The warmth from the day fades quickly as the darkness begins to overtake the lands. The comfort the sun provides to those unlucky enough to still be alive is slowly, with no mercy, being stolen away. This bit of comfort is all a man has left when he bleeds to death from an injury brought on by battle. The might of the sword has, for centuries, ruled mortal men. And its justice isn't always swift. Their leader, King Glennicus, can hear the distant moans of these poor souls. Yet he is unable to help. This King, who is loved by his people and respected by his men for being a kind and fair king to all, is sickened by the knowledge of his inability to help. The Brodyitte army is watching from a close distance, assuming their king will recover his fallen soldiers. Then they will surround these additional men, killing even more of Glennicuses army. At least, this is what the spies had told him. Therefore, he had but one choice. To bare the weight of which a king is required to do during times of battle. Choose between who will die a painful death and who will live another day to fight for his homeland.
To help ease his own pains caused by the death cries of his mortally wounded men, the king calls out for his scribe. He tells the scared and newly appointed boy to bring him his belongings. The King needs to write a letter to the Queen and he will use his own hand. The young scribe looks confused as the words of his king settle into his mind. Isnt it the job of the scribe to do this for the King? And before the scribe is able to ask the king this thought, Glennicus tells him "You are too young to die tomorrow. Upon first light, you will begin your travel back to our homeland and deliver my message to the Queen." For a moment, the scribe does nothing. Then the king breaks the moment with a simple wave of the hand and the scribe jumps to do as he was told.
It had only been a brief moment before the scribe returns with the Kings belongings, but it felt like an eternity to Glennicus. The cries of his men became even more clear. More chilling than they had been. The cold which the night brings causes more pain and suffering to those who are dying. As well as those, like Glennicus, who continue to live. Handing his King a lambskin sack branded with the royal insignia, the king cannot help but feel the guilt he now has, knowing he will soon be distracted by writing his message to his Queen. Their cries will become just a noise his ears can hear but his mind will not listen. And during this time of relief, it will but cause a new and different pain. The bite a man feels to his core when he is overcome with guilt. Yet, he has a duty to his Queen and his country. So, Glennicus begins his message. A message the king fears will be his final words to the love of his life.
"
My
Dearest
Queen.
As news does not travel quickly in our world, I pray to the Gods this message is not a final goodbye. To never look to your face again, to never see the light within your eyes again, is a fate upon which no man deserves. However, I feel I may be just that man. Youdorium, my Queen and my love. It is with great regret and sorrow that I must tell you our chances for victory against the mighty Brodyitte army does not predict to be a favorable outcome for these men who stand in battle so bravely next to your King. Their King as well. And as their King, I shall be leading our warriors at first light into a battle which is as important as it is just. A battle for the continued existence of our lands. And of our people. For tomorrow, in the name and the honor of My Queen Youdorium, my horse shall be swift. My sword shall shine brighter than a thousand first lights. And the sound of my voice shall shake the hills of which we ride and fight. And die. If it is of any solace to you, the rivers and streams shall be filled
with the blood of our rivals as their cries of agony replace the same cries to which our wounded suffered just the night before. Many of their men will die an honorable death. Yet we are but a few mortal men facing an army 100 times our size. I fear the royal blood that flows within me shall flow no more. I can only pray our efforts will be enough to defend our land from certain enslavement by our enemies.
