The Sailor the husband of the Hag limps in seeing his Hag took her last breath. He cursed with many words like no one has ever heard of him saying.

Ye stinkin Son of da Satan, How ye be so filth and dis itz my wif de Hag and now ye haf kilt her.

He knelt down next to his Hag and tears came to his eyes and suddenly he felt like attacking the filth. He got up pulling his knife out.

God, fergiv meself as I am about ta sumfin teribl. Ye hev taken advantage of dos prisonas of the Irish and tooken our lands. Our lands wuz plentiful til youngus come. Youse distrod all.

It was too much for him and he fell with a broken heart and died at the feet of the filth.[/color]

The army marched on...

Days turned to weeks and weeks to still more but the Armies of the Rey moved ever onward, seeking that last moment. Word had reached them from scouts that the Irish hand landed on the mainland, and that the English had crossed through French lands on their way to reinforce the last besieged outpost of Ireland's Imperialist holdings.

How surprised they would be to learn that the Spanish army had already slipped the noose.

Charles smiled and rode onward a quiet chuckle uttered beneath his breath.

"Something amusing Sire?" Paul inquired as he leaned in his saddle. The Priest was not used to riding so long or so fast and had developed saddle sores that still pained him even these weeks later. But he was a tough man, not used to a simple life despite his calling... he had spent it out among the people and as a caretaker of the sick before finding his way into the service of the King of Spain.

"That," Charles replied softly, "is between me and God, Father."

"But I'm your Confessor!" He protested, blinking with a mildly shocked expression.

"Hmmm.. you raise a good point." He tilted his head over to one side, "I am just pondering the expression on their faces when they realize they have traveled all this way... only to have to turn back to defend their own lands..."

Paul offered his Lord a look of mild rebuke. "Sire, smug is not seemly for a Lord of your standing."

Charles conceded the point with a brief nod as the two continued plodding along with their horses, all around them the Spanish army wound and twisted, followed by it's baggage train and the usual assortment of camp followers and other axillary that no army could ever truly do without. How they had made it this far and accomplished what they had to this point was something he was very proud of, but there were greater battles ahead and they would all be tested. He had no doubt that they would prevail with God's help and blessing.

"Sire... I am curious about something, if I might be so bold?" Paul arched an eyebrow at the end of the question, his voice lilting upwards just a hair.

"By all means..."

"That story you told the children back in that village..."

"Yes..."

"Might you continue it?"

Charles eyed the priest for a moment and then looked around.

"I see no children to amuse Father... but I suppose we must speak on something to pass the hours hmm?" In the heroic ballads of men and deed they never mentioned the great yawning stretches of total boredom that pressed in on all sides around moments of pure excitement and blind terror.

"When we last left our story, the petitioner of Trisa had been freed by the brave actions of Eric the jailer in defiance of Queen Dolly. But Paul knew he could not return home, for if he did... all his people might be held accountable for his brave act. So together, Paul and his new traveling companion set out from the capital and out into the homeland of the Kingdom... a great island where the people of Kingdom were from. But Paul was in danger here. You see the people of Trisa were not like those from here. Their skin was darker, their hair less fair, and many of them spoke different languages... This did not matter to the Queen however, to her they belonged to her by right, and so she would keep them whatever the desires of the people might be for the greater glory of herself."

------

Paul fell into a coughing fit for a moment and pounded his own chest appologetically, "Sorry sire.. twas the dust.."

"I'm sure... " Charles said dryly, "now where was I... ah yes.."

--------

"So Paul was forced into the guise of a leaper. His face and hands wrapped, hiding his skin and hair from sight for here the sight of both could be his undoing. The people of Trisa and beyond were not seen as equals to those of the Kingdom, but tools and underlings to be used and then tossed aside as needed. It was a wound to Paul's pride to have to do this, for it suggested he might be ashamed for who he was for all that it was the perfect disguise. But Eric, with the wisdom and simple goodness of a man who was less that bright said, 'Did you not tell me that Pride was a great sin? One that has led us all to this state? Surely you too must cast yours aside to be a servant of God' And Paul knew shame, for here this simple man had seen a truth that he himself had not. So dress as a leaper he did."

------

"Have you ever considered becoming a priest?" Paul said again.

Charles snorted a bit and eyed Paul, "No but once a Monk... now do you want to hear the story or not?"

"My apologies..."

------

"Their first stop was one of the oldest Villages in the Kingdom. Legend had it that the first people to ever think of themselves as being from Kingdom had originated here. As such it was a place attached to great worth by all, and it's people fiercely loyal to the Queen to a fault. The danger to them both would never be greater, for both knew that the Queen would want to punish Eric too for helping Paul escape... and they could never know if their trick with the replacement would work... until they saw the guards coming to seize them."

"In this village they were having a celebration. Dozens of villages had come to celebrate to the greater glory of the Queen. Large statues had been erected of her fashioned out of wood, stone, and any other material that could be worked. At their feet were strewn all that the villages could afford, food left to rot, jewels, family heirlooms. All destined to be picked up by the Army and brought to the capital where they would sit admired among thousands of such gifts until the food rotted and was tossed aside. Paul was disgusted with the sight and boldly marched among them so that they might see him. A wide birth was given the leaper as he moved to the center of the celebration where the tribute was being collected."

" 'What is the meaning of this?' he asked in a voice, stronger than at any time since he was a young man with the gravity of his outrage. 'We honor our Queen, leaper, do you not wish to give thanks for all she has provided for us?' Paul snorted, 'Nay! I give thanks for all that GOD has provided to us. Look now at you, worshiping as you do these idols of a mortal woman, while your church as the rest of your village lays in such a state. Nay.. nay I say! Turn your hearts back to God people, for only he can save us all.'"

