05/28/2026
PLAYER STORY
In the end they won. The empire always won and Matthew in his heart of hearts knew that to always be true. He looked out from the hastily constructed battlements that were propped up in response to the rivlan presence as his mind fell to the recent victory over the undead and orcs. Those creatures lost to men regular men who in the end were nothing special with the exception of their drive and passion to succeed against impossible odds and even when Matthew was given the potion that would give him neigh invincibility he knew the line of shields, the formation of men, the HERO's that held the line were all that was needed.
It was war not a duel. Matthew was proud to lead them into battle and soon into an even greater war front. The immune a position between Preator and the Decarch. The position that commanded the battle while the Preator commanded the war and the Decarch's enforced the authority. Soon he would be on campaign with a small reprieve in Goldenfold to resituate his workshop and library along with his personal projects of the school he sought to build and the "Senatus de Martius," he wanted to help build and establish firmly. It would be the light of the March the symbol of Hadrian civilization.
Matthew’s hand instinctively reached downward to his belt and that’s when he remembered the missing braid…the one that was given to him by Valli later taken back. His thoughts went to the ring he gave her. Not even he fully understood his actions in trying to get her to keep it but he guessed deep down he really wanted her to have it to maybe have someone return the feeling his late fiancé had for him. Maybe he really did have feelings for her but he couldn’t admit it…by Sol Invicta whatever deal he struck in Oblivion it has torn his soul in two. The anger bellowed from his heart was even the illusion of such a relationship impossible for him. Matthew slammed his fist into the rock as his confusion and insecurity seemed to have had only grown.
"Matthew I challenge you to a duel," The voice shocked Matthew but when he recognized the voice he couldn't help but smile. It was Griff. In terms of friends Griff was his best friend. The man was there was no doubt about that. The time they traveled together and issues they came across only strengthened their bond which was then only enforced by a shared belief in a singular entity.
The weight of how Griff put this statement was different it sounded more serious than the last few duels they had for sport. The noticeable limp was also gone which brought a suspicious thought to mind, "I accept but this better not be a su***de attempt." Matthew stated.
"No its just for sport." Matthew had yet to know it but Griff had lied.
Matthew drew his sword and saluted his friend and they beated their blades. A universal tradition of duelists. As they circled Matthew could feel the tense air but Griff was being...more defensive than normal. Maybe it was the slightly shorter sword or he may have been trying something new...yes that was it.
Cut, parry, thrust, parry, counter cut, was the melody of their blades and everything had a purpose. That purpose was to strike the other deeply...It continued till Matthew felt it the weak he had been searching for but his gut told him it was too easy so he prepared a counter. Matthew went for the thrust...It had landed true but it wasn't blocked by padding or armor... Instead a flow of red liquid came from his chest and he saw the now lifeless eyes of his best friend on his sword that he instinctively dropped.
"BONE KNITTER! I NEED A BONE KNITTER!" Matthew shouted but he knew everyone would soon know it would be in vane. Matthew left his sword and picked up the helmet that his friend had tossed away. Walking to the court yard he stopped at a horrific sight. His brother Roy on his stomach with the camp surrounding him. Rage filled Matthew.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?! STAND HIM UP!" Matthew could stop himself a man he considered part of the Marshal house hold especially when it was his brothers both Arnas Marshal and Wilhelm Marshal,
Amori would be the one to pull him aside and explain Roy's betrayal.
"No not my brother I just killed my best friend I can't lose my brother too...I...I need to go see someone." Matthew after receiving a hug from Amori something that he had not expected but welcomed anyway and in a way it was comforting. When Matthew turned around to give his brother his last rights he saw the bladewarden over him and the want to pull his blade washed over him but he wasn't armed. This man wasn't the chaplain that was his responsibility that damn monk needed to learn his place. But the deed was done and Matthew needed to leave.
All that filled his heart in that moment was rage, confusion and sorrow. He couldn't bear it and he needed to talk to someone and he needed to deliver the helmet of Griff to Valli. That conversation would stay between them as friends and nothing more. Closer to the dead of night Matthew found himself a tree that he would sit under away from the revelry that was taking place and he would build himself a small fire and close his eyes,
"Sol Invicta who siteth on the highet seat of the universe. Your name maketh this hallowed ground and may soon the prince cometh once again and your will be conducted. Spare me from the pain that inflicts my soul and the evil that corrupts it. Allow peace to enter thy heart where war and anger have taken hold. Please I ask that you spare me the fate of killing my family again first my fiancé, sister to Sir Robert who I wish not to hate or bare malice too so I can know him as a brother, please let my brother Roy be forgiven of his transgressions so this pain may be put away. Please forgive me for the murder of my friend Griff. Why must I be pained with this fate to kill my friends and family? Is this fate I bear solely on my shoulders so that others may not bare it? Please Sol Invicta give me strength...Give me hope and take this thorn in my side...In accordance to your will. Amen."
Matthew would put out the fire with tear stained eyes and begin to walk back to his camp to the Hadrian Empire.
Photo:
