The Speech of the King at the End of the War

A------ stands today because of many heroes, among whom I am not worthy to stand. It was not I that stood upon the brink; it was not I that gave away everything: life, strength, breath. Against the gathering tides of darkness I could not stand, but there were those who did, those who stood when we faltered. These men would not sit idly by and watch everything they love burn; they would not allow the shadow of evil to turn everything into darkness. They would rather give up their claim to the blessings of this earth than to allow it to fade like the morning fog on a clear afternoon.

In their blood has the flame of our civilization reached a new height, not simply because we now stand victorious against the greatest evil but, more importantly, because they showed us what we can be. They showed us the pinnacle of what it means to be human, to love and to fight for what we hold dear. Their stories are what our children will hear: how they stood steadfast when none else would, how they refused to give up on hope, and how they triumphed in death against the gravest of enemies.

In some ways, it is them who are saved. What greater good can any man do than to give up his life for his fellow man? Through this act of sacrifice, there can be no doubt that it will fare better for them in that great unknown beyond the last breath. As a king, and as a man, I say that such is just; I do not deserve better than them, much worse rather. For now these men are my masters.

After all, what is a living king compared to a glorified soul? A man’s true worth is not in his title, nor in his estate, nor in his lineage, but rather in the deeds of his heart and the body that is sacrificed to protect his ideals. The men who gave their lives in this fight are, thus, men of the highest caliber. None of us can stand among them; we must, for reverence’s sake, bow our heads in respect.

Long may the dead live in our hearts and legends. They deserve more than this, but what more can we give? Let us live happily in the joyous land that they have died for, and in the blessed days ahead, let us show our love for our fellow man in greater measure than ever before, with this great example before us. May the peace of A------ last until the end of all things.