In Nurnberg
Joachim of the Greif was approaching Nurnberg with great anticipation. He was summoned by the Emperor, his brother-in-law and he knew very well why Erich summoned him. Joachim was also looking forward to meet with Marcin Moscicki, Cardinal-Archbishop of Cologne who was old friend of the House of the Greif and his career in Church’s hierarchy was growing along with the Greif’s star.
*****
After his arrival in Nurnbug he didn’t manage to meet with Moscicki since Erich immediately took all Joachim’s time, both men met in Erich’s private chambers and talked long hours. Situation in France was still unresolved and Empire still had to be at full alert. Now, when Martial Bull was passed, Imperial Army lacked only one thing, skilled and trustworthy leader.
Soon rumors were confirmed as Erich I, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire announced his decision, Joachim of the Greif was to become first Imperial Feldmarshal, leader of Imperial Army, right arm of the Empire and Kaiser, it’s fist and humble servant.
*****
On the eve of the Ceremony Joachim spend some time in St. Katherine’s Cathedral. It was a time of the vigil, it was a time of prayer and contemplation. And a time for introspection to consider the responsibilities and joys of accepting the accolade. This was a time for reconciliation, speaking with the Chivalry, Peers and wise nobles present. This was roundtable on Chivalry where those present discoursed on the meaning, exemplars, symbols, duties, and responsibilities of knighthood and leadership. Joachim fasted on the vigil, he prayed unto God, and confessed of his difficulties that he has done against God.
The vigil as well as the rest of the oncoming ceremony resembled knighting for as Joachim was to become a knight, first among all knights in Empire. He was to become their leader and leader had to confirm his purity and good intentions.
A mass was called in the end of Joachim’s vigil and blessings were casted upon him.
"Blessing of the Imperial Lance, we pray, O Lord, our prayers, and see fit to bless with the hand of your majesty this Lance with which your servant desires to be girt, to the end that he may be a defender of the Church and Empire, of widows, of orphans, and of all the servants of God, against the cruelty of godless heathens, and that he may be the terror and dread of his enemies, ensuring for him the performance of equitable prosecution and just defense. Amen.
"Blessing of the Candidate O Lord, omnipotent father, eternal God, who alone establish and lawfully rule the order of all things: who to put down the malice of reprobates and to defend justice have, by your beneficent disposition, permitted men on earth the use of the sword, and have willed to institute a Chivalric Order for the protection of the people: and who said by way of the blessed John to the soldiers who came to him in the desert that they should do violence to no man, but be content with their pay: we humbly pray that, just as you granted to your child david the power to vanquish Goliath, and as you caused Judas Machabbeus to triumph over the nations who did not call upon your name, so grant, through your heavenly bounty, to this your servant, who comes a new recruit to put his neck under the chivalric yoke, the power and valor to defend the faith and justice, increase him in faith, hope, charity, the fear as well as the love of God, humility, perseverance, obedience and good patience, and direct him lawfully in all things, so that he will never injure anyone unjustly with this or any other sword, and so that, just as he is raised from an inferior station to the new honor of knighthood, so, putting off the old man with his deeds, he will put on the new man, to fear you and render you just worship, to avoid the society of the wicked, to pour out his charity upon his neighbor, to obey the articles of his oath lawfully in all things, and to fulfill his office justly at all times. Through Jesus Christ out Lord. Amen."
After the mass and blessings all knights, nobles, Imperial delegates, clergy and guests followed Emperor and future Feldmarshal to the Imperial Diet where the Ceremony was to be concluded.
*****
That was it, a moment of glory to the House of the Greif. Joachim was deep into his thoughts. Eight long years passed since he returned to Stettin and saved Pommern from the danger of absorption and vassalage. Pommernia was to once again become realm of prosperity, peace and security. Although wars were fought all around Europe, rulers were ascending to thrones and were falling from them, The Greif was like a stone in the middle of the storm. His ambition guided him. His allies and friend were growing with him, suddenly Joachim become important person in the Empire, even in Europe. His pride grown so much that he even dreamt about Imperial purple when time of the election came.
However, he stepped back and removed himself to the shadows for his character changed during this years also. He became calmer, more retrospective. Joachim always cherished family but when he found his mistress this feeling evolved into deep love. Lioness of Pflatz changed his life greatly, she was bright and intelligent, she wasn’t stiff as her brother used to be. The time when Lioness of Pfaltz and Griffin of Pommern married, affected Joachim so much that his once fire character calmed.
He started to believe in Erich’s ideas and dreams and become his supporter; some said that Erich bought Joachim’s heart with Christine’s hand, flattery and titles. However, even if he did buy him, The Greif was satisfied with this transaction.
*****
“His Serene Majesty, Erich I, Emperor of Humanity, calls forth Joachim Zbigniew Friedrich of the Greif, heir to the ducal throne of Pommerania, Regent and Protector of the Country. Duke of Poznan, margrave of Danzig, Prince-Protector of Sweden, Overlord of Ingermanland.”
Joachim awoken suddenly from his thoughts and after hearing his name approached the throne slowly.
