"I promised his mother."

A pause.

"Even more importantly, I promised a kingdom."

The aged king stared over his land, moodily gazing down at the courtyard that spread out from beneath his hands - over the grey lands overshadowed by the darkening sky. Beneath his hands, the stonework was crumbling on the edges, a sure sign of things to come.

"As he is now - nothing can change. And in these times, chance and destiny only come to those who would grasp it in their hands - and claim it for what it is - theirs."

"He is soft and gentle - loving the living and spurning the strength of hatred," another grey, old voice murmured beside the king. "Yet... people can change..."

"You know it well, Lamuel. I am afraid.."

The king stared out over the kingdom and sighed.

"... I am afraid that we will have need of your services... again..."