"The villagers did not quite know how to respond to this, they had never encountered one who thought as Paul did, and while a few did look over to their empty church most muttered stayed from saying or speaking more against him only because it was acknowledged a sin to abuse one who has been thus afflicted with Leprosy. 'Look you, Leper,' said one, 'Our Queen is good and honest and true, look that all that we have.' Paul shook his head holding his hands apart and gesturing broadly, 'And look at what you do not. Who among you eldest here can remember a time when things are better, who among you can remember a time when things were worse? Our people grow more poor by the year, our lands more barren and all the while we send more and more of what we grow to her. Why should we give thanks to a mortal? Why should our devotion be bound by a mere mortal when God cries out for us to return the Love that sent us his only Son? Nay good people! Nay! I say that Queen Dolly has betrayed her noble trust as our guardian and lord!' A gasp ran through the crowd shock and fear forcing all the back away from Paul. Eric, at his side began to tug on him trying to get him to leave, but Paul shook free of him."

" 'For look at me good people, I have been condemned to die! I will be cast out of my own home, never to return for fear of what might happen if I do all for the Pride of one woman. The Lord is my Shepperd and the Church His arm on earth, I will worship no false idols, pay no tribute to a heretic!' Paul moved forward again, and before Eric could stop him Paul had struck the side of one of the statues with his wooden cane and a shock went through the crowd. For when he had struck low a bolt of lightning pierced the cloudless sky above and struck the statue of Dolly splitting it down the middle, sending everyone running for safety. Yet Paul was untouched, though singed and deafened by such a thing.'"

"The villages were terrified, and watched the sky fearful it might be some new magic. But no the sky was clear and Paul was unharmed. God had chosen his messenger, the man who would free these people from the Heresy that gripped the land, and of the foul teachings of the Dark One, the denier of Church authority... For many whispered he was whom had led Queen Dolly astray, his teachings taken her from the path of God and blinded her to the cries of her people. None of them wanted to be seen with Paul, for they knew someone would send word that a true believer, the Leper of God, as he came to be called... walked the land."

"Queen Dolly and the Dark One... knew fear."

---------

"The Dark one is it?" Paul said sitting forward in his saddle once more, "I find this more and more interesting by the day, Sire." A bit of a smile crossed the priest's face.

"Good. For I think the story is really just beginning..."

"This is good. Perhaps I shall use some of them... you seem to have blended themes from stories of our Lord in with these tales... Idolatry, heresy... false witness... it is most compelling, Sire."

Charles smiled a bit and nodded, "One must put such things in such a tale so that they cannot be ignored. People like to be entertained."

"Just so, Sire, just so."

The Spanish army marched on.

"Queen Dolly raged against the actions of the Leper, brave Paul the man from Trisa who begged for mercy in her own court. Her brutal mercenaries had laid waste to the village where the "Miracle" had happened, hoping to kill every man, woman, and child who had witness the act; for indeed none were to have an opinion on the divine but her. But she had failed to destroy the truth... no matter how many lies she told or how many innocents she put to the sword God had intervened. His hand had given word of the events in the village wings and they flew far and wide until they were on a whisper in every quiet corner throughout the Kingdom. Indeed they had even heard about the events outside of the Kingdom and noble lords and ladies watched with interest as events unfolded... many who had suffered at the hands of the Kingdom and its Queen."

"So the Queen spoke to the Dark One again, the false witness and denier of the Pope himself. He had once condemned the Queen herself as leader of the Church but was ultimately cast down in disgrace, rejected. But instead of unleashing his hatred upon the Queen... he lay a dark plan. For low, next to Kingdom was a Nation of truth and light that had grown in tandem with it. It's heroes were legend, beacons of Knighthood, led by a man who was a true Knight in every sense of the word. But the Dark One is an insidious creature, caring only for his own power and so he set to work whispering dark promises. And low it came to pass that the great General and hero of this Nation was cast down by his people so that the promises made by the Dark One might be fulfilled. And they were, for soon Queen Dolly too was dancing to his tune, and the world trembled."

"But Paul was not the only brave soul in the land, for there were other men of honor and truth, protectors of the true Faith, and Dolly and the Dark One knew well that they were the true danger to them. So they hatched a dark plan... Dolly would cast off Mouthpiece and together they would work dark and evil magics to bewitch one of these men, bend them to his will so that they might gain still more power. It was a sad and dark day when Lothar himself fell to their designs. Dolly and Lothar were married and the protests of the Church against this unholy union were ignored and indeed the Dark One blessed it in their place further spreading shock and horror throughout the world. It was clear then... Dolly and the Dark One sought not only to rule the land of men... but of God as well."

"But they saw their plan was in danger, for as the truth was spread far and wide the peoples they held under their thumb by fear began to grow restless. Willing they might be to be scorned and sneered at, but forced to make war on the Church and Heaven itself?... this they were not willing to do. And as the Story of Paul the Leper of Trisa traveled more voices became raised in protest, they came together with a thunderous crash that threatened to put both their very kingdoms in jeopardy. And so Dolly addressed her army's leaders. 'Attend me' she said, 'this rebellion cannot be allowed to stand. For like Trisa is the source of it..it must be lanced like a boil. Let their lands grow no fruit, let their fields hold no life... destroy them utterly so that not even the memory of this defiance will go on to threaten our Kingdom!' Her knights paused, where they really to make war upon their own? One Knight stepped forward,'Good Queen, I have served the Kingdom faithfully for most of my adult life. My sword has ever been sharp to swing in your service. But... to destroy Trisa? Why Majesty?'"

