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It was cold in this morning on the shores of Italy, and a thick fog was crawling like a lazy beast over the coast, making men and animals alike appear ghostly. Conrad set foot first on the small beach, and sneezed loudly, cursing the weather. God, why couldn't you grant me a sunny day today?! Heh, You know better, I suppose. You always do, no?! and he continued his path until the small beach ended and a gray frosted grass filled the landscape. Few miles West, deep into the land was the beautiful settlement of Campania, and Conrad was eagerly waiting to meet the landlord, and be the beneficiary of his hospitality. Behind him, a difficult landing was filling the fog with noises of horses dragged on footbridges, curses and watersplashes. Conrad smiled in amusement, thinking few brothers will have a long day ahead, polishing their metals, after making acquaintance with the salty water.
Soon enough, one of his guards approached, breathing heavy, and emptying his helmet filled with water, gloomily spoke: What a day! Orders?! Conrad turned and looked over his shoulder at the mass of people and materials already starting to fill the beach, moving somehow disoriented in the gray light. Yes, the scouts to ride as fast as they can to the settlement and inform people or our arrival and intentions. We are marching to Rome, time is chasing us. Also tell that the Grandmaster of the Order wishes to greet His Eminence Reo Lassan in person, if he is to be found home or willing to grant me the audience. A small troop to patrol the surrounding for any unusual activity, but they are not to engage anyone, but to retreat if someone is challenging them. Commanders must finish the disembark, as soon as possible. Then give the men some time to prepare, then to stand ready for march. We must not loose time. Senshalls gather to me, we will travel together to meet the Eminence. And someone bring me some wine.
Conrad waited till a dizzy priest tanglefooted came to him, mimating something close to a salute, and Conrad smiled: Oh, father, I know seas are not merciful to the ones not used to travel them a lot. But my friend and Eminence will surely know of your sacrifices. Yes, I have kept you with me, instead of allowing you to travel to Constantinople, because I need you. Your master needs you, if what you have been telling me comes to prove true. Conrad signed himself with the sign of the cross, Eastern style, and chased away a dark thought concerning the Eminence's life. Because you brought me no news, my new friend, under the same shadow I live my days as well. A murderer and a deceiver, a traitor and a liar, on the See of Peter, I prefer to not think at. There are people more qualified and within their rights to decide, I have done my part. Now we must only focus on the matter at hand. A friend and a brother, both in faith and soul and mind, being captive without explanation or statement. What man would I be sitting quiet and doing nothing?! No, father, I cannot! And none of my brothers, for whom honour and word given to an ally is as strong as their faith in our Lord! Leave now, and prepare yourself for a tiring trip, there are many miles to Rome.
Surrounded by his Senshalls, with whom he was planning the march stages, Conrad witnessed soon the hurried arrival of one of the scouts: SIR! The settlement is empty, not a living soul to be found! Gates shut, windows closed, not even a dog on the streets. The landlord residence quiet as a grave, too! Conrad exchanged a puzzled look with Flavioratus, and shrugged. Who knows who placed deceit in their minds and they thought there are enemies approaching?! God knows we lack no enemies... Oh, well, gather some heralds and ride on the surrounding hills and lands. Tell them to shout in all the four winds that the Templars, the defenders of Christianity and the friends of all that is Christian have come! And they travel in peace, to Rome, and no harm shall be brought to their lands, or properties, or themselves. That they are free to return to their homes and carry on their lives, for we shall protect and respect them, now and always! Go, lad!
By the all five Patriarchs' guts, wake up, men! Remove your fingers from your dirty noses and form the lines! We march at once! Every Commander to tell, for the thousand time, if the need, to the troops: we are not bringing quarrel to anyone, we are just marching to Rome! There, we will know! The chancellery in Krete has made no changes in our diplomatic relations with the nation of Vatikan, they are friends to us, in faith as in daily life. No message of war was sent, for we are seeking none! All brothers must know, again and again: everything that moves on these lands is under my protection, no damage shall be inflicted, not to a thing! Conrad swallowed hard, and raised his hand, asking for silence:Nevertheless, if by some devil's work, we are to be attacked, by rogues, or bandits, or God knows what unholy creatures hell may have spawned since we last visited, we will defend! Peasants first, and ourselves! But you are not allowed to even fart towards them assailants unless attacked first! Let them draw first! Now, brothers! We have lingered enough. The Regent of Armenia and the Holy Cardinal are waiting. TO ROME!!! And with this cry, Conrad goad on, followed closely by his Senshalls.
Dear God, please, may them be alive! Conrad thought, while riding hard along the Roman paved road, wondering as well why the scouts sent to the hills have not reported back yet. They'll catch us up.
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Schlimme Puppen 
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Antique Empire 
Antique Empire 
Der Reeder 
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Sternenheere 
