A letter of Burden

Semi-spoiler for in-production novel!

To Arthon

It is with displeasure that I write this to you, Arthon.
I am dying. Age has started to take its toll on me. As I write this on my own I can see my hands shake, struggling to make the simple dot above the i:s.

With my death, the kingdom will struggle. As with the passing of all leaders and the beginning of the new that will have to stand on their own. They have to carry the country, the people, the society and all feelings that come with everything involving it. The labour and effort needed is nothing that a single individual can do alone. That is why I am happy to have you as one of my trusted advisors among those people. The council cannot carry itself without intrigue and strife. Even now as I lie in bed I can hear them, preparing to manipulate, control and create disorder instead of order. The lack that intellect that you and far a few possess. Verit is one of them and I know and hope that you and he can find common grounds for the future of Nekuram. Both your brilliant aptitude can and will do great deeds wherever your paths will be guided by Krakros.

As for the reason for this letter, I shall make it clear.

I command you that you cannot allow my son to take the throne.

You know why he cannot become the King of the Necur and Nekuram. Many know of his unstable mind but there are few that have experienced it at its fullest. Issra is a danger regardless of that he is my and my wife's child. Even more so he will be a dangerous and unsound leader, if not gealtach, deranged. Leaving Nimenra, knowing he would rule after me is too distressing for my mind to let it rest even if my body tells me otherwise.

I know that Issra is still your friend, even if you do not show it as you did when you were younger. You have acted as a shield for him so he would not take on his duties. Acted more like a guardian than I ever could do as a father to him. We both have seen him growing up but you are the one who also has guided him somehow to become better than he was before.

I also know that you will be able to make the correct choices when the time comes. Issra might hate you or not, but I know his sister will without a doubt. You have already planned everything out I am sure of that. Regardless of how tactful you have tried to be, I know that your mind never stops for a moment. Issra is far too unpredictable for you and you would not let him lead either way.

When I heard and found that boy whose magical ability was stronger than many known mages, I knew you would grow up to become the man I needed. I watch you take care of my children as was your duty at the time despite Issra's lack of empathy at times. I pushed you onto the Exilos with the mind for you to grow up to become an advisor, strategist and leader when the time comes. With those choices and from what I have seen, I know I have done my part to secure the future for Nekuram and NImenra through you.

Whatever plans you have, I know they have some heart and a lot of mind in them. Your best guidance, even if misjudged and downright detested by others, is something I know the next ruler of Nekuram will need. I for one have trusted your judgment several times even if you know it or not.

I will leave my testament hidden where you will be able to find it. There I disinherit Issra from the succession and with that, the heir you will put forth will be able to become king.

Protect them for me Arthon. Even if Issra is who he is. But most of all protect Iris for I do not want her to be left behind when the news break and the feelings of abandonment take her. Help her find the goals she wants as much as you are able to when this country needs you.

My hand tires now as even the ink starts to dry in the cup.

Leaving it all to you, this sick old man feels a fault brew.

Thank you my guided one, for this burden I have given thy and done.

King of Nekuram

Type

Text, Letter

Medium

Paper

Authors

• Arthon