Life of Leadership: Knowledge
Life of Leadership: Knowledge
| In-universe date | Era Nova, Late December, Year 5 |
| Real-world date | 2026-10-05 |
| Author | Valdemar Hvide |
| Category Type | Character News |
Life of Leadership: Knowledge
The tension in Valdemar’s office was so thick that you could cut it with a knife, and hot, if the sweat running down the newcomer's head was anything to go by.
Valdemar did not let it bother him as he looked across his table to his guest, and to the topic of this meeting: a man in his forties dressed in the traditional clothing of the sogn, with red hair and a beard that went down to his chest.
Jensen Kirkebæk was a somewhat known scholar among the ranks of the sogn, though controversial as well. Now the scholar was, unfortunately, his problem to fix. The Voice did not wish to get involved for fear of looking biased, so the problem and solution/punishment for it were pushed down to the regent to deal with.
"So, Sir Kirkebæk, can you tell me again what you have done to end up here? The Voice was not particularly forthcoming with the details."
Valdemar asked slowly, watching the man’s body language. Kirkebæk swallowed before answering the question.
"I study a remnant of Holy Interdam, my Regent."
The room seemed to become quieter, as if sound itself ran away.
"Explain."
Valdemar ordered, his voice leaving no doubt. Kirkebæk shifted uncomfortably around in his seat, but after a moment his shoulders straightened and his eyes gained a clear focus.
"You know the structure at the north coast, the patchwork of stonework, red dirt, and those weird-coloured pillars."
Kirkebæk kept going when Valdemar did not say anything.
"I requested permission to examine it."
"And you got denied, but you did not let it stop you, did you!"
"Yes."
Valdemar could only sigh. Why was this on his table?
"You understand why this is a problem?"
"I believe I do, Regent."
"Then explain it to me in clear words, please."
The frustration was starting to be noticeable. The scholar took a breath.
"Because it was made by the Godking, and thereby it is sacred." "Correct."
Kirkebæk hesitated before continuing.
"But that is precisely why I studied it. Forgive me, Regent, but I cannot understand why learning about something should make it less sacred."
Kirkebæk's voice became steadier.
"We have spent generations preserving what remains of Interdam. We protect its stones. We bow before the works left behind by the Godking. But what do we actually know about them? What purpose did they serve? How were they constructed? What materials were used? Why were they made in one manner rather than another? If we knew these things, would that not allow us to understand the Divine craftsmanship behind them more deeply? Is it not better to understand what the Godking left behind so that we may venerate it properly, so we can better thank him in our prayers, rather than treating it as nothing more than some stones that happened to be touched by His hand?"
Valdemar stared at him. For the first time since the meeting began, he understood why Kirkebæk was considered controversial. The man was not mocking the Sogn or their teaching; if anything, he seemed to believe his work was an act of devotion.
And that was precisely what made the matter so difficult. Knowledge was power, after all. But could he condemn a man for applying the same principle to the works of the Godking? As Regent, his duty was to keep the kingdom together, even if the necessary actions were grim. Letting Kirkebæk go free was not an option—the divisions within the Sogn could end up becoming something far worse—but murder or exile would be a waste of a keen mind in an age where such assets were in high demand.
"You broke the authority of the Sogn."
"Yes."
"But you did so believing that you were serving the Godking."
Kirkebæk hesitated, but nodded his head. Valdemar leaned forward, his eyes solely focusing on the scholar.
"You may believe your intentions were righteous, Kirkebæk. Perhaps they were. But if every man follows their own righteousness, then what remains of the Sogn or the kingdom?"
Kirkebæk had no answer, calmly waiting for his fate.
"I will not have you executed. But neither will I allow you to return to your position as though nothing happened. You will surrender your life within the Sogn."
The words were firm and left no room for disagreement. Kirkebæk just stared at him.
"You would strip me of all I have worked toward?" "Yes, you have demonstrated curiosity where others have demonstrated fear. That may be dangerous, but it may also be useful. The Sogn would not tolerate that. You will therefore serve me directly."
The scholar blinked, as if he didn't fully understand the words.
"As your... scholar?" "As my personal scholar."
Valdemar began writing.
"You will study history, foreign nations, technologies, languages, and whatever else I deem useful. You will investigate matters that the Sogn may be unwilling or unable to investigate themselves for me and the Kingdom, and you will do so under my authority and protection."
He looked up at Kirkebæk.
"Is that to be my punishment?" > "No. It is your opportunity for redemption, and your first step is this."
Valdemar said as he gave Kirkebæk a worn-out letter.