OOC: I played on the site before but alas inactivity snapped me up. Feel free to partake and make diplomatic contact. The below post is a repost, but I liked it so much I wanted to post it again. I hope people make diplomatic contact quickly!
"In the name of the Emperor open up or suffer summary judgement!" The wooden threshold of the quiet cottage remained alone, undisturbed by the surrounding guards. "This is your last warning, open or may the good Lord have mercy on your soul." There was no answer, only a cool silence as the winter breeze chilled the silver armour of the emperors elite. Not a word was uttered, no noise came from the warlords in charge, no command for mercy was distributed. Instead, in the name of the light of heaven the Varangians wielded their battleaxes and advanced in an orderly fashion.
The bolted door to the cottage found itself under assault, numerous axes began to pound away at the hard southern oak of Mayar province. "Heathens deserve no mercy." The prayer began by the guard. "They are Gods to burn in the fire, and we are his instruments, his messengers, delivering his charge. Yea, though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil: for thou art with us; thy rod and thy staff they comfort us. Thy justice and mercy nourishes us. For thou art with us." The door splintered in two just as the prayer of purging was completed. First through the gap was Ottar Vihelm, axe held tightly in his hands.
The room wasn't much, small and sqaure it was a traditional kitchen of the peasantry, a sink stood to Ottars left, a table directly in front with tea steaming next to a copy of outlawed material. Lifting it, touching it with disdain Ottar held the work in contempt, he even considered destroying his gauntlets after this sortie for they were so defiled. But the enemy was here, nourishers of Satan were close he could feel it, he kept the gauntlets on, protective barriers against the physical and the unnatural. "Condemned works located, I have confirmed a heretical presence." Ottar boomed to those outside in a tight hoarse voice. How, how could they fall to darkness? Surely they would have known to seek the leadership and guidance of the church, these people he saw clearly, are so consumed by deceit that they are in dire need of his mercy. Two more guardsmen entered from another room. "We've found additional condemned material brother, we recommend justice by the sword for their penance."
"Let us locate them first, perhaps we can have them accept the good Lord before they must atone." His eyes blinked quickly as he peered out of his barred visor, the one weak spot in his knightly armour.
"Leave us be." A girl shouted from upstairs. "We, we mean you no harm, we have done nothing wrong, we." Ottar ignored the pleas of darkness, he would have to become like Moses and purge the twelve tribes of Israel of those who would sally against the righteousness of the Lord. He began to walk up the stairs, his heavy boots causing the frail aged wood to creak and crack.
"Surrender peacefully child." He said unsympathetically. "We will take you to a place that will tend to your soul, tell me, where are your parents?" His axe loomed over her, her face whitened and went pale. "Defiance." He smiled slyly. "Very noble in one so young as yourself, but the church will show you the error of your ways. Obrest." Ottar looked behind for his brother. "Take her downstairs, while I dispense judgement." The fragile child was engulfed in armour and dragged kicking, screaming and cursing from her home. "Your child is gone." Ottar loudly exclaimed. "You may now face your fate, I shall make it quick so she need not suffer any more pain." The door at the end of the hallway opened and Ottar advanced further upon the landing.
"You would seek to murder us for reading simple fiction!?" A middle aged man exclaimed in protests of desperation.
"Fiction! HA!" Ottar almost laughed. "This book you read, this work, This Lord of the Rings, it is heresy condemned by the Light of Heaven himself! Gods own representative on earth, and you would challenge him on what you claim is merely fiction, nay lost one, it is corruption in your very soul, do not deny the truth any more, you cannot trick me into sin. Though tell me, father to an orphaned daughter. For how long have you corrupted the heart of your child, how long have you been bound by the devil?" Ottar advanced now.
"Stay back."
"I cannot, it is Gods will." Ottar advanced while the father solemnly looked down at his feet and sighed deeply.
"Then we fight." The broken man sighed mournfully. As the end door was opened wider, Ottar caught the shining glimpse of a double barrelled shotgun in enemy hands; another outlawed item for civilians. Cocking the barrel he was fired in a futile bid to take as many lives as possible. Stumbling back briefly Ottar locked his knees against the kinetic impact, his Imperial armour deflecting the many pellets effortlessly.
