1 The Crown War
In the Royal Castle of Rome, an important conversation was about to be held by two important figures. I, The Current Emperor of Rome August Caesar and my father Gaia stares down on a recently received letter. I have yet to read it's content but father and I could already tell what the letter could entail. The sender of the letter was the most powerful man of our time. Holding the title of King Among Kings, the man closest to the status of divinity. His name is King Solomon, the ruler of World. Everything abides by his rules and laws with no worries of a coup d'etat. For a man like him to send me a letter at a time such as this. It could mean only one thing.
"A Crown War".
"Son you and I both know what this means. King Solomon sees you as a worthy successor. The same holds true for me. Good job my boy" my father praises. It has been over a decade since father has been this proud. I can understand why, this letter really is a big deal. With no more delay, I read the letter to it's completion.
"Dear Augustus Caesar"
"You are chosen to be a Crowned Candidate. Please visit my castle within one week's time. A gathering of kings will be held there to discuss the upcoming Crown War". After reading out the letter I could hear my father's chuckle. "That old fart, he's always straight to the point" he laughs. The letter that was just in my hand suddenly vanished out of thin air. A purple ring appeared in its place. I have heard the rumors of King Solomon possessing supernatural abilities but I have never took them seriously until now. I know for a fact that a piece of paper was in my hand but suddenly there is a ring in the center of my palm. Not a piece of paper.
"That ring proves you are a Crowned Candidate. You should wear it immediately" father suggests.
...….
Despite my father's words, I was hesitant to put this ring on my fingers. The second that ring is worn, there is no turning back. This is why I have to think carefully before I make a big mistake. "Is the Crown War worth it?" I asked out loud. I wanted to know different views on this matter, not just from my father but from my soldiers who have been silent up till now.
"You already know my stand on the matter. The Crown War is a once a century event. It would be foolish to decline the invitation" said my father.
"It is true that this is an important event your majesty but I don't think it is one you must join without a good reason. If your reason to entering the Crown War is simply because it's an important event then you are wasting your time. All you would do is potentially throw away your life without your ideals being fulfilled" one man spoke his mind. He had black canoed hair, piercing blue eyes, around 6 feet tall and wears a black robe. The man was none other than my right hand man. Shawn Siegfried, my advisor and helper. His words had a point I almost overlooked. What is my reason for entering the Crown War? Do I have a good reason to go and risk my life? I am already living a satisfying existence, is this enough? Should I aim higher than the status of king which I already hold?
I asked myself these questions repeatedly, hoping for good answers. My father grew impatient and forced the ring in my right hand.
"Father, if I put this ring on now, there will be no turning back. I should have more time to think this over before I make a decision. This is no joke, I am taking this Crown War very seriously" I told him. I left the castle to clear my mind.
Not anybody is given an opportunity like this. Most would probably think I am weird for not immediately deciding to join this big event. To those people I call them stupid. History states that there are usually no survivors besides from the Crown War victor. Everyone is out for blood wishing to claim the title of King Among Kings. "I wonder how King Solomon felt when he won last century's war".
"Compared to other rulers my convictions are far weaker I will admit". No matter how hard I try, I just cant find a strong reason to enter this thing other than it's an important event. The Crown War is a very sacred war that is held once a century. The winner of that war becomes the world's ruler. Having all control over every country and island out there. Although I am the King of Rome, King Solomon has the power to do whatever he wants with it. If I win this upcoming Crown War then I become the new King of Kings. I would replace King Solomon.
What would I do after becoming the king of kings? Until I know the answer to this question, I wont wear the ring. The answer also has to be something I am willing to die for.
While I was out in the garden, Shawn approached me with good news. "My king, I just remembered to inform you about Carmella's location. We have reason to believe that she's hiding in Austria. Should we go fetch her?".
It was about damn time they found her. Carmella Bambistine, the beautiful and dazzling woman who stole from me then ran away. What she stole was something I held dear, no normal individual could have taken it. "Good work Shawn. I want to see her as soon as possible". Shawn reacted as if he wanted to hear something else.
"With all do respect your majesty. Your wives are upset with the search for this woman. Divorce is definitely a high possibility if I bring Carmella back here".
"Hmm, I don't care. Bring her back, she should pay for what she has done to me".
"Stealing your heart? That does not make much sense but whatever. Have you decided on the Crown War yet?" Shawn changes the subject. Afraid to say but I am still conflicted about it. Risking my life is not something I see myself doing. Shawn nodded agreeing with me. He proceeded to show me a folded piece of paper. "King Solomon's messenger just arrived with this letter. It appears he forgot to give it to you on his first visit. Here it is now".
A second letter?
"Have you read it?" I asked my right hand.
"OF course not…. But I do know what it is for. The messenger says it is to motivate the candidates he chose to participate. Maybe this letter can help you decide on what to do". Motivation, this is precisely what I need right now. I quickly opened up the letter and began reading it.
"Reasons to Be King OF Kings!".
"1. The knowledge of The World's Origin will be passed down to the Winner"
"2. All the supernatural powers possessed by the current King of Kings will also be passed down"
"3. Freedom to do whatever you like".
"4. Lifespan is guarantee to touch at least 100 years".
The World's Origin…..Now we are talking!
Ever since I was a boy I always wonder how this world came to be. You mean to tell me King Solomon knows the answer to this question. UNREAL! That is insane. How was the earth created? He really knows how? All my life I have heard different theories on the same thing. Both Science and Religion have different stories, both in which I can't decide on. I wish to know the world's secrets, a piece of knowledge I would keep to myself.
…..
This is killing me, the thought of getting to know the world's origin. "King Solomon sure is a monster for keeping such information to himself. Hahahahaha!" I bursted in laughter. Shawn looked at me confused, he never saw anything funny when looking at the letter. "It's decided! I'll become a candidate".
"You sure?" Shawn asked.
"Soon I will know. My curiosity knows no bounds after all. I will eventually know!". The day ended exactly as I hoped. I managed to figure out a reason to participate in this Crown War. If all I have to do is force the other candidates to forfeit or even kill them, so be it. As the sun gradually begins to set, I wore King Solomon's ring. "No turning back now". If I remember correctly, King Solomon is keeping a gathering in a week's time. I should head out immediately if I want to arrive on time.
The next day I deployed fifty soldiers to keep me company on my journey. Shawn also felt the need that he should accompany me. As the soldiers were preparing themselves to leave the kingdom, I had a small chat with my father. "I knew you would come to your senses soon enough and wear the ring. Good work".
"Do you know what other rulers I am to expect at the gathering? Who else do you think caught King Solomon's eye?"
"If I were to guess…. I would go with King Alex. He is an impressive ruler. I can't deny that. In terms of military rule and war tactics, he has everyone beat without question".
"Sounds about right. Wish me luck then". My soldiers and I left the capital immediately after bidding our farewell. We expect no trouble on our way to King Solomon's Estate. He lives in a far away land that is off limits to the world. Only rulers of certain kingdoms know the exact location of the King of Kings whereabouts. As a guy who has never visited the King of Kings, following the weird directions given to me was a challenge. "What the hell could the king mean by this!?" Shawn complained.
Someone has to I guess.
