The Future Wears a Dark Cloak
September 30th, 1093, Count Alastor Sieth falls ill, but he recovers quickly later on towards the end of November that year. Aging fast, he decides to plan a full year of celebration. He begins spending money on plans for a feast, a new barracks, and a grand hunt all before his 50th name day. During the feast, a formal announcement came from the graying Count.
“Friends, family. As you all know, Sambor has made strides in his education.” Alastor looked to his eldest son with a gentle smile. “I am so proud of him. I hope his reign will be long and fruitful for our children and our children’s children.” He looked over at his other two boys and sighed. He had nothing for them. Nothing except perhaps a few pieces of gold and the possibility of marrying women in distant lands that held claims to lands and titles he could only dream of. He had to find something worthy to give them before his time ends.
After the feast, the Bishop of Sieth confronted the old lord and asked him to speak in private. Alastor agreed and they retreated to the drawing room.
“Alastor, I know what you have done in the time before you were married. I also know what you have done in the time during your marriage. How recent your sins are are quite concerning to our Holy Light,” stated Gawel, Bishop of Lighton.
“Bishop Gawel, I have nothing to hide,” replied Alastor. Despite the statement and confident gaze he gave the holy man, his stuttering did little to make him sound truthful. It is true that Alastor did not lie to God. He had confessed his sins both privately to the Lord himself as well as a man of God, but he would still have to take some things with him to the grave. “What is it that they are saying? That I continue to fornicate in another room where my wife is not present?” He raised his voice in a demanding tone. “Speak up!”
Gawel’s eyes narrowed. “You have been lustful yet. You were seen fondling with one of the entertainers hired at night when the castle is asleep. Do you deny it?”
“Yes.” A slight nod followed afterward. “I have been loyal.” He paused. “Now,” pausing again, drawing a breath, “I believe my son is supposed to have his studies continued in the morning. We both need rest.”
“I agree, sir. Good night.”
Gawel left the room silently. Leaving Alastor alone. A sly smile drew across his face. He had lied to a man of God for the first time in a long time. He had done it to prove to himself that he had no fear of God, or death and to scheme his next move for himself and for his legacy.
Out With the Old, In With the Young
An unfortunate incident has occurred – the Chancellor is dead! Fortunately, Sambor had soon come of age to take on the task, serving his father as an advisor to continue his studies in ruling. He had also married a French woman named Sibylle de Hauteville, daughter of Duke Roger of Sicily on the 1st of January, 1099. It was a triumphant moment in the life of the heir to Sieth, but news came quickly of disapproval over in the Kingdom of Denmark. King Knud IV requested to meet Count Alastor at his seat in Ringsted. Given the age of either ruler, the journey was great for either of them, and Alastor felt that his son could prove himself as Chancellor Sambor Sieth. Alastor promised that if things went over smoothly, he’d pay for a retreat for the young couple. In the meantime, it meant there was room to plan for expanding the training grounds and focus on educating his remaining sons.
After some sword practice with Cyrus one day, the two thought about visiting the youngest son Jarec during his studies. Jarec was unfortunate enough to inherit his father’s stutter. It made him frustrated and wroth when he tried to speak to others. His impatience was great. His instructor, Gawel, proved to be someone who fueled such negative traits. Alastor and Cyrus walked in on the two with Gawel lecturing in a threatening tone, accusing the boy that it is the devil that twists his voice.
“It is the devil that is fueling your anger! You refuse to let God enter your heart and you refuse to learn about justice and repentance of sin!” Gawel screamed. He snapped a short stick across Jarec’s hand. He moved to make a second crack, but noticed Count Alastor standing in the door with a face full of fury. Gawel had not backed down. He hit Jarec in the back this time. “Your son has the devil in him! He must repent! He must repent!”
“My son needs someone who can save him! You are not that man! Away from him you violent preacher! I want you to pray for him and pray for someone who can save him! It is not you, sir,” retorted Alastor. He began to escort his children out of the classroom. “Pray I never witness such an atrocity again.” As they left, the church bell rang as Gawel was left standing there.
Peace Ends with Your Head
A messenger ran down the halls of the castle. Barely breathing, but screaming “sire, sire!” at every chance he could. Marshal Udalrich stopped the messenger and asked what possible alarm could be raised. The messenger recognized the Marshal and handed the man a small scroll as he gasped for air. The news, of course, wasn’t good. It was dire.
“News from the Chancellor,” Udalrich quietly said as he handed the scroll to his liege. “I’ll prepare the troops at once. I’ll have recommendations for mercenaries for you before sunset.” Alastor trusted his Marshal. They had trained together growing up and hoped they’d never see this day come. He was alone with his wife and sons. He didn’t need to open the scroll to see what it read. He raised his head and looked at all of them and unfurled the scroll without reading it.
“Father, I have failed you in winning the favor of King Knud IV of Denmark. This summer, in the 1100th year of our Lord, we are at war.”
Crusader Kings 2 Stories 