The Holy Ones

An Abridged History of the Jewish Aztec Empire During Sir Brian the Noble Knight's Fourth Regency as written by Sir Brian

As I once again took my place in the Holy Seat of Power, I felt it would be good to travel the countryside and observe the people in their daily activites. Eden and Jerusalem were renowned the world over for their dedication to science and religion. Bethlehem continued to be faithful in training our military and Sun Tzu was following in the footsteps of Jerusalem. Fort Hope had remained small but the people there were a hardy bunch. Most of them were becoming fishermen since the land that surrounded the city was not very suitable for farming. Faith was becoming a thriving center for production and Redemption was growing as well. I was pleased with the progress of our empire but there was always a lot of work left to be done. The Evil One still menaced our people in the north and we now had others across the sea. Only time would tell what course our future held.

Soon after my fourth regency began, Alexander traveled from Athens and came to visit us in Eden. I was ready to welcome him politely when he cut me off and demanded that we send some of our musicians to teach his people their art. I was quite taken aback. I was used to the Evil One's lack of tact and decorum but this had surprised me. I suppose it shouldn't have, given the stories I had heard, but I was always one to give others a chance rather than to take the word of others.

"Well you certainly won't get anywhere acting like a small child," I replied.

Alexander scowled. "I am Alexander the Great. Do you not realize what I could do to your puny people? I am a god to my people. They worship the ground I walk on. Your people should learn to do the same if you know what's best for you. Give me what I want and I will leave you in peace. Otherwise, you can expect that I will someday return to wipe you from the face of the earth."

I could hardly stand to hear such blasphemy. "You are no god, Alexander. You are a spoiled child that expects to get his way. You can be sure that your armies will die a frightful death if you ever consider laying a sword to the People of God. Leave before you anger me further and I strike you down where you stand."

"Your people will pay for this insult one day. You can be sure of that." Alexander turned and stormed out.

Alexander was not the only tyrant that darkened our Palace during my fourth reign. Sheik Saladin came to Eden in 1415AD and demanded we agree to cancel our trading agreement with the Mongolians. The man was clearly insane.

"I have come to demand that your people cease dealing with the Mongolians. They insult our gods and treat our people unfairly."

"Perhaps if you would turn away from evil and do that which is good, the Mongolians would respect your people," I replied.

"Hinduism is not evil. We are a people that simply wish to live in peace and be treated fairly. Is that really too much to ask?"

"Almighty God has ordained your destruction Saladin. Your people refuse to hear the Truth and continue to cling to their false idols. For this, you will be punished. Now go and prepare your people for the destruction that will soon befall them." Saladin was clearly enraged but he left the Palace grounds without incident. I pondered his words and wondered if it was truly the right thing for us to do. What was I thinking? Of course it was the right thing to do. Who was I to question the command of the Almighty? God had shown me the destruction of Mecca in my vision. He clearly detested the practice of Hinduism. So much so that he had forbidden our people from ever stepping foot in Mecca until it came time to burn it to the ground and cleanse the earth of its unholiness. It was difficult for my noble heart to accept that God would command us to strike down women and children in the street but I knew that He would not command such a thing if it were not just and holy. I would just have to learn to put aside my emotions and accomplish the task that He had given to the Brethren.

Some time later I decided to make a trip to Bethlehem and Sun Tzu. The cost of maintaining our military was becoming a problem. I consulted with the Black Knight in Sun Tzu and he agreed that perhaps it was time to disband some of our older and less experienced units. We had been training longbowmen for a while now and most of them had received specialized training in defending our cities. We still had a few archers in some of the older brigades that had never seen combat or received any special training. The Black Knight and I agreed that we would thank the men for their service but now it was time for them to return home to their families. Perhaps one day in the future we would call them forth again to do battle with the Evil one to the north.

I must admit that I was pleased to see Hatshepsut when she made her second visit to Eden. I had heard she could be quite charming and I looked forward to meeting her in person. She seemed a bit aloof when she entered the throne room. It was obvious that she had heard about our disdain for her people's religion.

