King Wend's Pride - A pob-wotw Entry

Good King Wend was a proud man. He took great pride in many things. But most of all, in his ability to keep his kingdom happy and prosperous.

"The mark of a good king is a nation of people who are successful and prosperous, Son. Lead them well, and keep them safe. Your job is not easy, but it is an honor and a privilege."

Every time he recalled his father's words, he beamed with pride at the fruits of his labor. Tolor was productive, from the fields in the countryside to the bustling cities. The more he did for his people, the more proud he became.

"Your Highness? A messenger has arrived from Berl." informed a servant.

"What is the message, Steven?"

"He won't say. He insists that it must be delivered to your hand."

"Very well, send him in." replied the king, curious about what was so important.

In stepped a very nervous young man, his knees weak. As soon as he reached the throne, he lowered himself to the floor, head touching one of the black streaks in the white marble.

"You may rise." said the king, grandly. While he never demanded it, he was used to such displays. His own people didn't fear him, but they deeply respected him. And many from other lands stepped carefully. Their rulers weren't always so kind.

The messenger got up, careful to keep his eyes lowered. He offered the envelope, hand shaking.

"What is your name, young man?" asked the king after he received the envelope.

"Tad, Your Highness."

"Thank you Tad, stay and rest. I will probably have a reply to send back with you. Tell the servants to give you a bed, and some hot food." said King Wend, as a form of dismissal.

The dismissal was well understood, and the scared young man backed out of the room respectfully. King Wend had been neither friendly or threatening. Tad didn't have any desire to test his luck.

When he was alone, the king broke the elaborate wax seal. It was the double panther crest of Berl.

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"Good King Wend

I have a proposal which could quickly double the power of both of our nations. That is, if your armies and navies are as well equipped and trained as I have heard?

My ears within the Crozer Empire have informed me that their forces are almost ready to rebel. King Darel has been unwise in their management. He sent several legions out to challenge Minark for the Borderlands, and failed to send supplies in a timely manner. All men starved, save for a few who managed to desert. Word spread like a wildfire once one of those deserters returned home, to attempt to flee with his family, and was captured.

I propose that you and I meet in twenty days, each with our top generals.

If your forces are not as powerful as I am assuming, there will be no hard feelings.

Reginald, High King Of Berl"

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By appealing to King Wend's Pride in his nation, which was famous amongst all who knew him, the king of Berl guaranteed he would have a strong ally in the upcoming war.

The two powerful nations rose against the Crozer Empire, but unfortunately the reports had been greatly exaggerated. The spies had been discovered, and fed false information.

The war was brutal, and fought on enemy ground. The people of Tolor were pushed to their limit. And then it happened.

Once the resources of both Tolor and Berl were depleted, and most of their forces deployed to the Crozer Empire, the Emperor sent a wave of troops into first Tolor, then Berl.

Both nations were easily defeated. Their kings were spared, and were assigned small farms. This was done so the citizens would see exactly how confident their new masters were. The two once proud men were now humble farmers.

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This is my entry for the pob-wotw prompt of Pride, one of the seven deadly sins. It begins with the benefits of pride, but it also reminds us not to be excessively proud. This usually leads to a disastrous downfall.

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Cover image is from Canva, using their gallery