The Narrow Path

Subject: The Narrow Path Sat Jun 14, 2008 7:00 am

My Fellow Knights,

I salute all who are brave and true among you, and this holds for many.

Not long before the recent attacks in Cornwall and Cumberland, knights began to question the existence of intelligence gathering on behalf of the Knights of the Phoenix. I was forced to experience the truth of this matter during battlefield conditions, as were many of you.

In the days prior to the attack on Cumberland, General Elson and associated government officials in that county were warned of the impending danger presented by two large criminal mobs in the vicinity. I was informed by those responsible for defense that the north was secure; the countess ordered my division away and I complied, removing to the closest location that permitted my presence. Within the week, a town fell to the same brigands with no defense from the county or the Knights of the Phoenix being prepared. Forces that should have been readied for the defense of the north were diverted to Cornwall by General Elson, with no hope of arriving in the distant region in a timely fashion. Other fighting men and generals were available in multiple regions, yet efforts to coordinate were rejected by General Elson.

Recognizing the problem, I ordered knights to report to the battlefield nearest their region, with a provision being made for reserves. General Elson belayed these orders, calling for knights to engage in extensive travel and wishful thinking rather than assemble in locations that might readily be reached in time to join the defense. While engaging in a move to block the advance of those raiders from the north, certain knights loyal to England joined with my combat division, yet General Elson redirected most to areas with lower likelihood of actual combat. Such orders from my fellow general weakened defenses, stripped combat commands, and directed unarmed and under strength knights to journey upon the roads. Perhaps the greatest travesty was when the General Elson ordered knights in Corwall to stand down, leaving the place open to attack by the massed army of nearly defeated wolves. In the immediate aftermath of the general’s most disastrous order, the excellent soldier, that brave Duke of Cornwall, Chris Braveheart fell wounded in battle, and the most Superior Prince Regent, who should be protected by all true knights, his Royal Highness, Prince Algernon, was captured. This is not far removed from Corporal Elson’s friendly fire attack on the officers with General Grip during the Battle of Bridgewater, another friendly fire loss. The first removed a general and his lady, making the Corporal Elson a general, but that is another story.

Elson ORDERED our troops to stand down while still engaged in combat, directly leading to this unacceptable event.

A handful of Knights of the Phoenix obeyed my orders as General of the Army and joined to aid others in containing the advance of brigands from the north, yet soldiers from county armies and other knightly bands flocked to the defense when I asked. Other agencies were not suffering the same lack of intelligence and moved with purpose when filling our armies. The defense of towns and friendly counties was enhanced.

I have supported the Knights of the Phoenix joining the National English Army as a division, retaining the knighthood’s local command and chivalrous traditions. I recall the given, public, honor bound word of the general Elson when he said the KoP would join the NEA. I do not think the current incarnation of the NEA will suffice, yet it must be improved in what is clearly a formative stage. If knights are absent, who will help the English army find its way? We have already seen the attempts by some of the same foul wolves I ejected from the KoP. Elson should refuse to lie, keep his word, and help form a national defense through the proper use of knights. A bond with the county armies is the only way to truly defend our nation’s people, therefore the KoP must work to improve the NEA. Conversely, the General Elson wishes to forbid officers from engaging in NEA action, and wishes to restrict the function of officers, even those who equal his rank and are fully beyond his authority, if he even suspects an officer might assist in the formation of the NEA. For my part, I gathered those who wrote the first NEA charter a year ago, so that leaves me as suspect to my fellow general of equal rank, even though many of us have fought under and led many forces that have defended England, for the sake of England and honor alone.

In the end, verified intelligence reports had no meaningful impact on General Elson’s decisions, just as internal security within our ranks was ignored. Known Wolves of Sherwood remained in the KoP until I broke ranks and blocked access to known wolves. Elson, long after the fact, now questions this matter as one detrimental to the KoP. These were well known wolves, yet sacred to Elson and not to be banned from the KoP. I strongly disagree. For long months and now years, I have sought to protect the People of England as a loyal knight in the service of England. I have my eye on that goal, now more than ever. These views will remain crucial to the continued future of the nation’s defense, along with the need to improve intelligence gathering, command, function, and battle strategy. England does not require chairborne commanders. Junior soldiers must be motivators in order to compensate for deficiencies. I charge each of you to defend women, children, and the weak. For all other matters, follow the code of chivalry and do as your hearts bid you.