"I have come to propose a mutually beneficial trade between our peoples," she said. "We are interested in sending some of our skilled tradesmen here to Eden to study in the field of engineering. In exchange, we can offer you our knowledge of making paper and a small sum for your treasury. Would this be acceptable?"

I knew that our law forbid such an exchange but I was reluctant to turn her down. Our scholars would no doubt welcome the knowledge of paper and the gold for our treasury could certainly be helpful. I could not however permit myself to break the law.

"I am sorry but our law forbids such an exchange." I told her.

"Why would your law forbid the free exchange of ideas?" she replied. "Our people believe that mankind should help one another. While it is true that we have our religious differences, this should not stand in the way of progress."

"The Brethren would never forgive me if I broke our law. God first gave it to me and I gave it to them. It would be an unforgivable sin if the lawbearer were to break the law." I explained. "Perhaps we could sit down to a meal and discuss other things before you go."

"I am sure your people would frown on such a thing, don't you think?" she said, raising an eyebrow and grinning ever so slightly.

"Perhaps you are right. I wish you a safe journey home." I could not help but smile.

"Thank you. May your God be with you." With that she departed and I could not help but be a little melancholy. She was every bit as lovely as I had heard. If only her people could be persuaded to turn from their wickedness. I doubted it would ever happen though. They had made it perfectly clear a few years earlier that they were not at all interested in hearing about The One True God. Our holy men had journeyed across the sea and spent some time in the city of Hieraconpolis. They had tried to persuade some of the citizens there to hear the Word of our Lord but the citizens had refused. They chased the men from the city and we never heard from them again.

Around 1420AD I decided that perhaps it was time to visit Timbuktu. I had heard that Mansa might be interested in paying us a small sum in order to learn of our music and bring it to his own people. I arrived in Timbuktu and proceeded to Mansa's palace. He seemed a little surprised to see me. Perhaps his exchange with Paladin some years earlier had convinced him that he should not expect to receive anything further from our people. I approached him and paid my respects.

"Greetings, Mansa. I have come to offer the assistance of my people for a small sum of gold. Would your people be interested in learning our music and building grand places of worship such as the one in Eden?" I asked.

"Are you sure this is all that you want from me?" he replied, appearing a bit skeptical.

"Well, perhaps you would also consider establishing a monarchy for your empire. It might also be wise for you to forbid the spreading of heresies among the people. We have established a similar ban in our own empire."

"I see no reason why we couldn't accept such a proposal. Consider it a deal." Mansa offered his hand in agreement and I did likewise. I was pleased that we could come to such an agreement. Perhaps the rift that had developed between our people could be repaired after all.

It was in the last year of my fourth regency that Alexander had the audacity to return to Eden. I was not particularly pleased but I was willing to hear what he had to say.

"Greetings, Sir Brian. I have come to request your people's assistance in our crusade against the Egyptians." Alexander stated.

"I am afraid we wouldn't be interested. Egypt poses no threat to us and we would have nothing of value to gain." I replied. What I didn't bother to mention to Alexander was the fact that our navy lacked the ability to send an army to Egypt in the first place. I would keep that information to myself. The less he knew about our military the better.

"I see. So your people are not only puny but cowards as well." he sneered. I was furious.

"Guards! Remove this man from my sight!" I shouted. The Palace Guard was quick to jump into action and escort Alexander from the throne room. I could not believe the man's audacity. He was worse than the Evil One if such a thing were possible! The Brethren had considered sending our holy men to his lands in the hope of turning his people to God but I was not so sure now that they deserved to hear the Word.

It was 1423AD when I prepared to leave the Holy Seat of Power. I had sent word for the Death Knight to meet me in Eden but he had not yet returned. I was sure he would be along soon enough so I decided to wait in Eden and spend some time at the Great Library.

Awesome dude!!!!!!!!!

Xtream_Rockstar said:

Awesome dude!!!!!!!!!

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what he sais

Xtream_Rockstar said:

Awesome dude!!!!!!!!!