"Dolly drew herself up and approached the knight, an understanding smile on her face as she put one shoulder onto his armored shoulder, 'Good Knight, you have been loyal and true it is true. But Trisa is a treat to me that I cannot allow to exist. You have proven your loyalty and word,' Dolly's free hand reached behind her and she plunged her dagger deep into the weak spot in the armor, 'That is why your betrayal burns now! DIE TRAITOR!' The brave knight fell back, clutching the hilt of the dagger sticking from his chest, his honorable blood shed upon the white marble of the floor. Shock was plastered upon every face as the Queen turned to them gore staining her hand as she pointed it to them. 'Go now and do not return until not a living thing dwells in the land of Trisa!"

-----

"Sire!" A breathless voice entered the tent panting with his hands on his knees as he glanced up at Charles and Paul seated on either side of a desk pouring over papers and maps, "Word comes. Gregory has move to avoid confrontation with our army!"

Charles blinked a bit and glanced over towards Paul, a little bit of a smile touching his lips. "Indeed? Well then Paul I think we should see how far he is willing to tuck his tail shouldn't we Father?"

"Perhaps," said Paul with a little bit of a nod, rubbing his ink stained fingers together where he had been helping Charles put the story to paper with a slight frown.

"You have a concern?" Charles asked, "I understand that war by it's very nature is not something you ever desire to see Father, nor do I. Yet we go to battle against those who would make war upon the world... even the tenants of the Church itself by denying Papal authority! We both read the details of Gregory's excommunication when he tried to set himself up as Pope of England... absurd. We cannot waver now Father... for we go to battle for Him and His hand will guide us to victory."

"What is it that you hope to achieve here Charles? Truly?"

Charles looked at Paul for a moment.. considering. "Paul, there are times in a man's life...any man's, even a King. When he realizes that he has made a mistake. That he has accepted the false into his heart believing that he could make or keep them true... that he could trust when he should have held at arms lengths. I am not proud of those mistakes. But I can put them right now by my actions here. Kings, Knights... nobility... we all exist for the purpose of leading and protecting our people on behalf of the Lord our Father; as you nurture their souls for the next life so we must shelter and protect them in this life and I would be failing in both duties if I did not stand up now. It would have been the easy path to accept it as something I could not change, bit my tongue while my bile curdled as I watched the actions unfold around me. But I am a King, Father, I have a greater duty than the farmer... to stain my hands with blood so that they do not have to see theirs shed."

"I accept this charge, Father, for I believe it is God's will that I do so. I would not be true to the man God made me if I sat back silently and allowed this evil to persist."

Paul regarded Charles for a few moments and then smiled ever so slightly making the sign of the cross.

"Thank you Charles. I forget sometimes that for all your faults you are a man of strong faith and conviction..."

"Faults I have Father," Charles laughed, "I drink too much, shout too often, and I fear I have a profound weakness for a well rounded bosom, but I will never turn from my duty, my honor, or my country. For they are all that I truly have. Were I still the poor landless noble I was born, I would still do what I do now... only now I have the ability to influence and so the demand of God to do so is greater."

"Come then, shire," Paul said standing up slowly, "You must attend to your army."

The two men shared a grave nod and turned to walk out of the tent.

As they rode, the tale continued to grow...

--------------

"....When Paul and Eric learned of Dolly's plan, there was only once choice. They had to escape this island and return to their homeland, warn their people of the Queen's evil plot. Trisa was in grave danger! Paul spent the night in deep prayer so that he might ask God to show him the path he must take and when Eric awoke the next morning he knew what they had to do. The pair traveled a great distance, and though it was a sin, they stole a fishing boat in the dead of night to sail to the neighboring nation of the Dark One. Here they were not known, for full word of them had not yet traveled this far. They knew that this could not be far gone, for once her agents failed to find them in the Kingdom she would send word far and wide for any and all to capture them and hold them forever on pain of being attacked."

"From there managed to secure passage to the mainland with just a couple weeks before the assembling hosts of Queen Dolly were to strike. Paul and Eric road through the countryside warning of the impending attack, 'Rise up brave people of Trisa, for the Dark One and his puppet Queen come to destroy you all! Leave your fields protect yourselves for I fear the worst has happened, she has become a horror unleashed upon us all!.' The people, poor, sick and starving, did not know how to respond. For here was Paul, returned to them, but not the same broken aged man who had left, but clear eyed as he had been in his youth. His voice strong and sure once more with his travels and his words rang with truth so strongly that none doubted that they came from God himself. So the brave men and women of Trisa took up arms against the coming storm: Father's and son holding their tools from their farms stood shoulder to shoulder to thatchers from the village and good wives with their cooking knives and iron pots. They were a people. Their people, language, and culture would not be destroyed by the coming storm. And despite the odds stacked so high against them, they commended their souls to God, and their bodies to the fight one and all."

"Queen Dolly's army saw them there, spread out along the beach and their shock could not have been more total. For at their head stood Paul himself, tall and proud, his old features somehow visible even from that great distance. How had one man done all this they wondered? And yet that he had was impossible to dispute. Many of the knights in Dolly's army had doubts, they spoke to their commanders who shared their fears... to destroy a whole people? For one woman's pride? She had ordered it done to great Lothar and now he was under her thumb as well, who was next? What would it take to satisfy this woman's bloodlust? And now they were ordered to do this... But they did as they were bid. They forced a landing and ruthlessly slaughtered all who stood before them, as they had done time and time again in other places. They even said that the hair of the Queen was red... to represent the blood of the innocents she bathed in every night after for what happened on this day."

