Marking of the Days - Brief Journal Entries The
day after
I've
been waiting a long time for this. The wait was more than
worth my while. You are finally dead, my father. You lived far
too long for any of our goods. How many hundreds of
years? Let us just say that I was glad to make the trip back
to see you pass your final breath.
And so another madman has
gone into the ether. I am left to clean up your mess and to make
some of my own. Time to let the generals and commanders know who is
the new leader.
The King is dead. Long
live the King...
Realization
Amazing. The halls seem to be quiet with the knowledge that
you are gone from us at last. I am still feeling a great amusement in the simple
thought that I needn't watch my back so much any more. No more of your sick
entertainments with trying to have me killed at every odd turn. It is almost too
relaxing... I think I need a drink.
My worst enemy has fled this mortal plane....
Parting
gifts
It seems that my hesitancy to relax in this place was a
correct feeling. For some reason—as I came to my long deserted chambers—I thought
better about having a drink or two to celebrate my father's passing... And
instead decided to call in the bomb squad. It turned out to be a fine
idea. 10 cluster bombs, 3 poison gas canisters, one spring-loaded dagger,
and several other unimaginative implements of destruction were found concealed
within the rooms.
It is so nice to know that even in the throes of illness, father was still
thinking of his son. Perhaps he decided that he did not wish to have his
rightful heir assume the throne when he was gone. Perhaps he thought I
would come back to gloat or finish him off more quickly and wished to beat me at
my own game.
There will be no relaxation for me here. No matter, I never
liked this place at any rate.
And to think that after my travels I didn't
bring him a souvenir. Shame on me...
Less
comfortable surroundings
After the search of my chambers brought about the death of
one of the bomb squad, I have resolved to find my way to the barracks to have
some true rest. It will not be nearly as comfortable as a soft bed in a royal
chamber might be, but at least I will be alive. It has been days since I have
slept properly and it is beginning to wear on me. There are things to do and I
can not afford to be short on focus.
I have ordered my chambers sealed up for the protection of
everyone in the castle. Nothing in there that I can not live without. The 102nd
Division of the Royal Armed Forces is being rounded up and returned to my
service piece by piece. I will be glad to be amongst loyal soldiers.
When I find the barracks at last and the 50 or so of the
102nd that have returned, I am glad for their company and short on humor for
their questions. Of course I understand. It is an odd thing to be pulled
off the borders for no direct reason. I will have to wait until their Commander
returns before letting them know my plans. It is hard to keep this news from
spreading but I must keep it quiet.
By gods it smells terrible in here.
No news travels faster than that which one does not
wish to spread...
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