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s.c.dude said:

what he sais

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Thanks guys. I've filled in the rest of my reserved spots and plan to add more tonight. I have a little ways to go yet before I can get caught up to where we are in the game. Hope everyone continues to enjoy the story.

The Disappearance of King Richard as written by Sir Brian

I was awakened from my slumber by one of the Palace Guards. It took me a moment to wipe the sleep from my eyes.

"Your Holiness. I hate to disturb you at such an ungodly hour but a man by the name of Amedeo is awaiting in the throne room. He says he has urgent news regarding King Richard."

"Amedeo? King Richard?" I was still a bit drowsy and having some difficulty with what I was being told. King Richard had been away on business and while we had not heard from him regularly we assumed that everything was fine. Who could this Amedeo be I wondered? Had he been accompanying King Richard in his travels? I shook the fog from my head and proceeded to the throne room. When I entered the room a man in gleaming armor immediately went to one knee and bowed his head.

"Forgive me for disturbing your rest Your Holiness but I bring urgent news concerning your brother King Richard."

"So I hear. Please, it is much too early in the morning for such formality. You may call me Sir Brian. Arise and tell me your news."

"I met your brother Richard when he came to Redemption on business. We developed a friendship and he asked me to accompany him during his travels throughout the empire. I was honored and agreed to go with him. We were on our way to Faith when a band of Arabians surprised us. I am not sure how they could have gotten across the border without being spotted but they did. I could not understand much of what they were saying since I speak very little Arabic but it sounded as though they intended to deliver your brother to Saladin."

I was beside myself with grief. Our Great King had been captured by the Evil One! Is this what God had shown me in my vision? Why would our God allow this to happen? Was it because of King Richard's transgression against the people centuries ago? It seemed unfair for the Lord to wait so long before administering such a punishment.

My grief was soon replaced by outrage. The Brethren could not permit this atrocity to stand! I would convene a council of the Brethren at once. In the meantime, someone would need to tend to the daily affairs of the empire. I was not sure of this Amedeo's background but if our dear brother had trusted him then perhaps I should as well.

"Amedeo, the Brethren is in dire need of your services. I must go and deliver this news to my brothers but the Death Knight has not yet returned to take my place in the Holy Seat of Power. Do you feel as though you are up to the challenge? Leading the empire is a difficult burden but I believe our brother Richard must have saw something in you. Even I can see that you have a love for our God and desire nothing but good things for the People of God. Please, take my place here while I meet with the Brethren. It is urgent that we discuss this matter right away." Amedeo seemed stunned by my request.

"Your Holiness, are you sure that I am the man for this task?", he asked.

"Yes, I am sure. I must go now. Do not be afraid to take your troubles to the Lord if you run into difficulty." With that I packed my things and departed for Sun Tzu. The Black Knight would certainly want to be the first to hear such news.

The Reign of Amedeo as written by Sir Brian

Amedeo was a bit dumbfounded by the events that had led him to his current situation. Sir Brian had left him with a monumental task. He could not imagine running an empire. He was a simple knight and the idea of becoming the leader of his nation would have seemed preposterous only yesterday. Yet here he was, sitting in the Holy Seat of Power. He would have to get accustomed to this position soon if he were to be successful. He felt it would be wise to look over the recent reports from each governor in the empire. The empire was in good shape but there were still areas that could use some improvement.

Mansa Musa was the first of many leaders to try Amedeo's patience. Mansa came to visit Eden when he heard that a new knight was sitting on the throne. He apparently felt as though this would be his opportunity to get an Aztec embargo signed against the Mongolians.

"Our people demand that you cancel your deals with the Mongolians," Mansa sneered.

"You know full well that our law does not permit us to do that Mansa," Amedeo retorted. "Why do you continue to come to us and demand such things when the Brethren has refused your request time and time again.

"It is because I hope that your people will eventually come to their senses," he replied. "Apparently I have wasted my time once again."

"Yes, I am afraid your trip has been for nothing. Please, go in peace." With that Mansa departed from Eden once again.

