Bruce, once a blacksmith but now a captain in the Order of St. Lothar, kneels in the quiet confines of the Temple of the Diarchs. His head bowed, his hands resting on his sword hilt, he prays for strength for the coming conflict. "May GOD give rest to the souls of Prince Meric, our good maer, and my brothers and sisters who have been slain while offering peace to lawless men. May GOD give me strength to protect the true Faith and all people who suffer under the cruelty of twisted deceit. May GOD give victory to those who stand as one to protect Axios from godless Haense. And may GOD give my arms strength for battle so that I may bend a bow of bronze."
He would pray quietly for a moment, then rise and look heavenward. "Deus Vult!" he cries, gauntleted hand raised in a fist. God wills it. Haense will suffer for its crimes.