Chronicles of the Kingdom

Varus : King of Layrucia

I was proud of Layrucia once.

I was my father's only child, so I was born to be the heir. I loved and admired my father, and I could not remember a time he issued a harsh word or deed to anyone, young or old, weak or great. I was always by his side, and he taught me.

Always cherish this kingdom, son, he would tell me. Love it. Love the people as if they were your children. Keep Layrucia close to your heart, and you will have fair judgement and a peaceful reign.

I never forgot his words, and I passed them to my son. It was a day of grief when my father passed. When he was gone, I came to the throne. I was young, but I kept the words of my late king close, and I believed with all my heart that my reign would be peaceful and happy, so long as I stuck to this past wisdom.

I was very, very wrong.

My reign was disastrous - and the disaster came in the form of a young man.

At first, I rather enjoyed his endeavors, and the enthralling things and tales he brought to my castle amused me.

But if I knew what he was truly after, what he was really searching for...

I would have put him under lock and key in order to keep Layrucia safe.

But I didn't know.

And I didn't lock him up.

Thus, he tore my kingdom in half.

His name became my taboo.

Cylor.

I was ashamed - ashamed of him. He had become my object of pride. He was the person I thought was the most unique and special that ever walked my castle floors. I would brag on him to my Chancellors, and I would brag on him to my son. But after he found that cursed Crystal, he became another person entirely - no.

He became a monster.

I was ashamed - ashamed of myself. I had let my view waver, and instead of keeping the people my focus and my joy, I had let this man take their place in my heart. And all of Layrucia suffered dearly for it.

We were thrown into war - a war we were not ready to fight.

It started with the dragon.

Oh, a huge, terrifying beast, that pelted fire to the earth and lit the sky!

Then the wielders rose.

They concealed the dragon, and an unsettled sense of peace came to my kingdom.

I was proud of Layrucia once. I was proud of the kingdom that my ancestors had built on their wisdom and understanding. I was proud that I would be the one to continue leading them to a more perfect peace and tranquility.

But now, standing at the end of my reign, I view it as my deepest regret, my gravest error.

I should have seen through Cylor and his treachery. I should never have let this man cloud my vision. I should never have forgotten - oh truth, truth Varus! ignored - my father's teaching and wisdom. I should have locked Cylor up when I had the chance. Then perhaps our kingdom would still be one.

Oh, my people!

Oh, Layrucia!

Hear this old man; I am truly sorry. I have failed you as your king!

I was proud once.

Now I am ashamed.