RESCINDED - Fealty Agreement of Sleggjaholl (Einar Tyrssen)
Einar steps forward, withdrawing a scroll on which important words are written. His friend and loyal bodyguard, Voris Wulfgar, reads from it. Though he wishes to explain it himself, Einar lets Voris read on.
I, Einar Tyrssen of Hordaland, son of Tyr Jarlsson, hereby pledge the land of Sleggjaholl and my own fealty to his Grace, Duke Manus of Wessex. Let it to be known to all present and future that Sleggjaholl pledges it's able-bodied in the defence and service of Wessex and her allies. In either a time of peace or war, Sleggjaholl shall remain faithful and vigilant in her service. I will protect Duke Manus with my life, provided the All-Father sees fit to grace me with the strength and fortitude to do so. Should I be deemed fit, I will protect him against every creature, present or not present, and will love all that he loves and shun all that he shuns. Let no ill-willed creature suffer life as long as there be breath in my chest, spirit in my heart or strength within my arm.
Though Sleggjaholl swears to Wessex, she shall retain the Norse right to a free government. The allthing shall hold sway over our choices on matters of state, even if they conflict with a wish of his Grace, Duke Manus or myself. May it be known that if I am disposed of as the representative of Sleggjaholl and all those who dwell within, my successor shall abide by this treaty as well. As the nature of Norse people tends to be that of war-seekers, Sleggjaholl must trust his Grace on matters of war, except in the defense of Sleggjaholl. This holds true except in the case of the Ork, of which Sleggjaholl retains the natural right to raid and pillage the green-skinned peoples until they are no more. Let there be restraint, however, as any warring with savages may damage innocent friends of Sleggjaholl. And upon any war, Sleggjaholl shall march in aid of her allies, with as many villages and towns that are able and willing.
In matters of diplomacy, all actions of alliance and friendship shall remain unmolested by this treaty. Any alliance of Wessex shall include Sleggjaholl and her people, forever forbidding any hostility among new friends. As is expected with the nine virtues, any friend of his Grace is a friend of Sleggjaholl and myself. Trade relations are entirely independent of the say or action of any government within an alliance with Wessex, and beyond the say of myself or his Grace. Forever let it be known that the people of Sleggjaholl decide on this matter. The graces of Njord are wished upon these agreements, and let the fury of the gods rain down on whoever tarnishes the sacred word of trust. The matters of war, however, would ultimately conflict with the friendship of trade. We dare not submit friendship to any mongrel who wars with Wessex or her allies. If at any point I cannot lead my own men, let an officer take my place and fight in my stead.
By the watchful eye of the gods let this treaty, this oath, be forever unbroken. If Sleggjaholl shows gross disregard in these agreed-upon words, let the land become under the watchful eye of his Grace, Duke Manus. If his Grace ignores the words written here, today, then let Sleggjaholl declare any submission void, and remain neutral with Wessex for a period of five months. The matter shall then be decided in an allthing on the fate of Sleggjaholl. I call upon Brando de'Medici, Doge of Aquileia, Von Fishbarrel, Baron of Urth and Chrono, Herald of the Duke of Wessex as witness to this.
The paper, having been signed before he came, is offered to the Duke of Wessex. Einar takes a knee, bowing before him and offering his hands as a show of friendship and trust. He merely says,
I become your liege man.