Word arrived from across the sea that Alexander had conquered Hieraconpolis. Hatshepsut's soldiers had fought bravely but God was not on their side. Their refusal to accept the truth had doomed them to the sword of Alexander. He was unwittingly carrying out the punishment God had ordained against the Eqyptians. It appeared that Hatshepsut would suffer the same fate soon. When Alexander sent an envoy to Eden and requested that Amedeo cancel our trade agreements with the Egyptians, Amedeo refused. He knew that the Brethren still held out hope for Hatshepsut's conversion, even if it were unlikely to ever occur. He had heard that Sir Brian especially had a certain fondness for Hatshepsut and often prayed that God would intervene and help her to see the truth of His Word.

It was not long before Genghis Khan came to once again demand we cancel our deals with Mansa Musa. Amedeo understood the Mongolian desire for justice against Mali but he could not break the law. He did his best to explain that to Genghis.

"Genghis, don't you think its time that your people forgive the Malinese for their transgressions?" Amedeo began.

"Our people can never accept the Malinese conversion to our faith. You know full well that Mansa's only reason for accepting the Jewish faith as his own was to gain favor with the Brethren." Genghis stated.

"This may be true but our law has not changed. We can not join you in this crusade against the Malinese."

"Very well. You leave us no choice but to deal with the Malinese ourselves." Genghis was again disappointed and secretly cursed our law under his breath as he left Eden. It was obvious that he could expect little help from the Aztecs as long as the Malinese continued to claim the Jewish faith as their own.

Amedeo was beginning to feel more comfortable in dealing with foreign dignitaries when Alexander the Great paid a visit to Eden. Alexander was interested in opening up trade between our two nations. Amedeo was aware of Alexander's blasphemy and had heard about his outrageous demands in the past. Amedeo knew that the law forbid trading with heathens and he did not particularly like Alexander. He refused the deal and sent Alexander away. Some time later Alexander returned and asked if Amedeo would be interested in allowing Greek craftsmen to come to Eden and study engineering. He was willing to pay a small sum of gold. Again Amedeo relied on the law and refused Alexander's request. There were provisions in the law that allowed for the opening of borders for the purpose of spreading our faith but trading our knowledge to heathen nations was strictly forbidden. Amedeo was not about to bring dishonor upon himself by breaking the law.

In 1436 a scientist in Eden by the name of Zu Chongzhi established an academy. He had become quite famous amongst the scholars in the empire for his work in mathematics. When he came to Amedeo and asked what service he might perform for our people, Amedeo had suggested the academy. Eden was already known the world over for its Great Library and other fine centers of learning. An academy there would only prove to further strengthen its position in the world of academia.

Amedeo was less than pleased when Saladin dared to send an envoy to Eden and demand that we cancel our dealings with the Malinese. It was clear that Mansa's conversion to our faith was seen by the Arabians as a betrayal.

"What is it that you want?" Amedeo barked at the envoy.

"Sheik Saladin demands that your people cease trading with the Malinese. They have betrayed our people," the envoy explained.

"Where is King Richard? Why have your people taken him hostage?" demanded Amedeo.

"I know nothing of this kidnapping. What are you talking about?"

"You know full well what I am talking about. I was there when a band of thugs from your country slipped across our northern border and abducted our Great King Richard. I demand to know what you have done with him."

"I am sorry to hear about your king but I can assure you that our people are not responsible," said the envoy.

"I think you do know what I am talking about. Nevertheless, you can tell your Sheik Saladin that we would never acquiesce to a demand by the likes of him. Especially one that would require us to betray a brother nation. Now begone before I have the guards throw you in prison." With that the envoy scurried from the throne room and headed straight for Mecca.

The Council of Sun Tzu as written by Sir Brian

The Black Knight appeared visibly shaken by the news. He had been especially close to Richard. Paladin and I did our best to console him but he would have none of it. He wanted revenge and would only be satisfied when Saladin's head was brought to him on a silver platter.

"I am sick of this infidel! Does he really think he can get away with this?" the Black Knight shouted.

