Nimis Family/Altmon
Torn Pages of the Lost History of Altmon Nimis
The loud protests from the people of Lanston could be heard throughout the town square as the royal carriages and entourages left from handover ceremony. The guards were instructed to keep objects from being thrown as to not sully the town’s natural beauty. “Captain Vilmar had done a good job considering how few guards that remained,” Altmon thought, “since many had gone on strike and stayed home in protest. Finally, I can get some court work done, as I had to wait for the ceremony to be over to do so. Wait what’s this? A messenger awaits inside the courthouse.”
“Please, show yourself out,” Altmon said to the courier as he received the message from Lord Sarrath. As expected Altmon didn’t believe that the Ash Sea Island nobles would show him any courtesy to his knights or himself. It only proved the common held view in Abington that they were greedy and selfish, lacking refinement to see beyond their own needs. Reading the message from Lord Sarrath that he was being told to step down from the lordship of Lanston was not shocking either, it was just rather short and curt. “By all means I shall write a letter for all to see,” Altmon mused.
"Greetings Lord Sarrath,
How does the day fare for you? I wish to write in response to your letter. It seems that I may have received the letter announcing my dismissal is in error. I have not said anything about stepping down, and I do not believe the nobles and people of Lanston will be well served by my departure. I find it odd that the first thing that anyone wrote directly to me was that I was to be removed from my home of many years, is that the way you always greet people in your realm? No matter, I do not intend to have my knights and I go around homeless and penniless. Our home is in Lanston, and I will defend my knights’ right to stay in their homes and not be evicted, since it is apparent that you have not consulted me or my knights’ intentions upon making your proclamation.
Furthermore, I have asked you before how you plan to defend your colony, but all I received was some vague generalities. It is important to the people of Lanston that they are properly defended regardless of where they end up and not be sold short because your realm is unwilling or unable to defend them. Specifically, how do you propose to stabilize the area, and what will the relations be to foreign nations? What will you do if a raid from Darka or the Barony of Makar comes or say Carelia or Caergoth want to extend their eastern borders? You say you wish to bring peace to the lands, but so far all I have witnessed is chaos, confusion, and destruction brought by Ash Sea Islands and the followers of Magnus upon Riverholm and the deaths of hundreds of her people. I do not wish to see this happen in Lanston, not now or the future.
Regards,"
It was a simple letter, but Altmon would expand on it if the response was lacking. If they discarded the notion of free choice, it would be apparent soon enough. In the mean time there were other issues to deal with in Lanston first.
The response was quick this time, and it appeared to be quite defensive. Altmon found it quite sad that someone who preached tolerance was unwilling to properly address the problems caused by their faith. The court paperwork was done for the day or at least for the most part that could be done. “Ah yes, Lord Sarrath didn’t want to give a choice to in the matter,” thought Altmon. “He rather have everything be under one authority or one way!” It was frustrating to see that in a leader, since there had to be leeway in any type of discourse. Forcing something down a person’s throat was a good way to come up with vomit.
"Greetings Lord Sarrath,
Why are you interested in my laundry? Sorry, but Redspan was the nation that dislike soap. Fortunately, in my stewardship of Lanston, they never had to suffer under their rule. It is unfortunate to see that you continue to be evasive and not address the concerns of my knights and the people of Lanston. I will have my knights and I have their say in their region. It is important to their future, and it would be heartless of me not to find out the truth of the matter for them. If you are not willing to let me make the proper accommodations then what will you have us do?
I say, do you mean that my knights and I become gypsies and beg for our keep? As if they hadn’t suffered enough, you now scheme to throw them out on the street? My interest is making sure that the knights of Lanston who have remained in the region to join your colony have a place to keep as their home. If this fact is beyond your comprehension, then I fear you will not do well in your relations with other nations. Instead of having an open society for the displaced nobles of Lanston, Rustton, Wynford, and Riverholm, you are unceremoniously kicking them to the curb, because they don’t meet your narrow view of life and may have differing opinions you wish to control? I hope that’s not the case. If it were your concern in having these nobles in your realm, you wouldn’t do that. I would think at the very least you would let them stay and let them make up their minds after they have seen what you have to offer if you really wanted to incorporate those nobles. It seems you fail to care to have the proper governance to address grievances caused by your colony. This will encourage those who have been wronged by your realm to seek out a way to destroy it. That is barely a bright future you wish it to be, especially if there are many in foreign nations to plot your demise.
