[center][b][h3]Tautom[/h3] Inside the luxurious Balti Palace-Complex King Orso’s domain[/b][/center] Pelos walks in, the half-naked elite Palace guard. The King would recognize those magnificent golden abs anywhere. He is the warden of the throne room, and he comes with a dire report. [i]‘’My King, the city is under attack.’’[/i] Orso, enjoying another pleasant spa with his charming wives, was occupied savoring fresh wine imported from Syromean vineyards. The royal company is too occupied with his routine royal affairs to pay Pelos any heed. Nevertheless King Orso, in his generosity, feels he should humor his subject nevertheless. King Orso flashes his white teeth in a kindly smile. [i]‘’Haha, Good one, Pelos! I never did take you for a comedian. I didn’t know you liked me so much that you’d even come see me when off duty!’’[/i] A maid walks in. [i]‘’Your excellency, the Chlotars have taken the walls.’’[/i] The king laughs even louder, slapping his feet loud enough for some of his wives to look up and awkwardly chuckle along. [i]‘’Oh this is rich! Pelos, did you get some of the other staff to take part in the act? Now that is true dedication!’’[/i] Orso wipes away a tear of euphoric joy as he continues to fill everyone’s ears with hearty laughter. A third messenger walks into Orso’s domain, this time one of his very own wives, one he has long forgotten about. [i]‘’My love, the Chlotars have spread into the impoverished southern districts and are poised to take the West Viigoc quarter.’’[/i] [i]‘’Yeah yeah, I get it. The joke’s getting old now.’’[/i] Finally a fourth person walks into the hall, one unlike all the others. A dark frame piercing defiantly through the warm and relaxing steam. Fully armored in cold black breastplate and lamellar, with dark flowing hair falling over his plated shoulders and a stern expression of total resolution on his scarred face. He represents a solemnness otherwise never experienced in the Tautan King’s premises. The King looks up, slightly distraught. [i]"…Rogan?" "Abadactus.’’[/i] The man replies sonorously. [i]‘’I fear it is not a joke, my King. Take a look.’’[/i] The fourth man, whose name is Abadactus Rogan, is the Captain of the Royal Guard of the Tautan Palace. Marshal of the elite warrior unit of the mainland Baltian Kingdom known as the Sacred Band. He moves forth a powerful arm to grip the King’s pitiful noodle-arm, dragging him from his sauna-throne room. [i]‘’Ow, ow ow! Stop that Abadactus! I’m your King! I order you to get your sweaty man-hands off my royal person!’’[/i] [i]‘’Yes you are a King, and now is the time you assume the responsibilities of one. Look.’’[/i] Abadactus had brought Orso to the elevated balcony perched over the Palace’s front gate. Once a podium from where the Kings of Baltia would address the citizenry. This place offers a clear perspective over each of the city's districts. But Orso has never stood on it since his coronation a decade ago. And as they stood on the Palace’s Balcony, Orso came to face the awful truth. Smoke, screams and fire. The king ceased his whining and, for the first time in maybe his entire life, his eyes became focused and a thoughtful expression fell over him. It seems like a spell had been lifted. The King of Tautom needed a moment to process his thoughts, and finding the words, he asks: [i]‘’Abadactus. Why does everyone hate me so?’’ [/i] The Captain of the Guard gives no response, his expression remains focused. And so the King of Tautom continues. [i]‘’I am a lovely guy! Right? I have committed no acts of tyranny, I have not repressed, I have never been cruel. I only ever served God by fostering peace and happiness! How have I ever transgressed against the world for it to seek my downfall?’’ [/i] Abadactus gives response. [i]‘’Your position as King. The leader of a nation is default always reviled. And why wouldn’t he? Whosoever shepherds an entity as far encompassing as a nation, has blood on their hands. There is no running from this. A King must learn to shoulder this burden for the good of all.’’ [/i] [i]‘’But I am the best King of Visandza! What have I done to deserve this? All my life I have committed myself to the happiness of the people. Nowhere in all the world does a realm guarantee love, liberty and tolerance as god-guaranteed right! Where the founding King has laid the footwork of paradise!’’ [/i] [i]‘’And now the dream of Paradise is on the brink of the abyss by your indolence. Though you are not entirely to blame. I should blame myself for having allowed this to escalate as far as it had. Everyone is to blame.’’[/i] [i]‘’Master Rogan, I only ever acted in accordance to God’s will. That is the true duty of a King! Why, the Chlotar King should be my friend!’’[/i] No reply. Orso whimpers quietly. [i]‘’Why does this happen?’’[/i] The lost King looks out over the city, observing the sea of rooftops that spread out towards the far southern wall. He can only guess how many of the buildings under those roofs are already under the barbarian claw. Then his eyes falls on the old bell tower. A thought enters his mind. [i]‘’Can it be… could we be out of God’s grace somehow? Ever since High Priest Waliyo-Oho has forsaken the city and moved into the Baltian countryside among the Chlotars, the Black Bell of Tautom has not been rung. Is this divine punishment?’’[/i] Abadactus shakes his head and taps the haft of his lance against the stone. [i]‘’Superstition, my King. No. This is the doing of an insider. There has been a traitor in our midst for long, and I have a suspicion as to who…’’[/i] [i]‘’Who?’’[/i] [i]‘’It is time to send in the Sacred Band. Rest assured, my liege, the dream of Odovakre can yet be salvaged. We shall fight these barbarians to a stand-still. There is a reason the Celeseans founded a world empire with their own blood and sweat – and that these northern tribes did not.’’[/i] Orso makes a sharp turn to Abadactus. [i]‘’Abadactus! You are my most loyal friend and servant, are you not? Then I beseech you – get to the bottom of this! Protect the citizens from the barbarians! Evacuate the rich quarter into the Palace Complex!’’[/i] [i]‘’Fear not, Good King Orso, the Sacred Band shall redeem. We are the vanguard of the eternal dream of Baltia.’’ [/i]