I layed there, trying to breathe. Natrually, I couldnt; the arrow didnt get my throat, but it got my spine, I was paralyzed. There wasnt any pain though, I thanked Saranerae for that. I always was afraid of a painful death; being in the battlefield will do that to you, seeing people die in ways so grusome you wanted to puke. Assassination was simplier in that regard. Quick, fast, efficient. Nothing like having boiling oil poured on you.

I tried to look around, one assassin layed dead near my feet, skewered by a rapier through the throat. I looked to my attacker just in time to see her head being sliced clean off in one, swift swing with an axe. Good. At least the rest of the family is safe, that was the last of the assassins. I relaxed as my vision faded. Noise, possibly voices. I couldnt make them out, just far off noise in the background.

My name is Dolaran Dawncrest, I am...was, the king of lamaeca. I thought of my son, Nathan. He'd have to be king now. I knew he was ready, I just hoped that the transition would be smooth. He always put too much on himself, it caused him never ending stress. He studies constantly. if he isnt training his mind, he trains his body. Honestly I'm surprised he never left and became a monk of that god of self perfection...what was his name again? Irori i think..yeah that was it. Thinking is, not surprisingly, hard when most of your blood is on the floor. 

My daughters I know would be safe. Isabel is the definition of tomboy. Woe to any trouble that finds itself in her way. Im proud of her, even though she never felt like a princess, she respected the position enough to balance decorum with herself. The nobles dont quite like her. They believe that she would cause trouble for any husband she marries. They are idiots. I couldnt marry that girl off even if I wanted to, in her own words, shes already married to the nature...Great.. what a perfect son in law.

Eva is young, but she is probably the safest of the kids. She was born with a mark on he chest, at first a cause of worry, but the court wizard assured me it was a mark of protection. Her guard is enthusiastic to say the least at her protection. I only wish I could see what person she was going to grow to. Oh well, take the good with the bad i suppose.

The nosie is gone, the taste of blood is gone as well. Huh, this dying is going slower than I imagined. I feel eyes on me, most likely the royal guards trying to heal me. Its too late, even healing wouldnt save this.

My last thoughts were of my final son, Edward. I always felt like i failed him. He was always a shy kid, never going to any events, talking to the nobles. I shouldve sent him off. He needed to explore to break that shell, I failed him by never giving him that chance, as a father and a king.

Then my eyes opened, i looked up. I saw an enormous spire, ever growing in the background, like it defined the concept of infinity. A moon, or something akin to a moon, shone overhead. It had an eerie face. I did not keep my gaze on that, it sent shivers all through me. My eyes finally rested on what layed before me. A dragon, unlike any other Ive seen or heard of before. It had dark scales that oddly resembled feathers. Its eyes were glowing red, but not like a predator. They had no emotion, no care behind those eyes. It spoke. 

"The Court will now begin the judgment of Doloran Dawncrest, King of Lamaeca."