What Price of a Crown

“What price of a crown of a King on his throne when he sits all alone?” asked the monarch.

Trandor IV sat alone at a forgotten pond on the royal estate. “I should have done so much more to help my people. Instead, I listen to those who craved power for themselves. What a fool I have been,” remarked the king.

Trandor became the king when he was young. Despite his mother’s warning, he surrounded himself with his father’s advisors.

“They told me exactly what I wanted to hear. I never doubted a word, even when there was ample evidence to question their counsel,” said Trandor.

The king’s thoughts wandered as he sat in the stillness of the park. “I will give them what they want and leave this realm. Perhaps then my mind will be at peace,” said the king.

Tossing a silver into the pond, the old man made a wish. “Fates, leave me for a fortnight to settle my affairs.” Trandor muttered, “Then I’m yours to deal with as you will.”

The king abdicated the throne to his brother. He left the kingdom with only a horse and a pack mule.

“The sisters will visit me to collect their due. One does not renege on payment to the norns,” said Trandor.

Two weeks after the king stepped down, he was found dead in his bed. This happened at the abbey of St. Michael’s.

Tales tell of an angel standing beside the king, or maybe it was a demon. Either way, the monks swore the apparition lifted the king skyward and then vanished.

We who have not had a crown upon our heads must not judge the old king.

Who knows the cost a king pays for the privilege of wearing it for even the shortest time?

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