1. Occitania Anno 1209

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2. The Cross And The Crusade

My force will rise
In the name of God
And war shall come upon your reign
Cleansing its heretic belief
Repent now or the wrath of God
Will hunt you down

I can't betray my people
For freedom is the highest good of man
All will be punished for a few
Don't make them victims of your tyranny

So that's what you have to say
You slave of the devil's breed
You shall linger in dismay
And now prepare for war

"And thus the die was cast, as the church started her campaign of hate
The lands of Occitania trembled but the armies prepared for fame and glory"

Three missionaries were sent to the lands infected with heresy
Distrusted, detested and disdained, preceded by fear and discontent

So times grew darker and darker, and hope seemed all but lost
The crusade was poised to strike, enticing, foreboding
And men of the cloth turned into servants of death

Servants of death!

I made an effort to repent and pay for my sins
Atonement with church and pope
But their claims were harsh and unjust
I'd never betray my people

For his disobedience the count was punished
Humiliated, tortured and broken
He promised to take up the cross
And fulfil the judgement of God

Now in the heat of night
People of the South
Toulouse turned on us
Come, my lords and knights
As one we ride out
Stand strong and defend

Here
We will fight
Until death
Do us part
For fame and pride
We will fight
Follow me to war

We will fight
Until death
Do us part
For fame and pride
We will fight
Follow me to war

May all who join the
greatest mission of our time
Be granted forgiveness of sin and a wealth worthy of God
Our forces will prevail, led by angels and bringers of faith,
And all who oppose my will shall drown in eternal misery
I'll hunt them down with all my might!
"...Negotium pacis et fidei..."

3. The Slaughter Of Innocence

I've heard the drums of war
The thunder closing in
Toulouse has turned its back
We've been forsaken by our kin
Sentenced to burn
Our innocence will be lost
I need to stop this deathly march
No matter the cost

My eyes were blinded
But now I see
My judgement has been clouded
Please forgive me
You may even punish me
Until the end of days
For now I see with clearer mind
The error of my ways

Get back, you weakling
Harbinger of sin
Our forces will destroy your town
And everything within
And nothing will remain but agony, death and pain

"Roma de cervel
Quar de la mal capel
Etz vos e Cistel
Qu'a Bezers fesets faire
Mout estranh mazel."

Slaughter
Life blown away in the blink of an eye
This nightmare is real, for soon we will feel
Our flesh touching fire and steel
Hold on? all hope is in vain
Hold on? your fate will remain
Hold on? 'tis useless to flee
Hold on? your own destiny

Slaughter
A difference in faith as a pretext for war
Pray that we might just live through this night
At dawn we will stand up and fight
Repent? all we can do is pray
Repent? that we live through today
Repent? a sentence and crime
Repent? that echoes through time

People of Breziers
Listen and take heed:
Their forces march upon these walls
With vengeance and with speed
But I promise thee: before they come
Knocking on our door
Swords and shields will stand beside us
Aiding in our cause

Renaud what news do you bring?

Sacrifice is their final demand
We must give them what they want
Or they will kill us where we stand

Do we give up our brethren
To intolerance and hate
Or do we stand as one
And share a common fate?

Do we give up our brethren
Or do we stand as one?
No!

"We'd rather drown in a salt sea's brine
Than betray those who shared our lives."

Slaughter
A difference in faith as a pretext for war
Pray that we might just live through this night
At dawn we will stand up and fight
Repent? all we can do is pray
Repent? that we live through today
Repent? a sentence and crime
Repent? that echoes through time

Look at them, so self-assured
Mocking our men with scowls unheard
But soon I'll wipe that smile off their face
When I bask in the heat of this unholy place

Men, over there, they've opened the gates
Go forth with all your might
We'll run this city into the ground
Before the fall of night

Damn them all
Inglorious men
At the break of dawn
All streets were coloured red

Before the last scream faded away
These cowards, these wretched swine had their way:
Raping, murdering and burning all
Not for king or god, but fortune's call

The slaughter of innocence

"Breziers has fallen
Clerks, women, children. Christians too
I rode out, I couldn't see or hear a living creature
They killed seven thousand people
Seven thousand souls who sought sanctuary in Saint Madeleine
The steps of the altar
Were red with blood
The church echoed with the cries
Slaughtering the monks who tolled the bells
They used the silver cross as a chopping block to behead them."

