Rise and fall

…..1562 HC...Imperial City

The Imperial Palace rises out of Cairn Rock almost like a natural extension of the rock formations. The long path to the Palace gates, overlooked by the great walls protecting the Emperor, or in his place, his servant, the Imperial Chamberlain stands still high with the banners of the long lost and now failing old Anuirean Empire. One man stands alone in sorrow at the window of the tallest tower of the palace, his gaze straight at the dark ocean of South Seas and the foreboding Straights of Aerele. The winter breeze skims though the open window and blows his hair over his cloak, his heavy eyebrows and the dark caves of his eyes seem to be enjoying the view of the lantern lights out of the docks and the bayed ships which waves crush upon their hull. This man is no ordinary man, defying the lords, friendship, clergy and above all his one and true desire in this life, which He did not bless him to crave it. A tear rolled down his cheek while the thoughts a glorious past skimmed in his mind and with that he pounds at the wall his fist with regret. “Why? Why have you abandoned your children? “ , “What did we do to deserve this?” “Weren’t we pious? Weren’t we devoted to you?” , “ What sort of test is this , that we have to endure?” “ I have done what I could to give glory to your name and to your legacy with whatever power I had in my grasp….” And in tears he kneels at the open window cradling at it, he forehead touches the cold stone as if bending his head to someone superior, who he knew only one existed and never demanded it even from him.
Torn with the raving emotions in his heart the Defender of the Empire succumbs inagony and his sobers echo in the room.

The flame of the torches in an instant flicker and the cold grows more intense, while a dark shadow is cast upon the stones of the old Palace. The dread of a dark presence overcomes the elder Paladin while he can feel the encroaching darkness complete fill every inch of the room. “Nemetor……..” the voices sounds neither male nor female, and it was surely not made in this world, he knew…he could guess….” The light of the father protects me…you have no power over me, and I will never allow you to gain any” and with that he stood tall surrounded by darkness but obviously ignoring that fact he braced the symbol of the Sword and and Shield hanging long from his neck feeling its warmth even in this coldness. “ I carry his light, I bring his word, long you have laid this siege on my soul and you should have already known I will not falter” “ You will not Paladin, but what will happen when all you serve falls under your blind steps?” “ What will happen when you no one to turn to?” “ The empire you serve belongs to MY son? His right is true and his claim will come swiftly old fool, and all you stand for will crumble and fall.” “ NEVER, never as I hold my breath in these halls.” “Then I shall see you are removed .”

Nemetor knew that those threats were hollowed words, his heart filled with the strength of his deity he raises his head and utters, “ This will never happen as long honor holds in these halls “.

With that last words the large oaked door flung open and the darkness subsided as soon, the torchlight restored itself and the room was once again filled with light, the imperial guard rushed in the room . “ Lord Aesan…” the armed guarded uttered with a small hesitation. Nemetor turned at the guards slowly and..”What is the meaning of this intrusion, guards?” he could smell the polished iron hinges of their plates and the fresh lavender the imperial guards use to bath in, he knew who they were, their sweat could be also smelled and the he could even here the pounding of their heart as they came running up the stairs. There was someone else there, he could feel him , the stench of incense came at his nostrils and he knew that kind, he was a priest he could hear his soft echoing breath at the halls. “How do you burst in the royal quarters announced? What is the meaning of this?” “Lord Nemetor Aesan” the voice of an orator and surely not a soldier was heard amongst the guards. “By Church decree and by the orders of the ruling council of Nobles , here fore your duties as the Defender of the Empire are relieved, the Order of the Knights of the Iron Throne is disbanded and you are allowed to retire yourself at your estates under the supervising eye of the Clergy of the One God” “ This decree is to be carried out immediately an I would strogly advice you to abide the command of the council”

Nemetor knew that this test was his last and with a sure step forth and his head held high he made his step towards the guards that once served him.