>>5946360And as soon as you return to the camp, you park him by his private haystack and retire to your tent. You give your face a wash, eat an apple, and settle in for a short nap. You know you are going to need your strength for the long trek ahead. You drift off to sleep, dreaming of the adventures that await you on the journey.
When you woke up again, it was almost time for dinner; the camp cooks were already preparing a meal for the soldiers. You were also looking forward to dinner, and in the meantime, you had properly washed yourself and were now making the round with Ehrenfried. You wanted to make sure everything was in order before sitting down to eat.
What you did not want were any unexpected visitors. Which is exactly what you got.
<span class="mu-i"> ''Looks like we got company.'' </span>Ehrenfried observed that the stranger rode on a horse, staff in hand, and dressed in the golden tabard bearing the arms of his master. A black double-headed eagle on a field of gold. Only one man in this country could bear that as his crest. And his herald had come to your camp.
The herald spoke,<span class="mu-i"> ''Wer von euch ist der Herr dieser Armee? Ich bringe das geschriebene Wort seiner Majestät, des Kaisers.'' </span> The written word of the emperor? A letter, then. But what does he want?
<span class="mu-i"> ''What in heaven is he doing here? I have done no offence to the Kaiser''</span> You whispered in discussion with Erhenfried.
<span class="mu-i"> ''I think his majesty would like to know why you set up camp in his backyard.'' </span> Ehrenfried pondered.
<span class="mu-i"> ''We don't have any other choice then.'' </span> You turned and walked up to the herald. <span class="mu-i"> ''Ich bin der Herr von dieser Armee.'' </span> The herald dismounted and walked up to you. <span class="mu-i"> ''His Majesty's compliments, sir. In this letter, you can find your summons and a letter of introduction.'' </span>
<span class="mu-i"> ''But why does his majesty summon me? I have done no great deeds; I am not one of his subjects. I am merely answering the call to crusade.''</span> You told the Herald.
<span class="mu-i"> ''That may be so, but his majesty has made it a habit of receiving the highborn travellers that pass through his estates. He wishes for your appearance in court tomorrow. Preferably before midday. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to return to my lord.'' </span>
<span class="mu-i"> ''Of course, you have my lead to go hither and return to your lord.'' </span> The herald made a short bow and returned to his steed.
You take a look at the seal—a double-headed eagle with an inescutcheon with an eight-pointed star on it. From that alone, you can verify its authenticity. You break open the wax seal and read the summons first; those are simply some instructions on how to introduce yourself and that you should show them to any courtier or guard who questions your presence.
You then fold open the letter written in a refined calligraphy that not even your mother could master. This is most likely written by the Emperor himself. A scribe would write in a simpler font.
(3/4)
