March for Peace

[Pontifex Maximus]

The High Shepherd appeared on the topmost step of the Sept of Baelor dressed in sackcloth. He was barefoot and wore only a simple silver seven pointed star. A crowd of the faithful who had just been at prayer in the church spilled into the ample courtyard. The newly formed College of the Devout formed a crescent around the Shepherd. Theobald raised his arms, calling for silence.

"My faithful flock," he began "Today I shall depart, on foot, for Stokeworth, in a silent, contemplative march. I mean to champion the cause of peace in our lands. May the example I set inspire the lords of the lands to put down their weapons, submit to secular justice if they are guilty, and may the Mother grant them mercy. It is both just and rightful that I do this in silent appeal and on behalf of all the smallfolk adversely affected by such war."

With his short speech concluded, Thoebald descended the steps as the crowd parted in front of him. Several of the College followed him, in various states of dress. Some barefoot, others not, some with walking sticks. Other small retinue as the Shepherd would attract would follow him as well, silently, heads nodded in prayer. A septa ringing a bell to warn of their passage walked directly behind the Shepherd.

When they exited the city, the path became cruder, more rocky, and uncomfortable. Within a short amount of time, cuts, blisters, and all manner of bruise and sore appeared on the Shepherd's feet. But still he walked in silence, the miles passing.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Upon arriving, the High Shepherd's robes were soaked in mud and blood, though the brown his much of the story. His feet were cut but only his left knee was bandaged where he had stumbled over a stone. He found a small grove outside Stokeworth where he mounted a boulder and looked out over the small crowd. "Our march being completed, let us allow ourselves some moments for prayer for peace and that the victims of this war may find themselves in a happier condition with the gods."

After this time had passed, he took the opportunity to announce new policies. "It is said by some that I ought to take advantage of the knights loyal to my cause by forming my own version of the Warrior's Sons. But I ask, why? What do I have to fear as long as I walk the path the gods ordained me to walk? No, I will not surround myself by swords. Let the King ensure the safety of the city from enemies and that will be enough. Secondly, the Pretender Septon in Oldtown has taxed those loyal to him in order to build more septs, raising an extraordinary sum. He raises septs while the small folk of the countryside are laid low by warfare - shameful I say. All that I own, is not in fact mine. It is a gift from the gods to use to alleviate the suffering of the land. He pointed to the road where carts had followed them from the capital. It was soon revealed that they were filled with bread to be distributed to the rural poor and the victims of the recent fighting.

"Lastly, I call upon the faithful lords of the realm to abandon this decadent pretender of Oldtown and return to the true faith. The gods are testing us all - will the true faith prevail over the false? It is not the Red Faith or the Old Gods w emust fear, but the corruption of our own creed."