Nestled within the mountains of a distant plane exists a kingdom not
unlike what many of us inhabit. Despite its extravagant appearances,
this kingdom's hierarchy was failing. Their king bore no son, and the
ruler's old age secured his desolate lineage.

The childless emperor held a series of festivities disguised as
rudimentary entertainment. The true purpose of the events was to test
every warrior under his power, and aid him in naming a new king. Among
the combatants involved, Dane and Jacob's true skill shone through. A
final battle between the two proved Dane to be the rightful king. Even
though Dane and Jacob were friends since childhood, Jacob never forgave
his companion for besting him on the field of battle.

To become a leader of men is no small feat; to command the will of the
masses is a birthright sought after by many, and shared by few. With his
newfound power came envy, and Dane was soon exposed to the darker side
of mankind. The treachery of men knows no bounds, and within weeks Dane
had succumbed to the brutal, petty onslaught of the lesser men that
surrounded him.

While Dane's skill was beyond reproach, he was no match for what proved
to be his undoing. Deep into the waning hours of a cloudless midsummer
night his pursuer crept, ever vigilant over his prey. The remaining
moments of Dane's life were spent with the very person that he shared
much of his life with. Indeed, his assassination came at the hands of
his best friend. Shortly after Jacob's work was completed, he scurried
back to his respective living quarters undetected.

It was not long before Jacob was named as Dane's successor, who happily
claimed his new position. The investigation behind the bloodlust and
betrayal committed against Dane never came to fruition, and Jacob lived
a long and prosperous life.

Penned by my hand on the 15th of Valnuary, in the year 387 AF.