text: The return back to Prague is a gloomy one. Everyone is shocked and cannot believe your words. The great King Charles has been slain in battle, and his body is nowhere to be found. A few days later, news comes that Herr Ansel has formed and gained support of a large number of lords and nobles and is openly rebelling against the crown.
  
  "How much bloody longer will it take them to see the light," you mutter under your breath.
  
  "Fear not about those treacherous scoundrels mein Herr," says Edward your royal advisor. "They have been taken care of for good. As of now there are a lot more pressing issues that needs your utmost attention."
  
  "Go on Edward."
  
  "The death of king Charles has put forth a feeling of dread and despair among your noble subjects. They fear for their land and the safety of their villages. The lands have been strife with war and pillaging. Since your coronation mein Herr, a lot of the lords have lost their faith in the crown. There are even rumours spread on you..." Edward stops for a second, refraining from speaking any further.
  
  "Go on, I'm listening."
  
  "Rumours that the new king Wenceslas is unworthy, that his father gave up his life for him being elected as the emperor...that all he does is sit idly on his throne and pursues the more...greater pleasures of life..."
  
  "6 months, mere six months to my coronation and they accuse me of hedonism and idleness...doesn't matter. Perhaps this is the influence of the great stick picker Ansel."
  
  "Indeed mein Herr, I assumed the same. With more than half of the kingdom embroiled in civil war, trade routes have been blockaded, farmlands barren...the kingdom has seen better days."
  
  "Call court tomorrow and send invitations to all the lords who still have faith in the crown, best to act on this now before it's too late."
  
  "As you say so mein Herr, I'll take my leave."
  
  "God be with you."
  
  Henry nods and takes his leave. You stand up looking around the room, the white chambers of the corridor glisten in the dawn sunlight. So much has happened in these last 6 months since the death of your father. Your coronation, the splitting of the kingdom between your half-brothers, civil war...it's all so very stressful. You thought that you would be a Just and great ruler like your father, instead all that's happened is your wealth being distributed 4-ways and then your share being robbed by the coup. Father had the great idea of having a strong bloodline to keep our house as the rulers...little did he now the repercussions of doing so. You need to I still order and instilling order requires wealth and wealth has been next to impossible to come by. At times you fear for your life and sleep with a sword at your bed...other times, in order to alleviate the intense stressful environment you've made some...unwise decisions.
  
  There's a knock on the door.
  
  "May I come in mein Herr?", says a melodious and beautiful feminine voice.
  
  "Who's there?"
  
  "How mean of you mein Herr, you don't even remember my name? Have you forgotten all the fun we had last time?" Says the voice as the door opens. In steps a beautiful maiden, dressed in an extremely revealing gown. 'Isabella' you recall her name, she was the Italian wench you met yesterday.
  
  "But I forgive you, I've got a kind heart after all," she says while holding her chest, "and I've even got a few of my acquaintances this time, they would love to have fun and pleasure you..."
  
  > Do not agree
  "I apologize, Isa. There are far more important things to do at this moment. This fiefdom has begun to fall apart and if I don't make a move now I fear it'll become too late."
  
  "'More important things.' Do you mean to imply I'm not important to you?" she says. You don't know how to respond to that but thankfully she speaks, as of aware about that fact. "Very well, I'll leave you be, mein Herr." She snidely remarks and rushes out, not looking at you for even a moment.
  
  Ah she'll come around, she always does. You kind of like her child-like personality though, so you might keep this on for a bit more...
  
  More importantly, tomorrow is the day that could likely decide the future of this fiefdom. These last 6 months have simply flew over, considering your coronation and distribution of your father's wealth across you and your 3 other half-brothers. At least your glad that your half-brothers did not demand more and left Prague castle under your dominion as father had hoped. It would certainly be beneficial for you if you could get their support and convince them tomorrow against that great stick picker Ansel.
  
