The Chronicle of Robert Hastings, Baron of Hornby

Of Robert Hastings, it is recounted that his noble father, Harold Hastings, and his venerable grandfather, Richard Hastings, were the founders and builders of Hornby and its Castle. By their tireless efforts, Hornby Barony was rendered a prosperous and tranquil haven for its inhabitants. In the year of our Lord 1203, Harold met his fate while upon the Fourth Crusade, leaving young Robert, a boy of but twelve years, to assume the mantle of command. Though he was attended by sundry loyal knights and trusted counsellors, many of the retainers deemed him too youthful for such a weighty charge, departing the lands to seek favour with other, more seasoned lords. Thus did the prominence of Hornby wane, and brigands grew bold upon its borders.

When Robert was but fourteen, he took the field at the head of his men, confronting two scores of notorious outlaws. Through the prowess of his seasoned knights and the stout veterans who had served his father, he secured a hard fought victory, routing the villains, with a third of their number fleeing. This marked the inception of a long series of triumphs, all for the preservation of his rightful demesne. As the years progressed, Hornby began to reflect its former glory.

At the age of twenty, Robert was summoned to repel a fearsome Scottish incursion. Here, he demonstrated the true measure of his maturity and prowess from eight years of constant warfare against the lawless. The Scots incurred a heavy toll for their presumptuous aggression and fled the field.

In the year of our Lord 1215, Robert has heard rumors of Barons conspiring against the anointed King. Though he holds no great affection for King John, the fact remains that Robert has Now twenty-six, and God has seen fit to place the crown upon John's head. Moreover, he perceives with great clarity that should England fall to internal strife, the resultant weakness would be a siren’s call for either French or Scottish invasion. "A dark day it is when the men of England draw steel upon their own countrymen, when we ought, by God's grace, to be focused upon the enemy without. ”

Robert Hastings is steadfast in his oath to Honor God and serve the King. He shall not suffer the foul stain of treachery upon his name. He harbors a deep disdain of Englishmen slaying their countrymen over disputes he views as of little import. Robert longs to combat the external foes of England, but he knows that this domestic turmoil must first be quelled. In his judgment, the Barons' rebellion shall bring naught but suffering to the common folk of England, weakening the entire realm in the eyes of the world.