Easter 480 AD; It Begins

[administrator]

The year is 480 Anno Domini. About seventy years ago, when your grandfather was alive, the Supreme Collegium or High Council of Britain chose a native leader, known as Emperor Constantin, to rule the island. He reigned well in difficult times, and in 440 A.D. his son Constans succeeded him. A few years later, Constans was killed, and the throne was assumed by a man named Vortigern.

At that time, a massive Pictish and Irish invasion threatened the entire island until Vortigern hired a small mercenary army of Saxon warriors. The victory was not enough, though, and, inflamed by lust, Vortigern married the daughter of the Saxon King Hengest. Vortigern also brought warlike leaders from the north and settled them around the western coasts to defend against Irish invaders. But Vortigern was tyrannical and not well-loved.

Soon, many eastern lords of Britain rebelled against their new king, but they were crushed and their lands were given to Saxon allies. Vortigern’s own son led another rebellion, and, though temporarily successful, he was killed in battle just 18 years ago. Then, during the infamous “Night of the Long Knives,” the Saxons betrayed Vortigern, slaying nearly all the British leadership. The island suffered greatly as Vortigern himself came under the rule of his erstwhile Saxon allies.

When your father was a young knight, in the year 466, Aurelius Ambrosius, second son of Constantin, landed with an army from Brittany. Immediately, the people of Britain literally flocked to his banner, a magical standard that depicted a great red dragon. Vortigern fled and took refuge in northwestern Cambria. Aurelius Ambrosius overcame the Saxons and then Vortigern himself, and was named High King. He was called the “high king,” or “Pendragon,” in part because of the great battle banner he bore.

During his reign, Aurelius Pendragon defeated new invasions by Saxons and even led a fleet to ravage the coasts of the Saxon and Frisian lands, suppressing further invasions for years.

Easter Spring Day

This day is typically associated with the arrival of spring and the celebration of Easter, a Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As the sun rises on this day, the air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. The sky is bright blue with a few clouds drifting by. The temperature is pleasant and mild, with just enough warmth to enjoy the outdoors without feeling uncomfortable. The bright colors of springtime are on full display, as Christians decorate their homes and gardens with flowers and decorations.

Christians begin their day by attending sunrise services and singing hymns and prayers in celebration of Easter.

Children are filled with excitement on Easter spring day, as they eagerly await the traditional Easter egg hunts. Colorful eggs are hidden throughout yards and along streets, and children enthusiastically scour the areas, trying to find as many eggs as possible.

Later, families will gather for a special Easter dinner, featuring roasted ham or lamb.

Usually, this day brings peaceful notes, with people feeling grateful for the warmth and joy of spring and the hope and renewal that Easter brings. But not today.

Today is the day of rumors. Rumors of a combined Saxon and Irish army are said to be gathering. King Aurelius Pendragon is now making preparations for yet more war, and the noble British knights prepare once again to defend the realm under their courageous Pendragon.