"Do not worry lost one, I forgive you, I only pray that our heavenly father does the same." Lifting his battle-axe with both hands he forced the sharpened blade upon his enemy. A clean blow had been struck, straight through the left shoulder into the heart. "Peace be with you brother." Ottar prayed with regret. "May you escape the devil in the afterlife, may Jesus Christ set you free."
"Amen." Obrest said as he came up from behind. "Come, we have more to see to tonight. This village is rife with the devil, some have even reported a demonic presence in the farmyard ahead."
"Gods will brother." Ottar turned and left the clerics to their prayers, and cottage sized pyre.
Two Days Later:-
The mighty portcullis of the southern gate slowly creaked open as the centuries old winch was wound into gradual position. On one side stood the Varangian guard arrayed in perfect battle formation, their solid armour rendering them nothing less than walking tanks. Battle axes shined to perfection they stood in waiting for the eventual trickle and flood of diplomats that would be interested in just what was going on in the Christian Empire.
Arrayed just after the Southern gate was a newly constructed settlement, filled with lodgings and trading houses for foreigners. The continual rule of the Empire remaining that no aliens were allowed into the heart of the Empire, only their goods. And so, the Varangians waited, including a certain Ottar Vihelm.
In the North, the great capital Constantinople lay guarded under mighty golden walls, entrenched deep into interior of the earth. At the summit of holy city lay the great golden cathedral the Hagia Sophia. and on the mighty dome a glistening diamond shone in the midday sun; in the shape of the holy cross.
Some within the Imperial court wondered just how the international community was to know of the empires changed stance on foreign relations, but the emperor with faith in God, and the thirst for alien mercantilism would eventually provide a way.
*******
Constantinople - The Great Cathedral.
"We are the Lords elect. We are his chosen. We are the ones who are to follow his will, to preach the message of peace and repentance to a world dominated and consumed by the evil one. Make no mistake my children, we are at war." Archbishop Aquino moved towards the altar and kneeled before the cross. "Let us, all bow our heads and pray.
Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen."
"Amen." The congregation closed. Rising from his knees, the second most revered man in the empire turned to his flock, smiling under the great dome of the Hagia Sophia.
"This is a great day for Christendom! Today my brothers and sisters in Christ, I have heard from the Light of Heaven himself, that we are to end our long and laborious period of isolation. This day, the great southern gate to the dark expanse has been opened by the Varangians themselves, they hold charge underneath the great wall of stone to rid those overtaken by darkness from our hallowed lands." Murmer swept through the pews as the archbishop continued. "The Light of Heaven, has declared to all the churches and merchants in the land, that trade by sea is now once more sanctioned by God. Our time of isolation has been hard, I see it in your hearts. But, through the suffering of faith, we have created a realm of purity and salvation in the knowledge of the father, the son, and the holy ghost. Fear!" Aquino raised his right arm and pointed to all. "Fear is our greatest foe, the devil will use it to twist a mind of purity into chains of subjugation. Trust in the light of heaven. Accept that the Lord is guiding our steps, and that his mighty hands will be there to support us. Accept in your hearts and have faith, for without faith my brothers, is heresy. Peace be with you all, and may you all walk with the Lord I pray, Amen."
"Amen." The chorus resounded as bell towers erupted in the city. The mighty organ of silver exploded in praise, and a nation glorified the Lord on the sabbath, the holiest day.
Meanwhile - The tower of Malachi
The Light of Heaven sat on his throne of white and gold, his chamber of marble and wealth glistened against the coastal sun which was nearing its daily zenith. "So my friend, tell me, what news from the outlying provinces, I anticipate that we must be causing quite a stir."
"Most certainly basileus, the empire stands alone in our world of darkness and war, it is only by will of God that we have managed to remain far from the conflicts which consume lesser souls." The young general bowed once more, prostrating himself on the pale green marble of an empire incarnate. "My Lord Basileus, we do have news that foreigners unknown are sailing along the coast of Tylis, so far they have only found mountains and our outlying fishing villages. It is a small force of war alone my lord, though they have made no aggressive efforts towards our peasantry. The Dromons of iron await your orders from the Marak fjord, we can dispatch them at your will."
