King Naresuan

KINGDOM OF WAR PART 1

In the year 1563 C.E.,

15 years after Suriyothai passed away,

Prince Bayinnong ascended to the throne

as the King of Hongsawadee, the heir of King Tabengchaweti.

He led his army past the Maelamao border

taking over northern cities on his way to the kingdom of Ayutthaya.

Once King Bayinnong had control over Kampaengphet,

Sukhothai and Sawankhalok,

he led his forces to the northern kingdom of Phitsanulok.

King Bayinnong and his forces have reached the kingdom of Phitsanulok.

Hongsawadee has our kingdom surrounded. They are great in numbers.

Never has Phitsanulok faced a war of this magnitude.

The plague has decimated our soldiers to the north.

Our kingdom is in desperate need of food.

Citizens everywhere are seeking shelter in the city.

King Chakkraphat of Ayutthaya and his men

have positioned soldiers around their city

in their own defense.

They do not intend to send help.

It's an insult.

When Ayutthaya was in danger

due to the treacherous actions of Worawongsa and Srisudajan,

we and our northern allies risked our lives

leading an army to Ayutthaya to fight for the kingdom,

and to place King Chakkraphat upon the throne.

Now, in Phitsanulok's darkest hour,

Ayutthaya has abandoned us.

If our kingdoms cannot look after each other,

then Phitsanulok and Ayutthaya

can no longer be allies.

King Thammaracha has called a truce.

Victory is ours.

I've faced many skilled warriors,

but you're the finest.

I still recall our fight at Makhamjom.

If the King of Prae hadn't helped you,

I would have killed you.

So what say you?

Will you side with Hongsawadee or Ayutthaya?

Phitsanulok is no longer an enemy of Hongsawadee.

It's not my desire to force you.

Is that why you must take my son, Ong Dam, as collateral?

I swear before the heavens above

that I, Bayinnong Kayodinoratha,

will raise Ong Dam as if he were my own son.

No one shall harm him.

If I fail in this promise,

may the heavens strike me down.

The King of Hongsawadee, ruler of all lands,

has issued a royal decree...

to remove his Royal Highness Prince Naresuan,

son of King Thammaracha,

to be fostered at Hongsawadee

as a royal hostage.

No, son. Don't go.

Don't go! I forbid you!

Ong Dam, my son.

Haven't you learned to show respect, young prince?

I show my respect...

to those who deserve it.

Wise words for such a young boy.

Who taught you to speak like that?

My heart is my only teacher.

Very well. I will not force you to do as others do.

If anyone else were to do as you have...

they would be executed.

After taking control of Phitsanulok,

King Bayinnong led his armies to attack Ayutthaya.

AYUTTHAYA

Fire!

Don't let them just walk into our city!

Ayutthaya is well protected.

We cannot penetrate their walls.

Do you know why?

Because the Ayutthayan army is fearless.

Your uncle, King Chakkraphat,

and Prince Ramesuan are smart warriors.

Wars are not won by weapons alone.

They are won through intelligence.

SANPET PRASAT PALACE

Ramesuan, how much longer must we continue to fight?

The rainy season is almost upon us.

With the first drops of rain...

the Hongsawadee army will return home.

By then, Ayutthaya will be destroyed.

Our army is smaller than theirs.

I recommend we stand and fight.

Soon the floods

will wash away their forces.

By such time everyone in Ayutthaya will have perished.

King Bayinnong has proposed an end to this war.

We shall hear his proposal.

Lord Rachapakee, gather the workers and build a pavilion

between Atsadawaat and Nakphramain Temples.

I once sent word

requesting both friendship and two white elephants

for my kingdom.

However, you did not oblige.

So I had to bring an attack upon your kingdom.

Now I'm requesting four white elephants.

How do you find this?

Will you accept my proposal or not?

If you truly are a magnificent king,

promise me

that you'll take your army back to Hongsawadee.

Then I will give you the four white elephants which you seek.

Prince Ramesuan must also return with me.

If you do as I ask, I will lead my army out of here.

Prince Ramesuan must remain here. He is heir to the throne.

Prince Mahin can take on his responsibilities.

If they remain together,

your eventual death could result in a bitter power struggle,

leaving your people in a difficult position.

I swear

that I will foster Prince Ramesuan as if he were my own.

As you swear before the heavens,

I shall not stop you.

But you must release my people

and return my soldiers

so they may protect my city.

It will be done

if I may have Lord Chakri and Lord Sunthornsongkram

so they can serve Prince Ramesuan.

I take it you have no objections.

PHITSANULOK

Do not fear for our son.

King Bayinnong pledged to care for Ong Dam

as if he were his own son.

A promise cannot alleviate my fears.

He still lies in the heartland of the enemy.

Hongsawadee is not our enemy.

HONGSAWADEE

You do not need to follow me.

I'm going to the market where the Siamese captives are.

The people of Siam will not harm me.

Return home.

From now on, you needn't wait on me.

I am just another Siamese captive.

Leave.

If you continue to follow me,

I'll have you all caned.

When are you going to clear your debts?

Your interest now exceeds your principal amount.

Have pity on me. I'm Siamese, like you.

Leave nationality out of this.

Money is irrelevant to your birthplace.

Have pity on me. I have no money.

Thief! Thief! Thief!

Hey! Catch him.

Hey! Catch him. Don't let him get away.

Catch him!

Do you think this is a game?

There he is! Thief! Thief!

Kill him!

Enough,enough!

You're all Siamese, aren't you?

Why must you do this to each other?

He's always stealing things. He needs to be taught a lesson.

- What has he stolen from you? - Food, Your Highness.

He's probably hungry. ls a little food too much to ask?

We're all Siamese here.

I'm no longer Siamese.

King Bayinnong has granted me Hongsawadee citizenship.

I didn't know a Siamese could betray his nationality so easily.

I'll stay where I receive benefits.

If I'm not mistaken, you're Ong Dam, right?

And how about your father?

Aren't we here

because your father sided with Hongsa?

Since you asked me to spare the kid, I will.

But if he ever steals from me again,

then even God can't save him.

I'll beat him to death.

Get away!

Do not steal again,

as I will not help you.

I have no home. May I stay with you?

I promise to serve you faithfully.

Why do you refuse to bow

to the son of Hongsawadee royalty?

If you insist on fighting our customs,

then I will force you to your knees.

Then come try it.

Come down and kneel before Prince Mangsamkiat now.

Stay away from him!

Stop right there, Lukwaithammo!

Prince Naresuan is the son of King Thammaracha,

ruler of Phitsanulok.

There's no need for him to prostrate himself before vice-royalty.

Royal hierarchy decrees

that Mangsamkiat is of lesser nobility,

and should bow to Prince Naresuan.

Mangsamkiat, where is your respect for Prince Naresuan?

Lukwaithammo, apologize to Prince Naresuan at once.

From now on, no one lays a hand on Prince Naresuan.

Violators will be beheaded.

I apologize

for having offended the rank and pride

of the Prince of Phitsanulok.