  Then comes the nobles of the nearby land who claim to be loyal to the crown. Most of them are embroiled in war with Ansel's supporters, and all that they seek for is peace. If you could help them by providing military support, they certainly would favour you, but that doesn't serve their wishes. Sometimes, you think that you could always try and sign a treaty of sorts with the imperial cities, that way the war would be purely diplomatic in nature. "Treaty with that stick picker and for what is rightfully mine?" Then again, it could buy you a lot of time to set up and execute a good plan to rid yourself of them.
  
  The lords who are neutral, seek to not get embroiled in the war and be left alone. You see their point and you aren't a mad bloodthirsty ruler who wants all his subjects slaughtered. If you could sign a treaty and make this from a war into a war of words then they could be more inclined to support the crown. Then again, there could also be those who ideologically believe that the Imperial cities should be free...
  
  As for the treasonous lords who support Ansel, you'll have to try something different. They are not going to be as easily available for parley as the other two. Maybe you could personally travel and persuade them? But they could fight you on sight and not give you a chance to speak. If you're somehow able to convince these lords, that'll be a major setback to Ansel and his treacherous plans.
  
  You could also try and ask little Sigi for help. Though he's not "little" anymore. You've heard he's doing very well after defeating those invading mongols at the border of Hungary. Even then you would owe him a favour, and owing favours to other monarchs isn't something you're too fond of. Who knows how much has changed after these years though, would he still be willing to support you? He didn't even attend father's funeral...
  
  You sit on the bed in your chamber, and give out a very noticeable sigh. As you lie down and pull up the covers, you say a short prayer to the lord in your mind. If everything fails all you'll have with you to rely upon is him after all, and that's a possibility that you hope does not come true
  
  > Continue
  A mirror, with borders of silver and a few gems embedded in it is facing you. The flawless reflecting surface sparkling in the morning sunlight entering through the slightly open windows opposite. You look at your reflection and run your hand across your face. There's a slight stubble at your chin and you do look a bit too much pale; but nevertheless as a monarch. Running your hand down the pure silk of your cloak, you take the silver cross hanging around in your palm in your hand making the sign of the cross. "Lord, I wish and ask you for only one thing. Let whatever happen today happen with a positive outcome."
  
  A knock on the door, and two servants enter holding the crown in their hand. After affirming your permission, they place it over your head and give a deep bow.
  
  "The guests have arrived mein Herr, Sir Edward is engaged in conversation with them."
  
  "How's their mood Heinrich?" you ask the servant adressing you.
  
  "They are pretty satisfied with the hospitality provided, as you had ordered we served them the finest red wine and cheese in the castle. One of them even complimented on how the king held them in high regard. Sir Edward is currently engaged in conversation with the council."
  
  "Good, very good. Entertain any and every need they have and tell them I will be with them shortly."
  
  "Sir Edward wanted you to have this," he says while putting forward a sealed envelope. "He says it's of great importance."
  
  Taking it from his hand, you dismiss the servants and using the letter opener break open the seal.
  
  "Mein Herr,
  
  I have managed to convince our friendly lords to provide military and financial aid to our war against the imperial cities. They have agreed on the condition that the king guarantees them a 25% reduced tithes to the church and kingdom; claiming it to be the cost of raising a war party. However, Herr Zubrech has demanded a 50% reduction, which is a bit outrageous. However, he has the best archers in the realm, along with a very good number and quality of artillery. The decision is upto you mein Herr.
  
  The lords preferring the path of neutrality, are stubborn and did not wish any part of the war. I promised them that their lands would come to no harm by providing a manpower; but they did not budge. I believe if you could give them your word, they wouuld agree; however Herr Divish of Talmberg refuses to budge and is also trying to convince our supporting lords against their decision.
  
  Surprisingly, quite a few of the rebellious nobles attended the council; but refused to speak to anyone other than the king. Mein herr, they refused to lay their weapons down and to take a seat. I would advise a bit caution.
  
  One of the messengers informed that your younger brother, king Sigismund of Hungary was due to arrive today too.
  
  Do come at the earliest, mein Herr. There's a slow development of restlessness in the atmosphere."
  
  You're a little surprised upon reading the news of your Sigi's arrival. He hadn't even attended father's funeral but he's arriving for a council meeting? Father had told you that he had changed and he no longer would have any personal affection for our house, but to this extent? Does he not have even a droplet of care for his family?
  
