Mad King Yashel
On Fracas Eve, children who live in towns under the shadow of The Syltan Ruins gather to hear spooky stories and legends about the ruins. The most popular story every town tells is that of ‘Mad King Yashel’. The details vary, but the lesson is the same. Gather round and listen well to this cautionary tale.
Once upon a time, before Banon and magic as we know it, there was a small kingdom where the Syltan Ruins now stand. This kingdom was bountiful and its people were happy. Fields around the city fed the people, and trade routes across the continent brought gold and silver and wealth to the kingdom.
The kings were just and fair. They were comfortable in their kingdom with its small blessings. King Yashel was taught to be grateful for peace in the kingdom.
“Never seek more than is given freely.” His father had warned before he died and the crown was passed to Yashel.
For the first while, Yashel listened to his father, and he was happy. However, his happiness turned to jealousy when he saw kings with more than him. He started wanting more.
Yashel sent out his servants to gather gold, silver, and people to work in his kingdom. The treasures his people came back with were never enough for the king.
“I will never live long enough to collect the wealth I want.” The king realized one day. He sent a trusted servant out to find the secrets of unending life. A black art not meant for mortals to have.
The servant didn’t dare deny his king and set out to prolong Yashel’s life. It took him many years to return, but the king was delighted at his servant’s claim of success. An old woman dressed in rags was brought to the king. She proclaimed she was 300 years old and knew the secret to eternal life.
King Yashel demanded the woman tell her secrets, but she warned him it would come at a price. Yashel quickly agreed to any cost, and the woman produced a vial with glowing blue liquid.
“This is a tonic from the fae, and it will keep you alive through the ages.” The woman told him as he grabbed the liquid and quickly drank it.
The king danced with joy at the idea of living forever. Suddenly, a pain in his head made him drop to his knees. The old woman stood up taller and her rags fell away to reveal a beautiful woman with shimmering skin and burning orange eyes.
“Mortals are greedy creatures, and in seeking what you should not have, you will be doomed forever more.” The woman was from the Unseelie Fae Court, sent to destroy Yashel. “You will live forever in the minds of the people as a lesson in greed.”
The king’s skin fell away to reveal a monster beneath. Darkness spread through the city and Yashel’s people changed, just like him. Soon the city was filled with monsters that still seek treasure in the surrounding towns.
On clear nights, you can still hear the cries of the doomed king across the fields, so every year the townspeople chase the monsters back to their home in the now ruined city.
You hit the fairytale vibe on the head, and with a wonderfully awful end for the king, well done!
Thanks. I like a little Grimm for fairytales.