Without further ado, I give you part 2 of ‘The 11th Code in Quotes’.
If you haven’t read the first part yet, check it out here.
The one place I haven’t travelled to with my little quotes is Tyrol castle, as it’s pretty far from where I live. But a few of my favourite scenes take place there, so I’ll definitely return to Tyrol and add a few more pictures to this little series later on.
The city of Freiburg, 1367
“They eventually emerged onto the wide-open space of minster square. From behind the low graveyard wall right in front of them arose the enormous, muddy-red silhouette of Freiburg’s impressive minster. It was still corseted in scaffolding on the eastern end where the choir was still under construction.”
– Chapter 16 – Lead us in Triumph
Infuriated by how Freiburg’s thugs have treated the Count Egino and his family, Martin gathers a few loyal knights and stages a nightly sneak into the city, seeking revenge on behalf of his liege. Their path takes them past the huge sandstone minster.
The city of Freiburg, 1367
“John drew his sword, went down on his knees with a wince, and presented his weapon, hilt first, to the other knight. Freiburg had won. Again.”
– Chapter 16 – Lead us in Triumph
Martin’s plan falls to pieces when he realises that one of the men who had worked for his mother has turned his coat and betrayed the squire and his knights. Martin has to stand by and watch as the soldiers, led by John of Weiher, are forced to capitulate before Freiburg’s larger army.
Castle Kastelburg, 1368
“Reflecting back, Martin would never be able to say for certain why he remembered seemingly irrelevant details of this moment. Like the fact that, as the duke’s horse carefully set one hoof in front of the other to cross the churned-up forecourt, it began to snow. The reins were wound through Leopold’s fingers in a peculiar pattern that Martin hadn’t seen any other rider using. His high boots were spattered with mud, up to their rims that ended just below his knee. As the wind played with the hem of his cloak, it revealed a lining of tiny red lions lifting their paws on a bristly fur dyed in yellow. A bird of prey gave a long, lonely cry above. The air smelled crisply of colder days to come.”
– Chapter 17 – Duke Leopold III of the House of Habsburg
Leopold III, youngest Duke of the Austrian House of Habsburg, has heard of Martin’s infiltration of Freiburg. Intrigued by the reckless squire, he decides to pay castle Kastelburg a visit. It is from atop the castle’s battlements that Martin sees Leopold again for the first time, after six years. Leopold, only a child when they first met, is now a young man.
Minster of Freiburg, 1368
“Duke Leopold strode down the aisle in a slow, dignified gait. He held his head high, shoulders square and hands clasped behind his back with the elbows jutting stiffly out at a right angle. Every step was measured and rehearsed. His boots rang high against the worn flagstones.”
– Chapter 17, Duke Leopold III of the House of Habsburg
After having freed herself from Count Egino’s rule, Freiburg pledges allegiance to the House of Habsburg in order to be forever rid of the Counts of Freiburg. It is Duke Leopold who journeys to Freiburg to seal the pact with the city. This is formalized inside the huge Freiburg minster.
Castle Kastelburg, 1368
“Martin had just begun to doze off when the hinges of his door creaked. He startled awake, clawing his way out from the cloak that had gotten tangled in his arms. A lone candle hovered in the open door. It illuminated duke Leopold’s white-clad figure. “Your grace?” Martin mumbled, words slurred from sleep and bewilderment. “Firstly: I apologize,” Leopold whispered. Martin could hear the wince in his voice. The candle – with Leopold attached – hovered closer.”
– Chapter 18 – Borderlines
Despite the vast difference in their stations, Martin and Leopold soon become friends. They share many values and convictions. One winter night, Leopold finds his quarters freezing, as there hasn’t been a fire lit by the servant. So he does the perfectly sensible thing – and goes to visit Martin instead 😉.
Castle Kastelburg, 1368
“The duke opened his palms and pressed them flat against Martin’s. “When I first heard your story, I was intrigued.” Leopold whispered. “Now that I met you, I’m fascinated.”
– Chapter 19 – The gift
Martin and Leopold are inexorably drawn to each other and find it increasingly hard to resist their feelings. Despite knowing well that they’re headed towards capital sin at full speed.
Castle Kastelburg, 1368
“Do you swear, by God, his Son, and the Holy Ghost, that you will live a life befitting a knight?”
“I swear,” Martin breathed out.
Leopold touched the blade to his left shoulder, then to his right. “Then rise, Sir Martin Malterer.”
– Chapter 19 – The gift
Leopold bestows upon Martin that which Count Egino had refused him: accolade. By the tip of the Duke of Habsburg’s sword, Martin finally becomes a knight.