Besides what is there to hide? If my knights don’t like what they hear, I can at least give them a proper tax share to find a new home should they decide to leave. I do not find how this inquiry should be objectionable. At least save us the time to find that we won’t become prisoners in our own homes and are actually free to find a better place to live. I’m not interested in leaving my remaining knights to become slaves for pennies a day. I will defend my home and my knights until they are properly compensated.
Regards,"
Altmon pondered, it would be a difficult task to get what was required for his knights; however, he needed to try to ensure the best future for all of them. It was his duty to do so, and he was not going to fail them even if it would be the last act as the Marquis of Lanston. In the meanwhile, the town still had to be worked on of course.
The noon day sun was approaching as Altmon finished signing a few documents. Captain Vilmar had come in after his rounds with his men. The report was fair; Lanston had not suffered as much damage as some other regions in the area from the constant turbulence. It was mainly thanks to Lanston’s knights that they remained around to fix the many problems as Altmon had instructed. Their presence assured the villagers that order would not go wanting from the land. “I’ll need to take a look around myself,” thought Altmon.
Altmon said to Vilmar, “Captain, please take care of the courthouse for a bit. I need to survey the township.”
“Sir, let me send a detachment with you then,” responded Vilmar, “the roads may still harbor bandits and who knows what agents of the Ash Sea Island government may do to you?“
“Nay, stay here. I’ll be fine. The people mustn’t lose their heart if their lord can’t ride freely among them,” replied Altmon as he headed off for the stables.
Altmon rode the grey palfrey, Winfrey, through the town square. It was rather empty as many were still fearful of the new central government. Still a few vendors were about, but the majority had decided it would be best to secure their belongings. The scent of freshly made bread from the bakery filled the air as Altmon made his way out of the market area. “At least Thomas is still making his biscuits,” thought Altmon. “You know if Thomas doesn’t make anything, then there’s a lot of trouble.” As Winfrey came to a light gait, Altmon had made his way almost to Drago’s fountain and near the outskirts. Usually the children would be running around, the old men playing their board games, and the women chattering away at the latest gossip. Today, there was barely a soul around. Altmon quickened Winfrey to a pace as he headed towards Merchant Road, the main thoroughfare to Riverholm. Ordinarily, there were traders abound with marvelous wares from all over the southern peninsula. It seems those days would be past as these were no ordinary times. Again there was only a scattering of men along the once bustling corridor. Altmon then followed a path off the main road that Winfrey knew well. There was an unkept roadway leading up towards a large hill that Altmon rode up to. Here was where the ancient ruins lay, a few weather worn pillars of marble and granite steps overlooking the town, the roadway, and the majestic sea. Altmon looked towards the town and the sea, the stunning view would have made angels cry. This was where Altmon wanted to be. This was his home.
Back at the courthouse, several messages were waiting as the bulk of them were packaged and delivered together by courier. Sighing, Altmon needed to get some more ink. It didn’t seem that any reasoning was arising from the leadership, as it seems they were unwilling to properly address Lanston’s concerns. There was no promises or guarantees that his knights would be taken care of, there was nothing about Lanston’s defense. The people would be left to rot in this state by another unresponsive government.
“Greetings Duke Sarreth,
Congratulations on your appointment. I am writing today to discuss your recent correspondence. I will first remark that your postulate of me making false assumptions is far from the truth. You continue to make demands that I leave my home at the end of your letter while earlier you say that “No one is being forced out of their homes.” Sir, that is a contradiction. Am I no one, now? Furthermore, I make my statements base on facts. Is it not a fact you have kicked out Duke Athys II from his estate in Riverholm! As I said before I will not have my knights going around homeless and begging when they have perfectly good estate to return to. Hanato, who I recognize as a former knight of Abington, has been asking for a place to stay in your realm for several days already. Rory, troy, and Zeff are several other knights that I recognize that are without any oaths. In your realm you even have several Redspan refugees who do not have oaths either. This is fact that anyone can verify.
