The Temple of Swords - Open if You Love Helus

[RobertAgira]

Edwinstowe was a city that was no stranger to a spire. The largest of which was next to the old market square in the heart of the old walled city, now nothing much more than a reminder of the nations past and its heritage. It was still lovingly cared for and was a hub of the more upmarket boutique shops, cafes and restaurants catering to global tourists. The main attraction where the many varied temples, there were of course eight dedicated to the gods of the Cult of Helus, but then another eight for those belonging to the Helusans an off-shoot of the Cult in much the same way the Christians had Catholics and Protestants although the Helusan teachings hadn't really spread beyond Bakkermaya. The newer city of glass and steel had engulfed old Edwinstowe over time and now made a grey border between the old stonework and the countryside that at the birth of the city in the 12th century would have seen the coming and going of the various knights searching for their beloved East Moreland King, Paul the Explorer.

It had taken Professor Jenkinson thirty years of his life to bring this project about, a 17th Temple for Edwinstowe, this one dedicated not just to Jekar whom was the only God they had identical views on but also to those early men, the Horseman of Jekar. During his career in archaeology Henry Jenkinson had discovered hundreds of old swords, some had been in mass graves, some had been in tombs and now most sat collecting dust in storage, until now. He had ten years ago asked for the faithful of both branches of Helus to help him fund his dream, a temple dedicated to those who had died in pursuit of bringing their lost King home and those who had since died trying to follow his teachings. Today the Temple was finished, it had been established in the old city and had been given the rare permission to take over an old medieval wool warehouse that had for many years been a bar. Inside a large circular chamber had been made with a domed roof, a small shaft of light coming in from outside to illuminate a statue showing a likeness of King Paul with Jekar stood protectively behind him.

The day was already drawing a crowd, the faithful coming to share the celebration of their past. A police security barrier kept the crowd back from the steps of the new temple and made a passageway for the guests to arrive. The first was the duo of Grand Duke Hugo Lascelles in his old Horseman of Jekar uniform flanked by his former comrade in arms Dominic Atkins who now commanded the Horseman, the modern day descendants of those who had come following King Paul. Next where the other five Dukes and Duchesses who made up the heads of each Duchy that formed the Six Dukedoms. Inside they stood around chatting about the new temple, the flash of light that came from the hundreds of polished swords on display. Some just had a location underneath saying where they had been found, others a portrait of a fallen Knight lost on a foreign campaign to spread the word of Helus in King Paul's wake. It was a combination of a museum and a Temple. The nations leading Priestess Jessica Maddison greeted them all, she was nervous in herself as not only was this the first temple to be dedicated in her five years in the role but it was also the first joint Temple in history. Alongside her was the Prophet of Helusan, Michelle Renshaw a much older woman who had been in her role for two decades. The two may have disagreed over the scriptures but they were friends and often meet up once a month for dinner at each others home. While the Dukes and Duchesses may have belonged to the Cult they still respected the Prophet and greeted her warmly.

The invites had been sent, among those who had accepted was the High Priestess of the Cult, Skye Maddix. Today would mark the first ever formal meeting between the two branches of Helus worship. She was travelling with King David of East Moreland, a man that both sides of the Helus coin believed had a connection back to Raimond Unasson a man both faiths agreed was a favourite of Helus. The Cult believed he died mortally wounded in battle where the Helusan believed that he had not died, being saved at the last minute by Helus himself and taken to the afterlife undead destined to return in the future. It was hoped some of the worlds other Helus worshippers would also attend, Seaforth had a population, as did Achkaerin, Seleucid and Vaguzia. The crowd outside was growing and a sound of a vehicle approaching gave indication the time of the dedication was drawing near as someone else arrived.

