From deep within the palace of Helena, a broken man sits at a table. A single tear escapes from the corner of his eye and makes its way down his cheek. In recent years Jan had got used to being alone, opting to shut himself off from the world. His actions in recent days had caused uproar in the Kingdom of Haense and within his family, and after much consideration, he decided to make the correct decision. He took a pen and three parchments. The first letter, he wrote to his grandfather, Lord Marius Karl Baruch:
“Grandfather, please find it in your heart to forgive me. The loss of my father devastated you, and now I have found myself doing the same thing. Death would have been more honourable, I know. I have always respected you and your lessons taught me a lot, though it was unfortunately not enough. In the time that you have left, please take care of my children and my wife in my absence. I love you dearly. Please do not let this mess cloud that fact.”
The second is to his children: “Kamilla, Sigmar, and Eirik. I know my absence will probably take its toll on you, and for that I will feel deep guilt for the rest of my life. I too know what it is like to live without a father, though luckily my grandfather, your great-grandfather was there to support me. Though unfortunately I do not think you will see the best of him, if he offers any advice take it! His life lessons did me well, even though my life eventually came to this point. I apologise for my relationship with your mother, Lilliana, as it can’t have been easy for you seeing that. I loved her dearly, I just didn’t know how to properly show it. I failed you as a parent, and for that I am thrown into chronic depression. I love the three of you with each and every beat of my heart, and it pains me to write this knowing that this will be the last you hear of me. I wish you all well, and hope you succeed where I could not.
Eternal love,
Papa.”
The third letter is to the King of Haense, Marius Barbanov:
“I Ser Jan Baruch, Count of Ayr, Baron of Voron, Laval, and Riveryn, Lord of Jorenstadt, and Guardian of the Hansetti Coast do renounce my claim to these titles. I pass them to my son, Sigmar Joren Baruch to hold in his own right. I nominate my grandfather, Marius Karl Baruch, my wife, Lilliana Baruch, my sister, Ingrid Windsor, and my cousin, Lerald Vyronov, to sit as a council of regents until the boy comes of age. Though I can not turn back the time and take back my actions, I can apologise.
Signed,
Ser Jan Baruch.”