I had to re-offer oaths to my knights twice already. Once when I was a part of Suville and again while transferring here to Ash Sea Island. Even though they came with Lanston, the bureaucracy prevented them from returning to their estates and so I had to deal with the red tape of allowing my knights back. This will undoubtedly happen again when the Protectorate is created. You have not given me any assurances as to what will become of my knights when that happens. Based on what I see happening here now, I will not risk them. My knights need a pledge from your government that they are able to return to their estates with the same or better oaths then they receive currently. Falling short of that is a travesty upon my knights. The refusal to acknowledge this problem only justifies my caution.
Asking for faith is one thing, backing it up is another matter all together. The fact is you have neither cared to share what exactly is your faith comprised of, there are few relevant details that my knights or I can make a judgment on. Considering I am ignorant of your teachings, none of your priests have even bothered to enlighten me. Of course that hasn’t stopped you from making demands from me for your faith. It also doesn’t answer the relevant questions I put forth before you. Ipse dixit doesn’t give the people of Lanston the security they need.
As for me to trust you, you have not given much to warrant it. There has been no agreement provided by you for the continued support of letting my knights remain in their proper estates. It is quite apparent that there is nothing for them should I step down. It costs you nothing, while I lose my home and fail my duties.
Lastly, I fail to see how why someone else is required to be in charge of Lanston. Again, there is little information provided. On what grounds do you seek my removal? What are the reasons? What can they do that I can’t do? If there is a task that needs to be completed I am certain I am able to accomplish it. For who else knows a place better than a person in his home.
Regards,"
After finishing, Altmon contemplated. It didn’t matter what government said to try to belittle the problem. The problem was there, and by refusing to offer a proper solution to him and his knights it only displayed callousness. He had hoped there would be at least some type of relief, but none was offered. Regardless, Altmon figured that Duke Sarrath would have him banned like Athys II. Arrangements had to be made if that was the case, but there seemed little else to do. Altmon would not leave his home, who in his position would?
King Doc's Revenge,
If you may, please clarify some finer points.
The new realm will be open to all so long as you pledge your lives to the Great Serpent.
So if one isn't pledged to the Great Serpent, and they are in the new realm what happens to them?
Your duties will be to the Pontifex, and to the priests. Your duties will be to ensure that the birthplace of both our Kingdom and Religion is protected, the sacred City of Ash'rily...where long ago our Kingdom was founded by the great Serpent and his chosen few.
What about protecting the Protectorate? Ash Sea Islands will do that, yes?
If you seek a life of meditation and prayer, then you must contact Sarrath now. For those that continue to serve as Ashlanteans, you all know what the life is like...we go where we are asked to be, or where we must.
Some of us don't know what it's like here, could you describe a little more than what is currently published on your bulletins? Thank you for your time.
Regards,
King Doc's Revenge,
On what grounds do wish to seize my home from me? You wish to send me off with no quarter? What kind of choice is losing my estate by stepping down or being banned so I can lose my estate! In the end, I still do not have my home! It is not enough that my former realm has been ruined to oblivion for your sake, that I am to lose what remains? Still there is nothing from your government granting protection of my knights once I am no longer the Marquis of Lanston. Are you expecting me to break my oaths in safeguarding my knights? Why would you wish me to dishonor myself? Forcing me out for what? Defending my knights, my home, and you condemn me as a criminal for doing this!
