Austin had tried his hardest, that he knew without a shadow of a doubt. The life of a ruler was plagued with difficult choices. But worst of all were the realities no one knew.

"A shadow comes to swallow your kingdom. Before your reign has ended you shall see your home in flames."

So said the teller. Austin knew what must be done.

The safety of his people was paramount, they looked to him for safety and guidance. He would be no ruler if he let the coming darkness threaten his people.

And so he made his preparations. He couldn't explain why, but he increased the taxation of his people. He explained it was for their safety, to fend of crime and dangers outside their borders. The people grumbled and complained, they called his selfish. Austin ignored it, how could they even begin to understand the choice he had to make for his kingdom, THEIR kingdom.

"My lord, the people are, overall, disapproving of you taxation. I strongly recommend easing the amount, some of your subjects are... struggling." Austins steward was concerned for the people and for Austin.

"Worry not. There is a plan, and I shall see to it those people will be given paid work." Something in Austins words did not put the steward at ease, not for either of his worries.

That was when the mines were opened. Those who struggled worked the mines. To begin with the offer of work was a welcome change, but the demands were heavy and unrelenting. Whilst being reminded that their work was for the betterment of the empire, they were pushed to breaking point.

The mood of the people changed. There was unrest on the streets. The words 'tyrant' and 'slaver' were whispered in the dark. This was how it would begin then. Their enemy would destroy them from inside. It was not long before the mines were filled with those charged with treason.

"My Lord, I urge you to reconsider. The people are displeased as it is. I don't need to tell you what they call you."

"Enough."

"The Tyrant King."

"ENOUGH. You are just like them, you cannot understand that I do what I do for THEIR PROTECTION, FOR YOUR PROTECTION." Austin turned his back on the steward. "Leave me, your services are no longer required in these halls."

The same day, Austin personally announced his conscription plan. He would have an army ready and waiting, armed and trained. They would be ruthless, for they would fight with the fury of those eager to protect their home.

Austin was right. When the people turned on him, they rose up, armed and trained, fighting with the fury of those eager to protect their homes.

His every choice had been made for them, but he had been blinded by the fires he feared would engulf his city. Now he stood looking across the burning city, knowing who he was. The Tyrant King. The Coming Shadow.