"Do you feel them a threat Damassius?" The emperor asked curiously.
"An immortal never feels fear basileus, though, for those made of lesser faith I do not believe we have a threat, even if these strangers turn into service of sin and war against their Emperor, I see that they will be easily dispatched by our quenching purity." The Light of Heaven said nothing, but waited for the next part of the report. "The wall of salvation in the southern provinces my lord, still stands forty Imperial feet against the expanse. The portcullis remains open, though only one diplomat has arrived bearing words of peace. We hope him to be within your presence shortly."
The Emperor mediated upon his options, his wise mind dwelling upon the unknown force sallying along his coast. "We shall do this, and this alone Damassius. " The Light of Heaven decided. "The iron fleet is to remain within the caves of Marak, but convey to my brother the necessity of departure at a moments notice. I expect that the aliens will make landfall with a force unwanted in our lands. Our iron clads will then set forth and force a reconciliation, as for the expanse to the south of our realm, I eagerly await the arrival of the outlanders."
"Such is the will of heaven basileus." Damassius prostrated himself before the throne, and gave thanks to God for the Emperors divine wisdom.
The Southern Gate
An entire legion of Varangian guard stood in perfect formation beyond the great gatehouse to the expanse. Born of iron and zeal for the lord, these guardians would protect the entrance to Byzantium with their lives. Standing just within the realms of hallowed Christendom, but directly below the centuries old portcullis, the light of heavens sister, and princess elect awaited the arrival of foreign lords.
It was some time before she was greeted by foreigners, but as with everything, the much anticipated entourage arrived outside the gates to an Empire in finely polished automobiles and trucks. Above, almost forty feet on the battlements of the holy curtain stood Immortals, guardians of the land. And these men, though seemingly simple knights, were equipped with more than just simple swords and axes.....
As those who sought converse with the throne of heaven emerged from their metal steeds, a princess greeted them loudly and without fear. "May the Lord our God bless thou in all your days. I welcome you on behalf of Christendom and the Light of Heaven, Emperor Alexis Constantine. Welcome visitors to our land, you are the first in near three hundred and fifty years. State your name and lord, are you friend or foe?"
"In the name of the Emperor open up or suffer summary judgement!" The wooden threshold of the quiet cottage remained alone, undisturbed by the surrounding guards. "This is your last warning, open or may the good Lord have mercy on your soul." There was no answer, only a cool silence as the winter breeze chilled the silver armour of the emperors elite. Not a word was uttered, no noise came from the warlords in charge, no command for mercy was distributed. Instead, in the name of the light of heaven the Varangians wielded their battleaxes and advanced in an orderly fashion.
The bolted door to the cottage found itself under assault, numerous axes began to pound away at the hard southern oak of Mayar province. "Heathens deserve no mercy." The prayer began by the guard. "They are Gods to burn in the fire, and we are his instruments, his messengers, delivering his charge. Yea, though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil: for thou art with us; thy rod and thy staff they comfort us. Thy justice and mercy nourishes us. For thou art with us." The door splintered in two just as the prayer of purging was completed. First through the gap was Ottar Vihelm, axe held tightly in his hands.
The room wasn't much, small and sqaure it was a traditional kitchen of the peasantry, a sink stood to Ottars left, a table directly in front with tea steaming next to a copy of outlawed material. Lifting it, touching it with disdain Ottar held the work in contempt, he even considered destroying his gauntlets after this sortie for they were so defiled. But the enemy was here, nourishers of Satan were close he could feel it, he kept the gauntlets on, protective barriers against the physical and the unnatural. "Condemned works located, I have confirmed a heretical presence." Ottar boomed to those outside in a tight hoarse voice. How, how could they fall to darkness? Surely they would have known to seek the leadership and guidance of the church, these people he saw clearly, are so consumed by deceit that they are in dire need of his mercy. Two more guardsmen entered from another room. "We've found additional condemned material brother, we recommend justice by the sword for their penance."
"Let us locate them first, perhaps we can have them accept the good Lord before they must atone." His eyes blinked quickly as he peered out of his barred visor, the one weak spot in his knightly armour.