Regards,
Traveling along Merchant Road was a quick trip to Riverholm by horse or foot. The thoroughfare had been damaged several times over the years, but most of it was repaired quickly for it still had heavy use. There weren’t many people on the roads, but as Altmon got closer to the city there seemed to be more leaving it. It was difficult for Altmon even on a warhorse to make the journey; it was a leaden burden to march to the city that had been quite glorious reduced to smoldering shadows. As he made his approach to Riverholm, the Lock of Riverholm seemed to be smoking. A battle perhaps? Though why now? Didn’t the Ash Sea Island government already secure the city? Altmon stopped a middle-aged man traveling on foot with his family in tow on horse and asked him what was going on. The man replied that Duke Athys II was fighting the government forces after being banned from his domicile and that the Ashlanteans were rounding up his supporters. The man was going to take his family to stay with relatives until the commotion was over. Marquis Altmon wished him luck and gave the man a shilling for his time. He would have to take back roads to avoid the fighting, Altmon decided.
After making his way through the various rubble and garbage that often filled these narrow passageways, Altmon took a breath. The stench was worse then the cow droppings on Milking Lane. Even so, he had to make it through to his goal. Many of the lanes were only wide enough to allow passage for one man, a horse was out of the question. On one of alleys, Altmon came across a large charred heap on the ground; it was hard to distinguish what it was from a distance. The smell was very distinguishable though, and Altmon just bowed his head as turned around to find another path. The sounds of shouts and fighting were very distance from where Altmon was, but he would probably get closer to it if he was going to reach his destination. As Altmon approached a small courtyard, it seemed from the direction of the clashes that the troops were focused around the battlements.
Fortunately for Altmon there seemed to be no guard as he entered the courtyard. The quadrangle had a path that eventually led to the palace through a service gate; however, Altmon purpose lay here to the side of an ornate marble building. After hitching his horse to a large withered tree, Altmon took a hold of a sack and wore a wineskin of water from the saddlebags. The stone doors building were hard to pull open, Altmon laid the sack gently aside as he used both hands to move the door inch by inch. Once opened, so that it was large enough for him to fit through, Altmon lit a torch by the entrance. Upon entering the heavy, dusty air hit Altmon’s face and he started to cough and sneeze. The Sepulcher of Riverholm had not been open in years.
Looking around, Altmon’s eyes adjusted to the dimness of the room. Carefully, Altmon checked the ledge above the door inside the mausoleum. Seeing a small depression in the dust, Altmon dusted off that part of the ledge to reveal a key that he took. Picking up the sack outside, Altmon headed towards the back of the building to a set of stairs that led down towards the catacombs. While above ground the places to fill the dead had long been filled, there was plenty off room down below the ground. At the bottom of the stairs was a black iron grated gate. Using the key that he had obtained, he unlocked the door surprisingly easily as there seemed to be little rust on the locking mechanism. Still the gate creaked open slowly as if it did not want awaken from its slumber. Making his way through, Altmon lighted the sconces that were embedded in the walls. While bringing light to dark catacomb paths, each sconce was also a marker to help identify a location of a gravesite. Finally, Altmon arrived to a large impressed casket of a man.
The casket was hard to open, but finally it gave way to reveal a clothed corpse with little adornment. Altmon took out an object covered in cloth from the sack he had carefully carried. Removing the cloth revealed a polished lustrous shield as Altmon placed it on the chest of the corpse. Altmon softly spoke, “I’m sorry to disturb you Elantus, but I can no longer hold your shield. I know you gave me this to uphold the justice of our lands, yet I can no longer defend it. It has become a heavy burden I can longer bear. Forgive me, I must return your shield to you.” Elantus had willed away his treasured possessions after his death to all his friends in good faith and camaraderie, Altmon was unwilling to see it taken as war trophy should he fall. It only felt right that Altmon had to return it, since it was something he could not just give away.
Upon returning to Lanston, Altmon tired and weary found his way back to the courthouse. There were Ashlantean soldiers waiting for him there. Altmon dismounted the warhorse, as Altmon’s chamberlain headed towards him. The chamberlain almost slipped as he ran yelling, “Marquis Altmon! Marquis Altmon! These men are here saying you are to be banned from the Ash Sea Islands as a traitor!”
Even though he was tired, Altmon could only crack a grin, “A traitor to what? I’m a traitor to live with my knights in my own home in a town that I helped build? Incredible, what will they think up next?”
The chamberlain stopped a few steps from Altmon and looked at Altmon with bewilderment and said, “Are you alright, sir?”
