[Ansteorra] To Lord Elfsea

[Richard Yeager]

Excellency,

Messengers have brought word of your Call to Arms. Others have brought word of Lord Bonwicke's reply.  Through them I have heard both you and His Excellency, Baron Kainin express your fears.  Your words speak of fear that your cousin's vigilance is lacking.  That he may not be prepared to defend the western borders.  He in turn speaks of his fear, his fear of you and of your intent.

I have met neither of you though this be hardly unexpected.  I am but a simple man.  A bowyer by trade and an archer in my day.  I hold no rank nor place except that I am a free man.  I have known far too many in my time that could no longer make that claim.  I have little dealings with the affairs of nobles, lords, and ladies excepting those who seek my wares.  I have no direct measure of either of you as men, only your words.

In my youth, I foolishly followed another man's king to war.  I listened to his words, his pledge and promises and I left my home.  I traveled across the world to the Holy Land, to free it from the unbelievers and make it safe for the faithful.  I heard Kings and Princes and Lords and Knights exhort us to fight for God, that our rewards would be God's rewards in the Kingdom of Heaven.  They called their enemies unclean and butchers all while wrapping themselves in the cloak of righteousness with their own bloody hands and choosing to take their rewards in the kingdom of man.

That was a lifetime ago in a distant place.  I have learned to make the very things that I once used to send men to God, be they noble or commoner.  I have taken a young wife who eases my life and sells that which I craft.  Perhaps most importantly, I have learned to listen to a man's words most closely and be not surprised if those words do not ring true.

But there are other measures of a man and a Lord.  I have traveled to your lands and met your people.  I have seen prosperity and contentment.  I have also seen courtesy and respect.  I have seen your people show concern for each other and for strangers.  They do not seem to dwell under the shadow of a "bloody baron".  Among those in your realm I have met and come respect the Lady Ascelyn.  Messengers have carried her call for archers to assist you.  If one of her honor and character asks others to join her in your cause, then I must give credence to your words.

I will answer the Lady's call and travel from my home in Bryn Gwlad to join your cause.  I will bring my bow and quiver and place them in your service if you will accept them.  I pray that your words and cause are true and that God have mercy on my soul if they prove false.

Cuan mac Niall of Acre

       
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