A Hollow Crown

[Tirenas 677]

 

The halls of Kalakash were cold this day, despite the roaring hearths that blazed on along the length of the room. Empty was the throne room, with all but two present - one ensconced atop the great stone seat, with a similarly-grim compatriot at his flank.

 

The dwarf upon the throne wore a mask of wear and exhaustion, his once-lustrous beard streaked with gray as a testament to his hard-fought battles. Joyless eyes sought out the one man who stood beside him, hooded behind a gaunt and sunken visage.

 

“Gauldrim, my countryman.”

 

The king’s voice drifted o’er the lifeless hall, and at the monarch’s call the stout dwed at the throne’s side glanced upwards.

 

“I am tired, my friend. This war, my war - it is all but lost.”

     Greeted with naught but silence, the king conceded a long-drawn sigh, before he hauled himself to his feet. Descending the throne, he spared not one final glance to the seat that had ensnared him for so long, instead pacing down the hall. The bald mage hustled after him, and at last the two found themselves standing to overlook the grand spires of Kalakash.

 

Grasping the overlook and drinking in the sight of the roofs, Uldar looked to his kinsman, a fleeting look of sadness overcoming his aged features. His hands drew up to the circlet upon his head, and with a grunt of finality he pulled it free. 

 

“This war is yours to fight now, Gauldrim. Toil as I have toiled, and ne’er slow, no matter what you face. I name you regent.”

 

Gauldrim, with a look of hesitance, took the crown at last, the bitter reality of Uldar’s words gripping him like a malady as he held the circlet of Urguan. At that moment the dwarven king, who had for so long sought to see his people ascend to greatness once more, gave a nod of parting to the newly-anointed regent.

 

    There came no fanfare as Uldar Irongut strode from Kalakash; he would find his peace, but the time had come for Urguan to take a new leader.

 

[Dreek 1633]

Drynn Ireheart raises an eyebrow, pacing around the Ireheart clan hall

[Lunar 442]

Benny Forkbeard bows to his new king.

[Imam Faiz Kharadeen 3167]

Faiz Kharadeen sad faces, but ultimately shrugs it off "Barley knew him anywho, wish the opposite though. Hopefully Urguan can elect a new king soon, I believe they are at war?" he taps his chin, unsure of what exactly goes on in urguan, then sips his tea.

[James 425]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.