“When the mercantile captivity of Arsenalia was turned, we were like them that dreamed.” – Unknown
Duke Wenger: Lord Giroud, bless your soul. Thou really put-est the scavengers to the sword in the battle.
Lord Giroud: Óui, but for the assistance of Lord Walcott, I might have been but a blunt sword.
Duke Wenger: yes, yes. Lord Theodore Walcott did become-th a thorn in their flesh. I also did see Lord Ramsey put the core of the scavenger army in disarray.
Lord Ramsey: Thank you my Duke for the praise, my duty is to please thee and protect the noble people of Arsenlia however, I think we need-th to strengthen our depleted cavalry, it must be done.
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‘He who was called by the Duke’ had heard much about the Warrior Prince from France and his exploits in the Kingdom of Arsenalia. He boarded a vessel at Gijon going towards Tilbury, he planned to arrive at midnight so as not cause a stir when passing through the lair of the Hamsters of West Ham; he would continue the rest of the journey to the palace Emiratia on foot.
He had plied his trade with the Alemannians, the Bavarians and the princes. During this time, he had practised the arts of alchemy, a little bit of magic. He had learned to discomfit the core of mighty cavalries and he could see through their ranks and point out the weakest link.
There was unrest in Arsenalia and the Duke had need of his craft and so sent for him. As he stood atop the deck of the vessel, the West wind blowing through his blonde hair, he fell deep in thought…
He who was called by the Duke: *thinking* I am uncertain of the welcome which awaits me at Emiratia. Will I be made knight or amour bearer? Will I win the hearts of the noblemen of Emiratia? I hear they are a very passionate people.
And then he saw the land ahead, Britainnia in the horizon.
Meanwhile, in the lair of the Scavenger king…
King Scav Levy: Villas of Boas! I gave YOU and I don’t mean the pretty boy from Italia! I gave YOU freeway to spend MY GOLD! And…
Villas of Boas: I’m a Portuguese prince; royalty. You do not raise your voice at…
King Scav Levy: Shataaaaaaaaaaaap!!! I pay thy wages in hefty bags of gold! I own YOU!!! Imbecile!!!
The Portuguese prince Villas of Boas is red in the face
King Scav Levy: My 100 bags of gold, my entire wealth and you bring to me mercenaries from down under?! THEY. ARE. SHITE!!! The knights of Arsenalia made them look like infants on chariots! AND they bloody had two limping knights straight from the infirmary. Make this work or else, it’s off to the gallows!
King Scav Levy leaves the room
Adviser to the Portuguese prince: This does not look-eth good my prince.
Villas of Boas: Obviously.
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‘He who was called by the Duke’ reached the gates of the palace Emiratia under the cover of darkness. At the gates…
Arsenalian guard: Who goes there?!
He who was called by the Duke: It is I, ‘He who was called by the Duke.
Arsenalian guard: A secret code is desired of thee.
He who was called by the Duke: (In German) Sehr hochwertige Spieler Sachen (Very top top quality player stuff).
Arsenalian guard: Thou may gain entrance into the palace.
‘He who was called by the Duke’ was then led into an empty hall whose only source of light was the dying embers from the great fireplace at the end of it.
He was the only one in the room for a time and so became unsure and a little afraid. Had he been tricked? Was this a trap? He shouted into the space before him…
He who was called by the Duke: I hear you are in need of my craftsmanship?!
And then He heard a voice from behind him…
Duke Wenger: I’ve been expecting you, Öz…
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