"The brave men and women of Trisa had no chance. For they fought Knights and soldiers, their rough weapons no match for the armor and horses of the Kingdom. Onward the brutal assault went hunting down groups of Trisa's people where they hid from the attack. They where drug from their homes, from under beds, from caves, even from holes they had dug into the earth trying to escape. Their blood stained the earth from the sea to the Mountains in the East. True to her orders her army was killing them all."

"Brave Paul cried out, 'Oh Father, why have you delivered us to this evil? We who have ever strived to do Your will? We are your people oh Lord, please help us!' "

"The campaign went on for weeks until you were hard pressed to find a man or woman of Trisa alive anywhere. But still Dolly was not satisfied. Still she had them hunted one at a time wherever they hid. Paul and good Eric saved what they could, leading them to escape to the south where they might yet to saved. But low, there was an army to the south. Two, nay three! Three armies marching North into Trisa under the flag of the cross! Paul fell to his knees in thanks, weeping tears of joy as the last remnant of his people might yet be saved from the fearful slaughter that had been unleashed upon them. Greatful to God to whom he had so recently despaired to. For there had been reason in his suffering... for the word of the Miracle and of the Leper of God had spread wide. Nations, long content to allow such evil's to persist had had their hearts turned by the weight of the heresy and terror ruling the land. And here they were."

"The cast out the invading army of Queen Dolly scattering them to the winds, and sent word far and wide of what they were doing, to all those whom had been the victims of her capricious cruelty. And low, they answered, and far and wide men and women began to rise up, inspired by the brave people of Trisa... armies began to march to free the land from falling wholly into the darkness Dolly would deliver it to."

"Dolly was outraged. Her screams of rage echoed across the land as her will for vengeance was thwarted by brave and true men. She called for more armies, for the armies of the Dark One to join her as well. For her bitter hatred of defeat would not be sated until the whole of the world was pulled down into the abyss with her. For brave Paul... this was but the beginning."

_______

"Sire... I am seeing a, remarkably similarity here..." Paul interrupted softly.

"Are you now Paul? I'm not really sure what you could mean by that Father, but if you do this is good. They say the best tales are those you can relate to," Charles smiles and winked at Paul as through every village and town they passed the growing tales of this Queen Dolly were spread.

"I must confess," Charles said looking up from the map in a state of mild amusement, "I do not know if Gregory proposed a fight or a dance," he chuckled somewhat wryly as much from the expression on the faces of Paul and his advisers as anything else.

"I do not think he knows his mind Sire, he only seeks to delay us further, attack I say!" Hissed one voice, a man just past middle age with a long beard that Charles oft wondered how he got put away inside his armor. But despite all of that he was an experienced knight, with decades of experience and so his words carried a weight all their own.

"I will consider what you have all said and give you my decision on the morrow. You are dismissed. Paul, stay."

The priest had half turned to go and then turned around giving a slight inclination of his head to the acknowledgment of the order. Charles remained looking at the map, the early spring air was a relief from the brutal pressures of traveling in the dead of winter, but if you've never sneezed in full armor he didn't particularly recommend it.

Charles remained silent until the tent flap swung closed and then stood up, knuckling his back with one hand while the other wiped the sleep from his eyes. Paul knew he had not been sleeping, all his advisers did and it was a source of some concern, but Charles seemed clear headed and had not fallen into one of his rages since the decision to go to war had been reached. Indeed, he seemed in many ways a man at peace for the first time in his life all the while the world descended into chaos around him.

"Paul it is plain what must be done...." he held up a hand to still Paul's speech, "We have discussed it Father and I know. We were both born there so this decision is not easy, but it is plain to me that neither of these will see reason until they have no choice. Their lust for power is absolute and must be curbed by the sword...for they have closed their hearts and minds to God."

"Still Sire, to do that to a land that we-"

"Do you think I have taken this thought lightly? No, of course I haven't Paul, I have spent many a night in prayer on the subject and believe this to be the only course. The People must be freed of this heresy of King Gregory for the good of their souls in the next life... of what import are temporal matters compared to that? Absolutely none." Charles sighed softly and shook his head picking up a dagger and stabbing it at the heart of England on the map. "Give the order. If they will not accept my demands in regards to their ambitions in the South... England will burn along with Ireland, there can be no other way now. They come to destroy us as they promised, as we always knew they would one day when they could get no more use from us. But we have chosen this moment for reason and know what must be done."

"But... those people they are not-"

"They are not bound as we are bound, but they are men of honor in their own fashion. What is more they have seen for longer than we the pestilence on those Islands. We will not falter, we will not turn from our duty now Father."

"Yes Sire.. should I inform the commanders?"

"Not yet, I have something for you first," Charles smiled and lifted a folded parchment from the table which he pasted to Paul. The priest picked it up slowly looking at it curiously before breaking the seal and opening it up and letting out a delighted chuckle.

"Yet another chapter, sire... you outdo yourself."

Charles shrugged and poured himself a goblet of wine before settling back into his chair, humming softly underneath his breath.