  After closing your eyes for a moment and taking a deep breath you recall memories of your childhood, and your little brother. The day you taught him to ride a horse for the first time. Your innumerable sparring sessions with him as a child. Though younger and weaker, he outclassed you in agility and skill. You remember the day of his departure eight years ago, you missed him a lot since then.
  
  Shaking your head to clear out these memories, you push open the doors. You'll have time for a deep conversation later. Now, you've got to focus on this.
  
  Heading down the passageway, you enter the main hall.
  
  "...that's completely unacceptable Sir Edward! I am Herr Divish of Talmberg and I refuse to send the youth of my lands to be skewered in your mad conquest for glory! Kindly let us all be in peace and go back to our lands since there will be nothing fruitful from this endavour."
  
  "Mad conquest for glory you say Divish? Is it a mad conquest to support your king in his time of need against treason?" you say as you enter. The lords around you, including Divish, stand up and give you a deep bow. You wave your hand and they settle down. Divish stands up and continues,"Mein Herr, it's an honour to be in your presence. Do not consider my words as a sign ad an embodiment of lack of support in your rule; however I am just concerned for the safety of my kin, as their lord it is my duty and the purpose of my life to uphold their well-being."
  
  "I am well-aware and have deep respect for the amount of responsibilty you take for your occupation. However, this is a huge and grave matter; the stability and order of this fiefdom is at stake, and with your help, with all of your help," you say, to all the lords around you,"we can manage, and I dare say crush this filthy stick picker who wishes to ravage our lands."
  
  "With all due respect mein Herr, do you think it wise to wage a war? Could this war not be fought with the aid of words rather than steel? Is the sacrifice of so many of our kin required for this cause, for a mere dispute?"
  
  You look at Divish, and see the golden embroided cloak he wears, shimmering in the faint sunlight seeping through the windowsill. His visage, with little wrinkled lines and greyish-white hair, a clear reflection of his age. What Divish proposes does hold true, why should you sacrifice the lives of the new generation of your kingdom when there is an alternatively less bloodier option? But the demand that Ansel would put forward would undoubtedly be freedom; no, no that's not possible. You aren't about to stoop so low so as to give away that which is rightfully yours. Divish dared to comment on this war as a 'mere dispute'. The murder of your father, treason within your own lands is 'mere' to him? You could reprimand him on this and make an example out of him to keep the other nobles in line. After all power is achieved through only willingness to serve. You could instead, reprimand him and put your own points forward; or at least try to convince the others to not follow his path.
  
  > argue with him and try to convince him
  "Herr Divish, I'm appalled by your reference to this situation on our hands as a 'mere' event. This, is no 'mere' event, but a very serious event that threatens the crowns power over this fiefdom! What you call a mad conquest is an essential necessity to root out this anarchy instilled in my fiefdom! If the only solution to that is war and the sacrifices of a few valiant warrior for a greater cause so be it! I give you my word that those fallen in battle; those who give their lives in servitude of the crown will have the highest honour and respect bestowed upon them. I am no mad tyrant out for bloodlust. I want to restore order and peace back in this realm and the only way to achieve that at this moment is through taking up arms against the demon. I'm sure all of us here know how the path of diplomacy led to a severe tragedy."
  
  "You claim for this conquest for 'order' to be a noble cause, but no amount of honour or request can convince me to send my youth out there as sheep for slaughter. I apologise mein Herr; but my opinion on this has not changed."
  
  Another lord stands up and speaks, "But herr Divish, you and I are loyal to this crown and loyal to this fiefdom. I'm sure you're well aware about the looming threat from herr Ansel. Being neutral in this conflict will not gurantee complete avoidance with him; war is inevitable and I prefer to fight alongside the crown rather than alone where I would have no chance."
  
  Another lord says,"Same for me. The town Raschig has always been loyal to the crown and will never back down this time; especially in time of need."
  
  A third lord says,"Only if we all unite will we have a chance to defeat this stick picker! I agree with you completely, mein Herr Wenceslas."
  
