Four Crowns

by Mr.Mixon'sFanfiction

Many monarchs have come and gone, but what is a king? Aldia weaves a cautionary tale for the Young Hollow, the tale of Erec, a young man of Shulva; Vendrick, the near-true monarch; Raime, the rebel; and Alsanna, the Ivory King's shadow. The tragedy of the four kings of Dark Souls 2 as told by the Scholar of the First Sin.

1. Introduction: The Scholar

Introduction: The Scholar

Dark is man's nature, and yet, he fears it. Light casts all shadow and, at once, obliterates it. Many kingdoms have risen and fallen. Many castles have cast great shadows over this land, and just as many have been incinerated. All life, all souls, dwell within this flickering dance. So it is that you flitter on moth's wings to the fate set before you. This is our curse.

I, Aldia, was brother to King Vendrick. Together, we sought a way to shed the yoke of this curse. Though we failed, I have made a thorough search of many things. I have peered into the essence of the soul; I have become witness to the roots of this world and scholar of its pitiful history. Young hollow, there are but two paths: inherit the order of this world or destroy it. But only a true monarch can make such a choice.

Tell me, young hollow, what is a king? Is it strength? Authority? Love? Perhaps it matters not so long as he is known to be great. However, to you, I suspect it does. Four kings sat four thrones. One drowned in poison, another succumbed to flame. Still another slumbers in a realm of ice. With the dark of this kingdom, you have become well acquainted.

Young hollow, would you seek the true throne? Then listen closely to my words. No king takes the throne without first bearing the crown. Under its weight, have four kings collapsed. You, neither born with greatness nor granted it by the fates, listen well to their tales. For the yoke that has broken them now lies upon you.