______________

" 'How dare they!' " shrieked Queen Dolly, the shrillness of her voice cutting through the audience chamber like a knife, " 'they dare to defy me? For the sake of peasants? No, I will destroy them utterly!' " Mouthpiece, upon the arm of her thrown turned his wooden head slowly around 180 degrees, 'Yes Yes we shall we shall!' Lothar, his eyes shaded darkened by the weight of the dark magics worked to bespell him cleared his throat softly, 'There are many brave knights there they will not go quietly.' "

" 'Fool!' Boomed the voice of the darkone, his pale pasty flesh hung dry and loose over his skin, the unwholesome appearance the outward expression of the hate and avarice that lived within his frail breast, 'they are weak we shall crush them all!' Lothar shrugged ever so slightly. 'I believe you underestimate them, their resolve, and your own power.' 'Shut up fool!' Dolly yelled backhanding Lothar who went silent. 'Go my love,' she whispered to the Dark One, 'destroy my enemies for me.' The Dark One smiled, 'I shall.' "

"Paul rejoiced in Trisa. Far and wide his people had come out of hiding and it was he they were hailing as their savior! Their deliverer from the Queen's vile plans against them. 'Nay, Nay he said, for look it is these Knights who have delivered us from this evil that was plotted against us.' But even those knights refused the credit. For they were true to their purpose, defenders fighting for God against heresy and indeed there can be no higher calling. They too showered Paul with praise, for this one man's defiance of a tyrant had led to the glory of the hour. 'If you will not let me share the credit with you, then let me give it all to He who is our Lord God.' To this, the Knights could not protest and the assembled group gathered in prayer to give thanks for bringing them together to fight as one."

" 'But now friends I must leave you, for God has shown me what must be done now.' There were protests, men, women, children knight and commoner alike begged him not to leave them again. He was their inspiration their talisman against the evil besetting them from every side. 'Nay friends, for there are other people's suffering from Dolly and the Dark One and must be shown that now there are others who will fight! They wait only for a chance to end this darkness and we must show them that the path is now open.' Some nodded, some wept, but all knew they were right. For while Trisa was free and the oppressors driven from the land it would not last forever if more was not done. Queen Dolly and the Dark One were relentless in their lust for ever more power."

"And so it was that once again Paul and his friend Eric mounted horses provided by the knights and resumed the march. Their journey would be long and fraught with ever more peril. But it was as vital as the armies being raised against Dolly, for while the Knights battled for the land and the people... Paul went to fight to bring their Souls back to God."

The army is assembled and is ready to march. Fallen is sitting in her tent preparing for another war, and now against a former ally. She is grieved for she was and is still very grateful for their help in the Polish war. But her grieve is overshadowd by anger for attacking her shire when she was inprisoned by the Polish. She sat in her chair thinking about the upcoming battles A couple of minutes later, her best friend and head of her court Dubhain enters her tent..

Is it smart to fight against Spain Angel(her real name). I don't think the gods are pleasedwith thisShe saidWhat if Badb or Dagda aren't on our side on thisDon't be afraid Dubhain.Fallen smiles at herThe omens are clear. This war is going to be in our advantage. But now let us pack up and meet the rest of the army

Charles cracked a little bit of a grin as he leaned against a tavern door to listen to the old man in the center speak. It was odd to hear his own tale told back by someone else, as though they had had some hand in fashioning it. But that was the way such folk tales began, with but a splinter that swell and grew with each telling. In some versions he'd heard over the last weeks there was even talk of a terrible dragon this "Queen" rode into battle that belched flame from a fire that was fueled by the bones of the just. A little lurid imagery perhaps, but Charles had personally found it quite enjoyable.

When they passed villages they knew the tale had spread to, he was always brought to hear the local version of the story. Ironically this tale of "Queen Dolly" would likely outlive everyone alive today for several generations... but this was fine with Charles. After all, what more could one want but to leave behind a legacy of shedding a little light into the world? Some were not prepared for the harsh truths that lay behind the tale and chose just to view it as the fable it ultimately was.... and some would find their guilty conscious made themselves the subject of the story. So be it. Perhaps they would finally listen to God's true voice in their lives and abandon their current path of wanton lust for power. Then again, perhaps they would not. For Charles, whose faith was absolute, he would rely on God to see things right in the end... but there were some matters that just required a more forceful approach. Such was the bedevilment that had befallen Ireland and England now. Entwined in false belief, led astray by leaders they had false belief in... he did not blame them. For how could he?

It was easy to fall into line with such insanity, human nature dictated that you follow the herd blindly. They did what they had always done, trust in their leaders to always tell them the truth. It was sad in this case that they had been so deceived. Now it fell to he and the strong arms of his Knights and allies to put things back to right. While he found the task odious in some respects, he was willing.

"And so it came to pass," the voice of the old man in the center of the inn was saying, "that brave Paul left Trisa once again, on the eve of that fantastic opening victory against the forces of darkness and evil that had so long plagued their land," the group around the man grew hushed...quiet as they leaned forward with rapt attention. "To some what he did next might be seen as crazy, to others brave to the point of foolishness, yet to Paul the voice of God was now clear. He and his companion Eric traveled north, into lands still under the thumb of the tyrants. "

"But why old man?" Came a voice, a youth of about sixteen, "that's stupid they just escaped!"

"Oh... was it now. Have you now the wisdom of God on high? Or are you another Queen Dolly walking amongst us?" The crowd laughed and the embarrassed young man blushed furiously and fell silent.
"No, I thought not, good lad. North good Paul did indeed travel through lands much like those of Trisa but colder. As the air grew crisper so did Paul find that the skin tone of the inhabitants grew lighter until it was almost indistinguishable from that of those on the island itself. But Paul knew no fear, for he knew that these lands had suffered even more at the hands of the evil ones than his own. For Trisa had made their supplication but this land had been more resolute. Suffering instead a small decay of a death by inches every year the constant approach of Kingdom had swallowed more of their lands until they were reduced to looking out the walls of their last strongholds... even from there they could see the teeming hosts gathering to destroy them when the call came for more ever more."

