was taught by Zilvira had paid off.

Spoiler

Don't metagame :)

 

[Sir_omni 151]

A now retired guardsman halfling sits in his tavern drinking he’s new ale.“mhhh I should visit tancred oim soon 60 an that laddie is still a guardsman“he stood up and walked out into the morning soon scratching the stump of a arm he once had

[sanriu 734]

Lady Beatriz paced about her chambers, quietly mumbling prayers, “DIEUN, guide his soul and allow him to repent, despite his wrongdoings..” as she recalled the feeling of watching the man impale himself and truly fall upon his blade.

 

It was unlike anything she had ever experienced, the only emotion she could muster to feel for the now deceased was pity.

 

“DIEUN, please shed light on this lost soul..” She spoke just as she did at the place of his death, she’d repeat it over and over moving to her desk to pen a message and prayer in her journal. 

[_xMika 284]

As the news reached the Auberon a simple memory came to resurface one of his original creed, a fire was present the light of such shimmering within the small and cramped room within it there was Tancred. Words were shared between the two, about loyalty, and protection and a contact was soon to be signed. In his mind, he knew the man as strict but kind striving for the best. Though, perhaps this was his immaturity playing the best of him, his youth was undeniable at the time but, alas this is what he still thought of the man now. 


In a gentle tone he spoke to himself 
"We are all destined to die, for whatever reason it may be. . Pride, uncertainty, broken oaths it matters not.  To have lived this long in our line of work i commend it."

 He hadn't taken the arms of the imperial guard in a long time though his creed was still in effect, instead he don an armor of black with gilded pavilions. There was a moment of silence for the old guard, though nothing much came of it no tears were shed but there was a respectful acknowledgement, for the man who pushed him on the path he's on today. 

[Tide1 4535]

"One of the first to raise his blade in my name. He was a good man, too. Why else would the wicked fools of this world despise him, why else would children mock him, if not for what he was - a man, in its purest form, one I am proud to have known, led, and now watched pass on. Stand vigil at the gates of the Seven Skies, Krüger." said the Emperor-Abdicare, and rose from his knee at the Imperial Officer's grave. Rested up against the headstone, the Emperor's own gauntlet would accompany the old soldier into the afterlife.