War-Journal of Bue Geirsteinson - Epilogue
by Jacob SkytteEpilogue, by Ralf Silk-Tongue, added Sviftmont 23rd, the year 1010 After Crowning of the First Emperor of the Thyatian Empire
Nations rise and crumble, as do their leaders. Men find that those who rule over others are like an entirely different species, creatures that do not have the same needs or feelings that ordinary men do. But in their hearts, great men are just as human, if not more. Bue Geirsteinson has graciously gifted me with the journal he kept during those days where he became jarl. He has allowed me to do with its contents what I wish, letting me into his heart and partaking of his feelings during that turbulent time.
This is a great responsibility, and even as I pondered what to do with it, I realised that I could never do it justice. A saga could have been written of his tale, but first of all, Bue's saga is far from ended yet, he still holds strong as jarl of Noslosford. Second, his tale will not gain anything from being turned into heroic saga; it is its very humanity that is its strength. My decision is to include his journal, unedited, among my own works until such a time comes that Bue may indeed enter the sagas. At that time I will be long gone, I'm sure, and those who take up my trade after me will be the ones to decide what to do with it.
The further stories of Bue and his family have yet to be completely chronicled, though I have followed them with great interest. Asta Katlasdottir's quest to regain her honour, Oda Elsasdottir's betrayal and seizing of Ragnar's domain, Hjort Geirsteinson's tragic life... These are all stories one should know, stories of real people and their lives and feelings. And all these stories are part of a greater whole. The people they met, befriended or made enemies of have their own stories to tell.
Ingibjorg Siglindesdottir's own fall from grace, Stein Anlafson's matricide, Sven Svenson's descent into madness, and the king's death during the Great War. All tales of Ostland, tales that may or may not have been influenced by the tale you have just read. All parts of life as it unfolds before the Gods, for their amusement or grief. They sit above and watch and judge. Like us, they have their favourite stories. Well, one of my favourites is the story of young Bue Geirsteinson who rose against his father, for the good of his clan, and found love in the process. And there you have it.
Ralf Silk-Tongue, Sviftmont 23rd, the year 1010 After Crowning of the First Emperor of the Thyatian Empire