The old man squinted a bit against the firelight that was spreading shadows around the inn and then wet his mouth with a quick sip of ale before continuing.

"Paul came upon a small group of soldiers from this beleaguered land this day. Their armor was dry and cracked from neglect and their stride short and weak. They did not look even the peasants in the eye as they walked passed for they had known defeat after defeat both in their court and on the battlefield dealt to them by the Kingdom. They were beaten men and their spears drug upon the earth as they walked. Men should not walk that way, for as you might chain a man to bind him the Evil Ones had bound the souls of these men until they believed God himself had abandoned them. So he went among them, giving them some of his own meager provisions for the trip. 'God is with you my friend, eat this and know that your people believe in you and that he will strengthen your arms for the days ahead. For take heart, a great host gathers in the South to sweep the Evil One's from this land as well. Armies of justice and God that will help restore your lands so that you might live free and proud once more... bowing to no man, scraping to no woman. For you are true warriors and should be beholden only to God... and to your honor.' "

"A hush fell over the soldiers then as they munched on bits of bread and cheese Paul had provided and they regarded the old man with looks ranging from surprise to doubt. 'Who are you old man that you make such claims? No one will ever change our fate, for we have been declared enemies of the Kingdom for wanting to manage our own affairs...' Paul smiled. For it was not so different from what his own people in Trisa had suffered."

" 'I am from Trisa,' he replied slowly, gathering himself, 'Attend me well for it might be some time before you see another. For the Queen sent a mighty army to destroy my people and they went about their task well. Heretics and pagans to burn and loot and murder until none were left alive.' Paul put his hands out touching the shoulder or arm of each of the soldiers moving among them as he spoke and as he passed he seemed to be looking only at each of them and they felt their burden lighten as if this man had somehow given him strength he could not possibly process in his frail body.

" 'But just when all hope was lost a light appeared. At first we thought it was our Lord calling us Home, but no, it was the sun reflecting off sharp lances. The teaming host of the Kingdom Horde milled about, turning to see what it was we were looking at... and they saw. Flags flapping in the sharp wind cracking like thunder with the hush that had fallen over the land. A trumpet sounded then, clear and pure notes rang across the countryside.. and then the charge began! Rank upon rank of knights their armor polished to a shine you cannot imagine in this world, swords sharp and hearts true struck the invading host and shattered it... driving it before them into the sea.' "

" 'Impossible!' One of the soldiers explained, 'they are too many!' Paul smiled indulgently at the man. 'Nothing is impossible for God, for all this is as he has willed it. Into the sea they drove the Kingdom host and even now they come this way to help you. Sharpen your blades, repair your armor for the future of your people is at hand. If you have the will to fight beside these brave and true souls who come even now to help you.. you too will drive the invader from your home... together the Kingdom shall fall.' Paul did not stay in this place long, for he had even further to travel, but in the days hence rank upon rank of recruits filled the armies of this land again... brave souls waiting only for the signal to strike."

Charles nodded to himself as he walked on back to the lines of his army and took in a breath of the warming air. The first true clash of arms would be soon however the English tried to avoid it and God would grant them victory against the heretics.

Charles lounged in a chair, one leg lazily propped up over the arm while his upper body draped over the other, a goblet of wine held in that hand. His chin was propped up on that arm holding his head up while his gaze lingered over a map spread out upon a wooden folding table in front of the small assembled group. Small colored pieces of wood represented the known and suspected positions of armies and little lengths of string suggested army movements... either of their own forces, proposed movement of allies, or the best their spies could come up with for enemy movement. All in all it was deadly useful to be able to have such a representation of things... still, he was glad he did not have to paint those little pieces of wood himself.

"...um... Sire?" Came the somewhat hesitant voice of one Sir Hector. Like man of the inner circles of advisers around the Spanish King he seemed to be cut from a cookie cutter mold.... around six feet, swarthy skin burnt brown by decades in the hot Mediterranean sun, his right arm was noticeably larger than his left from years of sword work, his beard defied grooming, and he was more than passingly familiar with the drudgery of middle age.

"Yes Hector?" Charles asked, arching a single eyebrow in somewhat wry amusement. He lifted the goblet back to his lips and took a long drink to wash more of the dust from yet another long day of travel from his throat. This war was still in its infancy, but already he'd had occasion to see yet another child born into this world while on this campaign. Funnily enough he wasn't entirely sure which side of the boarder the village had been on but... then again, why mince words over details when there was a war to fight?

"What do you think of my projection...?"

"Very fine, Hector, very fine," Charles nodded gravely. Personally Charles found more use in consulting with Spain's Great Generals...such as Lysander and Tehalon that this collection of aging and mostly powerless nobility. Still they did have their uses in administrating this army he was riding at the head of and as such they too had their uses. So he indulged them with these meetings. Very occasionally, he was discovering, they did indeed bare succulent fruit indeed, "How sure are you on the reports from the spy?"

Hector grunted with a little bit of a grin that was barely seen behind the scruff of his salt and pepper colored beard, "Positive sire. It is beyond reproach."

"Good, then I see no reason not to react as you have suggested... I will of course need to speak with my Generals about it first," he inclined his head towards Hector in appreciation for this work. "But rest assured if these reports are accurate you will be well rewarded for bringing them to my attention."

"Thank you Sire," Hector gave a little bit of a stiff bow in response.

"Now," Charles said slowly pushing himself up in his chair to claim the wine decanter to refill his goblet. It would have likely scandalized any servant in the room, but Charles refused to allow them into the tent during these meetings. One would be amazed to learn how their importance was thus blown out of proportion by rumor when the King entered a closed session, it also gave these men a feeling of self-importance... it kept them happy in other words, and about the business Charles wanted them working at. "The Reports from Lady St. James?"