[DaveIronside]

For King David it was his first trip as monarch to Bakkermaya and he felt a kind of tingling excitement, he was following the steps of the knights of old, brave men who desperate to bring their King home from his adventures had thrown themselves headlong into the unknown of Ardia. They may have failed to find Paul the Explorer but they had carved out a home for themselves and the Cult across the ocean. The nation of Bakkermaya had shrunk and then regrown in the face of the Qwye Empire but now it was becoming quiet a little diplomat and for that David credited Hugo Lascelles, a man he had never meet but was keen to. The King had been encouraged by his first travelling companion, High Priestess Skye Maddix to wear the Court Crown which was traditionally worn daily by the past Kings of East Moreland. David wore it only on a handful of occasions a year but with the dedication of a temple Skye believed today it was appropriate. The final travelling companion may be almost into his 80's but Sir Charles Townsend still cut a fine figure in his Red Legion jacket, his back as ramrod straight as it had been when he was a member of that proud unit. He was now head of the Court of Canley a body that honoured those Cultists deemed to be most honourable and a body that even King David couldn't influence.

The three arrived at the Temple and David was careful to ensure his crown didn't fall off as he stepped out. He waved to the crowd, allowed the local media to do their bit and then followed Sir Charles and Skye into the Temple. "Grand Duke Hugo" David announced their arrival as he approached. "Its a fine looking building sir" he said as he extended a hand. "And I'm honoured you've asked us to come. Its been too long since our nations joined like brothers." He introduced the High Priestess who greeted Jessica with a hug and the Prophet of Helusan with a handshake, after all they were the rivals so to speak. Sir Charles was already distracted by the many swords on display and had wandered off to inspect one or two.

"We have a little late addition to your new Temple" David beamed as he allowed Skye to do the honours.

"This sword is newly forged at the Temple at the Gods Forge in East Moreland, its blade has on one side the short form of the Code of Canley and on the other the Helusan version. It has as part of its handle a small strip taken from the birth blankets of the three living Ironsides, King David, Princess Freya and Princess Rhiannon, giving it a direct link back to the bloodline of Raimond Unasson."

[Achkaerin]

Under normal circumstances it was usually Emperor Peter that won the argument on who was going to visit nations when it was first contact, but not this time he'd lost that argument and so it was Lady Kristina Ayanami who was leading Achkaerin's visiting party, she was the head of the second oldest noble house in Achkaerin, the only one older being the Azurewind house, she held the noble title over the city of Artaxia and the hereditary title for what was now the Hold of Aelmoor but these had a much more limited meaning in modern times to what they had meant centuries earlier. The interesting thing about Aelmoor though was that it was the home of the Cult of Helus in Achkaerin, and the main reason for that was the Ayanami family's ancestry.

Now why would that be? Well the second wife of Paul the Explorer had been a Maiden Sister by the name of Anezaki Ayanami, there was a fairly long story attached to that but over a period of a few years through the union of that marriage and the years following the wedding the Cult of Helus had become something of a minority faith in Achkaerin at that time and here centuries later it was now the second largest faith in the country. Accompanying Kristina was her husband Steven and their youngest child Rosa, Cult of Helus followers all, Kristina would have liked her other two children there but they were both occupied with work.

It wasn't unexpected for the Morelanders to be there first, in fact it was tradition wasn't it? But it allowed Kristina the chance to look at the statue of Paul, which was a bit of a weird moment for her as this was a man who ancestry wise was her many times great uncle. It also made her think about a few passages from the journal of a Luna Isle Monk by the name of Brother Tezuka about Paul and Anezaki such as:

For the first time in the history of the order a man from a far away land came to Luna Isle. He was brought by guards of the Emperor and on his person he carried a letter of introduction for High Priestess Sakura, though he introduced himself as the King of a country by the name of East Moreland, his walk was not that of a King there was no rhythm to his movement nor to his body there was only a void truly this was a faithless man...

The man was presented to the High Priestess, he delivered the letter of introduction to the Master he was asked his purpose as are all outsiders who tread upon the islands soil he answered the following "I seek nothing other than to learn of your faith and your ways so I may try to understand recent events in my life."

The High Priestess saw that this outsider was genuine in his purpose and so she spoke "Paul of East Moreland I grant you shelter on this island and would be honoured to have you learn our ways."...