He was wearing a light chain mail and white tunic with Red Griffin in the front, he had belted a fine sword and wore leather gloves. He wore also a golden coronet, which represented his rank.
After approaching the throne he bowed slightly before Erich, however skilled eyes could see that there was no submission in this bow, only respect. He bowed like equal to equal, nothing more and nothing less.
Erich’s eyes and body remained still, like the statue of Roman Caesar from the ages before Christ. He nodded gently to Joachim and spoke.
"I bid welcome Noble Knight, and with me you are welcome by all nobles in this very hall as I speak the voice of the Empire through I am their Emperor,
Right mindful of your prowess on the field, and responsive to the wishes of your peers, having the knowledge of your noble deeds, loyalty to the Empire and devotion to the faith and holy mother church, we are minded to make you knight above all knights, leader of leaders on the field, Imperial Feldmarshal.
Know that to bear Imperial Standard, hold Lance and sword of marshal is to hold a sacred trust; that the obligations of knighthood will demand your efforts every moment of your life. Know that Empire will require even more devotion and care from you.
You are a knight and as knight above all knights I shall remind you the rules you should obey even more now.
You must respect all those who are weak or defenseless, whether because of age, infirmity, poverty, or vow, and be steadfast in defending them.
You must love his Kingdom and his province, and fulfill most faithfully your duties to your lands, Empire and Emperor.
Your word must be dependable beyond doubt or question. You must never flee from the face of your foes.
And, always and everywhere, you must be the champion of the right and the good.
The Laws of Empire and the customs of the Our Lands require that marshal be prow, as you have demonstrated you are upon the field, that marshal be loyal, as you have shown yourself to be, and that marshal be son of Empire as you are Pommeranian Griffin son of Casmir V. Do you then desire to accept the burden of leadership and swear an oath of loyalty and allegiance to the Emperor and Empire, you are now standing before them and their eyes are upon you, do you accept this burden and honor?"
Joachim replied to Erich.
“Your Serene Majesty, Yes, I do accept this burden and honor Empire cast on my shoulders, I do swear loyalty and allegiance to the Emperor and Empire.”
Then he turns to the rest of the Diet.
“Your Graces, Imperial Delegates, I do accept this burden and honor Empire cast on my shoulders, I do swear loyalty and allegiance to the Emperor and Empire.”
Erich continued.
"Then swear fealty to the Imperial Crown and Reichstag."
Joachim kneeled before the Imperial throne and said.
"I hereby swear fealty to the Imperial Crown and Reichstag; to ever be a good knight and true, reverent and generous, shield of the weak, obedient to Imperial orders, foremost in battle, courteous at all times, champion of the right and the good. Thus swear I, Joachim of the Pommern Griffons son of Casmir V Duke of Pommern."
Erich nodded.
"This to We hear and shall never forget nor fail to reward that which is given fealty with love service with honor and oath breading with vengeance."
He pauses for a moment.
“Now we need to give you tokens of good will and your positions, that is why I ask, Is there a fine sword which we can offer Joachim of the Greif in service to your crown?"
An old knight steps forward holding a fine longsword in scabbard made of leather spotted with precious gems, gold and silver.
"Yes my liege there is a sword worthy of him, in the safe keeping of your servant Lukas von Folger."
Erich replies.
“Lukas von Folger will hold this sword for the candidate.”
Emperor then asks
"Is there a Lance?"
Another knight steps forward holding a lance made of oak and long point.
"Yes my liege there is a Lance worthy of him, in the safe keeping of your servant Albreht von Manstein."
Erich replies.
“Albreht von Manstein will hold this lance for the candidate.”
Emperor then asks,
"Is there a baton?"
Tall knight in light armor steps forward holding a baton made or iron spotted with gems and incrassated with gold.
"Yes my liege, there is a baton for him, in the safe keeping of your servant Helmut von Wittelsbach. This feldmarshal’s baton is his symbol of power on the field and hierarchy of army. With this baton he can direct and order."
Erich replies.
“Very well, Helmut von Wittelsbach shall now give this baton to the candidate along with Imperial blessing.”
Then Emperor rose from his throne and said.
"The candidate has been invested with the trappings of the office I shall ask. Is there a banner which he will carry into the battle and Imperial armies will follow?"
A young knight steps forward and unfurls the standard, white cross on the red field.
“Here it is Your Serene Majesty, Cross of Saint George, Defeater of Dragon, Imperial War Flag”
Erich approaches the young knight, takes the banner from his hands and deliver it to Joachim’s hands.
"Feldmarshal, Here is Sankt Georg Fahne, Reichskriegsflagge. I hereby grant you the title of Bearer of the Imperial War Flag, should the war break out I pray you lead us into the victory.
Pray let your behavior and deeds charge this our symbol with as great a reverence and respect.
Be thou a good bearer, leader and marshal."
After saying this Erich takes sword from von Folger’s hands and strikes Joachim’s right and left shoulder.
After that he speaks up.
“You are now Imperial Feldmarshal, first knight of the Empire, supreme leader of the Imperial Army, Bearer of the Imperial War Flag.
Be thou a good bearer, leader and marshal."
