Olik Family/Gauihu/Journal

• (1-20-06)

Today it begins. I am enacting a harsh but necessary measure to bring into the light the loyalty of those members of our realm who, at this time, have earned no trust yet. It shall be simple, but it shall be efficiently conducted. I find this will conclude my days nicely. I have been kept very busy in Ash'rily, working with nearly a hundred of my policemen to arrest suspicious peasants, and hold court. Best222, of course, as the new Duke, shall be overseeing those a lot more in the future. But for now, we must show these subdued people that Abington is Law, and Law is Abington. It is the same message that needs to be made known to certain members of the nobility. Though, of course, in their case the message does not take the form of a public execution or dismemberment.

In other news, Fetz has proved himself Master of the Abington_School_of_Swordfighting. He shall be officially 'crowned,' so to speak, in a few days. I feel he is worthy. I am told he was once a ruler on the South-West Island, where brother Oleg once served. But I won't hold that against him...

• (12-12-05)

I am Arch-Priest. Lord Elantus has offered his tutelage and it has been most welcome. He shall likely become one of the new Ministers of the People.

I have recruited a new unit of archers, the Law of Abington. They shall be my police force, accompanying myself as I travel to the various regions in which law and order is required. It is a pity I will not often be on the front lines, but such is the calling of my new duties.

These past few days I have been holding conversations with the prisoners in Riverholm Dungeon. One is quite eloquent, and would make an adequate noble of Abington were he to turn. I have had varying degrees of success in persuading these Islanders to think on the nature of this war, and the greed of their leaders which led to it. In truth, I hope merely to cause malcontent in their realm, not capitulation. Only blood will sate Abington's need for vengence, only the capture of Ash'rily will complete our own destiny.

Today I continue on my way to Wayburg, and then south through the lands, to hold court and administer justice. Unfortunately, it is frowned upon for me to use force upon the Islander prisoners of war. However, there are no such restrictions for common criminals, of which we have a-plenty. I am in the process of writing new anti-crime legislature which will punish the criminals according to their crimes. Rapists, for example, shall be impaled, and thieves will have their hands cut off.

• (12-06-05)

Today was the funeral of Feldric, my good friend, fellow Minister of the People, Knight of Riverholm, hero. I wept not. It is not noble for a lord to give tears of mourning, and I have none to give at all. Indeed, since his death I have felt a strange calmness, as when hot steel cools and hardens. I know what I must do, and what the realm must do, and that is all that counts. Emotions are wasted passion, suitable for the commoner, not the noble.

Lord Elantus has decided to step down, despite many of our requests that he remain as Arch-Priest. Though I do not see eye-to-eye on him on all issues... I would have executed he who attempted to assassinate our King... I do respect him. And the realm needs stability above all. I shudder to think what might happen when King Gabriel decides to retire. He excels at his roles, at his knowledge of the structural politic, at his position as leader.

I have conferred with several of my close associates. Lord Deschain has nominated myself as a candidate for Arch-Priest, since he himself would not seek the title. Ansaga, the leading swordsman of our School, is also running for the position. He poses a strong opposition, he has served the realm longer than I have and is reckoned very honorable. Yet I am confident that I know what is required, and have all that it takes to fulfill the needs of Justice in our mighty realm.

It's also come to my attention that I still have no Captain for the Vengence of Wynford. Tomorrow I shall have to appoint one of the sergeants, but I am loathe to do that as they are either fresh recruits out of Narville, or the inept cowards who ran from the walls of Ash'rily whilest I and the army stood fast. Perhaps I can seek one of the soldiers of Wynford instead.

Here is the letter that I received from Feldric - a letter he wrote, to be opened only upon his death.

Lord Gauihu:

Old friend, were it that I had enough paper to express what I wish. You have always been my most stalwart friend and companion. I know that you shall avenge me, but grieve not, for you of all know I would not have been satisfied to die as an old crag. I beg you, however, do not lose your own life for the sake of mine. Your future is bright, brighter than mine ever was, and I sense a greatness in you. It is my prediction that you will one day step forward and lead Abington to greatness as King.

Continue the School in my name. Let my fate be a testament to all those in the school who wish to learn the ways of the blade. I would ask you retrieve my trusted sword, and present Feldric's Blade to the man or women made master of the school. Let it forever be a symbol to the spirit of swordsmanship within the walls of your School.

I would ask you do me one last favour. I am telling you now what I have never told a soul. I have a daughter, old friend. I have kept her hidden in Riverholm since my arrival, for fear harm would come to her by my old enemies. She is old enough now to start on her own. Present her my armour, such as what may be left of it, at my burial ceremony. Young Alaina is both bold and strong, and ready to face the world. I cannot expect her to remain in Abington, but promise me, old friend, to offer her friendship should she decide to.

So a final farewell I bid you, my closest of compatriots. Know that my spirit shall watch you always, and protect you from harm in battle. Remember Feldric as I was, and fight for what it is you believe in.

Yours, always and forever,

Feldric Selemnir

It seems I shall have new responsibilities, Arch-Priest or no. In many ways, presenting Alaina's father's armor to her shall be one of the most difficult things I have ever done.