The Second Son

The ruling family of the Riverlands had enjoyed generations of peace and growth. Lord Edmund, the head of the family, was a wise and just ruler who cared deeply for his people and their well-being. He had four children: his eldest son and heir, Arthur; his second son, Bruno; and his two daughters, Elara and Isolde.

As the years passed, the siblings grew to be close, sharing in their love for their homeland and its people. However, as they reached adulthood, the seeds of discord began to take root. Arthur, being the eldest, was groomed to inherit the throne, while Bruno, the second son, would be granted a prominent position within the kingdom's administration. In truth, Bruno harbored a deep-seated resentment toward his elder brother, believing that he was better suited to lead the Riverlands.

Bruno's ambitions did not go unnoticed by the other nobles, who saw an opportunity to further their own goals. They began to whisper in Bruno's ear, sowing seeds of doubt and discontent. With subtle manipulation, they convinced him that Arthur was a weak and indecisive ruler, incapable of ensuring the prosperity of their beloved kingdom.

As these rumors spread, the Riverlands began to fracture, with some supporting Arthur's claim to the throne and others rallying behind Bruno. The siblings' once-close relationship grew strained, and the tension between them threatened to tear the ruling family apart. Lord Edmund, desperate to preserve the unity of his realm and his family, called for a great council to resolve the growing dispute.

At the council, Arthur and Bruno each presented their case for why they should lead the Riverlands. Arthur spoke of his devotion to the people and his desire to continue his father's legacy of wise and just rule. Bruno, on the other hand, argued that the kingdom was in need of a strong and decisive leader who would not hesitate to make difficult choices for the greater good.

The debate raged on for days, but eventually, the nobles were forced to make a decision. By a narrow margin, they chose to support Arthur's claim to the throne. Enraged and unwilling to accept defeat, Bruno challenged his brother to a duel to the death, the victor taking the throne.

Although Arthur wished to avoid bloodshed, the code of honor demanded that he accept his brother's challenge. As the two siblings faced each other on the field of combat, their hearts heavy with regret, the people of the Riverlands watched in hushed silence.

The battle between the two brothers was evenly matched and the two traded blows until, finally, Bruno saw an opportunity. Arthur significantly favored his right hand and the two were forced next to an iron column that restricted Arthur's ability to parry. Bruno seized the moment and struck high, piercing his brother's shoulder. Arthur fell and his sword was knocked loose.

Just as Bruno was about to land the decisive blow, Lord Edmund, could bear the sight no longer. He stepped forward, raising his hand. "Enough!" he cried, his voice filled with sorrow. "I will not see my sons destroy each other for the sake of power."

Enraged by his father's intervention, Bruno felt betrayed and humiliated. He had been so close to achieving his goal, only to have it snatched away. With a roar of anger, he turned his back on his family and fled the kingdom.

Finding solace in the Warriors Guild, Bruno vowed to grow stronger and more skilled, so that one day he might return to the Riverlands and claim the throne from his brother. In his heart, he knew that only then would he be able to ensure the prosperity of the kingdom and its people.

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