Part III The Prince’s Gambit
Part III: The Prince’s Gambit
I am days away from obtaining my prize, and then you will have my sole focus. Do not grow weary in your journey. I have included another gift to finance your endeavors. We will have our victory yet, Captain: your son’s health and my eternal destiny, as is our gods-given right.
Excerpt from a letter from King Rouland Blount II to Captain Aune Comara
Accounts of Rouland Blount II, Crown Prince of Wauld, often note his cunning and ruthless nature.
However, his godfather, Lord Sirraus Obel, Duke of Pyralund County, contradicts these traits, arguing that they are not inherent but a result of his father’s brutality.
Lord Obel’s recounting of Rouland II as a child reveals a young boy with a tender heart, one he hoped would alter the course of their kingdom.
He had hopes to nurture his godson, especially upon the discovery of Rouland II’s status as a Night Mage like the duke.
However, after Rouland II’s arrival for training in Verlund Reach, it appeared the damage had already been done.
Lord Obel recited a long-remembered quote from his godson that impacted his choice to abandon the Blount monarchy.
‘It is my right,’ a young Rouland II told his godfather, ‘to wield this power not only as the crown prince, but as a chosen of the gods. And I will prove to my father once and for all that his son is not weak.’
Excerpt from A Complete History of West Auld, written by Lord Edmaund Fishere, Earl of Mouroc, published posthumously in 1575