“Well, was there anything else while I was gone?” Altmon replied.
“Yes, there was a squire that came only a few hours before these Ashlantean soldiers came, and delivered a library book and personal message to you. He thought I was you and gave it me. I didn’t tell him I was you, because he backed away before I could tell him so. He kept his distance as I tried to tell him I wasn’t you. I guess he was expecting me to read the letter first? I had one of the other servants take him to rest up at a local inn. Of course you have several other letters waiting as well,” said the chamberlain, “And…”
“Well, then I shall see to my correspondence,” stated Altmon as he headed for the court doors. The Ashlantean soldiers stood by as Altmon walked in with the chamberlain behind him. Lying on the floor in front of him front of Altmon was the mail to Altmon and several of Altmon’s personal belongings.
The chamberlain spoke, “I was told by the Ashlanteans that you weren’t allowed to access their government’s records anymore.”
Altmon replied, “You also mean my own records of what has been done in Lanston?”
“Yes, they told me ever record and documents relating to the governance of the region or the realm was theirs,” said the chamberlain as he frowned. “They told me to gather what else belonged to you and place it here for you. I’ve called for Captain Vilmar and his men to come pick it up.”
As if on cue, Captain Vilmar then arrived at the courthouse steps with his men. “Marquis Altmon! We heard the news, the men are in an uproar!” shouted Vilmar as he headed towards the doors. “A travesty! An injustice! How can they do such a thing to you when you have taken care of the people here so well? I’ll rip these rascals to shreds!” Vilmar was about to make a lunge towards one of Ashlantean soldiers. The soldier drew his sword ready to parry the blow. The other soldiers had their weapons readied and closed in.
“STOP! Compose yourself Captain Vilmar!” yelled Altmon. “I will not have blood shed in my hall of justice! This is not the place for it!”
“Well, when you’re right, you’re right. Sir,” said Vilmar as he withdrew back a ways.
The Ashlantean soldiers still were on guard. Marquis Altmon motioned to them to refrain, “Please, there’s no need for this. My men will not attack you. Don’t attack them for you won’t last long either if you do. Most of them were trained as Grand Poobah’s Mountaineers, Abington’s finest soldiers. Besides, I hate to report to your commander that you were killed by Abington forces.” The Ashlantean soldiers only nodded to each other as they returned to their posts, they had good discipline. Altmon then returned his attention to a beaming Captain Vilmar. “Thank you Captain Vilmar, please have our men collect all my belongings. I’ll sort through them later. Also have them pack Winfrey with food and other essentials only,” said Altmon.
“But… where are we to place your belongings? The Ashlanteans won’t let you back in your own estate,” said Captain Vilmar.
“Just go to the inn then. I’ll meet you there later this evening. I must speak with my knights first before all is said and done,” said Altmon as he then turned to the chamberlain who was hiding behind the doors the entire time. Altmon questioned him, “How long do I have?”
The chamberlain stood up sheepishly and said, “They only gave you one day. When the sun rises tomorrow Ash Sea Islands will no longer recognize you as marquis or as a noble of their realm.”
“Well then,” paused Altmon, “Let’s have my correspondence. I won’t have much to write will I?”
On foot, Marquis Altmon took one last look around his home. The town was so quiet from the earlier days of his youth. Where had the vibrancy of the hope and spirit than it once knew evaporated to? He tried his best to console his knights and the people about his banishment, but the people were afraid. It was thought that they could be next ones without a home. Even if they didn’t, it was possible that they would suffer under another uncaring regime or a lord that didn’t listen to their concerns. Altmon did the best he could for them, but it wasn’t enough with such a tactless government.
Altmon went into Thomas’s bakery. The usually warm aromatic shop was strangely cold and stagnant. The place seemed to be in disarray for some reason. A petite girl was at the counter, she was Thomas’s daughter. Mary was her name. “What do you require my lord?” she said.
“I’d like a regular fine loaf of bread, please.” Noticing the hearth silent, Altmon asked, “Where’s your father?”
The girl frowned as she said, “My father is tending to his wounds.”
