The Shield of the Faithful

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I had abandoned the idea of training magical legionaries, not because it was impossible, but because the system was designed to make it so. If any of my legionaries, all slaves, developed magical abilities, the nobility couldn't simply take them from me. According to imperial law, slaves were property, and if someone wanted them, they would have to buy them at the price I set. And of course, that price would be high—perhaps high enough to deter anyone.

The problem was different if I recruited free men with magical potential. They would not be bound to me beyond the gold I could offer them. The moment a duke, the church, or any powerful noble offered them more, they would leave without hesitation, abandoning me. No matter how much I had invested in their training, the loyalty of free men was always for sale, and the mountains of gold from the nobility weighed more than any promise I could make.

This is why my model had always been clear,build my strength with slaves. They were reliable, loyal by necessity, and as long as I fed them well and offered a life more secure and structured than what they had known, they would follow me without question. However, training them in magic was a monumental challenge. None of the capital's masters were willing to lower themselves to teach slaves, no matter how much I offered. Their pride and prejudice outweighed even their greed, and without a suitable master, the months I had spent in the city seemed wasted.

As I contemplated leaving the capital to seek better contracts in the south or east, news arrived that changed everything.

The eastern border of the empire, known as the Eastern Shield, had collapsed. A force of beastmen, kobolds, and demi-humans had decisively defeated the minor nobles and dukes defending the region. The news left many in the capital frozen with fear. For the lower classes, it signaled the start of dark times—raids, migrations, and wars that could reach their homes. For the upper classes, the defeat was a call to panic disguised as conspiracy. As always, their first reaction was to find someone to blame, pointing accusing fingers before even considering a response.

The emperor convened an emergency Imperial Diet, gathering the empire's great nobles, clerics, and influential figures to debate a response. However, these meetings were infamous for being slow and riddled with intrigue. While the nobles debated and schemed, the empire tottered under the weight of its own indecision.

After waiting a few days and seeing no organized response from the empire, I decided I couldn't stand idle. If I were to commit my men to this crisis, I needed to secure more than simple gratitude. I had already learned that in politics, empty words are as common as unfulfilled promises. Thus, I immediately approached various power groups seeking support. Helping out of honor was one thing, but doing so with the assurance that my efforts would have purpose and reward was another.

The church was my best option. Not only did it have the necessary influence to back me, but it already knew me. Not from the nine months I had spent cultivating my reputation in the capital, but for something far more practical for years, I had supplied them with the finest goblins and orcs to burn in their purification ceremonies. This relationship, though pragmatic, had established a connection I could now leverage to my advantage.

With this in mind, I used all the influence and favors I had accumulated to secure a meeting with a local cardinal. It wasn't easy. The man, known for his strict adherence to protocol and his critical gaze, was not someone who granted his time lightly. However, I managed to get him to agree to see me.

When he entered the room, followed by a group of scribes, I stood respectfully. "Your Eminence," I said with a nod. The cardinal barely acknowledged me, his gaze fixed on me as if he had already decided this meeting wasn't worth his time.

"Von Falkenstein, if I'm not mistaken," he said, his voice deep and deliberate. "What business does a scion of the noble defenders of the North have with me?"

His tone left no doubt that he didn't expect much from me. Nevertheless, I knew I had to seize this opportunity. "I won't take much of your time," I began, my voice clear and direct. "I wish to fulfill my duty as a noble and defend the imperial borders against the threat of those vile beasts. I currently command around nine thousand men, well-trained and equipped with iron weapons and armor, all battle-tested. I'm ready to deploy them to the East and make a difference."

I immediately noticed a shift in the cardinal's demeanor. Though he tried to hide it, the mention of my forces clearly piqued his interest. I continued before he could interrupt.

"That is why I would like to request the church's support. I want to ensure that my selfless acts in defense of what is just do not go unnoticed. When the time comes, I propose that the church intervene to see that some of the eastern fortifications, along with the incomes they generate, are entrusted to me."

The cardinal narrowed his eyes, leaning slightly forward. His gaze, now more calculating, sought to decipher my intentions. "Eastern fortifications, you say? And why should the church support you in such an ambitious task? The borders are the empire's concern, not ours. Explain yourself, von Falkenstein—what does the church gain from this?"