  Soon all of the lords present in court agree to lend you their manpower to raise a war party against Ansel. All except for Divish.
  
  "I'm willing to take a risk"
  
  "Very well then Herr Divish," you say,"It's your choice, however I request for a tax to be levied on Talmberg to support the formation of the war party, as well as the artillery equipment in the fort of Talmberg."
  
  "But, we need it for our defense with the economy is already in a bad state. Raising a levy now would be unwi-"
  
  "Herr Divish, I'm sure you should contribute in some way to this cause. It's for our own good, or would you prefer to be overthrown by Ansel?"
  
  "Not in the slightest, herr Zubrech. Very well, as you wish mein herr."
  
  > On to the planning phase
  You walk along the other nobles to the war room and all of you start to discuss a viable strategy to invade the fort of Millvesko. The stronghold of the coup. The fort is located on an elevated hill which provides a good vantage point in the surroundings; making an offense especially vulnerable to archery. However, it is not located in the major town of Millvesko, but a miles south of it in the forest. Thus guerilla warfare would be useful owing to plenty natural cover.
  
  "We could potentially place a trebuchet right here," points out herr Zubrech on the clay model of the fort, "that could give us a direct angle on the roof."
  
  "Also a few catapults hidden in plain sight in the forest could lay devastating damage; they won't know what hit them," adds another lord.
  
  "In fact," you add,"if we concentrate our trebuchet and catapult firing on one single section of the wall, could temporarily create an enemy free breach; at least until reinforcement archers arrive."
  
  "Then our ground troops and cavalry could invade the breach and from there on, the fort is easily ours."
  
  "Simple and subtle."
  
  "The simpler the plans, the effective they are."
  
  "...and the easier to counter."
  
  "Then I suggest we fortify our base of operations in case we're outfoxed by the enemy."
  
  "Good idea, digging a few trenches and attaching a few pikes would obstruct the cavalry. We could also use the canopy of the forest to station archers."
  
  "We could make our camp as quiet as possible, and lure them into a trap. Classic guerilla warfare. So, I think a small contingent of men-at-arms, preferably with experience in hunting should be enough."
  
  "That should be easy to arrange for," you say.
  
  After discussing a few more details on the location, number of troops, etc. you dismiss the council.
  
  "That's it then Edward. In within the next month we shall strike at them in the dead of the night and eleminate those scoundrels for good."
  
  "I agree mein Herr, if all goes according to plan we should be able to restore peace in these lands once again."
  
  One of your palace guards enters the room.
  
  "A messenger has arrived at the gates mein Herr."
  
  "From whom?"
  
  "Sigismund of Hungary."
  
  > Continue
  You enter the main hall and take a seat at the throne. Two guards, dressed from head to toe in full plate armour stand beside you, always alert and at the ready.
  
  "Send him in."
  
  The doors of the main hall are opened by two men-at-arms, who lead a frail looking young man dressed in a simple shirt and wearing riding boots.
  
  "A very good day to you mein Herr," says the man in a deep German accent as he bows deeply. "I come in the name of Sigismund of Hungary who wishes to convey to you a message," he says as he removes a sealed envelope from his jacket. One of the guards beside you takes the envelope from his hand and breaks the seal, handing it to you.
  
  "Dear brother Wenceslas,
  
  It's been a very long time since we last spoke and I last saw you. Time sure changes things a lot, doesn't it? Anyway I've become aware that you're having a bit of a problem with the lords of the kingdom. Let's meet so we can discuss this in a bit more detail in person. I should be arriving within a day or two of this letter's arrival to you.
  
  Sigismund."
  
  "My sincere thanks to You mein Herr. I should be taking my leave now."
  
  "Give my regards to Sigi."
  
  "Certainly."
  
  The next day you prepare a royal feast for the arrival of your brother, which is not quite a feast since it involves only the two of you along with two men-at-arms standing at guard.
  
  The main doors to the dining hall open and in steps your little brother, Sigi. He's become as tall as you and has a much more mature stance than before. He's changed so much appearance-wise that you couldn't recognize him for a second.
  
