A letter from Andreas to Helena Summer 1220

Dear sodalis, Helena, follower of Flambeau,

Thank you for your letter. Now I understand your position. I am sorry that our previous meetings ended as it did.

You say that Ilse has been promised to your parents, but she is my soul mate. Her soul belongs to God, and is not for her parents to give away. As her soul mate, it is my duty to God to protect her, and I cannot defy God’s will.

Our battle in the regio is your responsibility. You made the first strike, both against the badger family and against us. We made every attempt we could to resolve the situation amicably. The violence was your choice, and yours alone. I acted only in self-defence, to save my own life as well as those of my companions.

Yours truthfully, Andreas Jerbiton, Lübeck on the third day of August AD 1220