Conviction
10 Sep 2023Argon Shadowstar
I have received a message from the Earls of Acokwus. It seems that they are not impressed by my recent activities, despite the great victories I have delivered them. I had hoped they would call me hero, in the tradition of our ancestors. Instead, it seems they have chosen to believe the lies of their enemies and consider me nothing more than a mass murderer. To clear my name, I have sent them unedited recordings of my battles and quests. However, I do not expect these recordings to sway them. Two decades of military service have allowed me to see the 'verse as it truly is; a brutal, unforgiving crucible of contests and conquests. I doubt any of these cloistered nobles have ever set foot on a real battlefield before, or have any idea what is required to steal back one's rights and lands from those who have taken them. The recordings will only go to show that the blood I have shed in their benefit was done according to the strict code of honor followed by my warrior ancestors. That will likely not be enough.The old ways are a novelty to them, the stuff of history books and children's stories. I have begun to realize that perhaps I may be the only one who still follows them, or even takes them seriously. They undoubtedly see me as some kind of throwback, a nutjob driven by tales of questing knights and days of yore. Fools, the lot of them. I suppose I should not be surprised, all those who upheld the Shadowstar Code were hunted down and murdered by bounty hunters and assassins after the fall. These pampered lords are the descendants of those who survived: pathetic opportunists and disloyal sycophants all too eager to switch allegiances when the scales tipped. If there were any true Shadowstar loyalists left after the fall, they must have gone into hiding like my family did. They would not have been in a position to seek power again, and as generations passed, it's likely they would have forgotten their old glory. If they are out there, I can only hope that I may somehow find them again, but I hold little hope for their allegiance. Again, it seems my heroic campaign is viewed as a flight of fancy at best, a madman's obsession at worst. Even my efforts to recruit like minded commanders have yet to meet with success.
A lesser man would edit the footage, making himself out to be something he isn't, just to gain the favor of these fat politicians. But such a thought leaves a foul taste in my mouth. I will have my deeds judged honestly, and the shield I bear is one of truth. If the lords, inexperienced with the realities of the 'verse and disgusted by the truth of my actions, should continue to declare me a homicidal madman after facing this truth, then so be it. I do not need them or their vassals to bolster my conviction. Even if the entire galaxy should align against me and declare me wrong, I will continue my campaign, for I know that I am right. There are dark times ahead for us all, but it is strength and conviction which will see us through it. When the day is done, whatever is left of humanity will be stronger than it was before.