Knights of the Phoenix, I salute you! I take my full leave of the order in the same manner I first came, as a knight in the service of England.

I remain, For the defense of England’s people, Always faithful,
Sir Collen of Caen

Subject: Re: The Narrow Path Sat Jun 14, 2008 11:01 pm

Collen:

It is unfortunate that a man that i considered a mentor and friend has sunk so low as to spew forth lies and half truths about my wife, General Elson, and other brave officers of the KoP. Yes, my wife, asked you to come to Cumberland, but due to your horrible lack of communication, you showed up on our doorstep unannounced. Any good general would have sent a messenger on ahead to warn of their coming. Even now your leadership is a farce. Several people have contacted you, multiple times, and you have not answered their entreats. You accuse my wife of ordering you out of the county, but your own Brigadier, a foolish little girl, who I suspect is partially behind your erratic behavior, refutes these words.

Your Brigadier's words:

Subject: Re: The Narrow Path Sun Jun 15, 2008 1:20 am

I don't want to respond here. I have make a post in the operation room

http://kotp.realfreeforum.com/operations-room-f9/response-to-gen-collen-letter-in-the-publice-visitor-lounge-t877.htm

Subject: Re: The Narrow Path Sun Jun 15, 2008 2:12 am

i would liek to appolagise to degas i had misread his post and my ramblings where uncalled for....i hope you will accept thank you.
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Subject: Re: The Narrow Path Sun Jun 15, 2008 2:20 am

I was not referring to the KOP. I was referring to Collen and the 7th army. I was defending the KOP not insulting them. Maybe you should read my who statement. I defended General Elson.

I also apologize for my harsh words and have edited my post.
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Knights of the Phoenix-Captain
Knight of the Round Table-Knights of the Realm
Married to Lady CruzinCat
Father to William and Rachel
Earl of Macclesfield
Former Captain of Wiltshire, Chester, Cumberland

Subject: Re: The Narrow Path Mon Jun 16, 2008 9:57 am

Subject: Re: The Narrow Path Tue Jun 17, 2008 11:02 am

Good Evening

Sirs as I am relatively new to KoP and a soldier to please forgive any brash or harsh words, I may say.. As to the orders to defend CW, no one knew the attack was going to happen until it was too late, as I have keep up with their movements and others for some time and have report those movement to those above me when they were involved in attacks. Yes KoP forces in north were asked to stand while others in the south were instructed to help CW and find WoS, that were moving northward toward Cumberland.. I should commend GoA Elson on his decision to hold his army in place as the newest threat the Reavers has made theirselves known.. If not for his orders Cumberland would have fallen too.. As for the NEA I have heard little of in these times of trouble and I have seen the 7th division sitting.. I wonder why these attacks on the GoA and KoP were made
I begin to think that Prince Degas may be right and see that one may not be thinking within the reasons entrusted in him as a Officer... again I ask forgiveness if my words are brash but I support my General as I see he has done right by his tactics and keeping our England safe.......

Subject: To be clear... Tue Jun 17, 2008 11:54 am

A message returns to the stronghold with inbound patrols:

Subject: Re: The Narrow Path Tue Jun 17, 2008 1:41 pm

this brings up an interesting point seeing how many of the kop in the worchester division left for the wos and I being the former CC of worchester believe that none of the current worchester kop can be trusted until they prove other wise
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Subject: Re: The Narrow Path Wed Jun 18, 2008 12:45 am

Subject: Re: The Narrow Path Wed Jun 18, 2008 1:10 am

Sir Collen

We lament the parting of a great honoured soldier we commend and appreciate your much work and service for KOP.

I still remember the 1st day I met you in Winchester tavern during a mission, you had show me your commitment and courage for the Country and The Peoples

We are sorry to see you leave, and we wish you well in his endeavors.

We will always offer our friendship as you follows your own path. I am sure we will meet again somewhere on the road and draw our swords together to drive off those who one to harm our motherland.

Take care my friend and do alway remember, we are friend and not enemy.

Your respectfully
ELSON88

General Joined : 06 Sep 2007 Posts : 128

I'm sad to see you leave, but we all have our own paths to follow.

If you need help in fight with enemies don't be shy to send me message. If I can I will come.

Be well,
Gen.Kulles
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Subject: Re: The Narrow Path Thu Jun 19, 2008 3:07 am

Shaking her head back an forth. Unbelieved what she was witnessing.

Subject: Re: The Narrow Path Thu Jun 19, 2008 5:35 am

These things happen. That's life