Today our newest addition Brother Paul began his journey among us. I don't think the Maiden Sisters were expecting to encounter such circumstances, or that Paul himself expected to be learning with the girls rather than the monks I can't say that I understand it either but I am sure that the High Priestess has her reasons for this. Alha Ryoma assigned one of his brightest charges to partner with Paul- Sister Anezaki Ayanami. There were many envious glances directed towards the newly fashioned partnership, this is the first time that we have had to use the term 'Sword Siblings' instead of 'Sword Sisters'

Sister Anezaki's task is simple enough to state but it will be difficult to accomplish, for someone of the Namis faith it is difficult to find the Rhythm of Life, but to teach it to someone who has no faith is surely an impossible task...

On Midsummer's day 1117 the union was forged. It is not normally permitted for such events as these to occur within the orders however an exception was made for this one, on the islands cliffs, Brother Paul dressed in finery and Sister Anezaki attired in a crimson dress stood before High Priestess Sakura and made their vows to each other. To see a Maiden Sister take part in the surrendering part of the ceremony is interesting to say the least. This was more than a wedding celebration it was also a farewell, the pair intended to leave Luna Isle within a week.

One thing is now as clear as the Crystalline Mountain glaciers the man who came here as a faithless man who believed in nothing now has something to believe in, he can feel the rhythm of life and as the saying goes it takes two to dance well he has found his dance partner.

While Kristina had been momentarily daydreaming she'd also been waiting for an opportune moment to approach the Duke, now that it came they made their way over.

"Grand Duke Lascelles. Your Majesty King David." Kristina said acknowledging the Morelander King's presence as well "Allow me to introduce myself and my family, I'm Kristina Ayanami, this is my husband Steven and youngest daughter Rosa it's a privilege to be here. We do come bearing a gift for this country which we hope you will accept."

"This is a copy of the journal of a Luna Isle Monk by the name of Brother Tezuka." Rosa said handing a black leatherbound book to Hugo "It details the time that Paul the Explorer spent on Luna Isle, we hope you and your people like it."

[RobertAgira]

Hugo was delighted that Sir Charles had come, this was a man who held sway over the way the faith rewarded it faithful by allowing them to be part of a court of honour. It was something no Bakkermayan in over a hundred years had achieved but he was confident that in time more would follow. He bowed to King David and the High Priestess, then lost sight of Charles only to see him checking out the swords on display, "Dominic, perhaps you'd care to go and speak with Sir Charles" the Grand Duke directed his friend who bowed to the Morelander monarch before heading over to the Red Legion veteran. "We're thrilled you came and I am deeply deeply thankful for a gift of such connection" he held the sword lightly before heading towards the statue of Paul and placing the sword carefully on the plinth before it. In the coming days he had no doubt the sword would be encased in glass and put on display in the temple as a fitting offering to Jekar.

As the Achkaerin delegation arrived he was pleased to see the Ayanami's had been sent, he family had a connection directly with King Paul and would have some right to claim that they were very distant cousins by marriage to Raimond Unasson. "Lady Kristina" Hugo extended a hand, "An honour to meet you and your family" he added as once more exchanging handshakes, "You clearly know the people of Bakkermaya well" he smiled as he accepted the book. "Anything to do with King Paul is popular here and I've no doubt this book will be treasured" he went and placed it next to the sword on the statues plinth.

"We have a request of both of you" Jessica began having glanced sideways at Michelle the Prophet of the Helusan faith. "We intend to have a procession of swords as part of the ceremony. Professor Jenkinson found a tomb we believe to be of six of the original Horseman of Jekar, inside were six funeral urns and six swords, they are being placed in our catacomb here. We would ask that King David and Lady Kristina be part of that procession. You both have a direct connection to King Paul, the man these men came to find. I think it would be fitting that their remains be escorted to their final resting place by people with such a link." She turned to Skye, "And we would be grateful if you would say some words alongside Michelle here. After all here the two Helus based faiths live peacefully side by side, it would be only right that both heads of each branch of Helus speak?"

[DaveIronside]

David was rather pleased that his gift had been readily accepted, he had been a little nervous of adding a sword to a place already full of swords but seeing it stood near the statue of his ancestor and Jekar it looked good. He was also a little surprised to hear of the procession of swords that they had planned, to find so many swords in one place was rare and David would be certain to speak with this Professor Jenkinson and find out more, in many ways he felt the swords should perhaps be returned to East Moreland and put on display but these men had come here with the hope of finding the lost King and so perhaps their rightful resting place was here on their new found home. "Id be delighted to take on that role" David replied.

