Serpentis Family/Erik Eyolf/A New Temple for New Hopes
The common people were awaiting at the bridge. The expectation of see Lord Erik again was great and many believed it was just a rumor. Some had seen his son wander through the village, but the Judge of Sirion not visited his region for a long time. The Silver Dragon was flying over Fontan, burning everything with his rage. But the news said he had grown old and tired. Who no longer drank his beer or smoke his pipe. The women wept when they heard that he apparently was closed himself in some introspective isolation.
The first apparition had passed unnoticed. In the middle of night, he meet only his seneschal and some employees to order some minor repairs in the fortifications and measured how much gold he would need to complete the work. At day, he gave the investment letter to the seneschal and received just some privileged people who had problems to report in a small and reserved court. These situations have increased the rumors. But when they emerged, the Judge had already marched to Sirion City. In those days, the seneschal had a lot of problems to control the people's curiosity. Especially when the ox carts began to arrive. Everything was done quietly. But the noisy carts crossed the bridge loaded with gray and white majestic stones brought from the confines of Skezard. Perhaps the Marquis wanted to expand his estates... but the mystery remained. And the work had increased considerably within and outside the village. With the investments, the farmers prospered and some brewers seemed happy because the seneschal had made a special request. Everything indicated they were preparing the Lord's return.
But that time without his precious armor. He wore only the imperial red and black mantle that dignified him as the Magistrate, Justiciar and Judge of Sirion. This time he had not smile on his face. He was looking more serious and perhaps a little old. But people were happy to see him again and waited on the bridge to throw flowers. The women blew kisses and warm regards. The Stormwalkers crossed the bridge led by Captain Andre. The same bridge as Captain Karl had crossed many times. He still was not so impressive or had the same honor, but he was certainly one of the best Captains in activity after the fall of the Best Captain of Sirion. The banners chanted victory hymns in twisted horns and a group of employees joined the cortege until the great central square. The Judge has positioned himself beneath the imperious White Tree while some soldiers established a safe perimeter. The bard made the announcement:
The Bard: "People of Trinbar, your prayers were answered. After a long campaign in the south against Fontan, the Silver Dragon is back! Praise your Lord! The Most Honorable Judge of Sirion, previous Count of Dolmbar and Margrave of Trinbar, Lord Erik Eyolf Serpentis, the greatest among the House of the Old Dragons! Blessed by Elune!!!"
The people shouted excitedly. Even if the Judge had a countenance more serious than usual, he was finally there and the bard had the power to inspire them with the power contained in many honored titles. The awaited the acclaim and after a few moments Captain Andre hit his sword against the shield. The Stormwalkers repeated the action. The people finally shut up after the metallic sound of thunder echoed through the square. While some employees brought a comfortable chair, Erik walked and looked at the sky through the branches of the white tree. A strong wind poured upon him a rain of leaves and small white flowers. He knew. Elune was there with him...
Erik Eyolf: "My people... my absence was long, but I bring good news with me. Fontan is falling and soon they will be just a shadow of the powerful military realm they were. Desperation grows every day and when they give up fighting the inevitable, we will march to the north with all our armies to claim the Sutanate's complete destruction. We will ensure the sovereignty of Sirion and show to the entire world that there is no enemy that can challenge us and escape without pay by the crimes committed against our people!!!"
Erik still had authority to speak of military affairs as he did when he was Marshal of the Army of Sirion. Many times Second in Command of the Army of Sirion and Red Dragons. And as the warrior who had seen the start of the war and fought since the first battle. There was a new commotion and soon the Captain and soldiers made a new thunder silence the crowd.
Erik Eyolf: "As you may know, I recognize and entitled the young Sir Dürion as my son. He is now Sir Dürion Eyolf Serpentis, Blood of My Blood, legitimate son of my lineage. Many people dare to question the mother's nobility and I will not deny you that she's not a Lady of the Court, but she is a Priestess and carries within her the essence of the Gods. I don't want to hear silly questions about it. He is my son and so will any young boy or girl I take under my wings. I sent him to serve and learn under the tutelage of Duke Alexander of Parm. And in recognition of our Gods, he made a donation of gold to build a new temple in Trinbar. I'll stay here until the temple is ready for our priests and your prayers. The fortifications are being repaired and I will hear your complaints and requests. The court begin!"
The people cried out for the great Judge of Sirion and Margrave of Trinbar. Erik sat in the chair and the soldiers and employees began to organize the square so that the Judge could hear his people. The work was intense after the absence. Many servants were working, repairing the fortifications. The builders began to reform the ancient temple which was destroyed by the enemies. And while the Judge holded the courts, Captain Andre were conducting constant patrols to discover or arrest Sir Zartos, who should be hiding somewhere in the village or in some farm. The last nights had been noisy with rudimentary explosions against the fortifications. But now the Judge was there and everything would be peaceful as always.
