It's only been a few months for me, trekking across these lands after leaving the monastery, but I've already seen my homeland and birthright given away at a whim, joined and fought with three mercenary companies, and seen their downfall. I've visited lands to the West, in EU, joined yet another mercenary band, and almost started a war with them. Yet, here I am, riding through the steppes again, to swear fealty to yet another lord or king or whatever he calls himself. I prayed that Tristan was right about this one.
As I rode through the steppes, I saw blood-red flags all around me. New Dugan, New Bulugar, and New Distar Castle all had these flags waving above their gates. Now, at Nova Tulga, I see the same flags. Apparently, this group rules over all of the steppes, into the mountains near the frozen north, where they hold an alliance with the faction currently ruling over my homeland. Perhaps I can visit my old home at Nova Slezkh Castle after this.
The gate guard stopped me. He must have recognized my heraldry, as he told me that Tristan was already at the keep, waiting for me. I left my Palfrey at the gate and walked through the town. It was pristine. There were no beggars in the streets, no cutpurses bumping against me in the market, and no guards roughing me up at every corner. Any doubt about this kingdom evaporated after that walk.
The guards led me through the keep, to a surprisingly modest hall, where General King Emperor sJimmy and his Legate Dutchy stood next to each other. Tristan was there with some of his officers, though they stood silently as the two talked quietly to each other. I took a knee and waited patiently.
When the conversation was done, they turned to me. sJimmy said, "We have been informed by Tristan of Erzoth that you are a dutiful follower and eager to learn the arts of war. We are always in need of more men like you. Will you swear fealty to me, to join us in working towards a united and prosperous empire?"
"I will, your majesty," I said to the floor, too frightened to make eye contact with the powerful man before me.
Dutchy stepped forward, "Then repeat after me: I, your name and titles, do swear that I will be Faithful and Bear True Allegiance to the Legion, for His Majesty, General | King | Emperor | Jimmy, to bring Honor and Glory to the Legion, through Victory or Death!"
"I, Uulmshar of Nova Slezkh Castle, do swear that I will be Faithful and Bear True Allegiance to the Legion, for His Majesty, General | King | Emperor | Jimmy, to bring Honor and Glory to the Legion, through Victory or Death!"