Meanwhile Skye had expected to say something at some point, after all you did open a new temple, invite the High Priestess and not have her say at least something, she hadn't however expected to have to speak alongside Michelle Renshaw. She had never meet the woman before but had read about her, they may share a different view on Helus but the two branches of the faith were broadly similar, historically there had been clashes in Bakkermaya when the Helusan faith began but those dark days were in the past now and with the faith largely confined to Bakkermaya Skye had little concern about the future. "I'd be happy to speak, I think it best though if Michelle speak first, this is after all her homeland and not mine. It would seem fitting" In reality Skye wasn't 100% sure where to pitch her words and so getting to go second would allow her to adapt to the tone her co-speaker took onboard.

[Achkaerin]

"I would be honoured to participate." Kristina said, she was intrigued about the procession of swords that had been mentioned. Her husband Steven, being the more seasoned militarily of the two - and still a serving officer, was equally interested while Rosa was taking the opportunity to have a closer look around the temple being a history student at university she was curious about the various aspects to the building and what stood within it, the statue did make her smile quite a lot.

"Enjoying yourself?" Steven asked, he'd come over having excused himself from the other group
"Yeah I didn't know what to expect." Rosa said "But this place is something else."
"It certainly is." Steven said "Interesting ancestry you've got isn't it?"
"Yep." Rosa said

[RobertAgira]

Hugo was pleased with how things were going. He waited for Dominic to return and the Brigadier escorted the Morelander monarch and the Achkaerin noble to another part of the Temple. "Squad, atten-SHUN" a broad chested sergeant in a shiny breastplate and dark blue jacket underneath, it was designed to mimic the uniform of Red Legion a group that had grown into the Horseman of Jekar in the medieval period. The two units were now almost worlds apart, the Horseman more of a highly trained light infantry unit but with a ceremonial purpose, the Reds a highly effective special forces unit. "Your Majesty" the Sergeant saluted, "Ma'am" he nodded respectfully to Kristina.

"Sergeant Tavistock" Dominic returned the mans salute. "Our two guests have thankfully agreed to take part in the sword procession. I need you to brief them."

"Of course sir" The Sergeant walked with the guests over towards a low knee high stone table, several carefully wrapped long thin object, obviously swords lay on the table.  "I hope we have some gloves to fit you." he picked up a bag and began looking at the white parade gloves, more like gauntlets. He found a pair, examined them and satisfied that they looked perfect handed them carefully to Kristina. He then returned to the bag before rejecting a pair and then passing a new pair to King David. "We may love these swords but they aren't exactly newly forged" he unwrapped the first one. "This the boffins are calling Blade X008, not very catchy I know" He picked it up, the blade was badly damaged from its age and being buried underground for so long. It had been cleaned up the best an ancient blade could but still looked a little of a mess. It was found next to an urn that simply said Pickford, we assume that was the man's name." he handed it with the gentleness one would normally reserve for  baby to David. "This one" he picked up the next is X009" it was shorter and clearly simpler in design, "It was found next to an urn reading Greaves, we know a commoner called Charles Greaves travelled with the early settlers, we believe it was his sword." he handed it to Kristina. "What will happen is once everyone is inside we'll leave via the back entrance, cut through the building opposite and then meet up with 100 more Horseman, we will then march a short distance past a Cultist temple of Jekar, then a Helusan one then to the front door here. Fifty Horseman will march inside and stop in the asile, swords drawn. We will then enter, King David first, Lady Kristina first. You'll be flanked by a Horseman each side, they'll be making proclamations as you go. Once your at the alter the remaining Horseman will march in forming a ring around the circular hub of the temple."

A corporal informed them that it was time and Duke Hugo showed the rest of the Morelander and Achkaerin delegations to seats off to the right of the alter giving them a much closer view than the general public and guests who made up the rest of the temple audience. The group ducked out the back, walked through a small museum which was closed for the day and then onto a side street where a large group of shiny Horseman snapped to attention some broad smiles seeing the two guests. The large column formed up, their spurs clanging on the cobblestone. A small squad of fife players began a tune and the column set off. The six newly found swords in the centre of the column. As they turned onto the main street crowds waved and a large number of the blue Horseman jackets could be seen in the crowd worn by their veterans. As they passed the two temples a Priestess signalled a blessing and a single Horseman joined the rear of the column, their sword decorated by the priestesses.