"Leave us be." A girl shouted from upstairs. "We, we mean you no harm, we have done nothing wrong, we." Ottar ignored the pleas of darkness, he would have to become like Moses and purge the twelve tribes of Israel of those who would sally against the righteousness of the Lord. He began to walk up the stairs, his heavy boots causing the frail aged wood to creak and crack.
"Surrender peacefully child." He said unsympathetically. "We will take you to a place that will tend to your soul, tell me, where are your parents?" His axe loomed over her, her face whitened and went pale. "Defiance." He smiled slyly. "Very noble in one so young as yourself, but the church will show you the error of your ways. Obrest." Ottar looked behind for his brother. "Take her downstairs, while I dispense judgement." The fragile child was engulfed in armour and dragged kicking, screaming and cursing from her home. "Your child is gone." Ottar loudly exclaimed. "You may now face your fate, I shall make it quick so she need not suffer any more pain." The door at the end of the hallway opened and Ottar advanced further upon the landing.
"You would seek to murder us for reading simple fiction!?" A middle aged man exclaimed in protests of desperation.
"Fiction! HA!" Ottar almost laughed. "This book you read, this work, This Lord of the Rings, it is heresy condemned by the Light of Heaven himself! Gods own representative on earth, and you would challenge him on what you claim is merely fiction, nay lost one, it is corruption in your very soul, do not deny the truth any more, you cannot trick me into sin. Though tell me, father to an orphaned daughter. For how long have you corrupted the heart of your child, how long have you been bound by the devil?" Ottar advanced now.
"Stay back."
"I cannot, it is Gods will." Ottar advanced while the father solemnly looked down at his feet and sighed deeply.
"Then we fight." The broken man sighed mournfully. As the end door was opened wider, Ottar caught the shining glimpse of a double barrelled shotgun in enemy hands; another outlawed item for civilians. Cocking the barrel he was fired in a futile bid to take as many lives as possible. Stumbling back briefly Ottar locked his knees against the kinetic impact, his Imperial armour deflecting the many pellets effortlessly.
"Do not worry lost one, I forgive you, I only pray that our heavenly father does the same." Lifting his battle-axe with both hands he forced the sharpened blade upon his enemy. A clean blow had been struck, straight through the left shoulder into the heart. "Peace be with you brother." Ottar prayed with regret. "May you escape the devil in the afterlife, may Jesus Christ set you free."
"Amen." Obrest said as he came up from behind. "Come, we have more to see to tonight. This village is rife with the devil, some have even reported a demonic presence in the farmyard ahead."
"Gods will brother." Ottar turned and left the clerics to their prayers, and cottage sized pyre.
Two Days Later:-
The mighty portcullis of the southern gate slowly creaked open as the centuries old winch was wound into gradual position. On one side stood the Varangian guard arrayed in perfect battle formation, their solid armour rendering them nothing less than walking tanks. Battle axes shined to perfection they stood in waiting for the eventual trickle and flood of diplomats that would be interested in just what was going on in the Christian Empire.
Arrayed just after the Southern gate was a newly constructed settlement, filled with lodgings and trading houses for foreigners. The continual rule of the Empire remaining that no aliens were allowed into the heart of the Empire, only their goods. And so, the Varangians waited, including a certain Ottar Vihelm.
In the North, the great capital Constantinople lay guarded under mighty golden walls, entrenched deep into interior of the earth. At the summit of holy city lay the great golden cathedral the Hagia Sophia. and on the mighty dome a glistening diamond shone in the midday sun; in the shape of the holy cross.
Some within the Imperial court wondered just how the international community was to know of the empires changed stance on foreign relations, but the emperor with faith in God, and the thirst for alien mercantilism would eventually provide a way.
*******
Constantinople - The Great Cathedral.
"We are the Lords elect. We are his chosen. We are the ones who are to follow his will, to preach the message of peace and repentance to a world dominated and consumed by the evil one. Make no mistake my children, we are at war." Archbishop Aquino moved towards the altar and kneeled before the cross. "Let us, all bow our heads and pray.
Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen."
"Amen." The congregation closed. Rising from his knees, the second most revered man in the empire turned to his flock, smiling under the great dome of the Hagia Sophia.
