Legacy

I've been staring at the imagery on my shield for some time now and I think I'm able to pinpoint what it is that bothers me. The shield depicts me at the height of battle, facing off against my deadliest foe as the god of war looks on from above. I am a soldier, a warrior and that's all people see, that's all I am to them. Sure my seemingly greatest achievements have come in battle and I suppose I am a fine soldier and skilled warrior, but that is all I will be remembered for.
 
Few remember the work I did in my youth as I took up residence in Stophord, how I built waterwheels, sewage ways and improved irrigation for the farmland. And yes it was me, I put myself to work in their construction along with everyone else. I didn't sit in my ivory tower as most other lords would have. I curtailed all crime and banditry in my lands just as Edward did throughout the whole country but Stophord remained the safest place in all the realms. None went hungry, none slept without a roof over their head, none were idle, all had work. After Ademere's parasitic reign I built a real community that worked and cared for each other.
 
All that hard work was undone however by my foolishness and naivety but I've dwelt on that long enough and have since put it right. I have every confidence that Cotswald and the others will restore Stophord to its former glory.
 
I suppose all these recent loses of mine has me reflecting on what it is we leave behind. I have my memories of Master Sodo and Tawaka, I remeber them being a certain way but others will remember them differently. I wonder if how I remember them is how they wanted to be remembered. And as two famous swordsmen, the world will remember them too, though I doubt the general public will remember them as anything more than famed warriors. I am of a similar ilk to the people but I wonder how my Stewards would remember me, how Shannon would, Alfie's parents, Ting, Sir Shang and of course, Martin and Takuma. What is it that I will leave behind?
 
I lamentably laugh as I write about leaving people behind when it is I who am constantly left behind by others. Iomprior, the bearer of me, you carried me through my bad days and stuck with me when it got worse. You trudged back up that hill with me still on your back, regaining my strength. You were a firm companion, never judged, never complained, you just kept marching on. I am heartbroken by your loss and I will miss you my dear companion.
 
I have officially taken Martin in as my apprentice, tutor him, mentor him, finally do what it is I was brought along to do. This is what Master Tawaka was guiding me towards, this is what he meant. Hopefully I can be there for Martin and do for him what Master Sodo and Tawaka did for me. It's taken a long time for us to get to this point, most of it my fault but Martin too has had his turn of character. Finally we are both in a good enough place that I am willing and able to teach and he is willing to listen and learn from me.
 
Ah Martin, now there is a young man who is forging his own legend and legacy. Triumphed at the tourney, victorious in battle, obtained a magic cloak that was otherwise destroyed and now teleported an entire town to safety. Even if he were to die now (and he won't so long as I'm around) he would still be remembered for various things, not just his feats in battle. He has improved himself markedly the more this journey has gone on though I do not know how he would handle being King. Perhaps that is because I still don't really know him, but I look to change that.
 
I'm in for the long haul now, for better or worse, my sword is dedicated to this cause. With each passing battle however I begin to fear the power of this enemy more and more. Three times I have faced Ademere and each time felt like I have survived because he has allowed it, not because of my skill. The longer this quest goes on the more I realise that it will claim my life. But I am in for the long haul and I will see this quest succeed. Whatever my legacy may be, it will not be one of failure.