I will be I (Intro to the mind of Auorix Engel)

(Auorix slides his polearm back and forth across his thighs as he sits by the fountain in the Noble district that had been the location of many changes in his short life)

Your road has been long Auorix Engel, and may yet come full circle on itself before your time here is over...as closed a loop that is possible at the least.

(Helm heavy, Auorix unstraps the chin guard and lifts it off of his head to rest at his side at the fountain. The lines of stress evident near his eyes and face)

You have endured many trials and tribulations in your pursuit of doing what you thought was right. Some has been successful...other decisions may not have been.

(Some children run up the stairs heading north towards the Noble's villas. Auorix pauses in his thoughts a moment to watch them play what ever form of combat they are imitating with sticks)

You have no one to continue your legacy when it is over. The only thing that will carry on what you have done are the others that have been influenced by your actions. Will they see my path as I did? Will my path be seen?

(Auorix glances over to his pack. Well used sword and shield are strapped tightly to it)

During your time in the King's Guard you considered the shield your badge of honor. You claimed to be their shield and defend them. You did what you said you would. Your shield ended up not being wanted from some though. The honor you consider to fuel your actions was not wanted by those same few.

Now you wield this instrument of destruction. The polearm. Does it represent the same honor to you though. Have you traded in the shield and defense of your brethren for the halberd and the long arm of offense for the Order?

What should it matter? Whether it was my shield defending my allies in their just cause or the spear that was thrust in those same soldiers flesh to fight for what I believed in...my honor meant the same thing to me.

(Auorix dips his hand into the pool of water gathered in the fountain)

Has your actions made things better for Aquilonia...that is the true test of whether or not your actions were justified...

Invicta fights for Aquilonia now. The Kings Guard are stronger, despite their perceived weakened state. The Order is ready to embrace what it considers a much stronger base for the country. Tensions ease between all parties.

You have the feeling that this is not the end of your book, yet the beginning of your new chapter. Will those who considered my actions traitorous be able to see through the short term and understand  that what I did, I did for a stronger future? It should not concern you. What should concern you is what to do now...not what has been done. You have made the calls you felt were necessary...not what was popular. You have taken the burden and criticism and have carried it knowing it had to be done when few others would have risked everything they knew and stood for. Your honor has been insulted by former allies. They have called you dog...you bit your lip. Retaliation was unavoidable in times of war...but during those moments when the smoke cleared and dialogue had begun...and the insults came. Your strength of conviction for your cause aided you in not following that downward spiral of doubt and revenge.

Your sacrifices validate your success. You have helped forge Aquilonia into the blade it was destined to be in order to defend its self for the future. But it is never enough.

 "Your actions will cause them to see...not your words. Your words will allow them to see your actions."

(Auorix dons his helm, fastens the strap. Picks up his ruck and places it on his back. He reaches for the polearm on his thighs with his right hand and stands up)

"I will have to endure a little longer..."