Mon Jun 30, 2003 2:25 pm
The midnight oils had burned low within Duke Burel's stockade. Men could be seen running to and fro in haste to deliver messages and to recall the forces station upon the various borders of the provence. Many decisions had to be made within that canvas and wood building. But he could not gather them all, he did not have the power, as it was. And so he penned the missive...
To the Honourable Governor, Altais Bromn
Other orders slipped in, information passed from the Duke and to the various commanding officers. Yet he pushed on in the writing of it....
I set these words to paper with the thoughts of this Provence, and the people which live within it in mind. The spirits of Myrken shall not be crushed, not beneath the heel of invaders from a far, or invaders from within. Yet, in order to do what needs to be done, certain conditions must be met. Certain tasks and offices must be filled...
General Wilhelm Dross stepped up and set a small sheaf of papers before the Duke. Orders to be sent. The collection of services to be called in. All the swords that needed to be mended, the horses that needed to be reshod. His signature was quick, flowing. The crimson seal of Thessilane adorned each parchment.
... As this is the case, and as the Province of Myrken has been thrust into the centre of yet another war, I ask this boon. In order to set certain things to rights, and to coordinated the various armies which are on their march here. Or are, in the case of both mine own, and the Temurian's, already here. There must be one commander. One who's voice will be at the head of the situation...
And to this point I humbly place myself. I have generals enough to take my place at the head of my army, and as such there is no need for me to take the field directly. I would be able to better serve in a capacity of central leadership. For this campaign to be done in a sucessful manner, there must be a single place for all concerns to come. And a place for all orders to originate. Further details can be ironed out at a later date, of course, but action must be taken now. I shall await your words with anticipation.
Humbly,
Lord Sir Burel Tassnehof
Duke of Thessilane
Knight-Captain of the White Lions
Two seals were set below it, the wax crimson as bright as new blood. One was simply the royal symbol of Thessilane, a Hawk in flight. The second was Burel's person symbol. Another hawk, which clutched a sword and sheaf of wheat clutched within talons. Various ribbons were attached to each
"General Dross! Send for two couriers to take this. Have it placed directly into the hand of Governor Altais Bromn, and no other. He must see this, and recieve it as directly as possible. As well, send the copies to the various Councillors and the head officers of the Guard, so they will know of my purpose. Now go! And may Adon have mercy on us all." The General saluted in the manner of the Thessilaneian's, fist clenched to chest, above the heart, then rushed to fulfill his Duke's orders.