Crown of Shadows

Queen Ginnarra

rules the kingdom of Aberon with an iron fist.

To her devout followers,

she's the Prophet of the Abyss,

a master of unfathomable power,

commanding forces that lie beyond the grasp

of mortal understanding.

They believe that through their evil deeds,

they may win her unearthly blessings.

She led a rebellion against us and murdered my father.

I fled to the deadlines,

in exile.

They who devote themselves to the Gods of the Abyss

forsake their humanity,

embracing atrocity, murder

and every unspeakable act known to man.

It is through human suffering, grief, loss, and horror

that she seeks to appease the dark gods.

And with their power, she commands our fate.

But there is a truth that chills the blood within my veins.

Queen Ginnarra is not only the ruler of our kingdom,

she is my sister.

On that day,

I often wonder what my father's final words were?

Was it he who summoned it?

I will never know what it was,

and I have never seen it again.

Without its fire and smoke,

I could not have escaped.

It saved me,

but it could not save my father,

neither could I.

Begone demon.

I see you, dearest brother.

Wait,

Has she not seen you?

She sees you.

Run.

- By order of Queen Ginnarra, you are sentenced to death.

I knew your father, boy. I served him.

Now you can die for him.

Prepare to meet your father.

He escaped us.

Mother will be disappointed.

We...

Wait.

You needn't worry.

He is still here.

In fact,

he's right

over

there.

Protect the Prince.

Are you deaf?

Do you seek it?

No.

Will you help me up?

What happened?

What happened?

Please, help us.

My Prince.

It is through human suffering, grief, loss,

and horror that she seeks to appease the Dark Gods.

And with their power,

my sister commands our fate.

- Your journey brought you up a cold hill

and now you are to be serenaded

by the passing of the innocent.

Do you not wish to join them?

So, you might be death,

but you may be

but an uninvited companion that you surely are.

Uninvited, yes,

but not unwelcome.

You are ancient and wise.

I suspect as much.

It is said.

May I ask a question

For a price?

What price?

How may I defeat my sister?

A worthy question,

but not the one that beats loudest in your heart.

- The beast that saved me, What is it?

What do I wish to ask?

About your father?

You dream of him.

You want to know his words?

You must wait and ask him, yourself.

Be patient for the embrace of mortality looms ever closer.

I know death well, old one.

I said...

Prince Raemin was right.

All we had to do was sow despair

and there you would be

bleating like a sorrowful lamb.

I should have seen you.

Yes, but well,

your sister possesses many dark gifts.

Perhaps I shall receive one

after presenting her with your head.

This head?

He must not be swiftly killed.

He must suffer through the night.

Cripple him,

but he must still breathe.

Your sister ordered us to flay the skin off your face

and bury you alive.

What do you think about that?

Start digging the pit.

In a short time,

your face will be in that jar.

You'll not see me again.

But I shall see you.

Run.

- You are hereby stripped of your titles of rank.

Your flesh shall not bear the mark of the Black God.

Your body shall be removed from this court

and taken to a sacrificial site.

By order of Queen Ginnarra,

you shall be mutilated beyond recognition,

your hands severed and displayed atop the prison tower

as a warning to others.

Your torment shall continue beyond death

for now and forever.

So it is written, so it is commanded.

- Have you nothing to say in your defense.

Why did you fail?

Why are your clothes so dirty?

You smell of soot and smoke?

I cannot believe what I say.

Speak

- Your Majesty, your brother was within our grasp.

Something fell from the sky like a shooting star,

It breathed fire.

We could not fight it.

Chancellor,

question him.

Learn everything

And your decree?

We shall spare him.

Uncover his wife or child.

Let him choose one to take his place.

- I would rather die, your Majesty.

I know.