As they reached the front door the first 50 men entered and then a NCO motioned it was King David's turn. A sergeant on one side sporting a fantastic waxed mustache whispered "left..left..left...right...left" as they began to enter the new Temple and then without warning. "BEHOLD THE FAITHFUL......HERE COMES THE REMAINS OF A HERO" a young child carrying an urn fell into step before them, the King and the men either side of him now forming an honour guard for the urns last journey. "A HORSEMAN OF THE DAY! A WARRIOR OF HONOUR! A BRAVE MAN DESTINED TO STAND BESIDE THE GODS. HONOUR HIM" by now they had reached the alter.

"WE HONOUR HIM" the congregation yelled.

This was repeated for each person until it was Lady Kristina's turn. A short red haired Horseman officer accompanied her. "BEHOLD THE FAITH....HERE COMES THE FINAL HERO.....A FOOTMAN OF THE DAY! A WARRIOR OF HONOUR! A BRAVE MAN DESTINED TO STAND BESIDE THE GODS. HONOUR CHARLES GREAVES."

"WE HONOUR CHARLES GREAVES" the congregation watched as the six urns, now with their own honour guard where one at a time taken by Skye Maddix and Michelle Renshaw each taking a turn. The urns where placed on the alter before the giant statue and then carefully the swords placed behind them.

"In the coming hours" Michelle Renshaw, leader of the Helusian faith spoke, "These urns will become the first to be placed in the catacombs here. They shall mark the beginning of a new era to remember our nation and its birth. Neither Helusan, nor Cultist, these men did their duty to their King, to Helus and to the people. As such regardless of who they are they are now our brothers. I thank the King of East Moreland, the many times Great-grandson of King Paul, the first follower of Helus to set foot on our land. I thank Lady Kristina, a descendent of a woman beloved of our King. Both these have shown they respect and honour the sacrifices made by those who created our nation. Our nation now stands at an exciting time, we have in recent weeks brought about new friendships with old enemies, Lodja, Paracambi, nations we once fought we today call friends. These changes with time are vital but one thing must remain and that is loyalty to ourselves. We must therefore rededicate ourselves to living out the creed of Helus, whether it is the Code of Canley, or the Code of Helus, the key is it must be the front of centre of politics. I therefore call on the Goddess Frossaj to grant the Grand Duke with the wisdom to accept the guidance of the Gods and lead us into a new bright future for all Bakkermaya to act as a shining beacon of the just. I now invite High Priestess Skye Maddix to address the congregation.

[Rhodes]

The Seaforth congregation was late and extremely unhappy. Poor weather had caused their plane to alter course and delay their arrival in Bakkermaya. Eventually their convoy arrived at the temple in Edwinstone and they filed out of the cars. and made their way to the temple.


Leading the way was Jennifer Skye, Priestess of the Temple of Helus in Eventide. She was followed by the Duke and Duchess of Somerset, Joshua and Evanthe Rhodes. For the occasion, Joshua was wearing the sword he had forged himself on his pilgrimage throughout East Moreland. In between them was the Baron of Bethesda, Josiah Raiden Rhodes, eager to take part in his first official trip.

Lastly came King Andrew III of Seaforth and confirming some faint rumours, was accompanied for the first time. Even now the two of them wondered how the chance meeting had led to this. How a romance between a King and foreign woman had remained quiet. They knew that time was over now, but those six months had allowed them to take those first tentative steps with each other without the additional pressures of the State and the media and both were thankful for it.

As they entered the temple, the King was greeted.

"Welcome King Andrew...and your escort?"

The question hung in the air for a moment, before Andrew answered.

"Dr. Camryn Hopkins of East Moreland."