Slaughter
Life blown away in the blink of an eye
This nightmare is real, for soon we will feel
Our flesh touching fire and steel
Hold on? all hope is in vain
Hold on? your fate will remain
Hold on? 'tis useless to flee
Hold on? your own destiny

Slaughter
A difference in faith as a pretext for war
Pray that we might just live through this night
At dawn we will stand up and fight
Repent? all we can do is pray
Repent? that we live through today
Repent? a sentence and crime
Repent? that echoes through time

4. Carchachouna

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5. Death & Submission (Requiem Aeternam)

As clouds engulf the land in darkness
Clattering echoes will the streets
Riding out into the moonlight
A band of blades sent forth
To seize the unsuspecting dissident

Give up now heretic, the time for justice is at hand
No longer you fiendish maggots shall pervert the book of Christ
Abjure your faith, dissenter
Give me all you know
You've mocked the church one time too many
The choice is yours, yield or die!

We won't give in to your demands
Your aims are foul, your ways depraved
You fill the hearts of men with fear
Imposing your will by slaying true devotes

Choose your next words wisely, heathen
Or you'll feel the wrath of God
It's your last chance to save your soul
Before endless damnation
Repent your sins and unbelief
And thou shall be absolved
Embrace the one true faith
Or die at the stake

We'd rather die than to betray
We will remain true till the grave
We won't go down without a fight

So be it, fool
Your unwillingness shall be your end

"We'd rather die than to betray"

He felt a white searing pain as iron tore through his flesh
Overthrown by torment
Consciousness fading away
All hope was lost

Requiem aeternam
Dominus, illuminatio mea
Dominus, a cruce salus
Dominus
In Aeternum

Death shall cleanse my soul
May my spirit be freed from this earthly hell

Condemned to purgatory
Sentenced to slowly rot away
The final hour approaches
Is this the end of my reign?

"We shall not renounce our faith
May your lord have mercy on your souls
And you betrayer, may your soul be crushed
And trapped forever in this world, you treacherous swine!

6. A Coming Storm

A wind blows over the lavender fields
Carrying the scent of death and decay
The holy war consumes and burns
Everything and everyone in its way

Carcasonne has fallen
To whom do we turn in these times forlorn?
High in the mountains we will find
Refuge from the coming storm

Shining swords and burning crosses
Rising up into the skies
Blinding rage and hate prevailing
Growing, spewing from their eyes.

You can run but you can't hide
My power is too great
I know that God is on my side
Your penance is too late

I shall weed out there heretics one by one
They'll be purged in fire in front of everyone
I shall make examples out of these hypocrites
I'll send them down to hell's fiery pits

We must flee to our stronghold high and dry
We'll be safe in Monts?gur and Cabaret
There's no shame in running
For he who fights and runs lives to fight another day

"And so it came to pass, The remaining heretics sought shelter in the high Black Mountains, far from Simon de
Montfort's merciless persecution. Those who were captured were tortured, burned at the stake or buried alive, all in
the name of God. And even there they weren't safe, for after seven weeks of siege, settlements such as Minerve and
Lavaur were overrun by the holy army... and razed to the ground"

Weeks and weeks of combat and assault
Minerve stood high and dry
But in the end thirst and famine brought them to their knees
They would stand with their attackers eye to eye

They were given a choice: to renounce their faith
Or to perish in inferno at the stake
With heads held high, they would rather die
Their beliefs they would never forsake

On the day of Mary Magdalene
One hundred and forty were lead below
At the bottom of the gorge waited a forge
Where death was ready to sow

The parfaits were piled one by one
Onto a seething tower of flame
Embers flew high into the sky
And the crusaders, they felt no shame

"Neither death nor life can tear us from the faith to which we are joined"

A plague spread through the land
Fueled by the brotherhood in white
He ruled with iron fisted hand
Wielding his god-gifted might

Shining swords and burning crosses
Rising up into the skies
Blinding rage and hate prevailing
Growing, spewing from their eyes.

"For nine whole years Simon de Montfort tortured, mutilated, murdered and burned his way across the Languedoc. But the
parfaits stayed true to their beliefs."

Shining swords and burning crosses
Rising up into the skies
Blinding rage and hate prevailing
Growing, spewing from their eyes.

Spewing from their eyes!

