Journal of The Duke’s Seneschal
The city fell silent as it always does at twilight. Summer was coming to an end and I do not think many of us were really prepared for what was to follow… Peace had never been like this before, not in the living memory of man or dwarf — it was… unnatural.
The Duke of Merida, Lord Victor Ori declared neutrality in the war between his cousins, High King Lucius II and the rebel “Red Peter” Urian, “Archduke” of Caenan. He did this to save the Middle Realm from being swept aside by the nomadic hordes, the men and orcs of the North who follow the teachings of an illiterate whore that claimed divine inspiration. Now, we stand as the only bulwark against their aggression, their barbarism.
This city, my city, is Merida. Built by the hands of man and man alone, it is the only city this far north that has a history that predates the coming of Dwarven Emperor, Victor Magnus, also known as the Grand Conqueror.
Merida was once the center of a nascent Empire of Man, but that was torn asunder when the Arcanum ended the so-called “Age of Blood and Fire.” To read the history books, even the ones written by my own countrymen, one would think that the era heralded only chaos and bloodshed. They forget that Merida was at the center of the Rebirth, it was our scribes and our coin that helped to cultivate a common image of Man the world over.
We are one people because Merida and its people sacrificed to discover our common links. Most men forget that now, but I assure you, some do not.
The city remembers. The Market bustles, the Elemental Temples have been a facet for eons, the Palace retains its glory and the Sanctuary expands every year.
Merida stands fast, but for how long?
House Ori rules well-enough given the situation. The Duke is aging, but his son shows much promise. His wife and their youngest children, the Twins, are pillars of the Water Temple. It is through their service to the common good that the people respect and love their Duke. His eldest child, Lady Malia Ori, is less inspiring, but may become useful later.
Across the table from House Ori sits House Geheris. Lord Hector Geheris, Count of Novia, stands to benefit greatly from the peace. He operates several forges, ranches and holds a stake in several mercenary companies in the area. He loves Merida as much as anyone here, but there is tension between the Houses Ori and Geheris that goes beyond simple rivalry. But what?
The dwarves have been a presence in the city ever since the Dwarven Emperor narrowly defeated Lord Imbohl, King of Greater Merida on the very fields that feed us today. House Imbohl fell that night, Victor Magnus made sure to destroy the bloodline that nearly ended his life. They maintain a large following for their Imperial Cult and stage a series of marches throughout the year to remind the people of this city of their legacy. They stand and march to balance our own history, the constantly serve to remind us that their Emperor, their God-King on Earth, defeated ours.
I hate them for it.
But they’ll never know…
Both the High King and Red Peter have agreed to send us troops to help defend the Middle Realm from the Nomads. Thankfully, we have been able to keep one in the field while the other stays in garrison. The only time I have to worry is the symbolic “Changing of the Guard” when one exits and the other enters. Every month, it is more and more of a spectacle.
Lord Ori wants their commanders to attend the Harvest Celebration at the Palace in a week’s time. This will be interesting, especially since he also invited the Embassy.
Lord Weyoun Jarna, Baron of Reach, and his wife Estrella, are from the conquered Realm of Arnham to the northeast — they are but Nomads in finer clothing and fancy speech. They talk of peace with grim Lord Tarkin, but they really speak of conversion and capitulation to their One Faith.
If I wanted to experience the pleasures of divine submission, I’d visit the Sanctuary Below, I’m sure it would be more interesting than what their Prophet’s Puppet peddles from his big tent in Karakalla.
But we remain, ever vigilant in the face of threats that can destroy everything we’ve worked for… What else can we do?
