S.Y. 320.7
(November 24, 2003)
Lord Blackthorn Memorial Service Held by King
By Molly Maguire
From Britannia News Network
Lord British held a memorial service for the recently deceased Lord Blackthorn, who was once the King’s good and close friend.
The King invited
attendees to assemble in the Throne Room of Castle British. After
a short address by Lord British, all removed themselves to the garden
outside Castle Blackthorn, where Lord Blackthorn’s
body was being laid to rest. 
Lord Blackthorn was killed a short time ago after initiating a battle against Lady Dawn and the cities of Serpent’s Hold and Yew. The battle was the culmination of his long campaign against Britannia, which began several years ago when he came under the influence of the evil entity known as Exodus. Lord Blackthorn’s death is said to have been the catalyst event that compelled Lord British to return from his expeditions beyond Britannia.
Several notable citizens attended the service, including Dupre, Shamino, Sir Geoffrey, and the Commander of the Royal Britannian Guard.
Lord British delivered a solemn-but-heartfelt speech on behalf of
Lord Blackthorn and the friendship they once shared.
My friend Lord Blackthorn is dead, and I am sorrowful at his passing.
He became corrupted by great Evils, and now is no more. Though we
were often at odds, the truth of his downfall wears upon my
soul.
The King also
shared some unexpected revelations—details about
his recent expeditions, the life & death of Lord Blackthorn, and
the state of Britannia.
An exact replica of Sosaria exists in each fragmented shard of
the Gem of Immortality, with perfect mirrors of us living in each
Sosaria and a separate Lord British ruling each separate Britannia … I
hoped to recombine these infinite Sosarias back into one, and by doing
so rid us of the great evils that plagued us.
I am ceasing
my pursuit of merging all worlds into one. My other selves and I
were in concordance in all decisions, and we have become one; now
and forever, there is only one Lord British. But every being has
a right to continued individuality if they wish it. To honor these
worlds, their individuals, and my departed friend, I will no longer
impose my sense of Order over Sosaria.
Lord British also appeared to have sensed some hidden magical artifact upon
Lord Blackthorn before the casket was sealed, and it is rumored that this was,
in fact, a shard of the Gem of Immortality. Representatives of the royal council
have not confirmed nor denied this alleged fact.
Lord British left immediately after his speech, stating that he required time alone for private mourning. The Commander of the Royal Guard remained for a short period to console guests.
All citizens of
Britannia are invited to pay their respects to the late Lord Blackthorn.
His remains were laid to rest in an open-air mausoleum in the garden
just outside his Castle Blackthorn home in Felucca, located north
of Britain’s Counselor Guild Hall.
