Letter 35

From: The Austrasian Court To: [Administrative official] Date: ~575 AD Context: Austrasian letter 35; administrative correspondence on matters of military recruitment and the obligations of nobles to provide warriors for the king's campaigns. To our faithful magnates and counts in the service of the Austrasian king, The campaign season approaches, and we are writing to remind you of your obligations under the law regarding military service. Every man of free status who holds land under royal grant owes military service in person when the king summons it. Magnates holding more substantial grants are expected to bring with them a number of warriors proportionate to their holdings, as has been the custom since the time of our predecessors. We are aware that the past several years have been unusually demanding in terms of military obligations, and we are aware of the hardship this places on men who must also manage their estates and care for their families. We do not dismiss these concerns. But the threats that require this service are real, and the defense of the kingdom is not a burden that can be set aside out of convenience. The muster point and date will be communicated separately. We expect full compliance. Those who fail to appear without a reason accepted by the king will face the consequences established by our law. By order of the king