Correspondence from the King
From the King of Kingdom of Balveda to the Governor of Rellea.
Dearest Rohran, It's been a long time since we last spoke just as people, hasn't it? I'm sorry for that. I hope you'll understand when I say the duties of leadership can keep away from you moments of simple pleasure, such as writing to or seeing an old friend. Perhaps you're wondering why now of all times I choose to write, so I suppose I ought to simply say it. I am dying. Illness has been following me for the last few months, and my court mages and doctors have done what they've been able to do, but it's reached a point they can do no more. They assure me I still have a few months left to live, perhaps a year if I'm lucky. I have done my best to keep this as private as possible. I wished to be the one to tell you and others I hold close. I feel as if there's still so much I'd wish to do. I think I finally understand my father, when in his last years he seemed so caught up in what he hadn't accomplished, what he wished he had time left for. I've done my best in this position to achieve those things for him, and now I humbly ask of you to do the same for me. You understand how the council will act after my death. It's why I haven't told anyone here in the capital yet, the idea of seeing them all trying to win my endorsement, curry favor in my last months, drives me to anger. The grim reality of my situation has given me little time for politicking and personal maneuvers. I don't wish to see a snivelling councilman who passes bribes and cares not for the common folk sitting in my throne. If the news does break, I know there will be questions of my successon. I am formally nominating you in this letter. I shall tell them here if I must, but part of me truly desires to die in peace, to make it a surprise for all those fools. If this is not too great of a thing I ask of you, please visit me before I am gone. Write me if you cannot. Save this letter, show it to the council. In lieu of an heir, my last wish is to trust in your sound judgement and steadfast spirit to guide our homeland through what trials and tribulations may lie ahead of her. Your friend and king for as long as I am allowed, Davarian IV.
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