"Have you ever heard where women dominate men and govern a domain?" as I spew the news from my mouth to Rev. Oscärs.
He nods in response as he is portraying it with curiosity. He gets up to this chair, as he inquires: "... uhm, brother? Where can I find them? The ones you have claimed?" as the fascination turns to be an impressive instance to him. Judging the movement of his head tilts and of his face.
"Look over there! Beyond the seas, you can find them hiding…" pointing to the north, with my finger jabbing through him, as he glances back as if he thought that I was referring to him.
Afterall, I am glad to see my brother still in one piece and breathing. But, the only thing that I can now predict not is the day when I could finally see his face. Rev. Amas said he had a son before joining the ranks of priesthood celibacy. I never did think about how meek and gallant he is despite administering such a huge responsibility. He purports his mother died when he was still a toddler and under the kind and generous hands of Reverend Amas' acolytes, he was fed, been taken care of, educated, and trained. He set an entourage for a journey on Acrania. He participated in the mission which he solely thought about 'Croisianizing' the realm. He indirectly supported the campaign as he was oblivious about the real intention of the Pope at that time. Standards and crosses erected most of the lands from west and only later, Rev. Oscärs found out it was a holy war against the pagans and the indigenous - the Crusade.
"I did contribute during the Crusade, however, I did not have the balls to slay countless humans. Moreover, to bolster my point, to save myself from being excommunicated, I prepared provisions, levies, a part of my cohort around two percent (2%), and a sack of coins to the Pope himself." he says, as it turns that my first impression upon him, he is like me - a pacifist.
"So, what is the feeling of being a crusader? What perks did you get since you and the other participants have won the previous campaign?" I ask with a sense of humor, teasing him.
"Not that much. But this is a medallion to verify my credentials of being a part of the mission. This medallion gives me crusaders' benefits wherever I go, most of my purchase will be rebated at my discretion. And as long it is from a 'Croisian' market." as he presents me with his token hanging on his neck, he emphasizes.
I come straight at him when I muster all of my courage to say this, after what he mentioned earlier about his inclusion of his crusading experience, I inquire: "Are you still ardent about how the system of your faith works? Do you still desire to enlist yourself in the upcoming war? Your Crusader?" in a straight face. He stares at me with a chunk of disdain, where he answers: "This token dangling on my neck is the reason why I did join the previous campaign. The subsequent mission against Inglovia is no longer of my interest since I got myself one. Hence, all of the suffering that I went through is the affidavit of my immunity to the next crusade and from excommunication." it in subtlety, as he staunchly says it with might.
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Case closed. My brother will not be getting involved himself in the next campaign, that's a great assurance. It serves as a counterbalance to tip the scales of the impending war. It's meager but every help is of the Kehinans' wishes. The Jihad is on its heights of its peak while the Crusade will be on the roll soon. Of course, my brother's ten thousand (10,000) men is not a lot to compare to around five hundred thousand (500,000) troops. Nonetheless, the aforementioned numbers mean a lot to us.
My brother, Rev. Oscärs, gives me a hug before I take my leave and move out. I feel refreshed after the warm reunion. It is the past afternoon, I suspect the temperature of the air plummets and the rays of the sun are being shrouded by aggregated forming clouds. I tread to the plaza to continue my plans of conversion. Meanwhile, during the course my preaching, solely a man who claims to be a part of a noble family. He speaks to me with candor and tranquility when I meet him at the destination, west of south of the plaza - the area is secluded. He gives me a gift (two handfuls of bag filled with coins) and is willing to be converted in the faith of Hirililal.
"May Lady Wellcia offer you a meaningful life of your new beginning."
He invites me to stay at his place and to be his councilor and be a part of his inner circle (as his court chaplain) yet I decline the offer. The logic of his reasoning is to nurture and to help him cope with the new faith he is indoctrinated to. He insists on yet another present to me which I do accept. It's not a lot but it's something. A stay in an inn from a nearby bazaar and to the east of the pilgrimage section. But after a couple of days, when this man is about to visit me in my room as we are enjoying a cup of tea, we are both arrested by a group of soldiers afterwards… presumably, a unit of constables. I know I am their target but the man with me is being held as a collateral.
"Augur Gervðas, you have been apprehended in violation of the law."
"Lord Scitio af Fjorder (Fi-or-der), you are also under arrest for associating with the perpetrator against the charter."
"Rookies, put these bastards inside the cage!" on the behest of the superior officer, as we are being shackled by pillories on our heads and wrists and cuffed by chains on our ankles.
I'm sorry, man. You have been detained because of me. I am really do apologize for your welfare.