This was the first Altmon had heard of it, he said, “How was he injured?”
At first hesitant, the girl finally stammered, “A group of soldiers came in demanding a supply of bread. My father asked for the coins as he was preparing their order. The soldiers laughed as they took the loaves, saying, ‘We told you get our bread, baker, that comes first. You shouldn’t concern yourself with payment.’ Father, asked for who their commander was as to draw up a bill, but one of the soldiers only pushed him aside. Father then said he would go to the authorities, yet it only made them angry.”
Tears started to well up in her eyes as she said, “A large soldier knocked father down and the others started to kick him in the ribs. Another soldier held me back and muffled my mouth as I tried to go to father. One of them said, ‘O we have an Abington loyalist here? This is not how we Ashlanteans do things. You will follow orders peasant, and ask questions later. Know your place or I’ll have you brought to the authorities!’”
Altmon placed his hand on Mary’s shoulder and gave her a handkerchief as she started freely sobbing. Through breaks in her convulsions, she said, “We didn’t know what to do! I helped father back home to bed. I was going to go get a healer, but father wouldn’t have it. He said he would be fine. Father then insisted that I come back here to mind the store. Why did this happen, Lord Altmon! If you were still in charge none of this would have happened!”
“There now don’t cry, Mary. I’ll see what I can do, please stand tall,” said Altmon. “You have my bread, correct?”
Mary whimpered, “Yes, my lord. Here it is.”
“Good,” said Altmon, “Now, then please take this.” Altmon handed her a large purse with several gold pieces.
“That’s too much, Lord Altmon,” gasped Mary, “I cannot accept this, I’ll need to give you some change.”
“Please keep it, there was little else I could do for you. I’ll have Captain Vilmar check in on you later,” said Altmon. “I hope your father makes a quick recovery. ”
As he left, Altmon felt rather helpless to do anything. He was too exhausted the way the day had gone. Nonetheless, Altmon went to see the chamberlain at the courthouse to have him fetch a healer for Thomas. Altmon paid in advance twenty gold pieces for the healer as well.
At inn, Altmon asked the squire to express his thanks to his master, Azmodan, for writing to him, though it was unlikely that Azmodan understood Altmon’s position. Azmodan at least made an attempt share the Ash Sea Island culture a little and for that Altmon was grateful. Altmon was also wanted to thank Guenevere for her letter. He knew that as in any place they were good and bad people. Altmon did not hold anything against the people Ash Sea Island. On the other hand, the Ash Sea Island government to Altmon still forced him out of his home though and with little justification.
It was amusing to Altmon when he heard the rumors that Doc’s Revenge would resign his post. It reminded him of the time in Abington during King Carriantor’s reign that Arch Priest Gauihu resigned the judgeship over an ‘unpopular’ decision only to be elected back to the position the next day. Feigning humility was a great way to fool the public in keeping your job if you were popular. Certainly politics always had similar tricks wherever you went. Altmon wasn’t really interested in those political games. Elantus had wanted Altmon to replace him as Arch Priest, but Altmon could not accept it. Altmon turned down ever being in the Abington Royal Council, it was not what he wanted. Altmon only wished to defend his people and their freedoms, but that had been forcefully taken away from him, again. This time it seemed that it would be forever.
As Vilmar brought Altmon the mare, Winfrey, he said, “Everything is secured, sir. We have packed the supplies like you requested.”
“I have one last task for you Captain Vilmar, please deliver this letter personally to the addressee. I want to make sure it is received with my utmost respect and due care.”
Vilmar said, “Sir my men and I are coming with you!”
“No, Captain Vilmar, please stay here and stay out of trouble. Find yourself a wife, grow old with her, maybe have children, and live a happy life. You and your men deserve that. The central government probably won’t concern themselves with you as long as you’re not with me. There’s no need to suffer along with me, when I know not what will become of it. Besides it will be easier for me to get by alone, then with a group of men that are easy to spot,” said Altmon as he started off on Winfrey. “Please take care of Lanston for me.” The men looked on as Altmon rode away. Would the people remember Altmon? Altmon hoped so, at least he would remember them.