[RobertAgira]

The ceremony had reached the point where the High Priestess of the Cult was due to speak when the contingent from Seaforth attended. Duke Hugo had hoped they would attend and was a little disappointed when they hadn't, but now he had to awkwardly welcome them to the event mid flow. He stood and gave a signal to Michelle Renshaw to delay things for a moment or two. "Before the High Priestess speaks perhaps you'd join me in a song of worship enjoyed by both branches of our Helus family." Michelle was blessed with a  beautiful booming voice. The Bakkermayans loved a good sing song and so joined in while Hugo made his way up the Temple's aisle to greet the new arrivals. "Your Majesty" he said bowing to Andrew, "Welcome to Bakkermaya. We're delighted you accepted our invitation, please come this way." Hugo lead the new arrivals towards the front to where a few seats remained. "I assume you know His Majesty King David and..." he paused, the name Hopkins was connected to Sir Charles, he knew Jocelin Hopkins not personally but by reputation of her art work and there was the slightest family resemblance, "and of course Sir Charles" he watched the signs of familiarity and relaxed knowing he hadn't just stuffed up. "Then of course we have the Ayanami family from Achkaerin." he waited for people to exchange handshakes, nod of acknowledgement and the like before taking his own seat next to King Andrew. "I look forward to speaking with you more when the dedication is over." With that the song began to end, "Thank Helus for that, thought I might actually have to pollute your ears" the Grand Duke sighed pleased the quick introduction of the Seaforthians hadn't gone wrong.

"Now perhaps if you are ready Your Holiness" Skye was invited once more to take to the podium.

[DaveIronside]

King David gave a nod of recognition to the Seaforthians as they arrived there would be time to talk later but for now it was Skye's moment.

Skye was used to giving sermons and talks but this one seemed to be somehow more significant, the three largest Cultist nations in attendance and each of their heads of State about to hear her words.

"Today is a day we see the coming together of the four biggest nations following Helus. We sit here representing the four stages of the evolution of the faith. East Moreland, the birth place of the Gods, the place they made a final stand of battling evil and graced us with the Ironside family to continue the work here on Mundus. Next we see in the 12th Century King Paul leaving the island of Alba Karinya, taking his faith and his sense of adventure with him as he travelled first to Bakkermaya, the descendents of his loyal Horseman in his wake taking the faith with them. What they didn't know was the fact they'd taken somewhere a wrong turn and they should have been looking in Achkaerin as Paul expanded his knowledge of the world and brought the Ayanami family into our fold. Then finally we have the Rhodes family, the most recent converts to the faith, embracing Helus and the others, Joshua Rhodes even going so far as to carry a sword forged at Ostlake itself. We have varied cultures, varied people, here in Bakkermaya alone we have people of Paracambian heritage, of Lodjain, of Morelanders. We have the Celts of Seaforth, the Achkaerins, we even have Seleucids following our path, a vast variety of humanity allow devoted to Helus. This is something I am exceptionally proud of and I hope deeply that next time I speak in this temple, which I hope is not too far in the future, that I can add more to that list. Our faith is one that pushes and encourages people to be the best they can be. Seaforth, East Moreland and Achkaerin have stood many times to protect others and historically we see Bakkermaya's Horseman of Jekar spread across Ardia, then the Alucard islands spreading the word and ending tribal conflicts when they went. We must maintain and increase this, ever standing firm against hatred and wrong doing. It is my hope that following this ceremony the four representatives of Achkaerin, East Moreland, Seaforth and our hosts Bakkermaya can come together under the spirit of Helus and do many many great things. We are more than capable and together we are strong. The swords hanging here today should act as a reminder of those who have gone before us, many of whom who laid down their lives for us to have the world we do today. Frossaj summed it up much better than I ever could. The God was speaking to the children of those who had made the final stand against the Underlords, the child of Raimond Unasson among them, the wise God said, "You stand here today - in the shadow of your parents' and grandparents' accomplishments - because of their willingness to sacrifice and look to your future. You owe them the greatest of honours - to leave a better world than you found." We stand among their swords, we should keep in mind their sacrifices and ask ourselves, what will each of us do to leave the world in a better place, once we have made that decision we should realise we are powerful enough to make it happen. I look forward to seeing a spectacular future. Thank you." she took her seat next to the King and was pleased her King was smiling.