Lord Marshall proclamation 1126
To my fellow Harts and Allies of Albion,
The Gathering of Nations is behind us, though I fear its consequences are not.
Selby still stands surrounded by the Bloodwood. The Black Tower has fallen and the power stolen to sustain it has been returned, yet the land bears the scars of what happened there, as do we.
We left that field without our Lady Protector.
Maru fell at the Gathering and Albion has lost one of its greatest servants. There will be time to mourn her properly, to remember all that she gave to our people and to decide how we carry forward what she helped build.
But one piece of business remains unfinished.
An aspect of Vortigern escaped us.
While we fought to defend the Duchies, Vortigern fled with the staff he had grown and disappeared to a place we do not yet know. Whatever purpose he has for that weapon I doubt greatly that he intends to leave us in peace.
Now the Pendragon, Hunter and Nethras have invited us to stand before them within their Halls upon the Plane of the Dead.
Through the rites and actions of those at Court the Orb of the Planes has been secured to provide us passage there and importantly passage home again.
We shall gather at the Circle at Forest Glen.
On Friday evening I will hold a council to take stock of all that has happened since the Gathering, hear what knowledge has been uncovered and prepare ourselves for what awaits beyond the veil. If there are matters that must be brought before the Harts before we depart, bring them to me there.
Then on Saturday, we march forth.
I will not pretend to know everything that awaits us beyond that threshold. We travel into the realm of our ancestors at their invitation and we will conduct ourselves with the respect such a place deserves.
Perhaps we will find answers, perhaps we will have the opportunity to speak with those who have gone before us and perhaps the unfinished business of the Gathering will finally follow us to its conclusion.
If Vortigern or any aspect of him stands before us again, then I intend to ensure we do not return to Albion with the same regret twice.
Prepare yourselves.
We go to walk amongst the dead.
Let us ensure we all return amongst the living.
Ser Thorin Dreamstruck
Lord Marshal of the Armies of Albion
Albion Forever. The People, The Land, The Throne. Albion Prevails.