Tyranny of Steel

Currently, King Berengar von Kufstein stood in his office. The man firmly clasped his hands behind his back as he stared out the window, gazing upon the sun setting over the Austrian Alps. For several moments there was silence, that is until the King finally spoke with a voice filled with authority and intimidation.

”So, you believe that you are ready to act as the Field Marshal over the Royal Guard? ”

A young man, even younger than Berengar himself, stood on the opposing side of the desk that stood between them. He gulped the saliva that pooled within his throat as he quickly nodded his head with a severe expression in his eyes. This man was none other than the King ’s cousin and Brother-in-law.

”Yes, cous- erm, your majesty! ”

It had been years since Berengar had last associated with Heimerich, other than in passing. A few years back, Heimerich ’s elder brother Gerhard assumed the position of Regent over what they then knew as the County of Steiermark.

The reason for this was simply because of Lothar ’s rebellion. However, rather than prove his competency as the heir to the County; his first act as regent was a poor attempt to dissolve the betrothal between his youngest sister Adela, and his cousin Berengar.

When his father Otto got wind of this notion, he castigated the boy, and replaced him with his younger brother, Heimerich. Years had passed since then, and a fierce conflict between the two brothers had emerged as they fought for the succession of their father ’s position.