"This is a great day for Christendom! Today my brothers and sisters in Christ, I have heard from the Light of Heaven himself, that we are to end our long and laborious period of isolation. This day, the great southern gate to the dark expanse has been opened by the Varangians themselves, they hold charge underneath the great wall of stone to rid those overtaken by darkness from our hallowed lands." Murmer swept through the pews as the archbishop continued. "The Light of Heaven, has declared to all the churches and merchants in the land, that trade by sea is now once more sanctioned by God. Our time of isolation has been hard, I see it in your hearts. But, through the suffering of faith, we have created a realm of purity and salvation in the knowledge of the father, the son, and the holy ghost. Fear!" Aquino raised his right arm and pointed to all. "Fear is our greatest foe, the devil will use it to twist a mind of purity into chains of subjugation. Trust in the light of heaven. Accept that the Lord is guiding our steps, and that his mighty hands will be there to support us. Accept in your hearts and have faith, for without faith my brothers, is heresy. Peace be with you all, and may you all walk with the Lord I pray, Amen."
"Amen." The chorus resounded as bell towers erupted in the city. The mighty organ of silver exploded in praise, and a nation glorified the Lord on the sabbath, the holiest day.
Meanwhile - The tower of Malachi
The Light of Heaven sat on his throne of white and gold, his chamber of marble and wealth glistened against the coastal sun which was nearing its daily zenith. "So my friend, tell me, what news from the outlying provinces, I anticipate that we must be causing quite a stir."
"Most certainly basileus, the empire stands alone in our world of darkness and war, it is only by will of God that we have managed to remain far from the conflicts which consume lesser souls." The young general bowed once more, prostrating himself on the pale green marble of an empire incarnate. "My Lord Basileus, we do have news that foreigners unknown are sailing along the coast of Tylis, so far they have only found mountains and our outlying fishing villages. It is a small force of war alone my lord, though they have made no aggressive efforts towards our peasantry. The Dromons of iron await your orders from the Marak fjord, we can dispatch them at your will."
"Do you feel them a threat Damassius?" The emperor asked curiously.
"An immortal never feels fear basileus, though, for those made of lesser faith I do not believe we have a threat, even if these strangers turn into service of sin and war against their Emperor, I see that they will be easily dispatched by our quenching purity." The Light of Heaven said nothing, but waited for the next part of the report. "The wall of salvation in the southern provinces my lord, still stands forty Imperial feet against the expanse. The portcullis remains open, though only one diplomat has arrived bearing words of peace. We hope him to be within your presence shortly."
The Emperor mediated upon his options, his wise mind dwelling upon the unknown force sallying along his coast. "We shall do this, and this alone Damassius. " The Light of Heaven decided. "The iron fleet is to remain within the caves of Marak, but convey to my brother the necessity of departure at a moments notice. I expect that the aliens will make landfall with a force unwanted in our lands. Our iron clads will then set forth and force a reconciliation, as for the expanse to the south of our realm, I eagerly await the arrival of the outlanders."
"Such is the will of heaven basileus." Damassius prostrated himself before the throne, and gave thanks to God for the Emperors divine wisdom.
The Southern Gate
An entire legion of Varangian guard stood in perfect formation beyond the great gatehouse to the expanse. Born of iron and zeal for the lord, these guardians would protect the entrance to Byzantium with their lives. Standing just within the realms of hallowed Christendom, but directly below the centuries old portcullis, the light of heavens sister, and princess elect awaited the arrival of foreign lords.
It was some time before she was greeted by foreigners, but as with everything, the much anticipated entourage arrived outside the gates to an Empire in finely polished automobiles and trucks. Above, almost forty feet on the battlements of the holy curtain stood Immortals, guardians of the land. And these men, though seemingly simple knights, were equipped with more than just simple swords and axes.....
As those who sought converse with the throne of heaven emerged from their metal steeds, a princess greeted them loudly and without fear. "May the Lord our God bless thou in all your days. I welcome you on behalf of Christendom and the Light of Heaven, Emperor Alexis Constantine. Welcome visitors to our land, you are the first in near three hundred and fifty years. State your name and lord, are you friend or foe?"
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