Baron Manchester, Shawlands, to Brian O'Reilly
This is a letter in written with expensive iron based ink on vellum. The vellum is sealed in wax, impressed with a version of the sigil of Greater Manchester: It is a single castle (reminiscent of a chess rook) on a clear field. The handwriting is elaborate and looping, an artifact of a bygone time. It was delivered by courier to Brian's haven in York at 7:00 PM, June 4th, 2042. The courier excused himself and left immediately after handing the scroll to the person who opened the door.
From Shawlands, Baron Manchester, (a long list of titles follows).
To Provisional Baron Brian of York, of the family O'Reilly.
It is my profound hope that this missive finds you well. I understand that you recently attracted the attention of a group of kine, and chose to make martyrs of them. Congratulations on your victory. You are indeed Mighty.
Congratulations again on your recent display of physical might against your own Primogen. It is easy to see why you are so popular among the Toreador Bards of Edinburg. It seems that, like the woad-covered Picts of old, none can stand before your fury.
What is less obvious is the reason you turned that fury upon those who sought to strengthen and stabilize your rule. A wise ruler must understand that the best vassals are almost never those who provide the most profuse and creative flattery. These are better used in the position of court jester, when not executed for treachery or incompetence. Similarly, a man who is useful on the battlefield is rarely the best man to place in a position of authority. I believe the modern term for such incompetents is “thug.”
What baffles the mind is that one who wishes to be acknowledged a Peer of Avalon would work so hard to alienate his neighbors. Only the youngest of kindred would make such a mistake. And yet, it seems, you, Brian O’Reilly, are among the young and unschooled. You clearly never received proper instruction in the ways of our kind from your sire.
So, rather than declare outright war on you and your followers, I have decided to offer the following compromise: Come to Manchester and serve as my Vassal for a period of one century. During that time, I will instruct you in the ways of leadership and the proper comportment of a Peer of the Realm. Have no fear for your domain: I will appoint an eminently capable Viceroy to oversee your domain of York in your absence: When you return, York will likely be an unrecognizable paradise compared to the state in which its cities, such as Leeds, are currently. All will understand that, having received the best instruction available, and with a staunch alliance between Manchester and York, you will be truly ready to take your place as a Peer of Avalon.
In return, I will speak on your behalf before the Courts of Avalon, and point out that your actions denote an intention to overcome your poor upbringing and show a willingness to atone for your mistakes. At the end of your term of service, I shall forgive the debt you incurred when I provided forces to help you secure your realm. I shall even persuade my childe, Harold Lord Reeve, to forgive the unwarranted assault upon his person you perpetrated this past month.
I understand that those of your generation are prone to reckless haste and snap judgments. Many children of the modern era even believe that they have nothing to learn from the wisdom of their elders. Your scholarship of languages suggests that you may have partially overcome this failing, so I have hope for you, and I urge you to fight against the failing of youth: The consequences of haste could be catastrophic. In light of recent events, Avalon needs her unity. All Peers of Avalon understand this, and will act with great certainty to ensure that incompetent and unworthy claimants are removed with alacrity. Refuse my generous offer, and it will be a united Avalon whom you defy, not simply Manchester.
Think on my offer: Overcome the youthful rash impulses that have governed your decisions up to this point. Upon consideration, you will realize that my way is best for all concerned.
By the hand of Johann Scrivner, Scribe.
Signed by the hand of Shawlands, Baron Manchester, etc. etc.