I had anticipated this question. I had prepared my response carefully. "Much, Your Eminence," I replied without hesitation. "The church's support would consolidate my position, and in return, I promise to use those fortifications to ensure that sacred routes, pilgrimages, and ecclesiastical properties in the East remain safe. My commitment is to protect not just the empire's lands, but also the church's interests in the region."

The cardinal remained silent, his mind processing my words. Finally, he spoke, his tone more neutral but with a palpable interest. "Von Falkenstein, your proposal is intriguing. However, you must understand that the church cannot commit without evidence. Your words are strong, but we need to see action. If you can demonstrate on the battlefield that your forces are effective and your cause is just, your request will be considered seriously."

Hearing the cardinal's words, which implied that my efforts required further proof before securing his backing, I realized I couldn't accept a mere "maybe" as an answer. I couldn't risk heading East without an ally like the church. If I failed to secure their support, any victory I achieved in the field could be dismissed, relegated to obscurity by the empire's political machinery. I knew I had to double down on my efforts to convince him.

"Your Eminence," I said, raising my voice slightly to recapture his attention before he could rise from his seat. "I understand that my words must be backed by actions. But I also believe that the church, as the guardian of faith and justice, has a duty to act before chaos spreads further. The Eastern Shield has fallen, and while the nobles argue in the imperial diets, the beasts advance. Every moment we lose strengthens our enemies."

The cardinal paused, turning slowly to look at me with a more serious expression, though not entirely convinced. I knew I had touched a nerve, but it wasn't enough. I needed something more.

"My men are not simply a mercenary force," I continued, stepping forward. "They've been trained to fulfill their duty, to defend what is just. Many of them have faced far worse horrors in the northern lands, standing against threats that would make the nobles now hiding behind their walls tremble. I'm here because I believe this cause deserves a coordinated effort, and the church is the only institution with the moral influence to unite forces in this crisis."

The cardinal crossed his arms, regarding me with a mixture of skepticism and curiosity. "Von Falkenstein, you speak with great passion. However, the church is not an army, and our influence is not granted lightly. Why should we trust that your cause is as noble as you claim? What guarantee do we have that your intentions are not tainted by ambition?"

"Because I have already proven myself," I replied firmly. "For months, I've worked to ensure the safety of this city, even when there was no gold or glory involved. I've provided resources for your purification ceremonies and protected the routes that allow caravans of faith to reach their destinations. My ambition is not for empty titles or lands to enrich myself—it is to build something lasting. A line of defense that protects not only the empire but also the church and its faithful."

I paused, letting my words resonate in the room before delivering the final stroke.

"I understand that promises are not enough. That is why I propose an agreement. If the church supports my cause, I will not only ensure the safety of the eastern fortifications but also offer a portion of the revenues from these lands to the church. A perpetual tithe, as a demonstration of my commitment to the ideals we both defend."

The cardinal raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by my proposal. His scribes stopped writing for a moment, visibly surprised by the magnitude of the offer. It was a risk, I knew, but it was the only way to show my sincerity.

"A perpetual tithe," the cardinal repeated, letting the words settle in the air. "That is a significant commitment, von Falkenstein. And, given the circumstances…" His voice trailed off for a moment, as if lost in deep thought.

Finally, he leaned forward, his gaze locked on mine. "The empire teeters on the brink of collapse, and we cannot afford to waste any more time. The beasts will not wait for us to resolve our doubts, and the church cannot remain idle while the borders fall. Therefore, I accept your proposal."

A faint murmur arose among the scribes, but the cardinal raised his hand, silencing them immediately. "The church will back your cause, von Falkenstein. When the time comes, we will ensure that your role in this defense does not go unnoticed. And if you hold the line, the eastern fortifications will be yours, along with the revenues they generate."

My chest filled with a mix of relief and determination. I had secured what I needed the support of the church, an ally whose influence could tip the scales in my favor both in the imperial courts and, more importantly, on the battlefield.

"Thank you, Your Eminence," I replied, bowing deeply. "I will not fail you. My loyalty to the just cause of the church and the empire will be absolute."

The cardinal nodded, his expression solemn but resolute. "I hope so, von Falkenstein. Because if we fail now, there will be no empire left to defend. Go with the church's blessing and ensure that you fulfill your part."

I left the room with firm strides, knowing I had secured a crucial ally in this fight. Time was running against us, and now, with the church's backing, I was ready to mobilize my men to the east and face the threat that could destroy everything we knew.

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Any opinion and comments are welcome