**This is based off a character, Jakon, in the book I recently finished, Roliwyn. In the book Jakon has to deal with his kingdom being usurped by an assassin. In order to defeat the assassin, Jakon has to gather a band of outlaws who will only fight if he promises not to fight for his kingship, but for the good of the kingdom. This scene isn't included in the book, but it reflects Jakon's struggles and helped me flesh out his character more**

The man stood on the hill, staring down at the city sprawled at his feet. There was little to be see, save the buildings outlined by soft torch and candlelight. It seemed like the glowing stars had fallen, leaving the black sky barren, and scattered themselves in windows of the city.

He crushed the message in his hand. Two hours ago it had come—two hours he had stood and watched the night fall on the city. His city.

All his sorrows seemed for naught. He had fought, had shed blood, and would have gladly died—all for the country that had proclaimed another "King."

The man sighed and let the crumpled parchment fall from his hand. He heard but didn't se it light upon the dewy grass at his feet. Years ago he'd given the thought of the kingship up to Naran Ara. Make me Your's, make my life according to Your will, and only make me king if it is according to Your will. And yes, he'd struggled with it—dreamed of it—planned for it. He'd been arrogant enough to expect his coronation to happen in short order.

And in one message, that false hope had been destroyed.

It was, he told himself now, for the better. He was free to live his life without the whispering, philosophizing advisors. Without the smooth-tongued, buttery-soft nobles. Without the confines of bodyguards and walls. He could do as he pleased, go as he pleased.

The man smiled and turned his back on the city. Yes, he still loved it. Yes, he would probably struggle with the acceptance of his lot occasionally. He would come visit the city—maybe even see some of his old friends who held positions of power. But on the whole, it was better that he had not been called to be a king.

copyrighted 2009 by Magical Ink