"Easy brother," Paladin soothed. "The time will come soon enough when we vanquish the northerners. We must be patience and plan our strike carefully if we are to be successful."

"Listen to our wise brother," I interjected. "Paladin is right."

"What do you two know of war!" screamed the Black Knight. "Our brother is rotting in an Arabian prison and you two dare stand here telling me to be patient? I will go to Arabia and remove Saladin's head myself if I have to!"

"That won't be necessary." Paladin calmly stated. "We are beside you every step of the way. All we ask is that you lead with wisdom and not allow your emotions to cloud your judgement. To invade Arabia at this point in time would be suicide and potentially catastrophic for the nation." The Black Knight mellowed for he knew his brother was a wise man.

"So then, what shall we do to secure our brother's freedom," the Black Knight meekly asked.

"Prepare for war, dear brother. Prepare for war!" Paladin and I said in unison.

The Black Knight's Fifth Regency as written by Sir Brian

The Brethren began their fifth regency with a renewed vigor and determination. The Black Knight was intent on updating the military and increasing its strength. He sought to raise up an army, not only for the empire's defense, but also for the purpose of destroying the infidels to the north. He was determined to bring his dear brother Richard home to Eden.

In Egypt, things were not looking good for Hatshepsut. Alexander was clearly intent on destroying her people. I continued to pray that God would stay the sword he had unleashed and allow her the opportunity to see the light of His Word. I knew, though, that I would probably have to prepare myself for her demise. Pi-Ramsesses had fallen and others would soon follow. It was not long before Hatshepsut came to Eden to ask for our assistance in the war.

"Greetings, Your Holiness." Hatshepsut began. "I have come from Thebes to request your assistance in our struggle against Alexander the Great. He has made it clear that he seeks to conquer our people and take control of our holy city of Thebes. Will you help us?"

"Your people have made it clear that they are not interested in hearing about our God." the Black Knight replied. "It is because of their refusal to hear The Truth that they suffer at the hand of Alexander. It would not sit well with God Almighty if we were to foil His plans by involving ourselves in the matter. Besides, your people are weak and the law of nature demands that weakness be exterminated."

Hatshepsut hid her anger well. She was in no position to tell the Black Knight what she really thought of him and his prejudice. She was clearly disappointed but determined to return to Egypt and prove the Black Knight wrong. While I did not share the Black Knight's view of the Egyptians, I understood his decision. Besides, our shipbuilders had not yet been able to produce ships large enough to carry an army across the open ocean and, more importantly, we needed to prepare for battle against Saladin first. When Thebes later fell to the Greek army, the Black Knight had little sympathy for the Egyptians. He believed it had been ordained by God that the Egyptians would lose the holy city that they had held so dear to their hearts. I was a little more sympathetic to the plight of the Egyptians but I must admit that I was hopeful that Hatshepsut would be more willing to hear The Truth now that her people had suffered so much. Perhaps with Thebes now under Greek occupation, the last remaining Egyptian city of Heliopolis would finally be convinced to forsake their false hope in themselves and rely on God for their salvation from Alexander.

The Black Knight respected Alexander as a brilliant tactician but he held little regard for him otherwise. Alexander's blasphemous claim to divinity disturbed the Black Knight. He did not believe that any man should claim to be on par with God Almighty. So when Alexander chose to send an envoy to Eden, the Black Knight was less than receptive.

"Alexander the Great, Supreme Buddha and Leader of Greece and Greater Ionia, requests that your empire come to our aid in punishing the Egyptians for their insolence." stated the envoy.

"Why would we want to help Greece? Alexander has made it clear that he worships no one but himself. God will surely punish him for such blasphemy some day. Tell Alexander that the day will come when he is no longer of any use to the Almighty. The One True God will humble him before all men and make him aware of what it means to be divine."

The envoy appeared to be shocked by the Black Knight's boldness. It was difficult to comprehend that the Black Knight would dare insult his master. It was this kind of insolence that had led Alexander into war against the Egyptians. Perhaps the Aztecs should be next. He would return to Greece and report this disturbing encounter to Alexander.