7. Fields Of Toulouse

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8. The End Of A Reign

The city awakens in silence
Morning is breaking
Before the rooster crows
Rising unrest sets in
South of Toulouse
On the plains of Muret
Under an imminent threat
People have fled in dismay
Afar the riders appear
Raising clouds of dust
Snorting horses
Are coming this way

The hills are over flown
By a mass of gold, red and blue
The armies of the south at last
United by a common foe
Amidst the closing horde
A rider shines in daybreak's light
He is known as the warrior-king
Who has never lost a fight

Trapped in safety
Behind the castle gate
Surrounded by thousands
Awaiting their fate

The soldiers of the cross
Are forced to an act of desperation

About to risk their lives in open field
They prepare for battle knowing their foes will never yield
Their force divine grows stronger and stronger
As they confess their sins and pray for their lives

For God and glory
We shall prevail this day
Show no mercy for those who stand in our way

The Red Lion's forces
Storm out through the gates
On a course towards triumph
Or a deadly fate
The alliance of the South
Is caught by surprise
No time to brace themselves
For the ultimate impending carnage

As knights spurred on and horses made speed
The earth started trembling under their feet
Driven by bravery and focused by fear
Time slows down as their judgement draws near

Riders and horses
Cut down from below
Like the sound of a forest
Struck down in one blow
Shattering armour
Clatter of steel
Two armies colliding
A bloodbath surreal

Making their ways towards the royal arms
The crusaders regroup for a second charge
The fictitious king does not stand a chance
He's cast from his saddle by the blow of a lance
With one strike of a sword he falls down

This is no king this is merely a liege
These are not the skills of royal prestige
We've been tricked by these mongrels
Had by those fools
Bring me this coward and
I'll dig him a tomb

I am the king

You bastard, where are you
You'll rot where you stand
Show me your face
You will die by my hand

Come closer you scoundrel
Let's finish this strife
This foolish bravado
Will cost you your life

"Alain de Roucy, who'd sworn to strike down the warrior-king,
emerged from the chaos of shattered shields and fallen heroes.
The king and his men were soon surrounded.
In the desperate struggle that followed, de Roucy managed to single out and disarm
Peter of Aragon and with a well-aimed blow of his sword he made an end to his reign"

Unaware of their brethren's fate
Raymond's troops held back 'till it was too late
Heavily bleeding, barely alive
The final few brought the news of their king's demise

Skulls cracked by maces
And warrior's slain
Men trampled by horses
And screaming in pain
Harnesses covered
In sanguine rain
For those who will stand
Only darkness remains

Pushed to the stream
By crusaders depraved
Driving them
Into a watery grave
The unearthly silence
As spirits transcend
When all comes to an end

9. The Conflict Of Toulouse

The Red Lion now made his last move
A new city was his dream and everything has to stand aside

Be gone you poor man
Tremble on your feet
A confrontation is at hand
And I will strike hard

Liberty is not a vain hope
A sudden fever has killed the pope
Listen well! A dulcimer calls
It is time to resist

I reclaimed my city
And help is on the way
Fortify the walls
And sharpen your sword

Years come and pass
But bravery will last
Our name shall write
The history of our time

Side by side we must take heart
Shining metal as far as the eye can see
One by one every man takes part
His power yields, hide your anxiety

In the distance he stood, the pinnacle of dread
His vision crossed by stiff resistance
A last assault had to make short work
Of the plotting of heretic and sword

Side by side we must take heart
Shining metal as far as the eye can see
One by one every man takes part
His power yields, hide your anxiety

Storm the city, head for the gates
Leave no man or woman alive
I called in reinforcements
This war has endured too long
Behold! My brother shot down
Now feel my cold revenge

"But just after he has spoken these words
He was killed by the troops on the wall"

The terror of the north
Stopped by a well aimed stone
His men fled, stroke astound

Cheer with me
"Lo loq es mort!"

10. Court Music

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11. Crusher Of Souls

Forces divine gathering armies of hate
Sent to bring down the last bastion of resistance

Harvesting the souls of the fallen
Slaying in the name of the cross
The pathway of redemption
A self-deceiving road to grace
Our salvation lies in...

...Death brought upon all
Who oppose the creator of life
A body of thought slain in the name of God
As a pretence of genocidal extinction
Of men of an alternate conviction

Harvesting the souls of the fallen
Slaying in the name of the cross
The pathway of redemption
A self-deceiving road to grace
Our salvation lies in...