  "Ah! Brother, its a pleasure to meet you," you say as you stand and head towards him."
  
  "Pleasure's all mine," he says, and takes a seat directly opposite to you on the table.
  
  His voice has changed considerably, and there's a hint of a German accent in there.
  
  "So, having a bit trouble with that unruly bastard Ansel, aren't you?
  
  "You know him?"
  
  "Of course I know the man responsible for murdering our Father, Wenceslas. I just don't understand the means he used to gain such a big army and support from all of the cities. It takes real talent to convince such a huge number of people towards the path treason."
  
  "That bloody stick picker is going to atone for what he has done. I'll make sure of that."
  
  "I'm sure about that. In fact I know of one of his supporting lords, the lord of Silver Skalitz."
  
  "Sir Radzig?"
  
  "Yes, the treacherous bastard has been feeding that army through it's silver mines since the start of this whole mess."
  
  "Go for it then, and be sure to run him and his village to the ground!"
  
  "Certainly. What about Ansel then?"
  
  "I've planned with the other lords to launch an assault at the fort of Millvesko at night. He won't even know what hit him."
  
  "Oh I'm sure he won't."
  
  You continue to dine along with your brother reminiscing about the old days. It's good to meet him after all these years, the palace certainly feels like home after a long time.
  
  > Continue
  A servant enters the room and bows,"I apologise for the intrusion, but there is an urgent message to be delivered."
  
  "What is it Heinrich?"
  
  "You've got a letter from Rome, mein Herr, from the Pope Benedict."
  
  "Well hurry up and open it then."
  
  "As you say, mein Herr."
  
  "Respected King of the Romans,
  
  I kindly request your presence at Rome at the earliest, pertaining to a very serious matter at hand. Kindly be there at the earliest."
  
  "Seems like a very urgent summoning for you, brother."
  
  "And at the wrong time too, at that. A month before the invasion. Can't help it. Heinrich, send a letter to the Pope apologising, and explaining the coup along with the reason it's of paramount importance that my presence should be in Bohemia. Also write that I would be there at the earliest."
  
  "As you wish, mein herr. I'll send it instantly."
  
  "That was the wisest decision you could've made."
  
  "I certainly hope so, father has given the both of a lot of responsibilities."
  
  "Yes...more to one as compared to the other."
  
  "What do you mean?"
  
  "Nothing! Nothing, anyway brother I think it's time I took my leave, thank you for your hospitality"
  
  "So soon? At least stay for a few weeks."
  
  "I'm afraid I can't. I have to attend a feast in Rokshire tomorrow and it's best if I left now."
  
  "Alright then, do come visit anytime you feel like. These castle doors will always remain open for you.
  
  > The Day Of The Assault
  The dark night sky looks like it's dotted with various spots of white on a never-ending black canvas. The telltale sound of horseshoes beating the dry ground beneath is all around you. You ride, along with your army of 20,000 men comprising of footmen, cavalry, knights and siege handlers. Flags of various houses, along with the flag of Bohemia perched at the top fly high in the deep night sky.
  
  "We're here mein Herr," says a noble riding beside you.
  
  "Let's set up camp then. I trust you all know what to do?"
  
  "Yes. Set up camp, dig trenches, place traps and pikes and position men hidden in the canopy."
  
  "What about the artillery?"
  
  Another noble rushes forward on horseback,"Hidden safe and sound among the leaves mein Herr."
  
  "Don't forget to activate them when you receive the signal. The success of this assault completely depends on that."
  
  This is it. Today's the day you rid your fiefdom from this menace. Today's the day you avenge your father. The men-at-arms immediately get to work setting tents, sharpening swords, practicing through duels, and the like. You head towards the center of the camp and stand over a wooden crate.
  
  "Everyone! Everyone here listen to me! Lend me your ears! We are here today, on an endeavour to make things right, to serve this great kingdom of Bohemia by ridding them of these scum, to fight for the greater good! I expect all of you, sons of this great kingdom to show them our might; and to show them the greatness of our motherland!"
  
  "We fight, we capture, we conquer!
  
  For a better day, for a better tomorrow,
  
  We see, we plan, we conquer!
  