"I have those, Sire," Paul said with a little quirk of a smile of his own as he looked towards Charles. The young man liked to play the fool often, it suited his purpose... such as now when he seemed to pretend to fumble with the wine as though drunk. Paul's studied eye however could just catch the amusement that sparkled behind Charles' eyes as he surveyed the varying looks of disgust. He was proud of the young King, he was playing the part they had rehearsed very well, for one of the men inside this tent was a traitor.

"The battle achieved its primary objective of delaying the Irish... their movements were more or less as predicted since. There is a request for further orders.."

"I'm sure," Charles made a dismissing gesture with his hand and returned to his cup, "send them to the Generals, let them decide what is best." Charles allowed his eyes to flicker over the assembled group checking their reactions. "Enough for tonight, leave me." He yawned with an over elaborate gesture and pretended he was prone to an exaggerated weariness even at acknowledging the bows as the nobles departed. Paul kept his seat, as was usual, and as the tent flap closed he shared a smile with Charles who dumped out the last of his greatly watered down drink.

"I must admit Father, I am rather enjoying this," he laughed a deep boom that echoed in the tent for a few moments, "I think in another life perhaps I would have had another calling?"

"As may be, Sire, but I am concerned with events *here.*"

"Ah, yes, of course. Any suspects yet?"

"It is not Sir Hector or any in you bodyguard that much we have achieved so far, we will have to move further out to discover the true culprit."

Charles nodded thoughtfully for a few moments, allowing his fingers to run over the short growth of beard that covered his own jawline these days. "Fair enough... but understand there are those who will be dealt with once the Irish are put in their place."

"Of course Sire," Paul inclined his head ever so slightly and then cocked his eyebrow up in expectation.

"Bloody hell man... again?" Charles sighed and got out the real bottle of wine and cracked it open pouring a healthy amount for the both of them. "Very well... now where was I with our good hero eh?"

--------

"While Good Paul was out gathering support against the wicked Queen Dolly there were other forces at work in the world as well! The brave and true Knights who had come to the aid of Trisa were gathering armies underneath their banner in the cause of Holy Crusade against the Dark One. Vast and strong was this host, but vaster still was the depths of bitter hatred that lurked in the depths of Dolly's black heart. She had sold her soul to the Dark One for more power, she had bewitched good Lothar in the hopes that it would allow her dominion to spread... but still more and more peoples rose up against her spite and heresy. Still more turned their eyes from her and back to God."

"Queen Dolly and the Dark One sent forth whispers, for fear at losing what they had taken by force, prompted them to lie. They called the people of Trisa evil, doers of evil... but this fell on deaf ears, for one bound to the Dark One... who had turned away from the light of Mother Church and indeed set himself ABOVE the laws of its holy office... damned even those who supported them, followed them... Yes, for those who swear allegiance to one living outside of God's law joins them in their defiance of God and spits in his face... they too are damned."

"But, there are always those willing to listen to such lies, for people are by their very nature flawed and weak creatures. It is only through obedience to God's will that we find the strength to resist the forces that try to corrupt us. It is the men who were not able to do that who were willing to let themselves become pawns to be used by Queen Dolly and the Dark One."

"For it came to pass that mercenaries stalked the land, hired by the misbegotten gold that flowed in Dolly's treasury. Out it went into the world the blood staining its beauty infecting all who came into contact with it with its curse... the lust for more blood and gold. Always more. For indeed, Greed is a grievous sin that infects all who encounter it. That it seems to come naturally to us makes it all the more insidious. It was this weakness in the hearts of men that Queen Dolly thought to take advantage of."

"Across the lands these Mercenaries moved, but other forces were at work in the world to... and soon the hammer of the righteous would fall upon Dolly and her cohorts and demand a terrible price for their pride and greed. Their lust for Gold and Power would end in tragedy, for as even the ancients once said... such is often the fate of those who take God's power to themselves.

----------

"But, there is one thing I don't understand..." Paul said softly as he lifted his wine to take another drink.

"Mmm?" was the reply as Charles leaned back over the map studying it more detail than he had during the meeting without the need to keep up his little act.

"How is it that this tale is spreading so fast Charles? I am hearing versions of the story... whole chapters even that you had no hand in in villages wherever we pass!"

Charles smiled a bit, "I believe it was you who once told me my friend... the truth has a ring to it all its own. The true heart knows it when it hears it despite the best efforts of others to obfuscate."

The heavy battleship of the Order dropped it's anchor once it reached the harbor of Barcelona . Among the squires , scribes , serfs that were busy unloading and verifying the ships inventory of goods , was a battalion of knight templars , all of them clad in armor that shinned brightly in the autumn sun .

Making his way through the busy dock workers Argorian was greeted by a representative of the Spanish court :Greetings, fellow Templar . I regret to inform you but His Majesty Charles Hart is not in Barcelona at the moment . He is up north fighting the Irish .

Argorian nodded in agreement as he wasn't very much in a talking mood . The man continued : His Majesty has also asked me to supply you and your men with everything you need . Argorian turned and eyed the small man : Bread , fish , wine and fruits . The brothers are done fasting and should enjoy some good food before the battles ahead .

Argorian continued walking away from the docks and the small man had to run to keep up with him : One more thing sir Templar . At which point Argorian stopped to listen .

The man stopped to catch his breath and continued : His Majesty Charles Stuart has a gift for you ... to show how much he appreciates your help . His Majesty decided to offer you one of his most prized horses from the royal stables . A black light weight charger by the name of Black Prince . If you'll please follow me , I'll take you to the castle stables so you can have your new horse .