At the end of the Black Knight's fifth reign, he was beginning to feel better about the nation's ability to punish the infidels for the kidnapping of King Richard. Our military had gained in strength and numbers. They would soon be capable of an offensive campaign in the north. He longed to make Saladin pay for his transgression against the People of God.

Paladin's Fifth Regency as written by Sir Brian

It was during Paladin's fifth reign that our people established an organized system of education in the empire. Amedeo had invested resources in learning the secret of paper during his regency. This discovery had gone a long way in producing books which would stand the test of time. The scholars were working feverishly to copy our older writings from clay tablets to the new medium. It was hoped that by producing books made of paper, our empire could more easily spread the knowledge that we had obtained. We were beginning to fall behind our neighbors and this worried the Brethren. We had enjoyed many years of peace with the Mongolians and Germans but it had been a tense peace at times. We feared that their military might soon become too advanced and they would use this technological edge to defeat us in battle.

A sense of nationalism, which began to sweep through the empire during Amedeo's reign, was clearly responsible for uniting our people behind a common cause. When the Brethren met in Eden on June 18th, 1469 to celebrate the 20th annual Día de los Padres, or Day of the Fathers, the three of us were pleasantly surprised by the people's insistance on making us patron saints to honor the occasion. The celebration had first been established in 1449 to commemorate the completion of the Hagia Sophia. The Christian engineers who had designed and built this glorious church felt that they should dedicate it to those who had led the empire to such greatness.

Because of his obvious love for the military, the Black Knight was given the title Father of the Soldier. Paladin's insistence on spreading our faith to every city on the continent had earned him the title Father of the Priest. My stance against slavery and compassionate pleas for the less fortunate among us, led the people to grant me the title Father of the Poor. They expressed their mourning for King Richard by declaring him Father of the Lost. Despite the Death Knight's absence, the people remembered everything that he had done for their nation by naming him Father of the Dead. When Amedeo joined us on the church's steps, the crowd began to cheer wildly. They had not forgotten his efforts during our time of need.

"Amedeo, Father to the Faithful," they shouted. We were a bit surprised by how much the people had come to love our new companion. When the festivities had later come to an end, the three of us discussed the possibility of making Amedeo a more permanent addition to the Brethren. He had certainly earned the title the people had bestowed upon him. His faithfulness to King Richard and the cause of our empire could not be denied. The three of us summoned Amedeo to the throne room. He kneeled before Paladin who was currently sitting in the Holy Seat of Power. The Black Knight stood to Paladin's right while I stood to his left.

"As much as it pains us to face the truth, it would appear that King Richard has been lost forever." Paladin began. "We have heard rumours of King Richard's execution in Mecca. We have not been able to confirm these reports but we fear they may be true."

"Please! Say it isn't so!" Amedeo exclaimed.

"We certainly hope that what we have heard turns out to be false but in the meantime we can not expect to run this far flung empire alone. It seems clear that you have won the hearts of our people Amedeo. Perhaps you would see fit to remain with us a while longer?" Paladin asked.

"Yes, of course, Your Holiness." Amedeo agreed. "My life in service to the empire."

Paladin stepped down from the Holy Seat of Power and drew his sword.

"You, being chosen to be one of the honorable company of the most noble order of The Brethren, shall promise and swear by the holy evangelists, by you here touched, that whittingly or unwhittingly, you shall not break any statute of the said order, or any articles in them contained. The same being agreeable and not repugnant to the laws of Almighty God, and the laws of this realm as far forth as you belongeth and apertaineth, so help you God, and his Holy Word." With that, Paladin touched the flat of his sword tip first to the left shoulder, then to the right, and again to the left. {Please see footnote below}

"Arise Amedeo the VI, Holy Knight of The Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation!" the Brethren commanded.