...Death

Insanity reigns as humanity is found no more

Despicable means justifying the ends
Insanity reigns as humanity is found no more

The stench of rotting corpses
Maggot infested putrefaction
Crows feasting on eyes and entrails
Scowling at the starving
Soon to meet their doom

If today is the day we die
It shall be a day worth remembering
If life is the price we are to pay
Eternal sleep is only the beginning
Together we stand on the path to freedom!

Men of pride and honour
Ready shields and swords
Dulce et decorum est pro deo mori

God's wrath was unleashed upon them
Like an angel of doom spreading death and decay
Merciless like a serpent's kiss
Breaker of spirits, crusher of souls

Blood stained steel tearing flesh from their bones
The heart is stripped from the soul
Life's essences spilled the most sacred of all
Consumed by the crimson soil
A drapery of death blackens the sky
What was life is not left to putrefy
Under the cloak of alleged conviction
Bellum omnium in omnes

God's wrath was unleashed upon them
Like an angel of doom spreading death and decay
Merciless like a serpent's coil
Breaker of spirits, crusher of souls

Children of devotion, people of faith
Disciples of compassion, victims of hate

Greater in numbers, feeding on fear
Slow but steady the oppressor draws near
The fortress weakens, rations deplete
Despair takes hold as Monts?gur nears defeat [x2]

Men of virtue
Endure this trial
Soon forces of the empire
Will set us free from harm and evil

Well done!
Steadfast!
Embrace your fate!
And justice will prevail!

Little did they know
All was in vain
Imperial flags would never show on the horizon

Wood and stone pulverized
Fear and despair
Blood and tears pouring down from the sky
Useless to fight
Nowhere to hide
Impending onslaught
So pray for your life

Bowels and bones
Dust to dust
The grinding of life so fragile
Death from above
The artillery reigns
Breaker of spirits
Crusher of souls

Hell waits for who defies the laws of our creator
No mercy for the soul who dares to denounce the word
Obedience, confession, penance or death

The pathway of redemption
A self-deceiving road to grace
Our salvation lies in...

...Death!

Refusal of conversion
Their faith stands strong
Brought to justice by hundreds
But the legacy carries on

Their souls purified by fire
Flesh devoured by flames
The last stronghold has fallen
All but extinguished
The legacy carries on

12. Als Catars

"The last bastion, the last icon of resistance has fallen.
In the ten months of siege the small garrison never stood a chance.
And shorthanded, hungry and numb with cold, their surrender was close at hand.
Yet clemency was given to all those who renounced their beliefs.
For the others a fiery fate awaited them.
An armistice of fourteen days was granted to convince them of the one true faith."

And the omens were right
For king and for God
The eagles nest suppressed
A victory born in pain
The war now finished at last
By the powers from above
Undisturbed, determined, undaunted
For the cross and the crusade

I had to give up for my people
Hunger and thirst forced me to surrender
My fortress was a refuge for the good
But with the treason of Toulouse, we never stood a chance

It was beyond my power
Their intolerant policy
For indulgence and tyranny
Blood of child and woman sticks to their hands

Oh lord, we'll meet you soon
Dispelled by defenders of the flesh
But never have we sighed in the face of death
With hand on the heart we'll meet our end

Never!
Never!
Shall we surrender to a wrong god!
Ever!
Forever!
The last step on the way home!

Now follow me my children
Don't fear the fire, don't linger, be brave
We have made a vow and can't go back
The mercy of God will guide us through

Look they're preparing the pyres
With straw and wood
Where our houses once stood
The blood of innocence sticks to their hands

Our spirits will be finally free
Back to the place where they belong
Have pity on them for they don't see
Trust our Father, he'll make us strong

Never!
Never!
Shall we surrender to a wrong god!
Ever!
Forever!
The last step on the way home!

"And on the 15th of March the catholic army entered the fortress of Monts?gur and captured the inhabitant heretics.
The morning after they were led downhill and executed.
The quiet Murmuring of their prayers was drown out by the igniting fire beneath their feet.
And then, no sound was heard but tears and sorrow.
By then, resistance had fallen, but a small group had escaped the enclosure of Monts?gur, carrying with them the
heretic treasure.
They fled to the surrounding woods, hid in caves and traveled by night.
Their only assignment, to find a safe haven for their secret and forbidden words."

Never!
Never!
Shall we surrender to a wrong god!
Ever!
Forever!
The last step on the way home!