After leading Argorian to the stables the man left for the castle . Argorian entered the stables where he was greeted by a young boy : I am here for Black Prince .

Certainly m'lord, he's the one over there , responded the young stable worker pointing towards a black steed . The templar made his way towards the horse , carefully avoiding the horse dung present at his feet . He removed his leather gauntlet and gave the steed a gentle pat on the back . The horse was nervous at first but after Argorian offered him a hand of hay he became comfortable with the templar's presence .

Argorian took the steed outside of the stables and saddled him . Giving him another pat on the head and neck to assure him everything will be alright , he placed his left food in the stirrup and mounted the charger . Frightened , the animal tried to shake him off but after a couple of moments he calmed down and obeyed the commands of his master .

"....and Paul told the false men, 'No! You do not walk in the path of God. You have been decieved by witches and apostates and have fallen into heresy! Repent now your path of wickedness and return your eyes to God alone and away from these who have led you astray..."

Charles suppressed a little bit of a smile as the Spanish army marched onward. The story had grown, and changed beyond his ability to control anymore. It had become a cry of defiance in the face of oppression, when or where it had begun did not matter, but it lifted hearts and strengthened resolve and that was its purpose. Still there was something to this flowering of culture in Spain that seemed to be growing apace by the day. Musicians, scholars once driven away by the wars that had ravage the peninsula were even now returning with priests and poets. It was a glorious time for Spain. For not only had their king finally broken from the Heretics as the Pope had commanded by the excommunication of Gregory... victory seemed assured. The enemy was unable to defeat the Spanish army except when most of its finest Knights were not there to take part, and when they were the victory had been total. Now four armies rode to meet each other once again for another contest. Charles had no doubts, his faith was complete in God and the superb fighting prowess of Spain's fighting men and women.

Already the hated Irish had been forced to bring down reinforcements once their inability to defeat part of Spain's strength was determined. Now, their entire army would learn the same lesson. These were not their rightful lands, and they would never be again. They could not defeat the Spanish army in the field and with their mounting losses the myth of Irish power would be shattered for the entire would be shattered for the entire world to see once and for all. Peoples would finally know that yes, they could rise up in their own interest instead of being afraid of the Hordes from the Islands, that they did not have to swallow back bile from the insults the Irish Queen was want to throw around while claiming innocence.

That it had come to this had not been Charles choice, but the one that had been forced upon him by heretics and false friends, but he did not miss the yoke that was constantly trying to be fitted around his neck. He once had considered the Irish brothers, and indeed there were many there still to admire, but like the brave English knights whom had been led to slaughter in the North... they were in the grip of one who Charles had reason to believe was mentally unbalanced. Or to put it another way... he thought they were both completely insane. This wasn't, he knew, an impression unique to him but he was somewhat unique in having to do something about it. There were many who would rather this war drifted by them so they might escape its notice.... indeed they might even be able to do so. This did not anger Charles... however much it might have others... for despite their reluctance he was still willing to march to war to insure they did not fall under sway of such madness.

They would not, for the Knights of Santiago would defeat the Irish here and now, drive them from the continent and then perhaps the wise and true among them might begin to realize who had truly led them into this and ask the questions that needed to be asked. But he could not deal in such matters in the present, for now there could be no question that absolute victory was the only solution and the one that would ultimately be won. For without a Spain content to have the Irish as neighbors it was impossible for them to remain in southern France or Iberia itself. It might damage Irish pride to learn the truth of this, but this was a lesson he would have to teach them before they were willing to come back to the True Faith and turn away from the dangerous associations that had led them to this catastrophic turn of events for them. It would get worse for them if they did not... for not it was not a question of if victory would be achieved, only how long it would take. And how many innocents the Irish would allow to get caught in the middle before her black heart accepted the inevitable and surrendered.

God was with them, their allies and new friends united against this nest of treachery in the West, now their swords would shred the veil of lies the Irish Queen had tried to throw across the world.

The Spanish army marched on, the soft sounds of whistling mixing in with the sound of baggage trains and the creaking of leather saddles.

"For I have seen the lands of Green, and fought upon their shores," a few voices started the song that was then picked up by others up and down the marching lines of the army, "and I have marched with swordsman true and buried them just the same!"

"Now we march to war again and drive them back to sea... And march we now to fight and die for Spain!"
"For our blood is up our banners high their blood will flow and their women cry for we'll send them home now... for God and Country heretics come and die!"

Charles leaned back in his saddle as he passed the folded note to the messenger. A glance at Paul told the Priest did not approve of such signing on principal, but Charles saw no harm in it and placated the priest with a roguish wink.

"Deliver this with all haste my friend, and get back to us. Battle awaits," he was forced to smile again at the look of anticipation on the face of the lad who could not even have yet known seventeen winters.

QUOTE:


My Lord Argorian,

Pleased I was to hear you had arrived in Barcelona my friend. For some time now we had hoped to be able to see each other again but I fear the demands of this war have taken me away to fight once again. The Irish are a stubborn breed as we both know from close association and there is much in me that regrets the necessity of this conflict.

Do say hello to your name sake my friend. Your God-son has proven quite a handful for his nannies I fear and I think even his older brother fears to take up a training sword against him even at his tender age. He will one day do us all proud I am sure. I have told him great stories about you, though I fear I may have exaggerated somewhat for the sake of a bedtime gasp or two.

I look forward to breaking bread with you once again and hope you enjoy the horse. I have found the horses of Iberia to be the finest in the world, I hope he serves you well.

-Charles