{I found this website when trying to clarify the proper way for a servant to be knighted. It had a couple of interesting tidbits of information regarding the history of knights (in particular the Black Knight) plus these inspiring words by King Edward III. I thought they fit pretty well into the story so rather than come up with something on my own, I borrowed them and simply changed The Gata to The Brethren. Please take a look if you like http://www.realarmorofgod.com/knighting-ceremony.html}

I am truly humbled to be part of this great story. We are not worthy! :: We are not worthy! ::

That is a truly magnificent monologue. Keep up the exceptional work!

frankcor said:

I am truly humbled to be part of this great story. We are not worthy! :: We are not worthy! ::

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We are honored to have you and relieved that you have been able to return.

Gaius Brutus said:

That is a truly magnificent monologue. Keep up the exceptional work!

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Thanks! I hope I can keep it interesting and entertaining.

Inspiring and heartfelt....

i think i enjoy the story as much as the game. i'm patiently waiting for the rest of the story!!!

Sir Brian's Fifth Regency as written by Sir Brian

Near the end of the fifth regency, as I returned to the Holy Seat of Power, the tensions between Genghis Khan and Mansa Musa once again developed into all out war. Genghis came to Eden and again asked for help against the Malinese. I again declined to join in the bloodshed. It was clear that he was more than capable of conquering the Malinese on his own. Apparently, Genghis was not so confident as he chose to travel to Berlin and sign a military pact with Bismarck against the Malinese. It appeared that the Malinese empire would soon fall and lapse into obscurity.

Some of our holy men had traveled to Heliopolis during Paladin's reign and waited there until the time was right. When Alexander granted peace to the Egyptians, the soil looked fertile for the planting of God's Word. The holy men in Heliopolis taught the people there about our faith and how God had brought such glory to our empire. Many of them listened intently and the younger ones were especially encouraged. They could see the futility in putting their faith in themselves. They had watched as friends and neighbors were slaughtered by the thousands. By the time Paladin had passed the sceptre to me, the Egyptians were prepared for change. I felt that it was time I made a trip to Heliopolis and visit with Hatshepsut.

My heart went out to the Egyptian people when I arrived in Heliopolis. The countryside had been devastated by Alexander's army. The people were struggling to rebuild but for many, their new found hope in God Almighty helped to soothe the suffering. Hatshepsut's palace turned out to be a small mansion that had been converted into housing for the government after they fled from Thebes.

"Peace be upon you, Your Highness," I said in greeting to Hatshepsut upon my arrival.

"If only that could be true Sir Brian," she replied, trying desperately to hide her despair. "What is it that the Egyptian people can do for the mighty Aztecs."

"I have come to ask nothing more of you than to consider adopting the Jewish faith as the official faith of your empire." I replied. "It is clear that your people have accepted this faith as their own and are ready for such a change."

"Indeed, many of the people's spirits have been lifted since they turned to Judaism. I guess believing in something more than themselves gives them hope. They look to the Almighty now for guidance and inspiration. Come, let us take a walk in my garden." I walked with her from the throne and through the patio doors into a beautiful garden in the interior courtyard.

"And what about you Hatshepsut? Have you come to know God's love?" I asked.

"Please, call me Hatty. There is no need to be so formal here in the garden." she replied. Her smile was warm and inviting, the sun casting a perfect light upon her face. I found myself to be a bit distracted by her beauty.

"Yes, of..of course." I stammered. She laughed flirtatiously and slid her arm through the crook of my own as we walked through the garden.

"I have thought a lot about what your brother said to me during my last visit to Eden. I know that you do not share his views toward my people but I also know that you find our Buddhist faith to be repugnant in the eyes of God."

"I cannot deny that God finds fault with those who place their faith in themselves rather than Him. This is why God will one day punish Alexander for his pride and arrogance." I explained.

"But why has God chosen to punish my people? Our only desire has been to live in peace."

"I cannot pretend to know the mind of God, but I do know that he sometimes punishes those he loves in the same way that a parent punishes a child for their disobedience. Does that make sense?"

"Yes, I suppose it does." she admitted. "Perhaps it is time that we officially adopt the Jewish faith as our own."

I was pleased by Hatty's conversion and I hoped that God would forgive her people and assist them in rebuilding their nation. Alexander still remained a huge threat to their security and he seemed to enjoy war for the simple sport of it all. Perhaps in another time and another world, he and the Black Knight would have been old friends.

