Kingdom - Chapter I

The Beginning

In an ancient age, when the earth was still a single continent. One man had conquered the entire known world. From his lineage came 3 sons and 2 daughters. His end approaching, the balance of everything he had built is about to break.

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Chapter I
A few days before Year I

"It's not the ending I wanted.
But it's the inevitable one."

All his children were standing around the royal bed. Side by side, so close and yet so far. Some were upright. Their faces adorned with stern expressions. Like marble statues awaiting their father's every word. Some had trouble concealing their emotions. Reddened eyes and confused breathing that betrayed sobs.

It had been decades since the whole family had been together in the same room. Some of them had never even met. Strange to meet one's blood when part of it is about to disappear.

This strong father was now just a lump of immovable flesh. The heroic figure they had built for themselves was shattered. This father could not be this thing. He was supposed to be invincible, immortal. They were painfully discovering that even the greatest heroes come to an end. That nothing in this world is eternal. That everything born is condemned to death from the moment it comes to life. In a cycle that no one could ever break.

The last of this old king's strength seemed to have gathered in his face. A miracle that this deformed being could still move something. Every motion seemed to be able to kill him, and yet he was speaking, clearly.

When the children closed their eyes, the father they had known resurfaced. Standing proud, ready for another battle. Ready to give orders. To command. To triumph. That intimidating voice was the only part of his strength that had survived. But as soon as they opened their eyes, brutal reality shattered this illusion. That's why some kept them closed. They wanted to stay with the father they knew a little longer.

It seemed impossible that a voice could emerge from this emaciated carcass.

And yet...

"My children, I love you.
What is an end for me is only a beginning for you.

I love you all, with equal love.
No father can prefer one part of his flesh to another.
It would be unworthy of his role.

I love you, but…
You don't love each other.

I've conquered the earth. From end to end.
And I failed.
I gathered the greatest treasures. I've lived a long life.
And I failed.
What are these riches worth compared to the sight of your own blood hating itself?

A father's success is his family's success.
A close-knit family, supporting each other.
It may be the universe punishing me.
It gave me everything so that I could have nothing.

My eyes have not yet closed and you are already preparing to fight.
My blood is still warm as you polish your weapons.
Telling your bannermen to get ready.

Ready for what?
To kill your own brothers and sisters?
To bring death and ruin to a kingdom that knows peace and prosperity.
I haven't left yet and I smell blood.
I brought peace and my children will bring war.
I haven't left yet and I already feel dead.

I failed.
But I won't let my mistakes destroy everything.

I love you.
But what's at stake is greater than me.
Greater than you.
You will not plunge this kingdom into chaos.
You will not plunge this kingdom into death.
Your jealousies, your vanities, your hatred won't destroy everything I've built.

You're dying to kill each other.
So be it.
If that is your wish.
You will.
But within the rules."

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