  To find a way, to avoid bitter sorrow,
  
  We cry, we die, we kill,
  
  For a right cause, for a just cause,
  
  We try, we sigh, we fill,
  
  A grave, for a better tomorrow."
  
  Upon hearing this, you and your men feel your chest swell with pride; pride for the great kingdom of Bohemia. For all she has given you all, for all that you owe her. This kingdom, these lands are yours. They belong to you and your men and you will be damned if you let anyone do any harm to them! It is the will of the lord himself that you came to be where you are today. The Will of the lord that you could form this army, and it certainly is the will of the lord that you should be victorious today. The night sky is filled with echoes of shouts and cheers.
  
  "For Bohemia!"
  
  > The Fight
  Leading a contingent of troops with you, all of you silently creep in the dark night hiding in the shadows and rich greenery of the surrounding forest. Thankfully, you encounter no resistance on the way to the castle wall. You instantly order your men to gather dry leaves, twigs and wood to create a fire. Once they gather the fire and kindling, taking a flintstone, you quickly hit it against another stone directing the spark towards the kindling. You have tried to make the fire as small as possible in order to not alert the castle guards. The smoke will be your main indication.
  
  Keeping a safe distance, you patiently wait for the boulder from the catapult to smash the wall to pieces.
  
  "How are the conditions of men?" You ask the army general.
  
  "Everyone is alert and ready for battle mein Herrr."
  
  "Good, all we need is that catapult going off now."
  
  But, it never does. It has been over an hour since you left the smoke signal. They should have received the signal by now. You wonder what is wrong.
  
  You send a small contingent of cavalry men, but after waiting for a long time, they never return too.
  
  "All men mount up! We're going to go and see what is wrong."
  
  You ride with your men at the highest speed your steed will take you, but as you were riding you and your men were caught completely unaware by the barrage of arrows that flew from the night sky right at you.
  
  Your horse was impaled by an arrow. It started getting agitated and instantly jerked forward bucking you off in the proces. For a second, you're dazed from the hard impact on the soil, but you instantly get your senses back and stand up. You have hit your left arm pretty badly and cannot move it.
  
  However, your men were not as fortunate as you are. As far as your vision can go, all you see are streams of bright red blood flowing throw arrows impaled on their body. They never stood a chance. You are the only survivor.
  
  Suddenly, from all directions archers comeforth. Their arrows knocked in their strings and aimed at you Through them, comes a figure. A figure you are extremely familiar with.
  
  > Little Sigi
  "Brother, brother. What a shame. What a shame indeed. Father was right, you are too trusting for your own good."
  
  "Sig-Sigi?"
  
  "It's Sigismund. Sigismund of Hungary. The soon to be king of Bohemia and Hungary and holy roman emperor."
  
  "Wh-what is the meaning of this?"
  
  "You still don't understand, do you big brother? It was me! I was the one who has been plotting this with Ansel all this time. How do you think a bunch of city-states with bare minimum military power managed to make their army number in the thousands? How did you think they knew exactly how to bypass the defenses of the church to assassinate father? How do you think they knew, you were coming for them? It was me, they had the support of me and Hungary all the time."
  
  You are shocked. Your own little brother, someone who you trusted more than even yourself, someone who you could even trust your life with; betrayed you like this?!
  
  "Why? Why did you do this?"
  
  "Father always preferred you for everything he did. He wanted you to be his successor, not me! He wanted you to rule over Bohemia, not me! He wanted you to become the holy emperor, and not me! Instead, he just wanted to get rid of me by sending me away to that god-forsaken land, strewn with rebels and invaders! I have slept with a sword in my hand at all times, fearing for my life, while you were hidden away in your little palace; dolted and spoiled in luxury! I am glad to get rid of that unruly god's stench we call our fath-"
  
  But you don't let him finish. You instantly draw your sword and-
  
  > rush at him
  Holding your sword with both hands, you instantly rush towards him letting out a battle cry. However you don't get very far, as in the next instant you see an arrow heading right at you towards your eyes, and then an instant sharp pain in your temple; then...darkness.