The Mourning of King Richard as written by Sir Brian

The sight was more than Quentin could bear. There, in the midst of the tall grass, lay King Richard, motionless and cold. It had been a bright and cheery spring day much like any other, but now it seemed dark and forboding. He could not be sure how long the body had lay in the grass but he knew the Brethren would want to hear of this right away. Quentin quickly placed his coat over the body and raced by horseback to the authorities in Redemption.

Upon arrival in Redemption, Quentin made his way to the governor's house. He told the governor about what he had found. The governor was deeply distressed for he knew the Black Knight would call for an immediate war against the Hindus. This would inevitably place his beloved city at risk and the people there would likely bear the brunt of the devastation. He sent Quentin to Eden and instructed him to deliver the news to The Brethren himself. When Quentin finally arrived at the palace, Amedeo was surprised to see him there.

"Quentin? What brings you to Eden?" Amedeo asked.

"My lord, I have brought terrible news from the north." Quentin replied.

"You know this man?" I asked Amedeo.

"Yes, he is a squire of mine in Redemption. We have been together for many years and I trust him with my life." Amedeo answered.

"What is this news that you speak of squire?" I asked of Quentin.

"It is my unfortunate duty to report that King Richard has been found dead just outside of Redemption." Quentin continued. "I found him myself while riding through the back country."

"And where is his body now?" I asked somberly.

"It has been taken to Redemption and should arrive here within a fortnight."

"Good. We will want to prepare a proper burial ceremony at once. News of this will travel fast and the people will want to come to Eden to mourn the death of our Great King." I stated. "I should go and break the news to Paladin and the Black Knight."

As expected, the Black Knight was furious when he heard the news. Paladin was somber and a bit despondent. The two of us sat quietly while the Black Knight ranted about the Hindu's and how they should be punished for this atrocity. He again threatened to travel to Mecca alone and lop off Saladin's head if we denied him war with the Arabians. Paladin was the first to answer him.

"We understand your anger brother. We know this is how you express your grief. However, can we not at least put our dear brother to rest before we talk of such things? War is a serious thing and preparations must be made."

"I am sick and tired of "preparing" for war. The time is at hand. I will lead the men into battle at once."

"This is not practical. How will it look to the people if you are not present at Richard's funeral?" Paladin countered. "No, we must send someone else to surprise the Arabians. When the Hindu sympathizers in Redemption hear that you are mourning by our side in Eden, they will pass the word to the Arabians and Saladin will relax his guard. He expects that it will be you leading the charge, not someone else."

"Perhaps you are right. But who could we send in my place? Amedeo is certainly capable but he should probably be here as well for the plan to work."

"What about Quentin?" I suggested. "Amedeo seems to trust him a great deal."

"Send a squire to lead the men into battle? Have you gone completely mad?" the Black Knight screamed.

"Wait a minute." Paladin interjected. "Sir Brian might well have been inspired by the Almighty. This could help to throw off the Arabians quite nicely. Saladin would never expect us to send a lowly squire to do the work of the Black Knight."

"Hmm, this is true." mused the Black Knight. "Let us consult with Amedeo and see if we can not acquire the service of this squire."

The Brethren spoke with Amedeo and laid out their plan to him. Amedeo was glad in his heart that his loyal companion could be of such service to the empire. He would approach Quentin and ask him in private. Quentin was a bit baffled by such a request but was indeed honored. He knew that Amedeo had come to be a part of the Brethren under similar circumstances. He hoped that he would prove to be just as worthy of their trust.

I like it, I like it a new one. Poor Richard and I thought he headed back to jolly old England to find Maid Marian.

Cosmichail said:

I like it, I like it a new one. Poor Richard and I thought he headed back to jolly old England to find Maid Marian.

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Yes, well that is what you would have us believe now isn't it dear brother? Rumor says otherwise

with the game over, a new one started, will you ever have time to finish? looking at the post count many seem to be becoming interested.