KING HIROYUKI I

The coach's passenger was a former student of Lord Werner's Academy, located in the southern town of Griffith. Two nights ago, he was hastily whisked out of his dorm room to begin an important new assignment. In a few short hours, the boy was to be given a rank he'd hold for life. Still dressed in his school uniform, the kid had traveled for more than a day, virtually nonstop except to eat and relieve himself. His sleeping accommodation was by time constraint the cabin of the vehicle he rode in. Though he did manage some fitful rest while on this long trek, the driver's loud bellow, popping of the whip, and bumpy road made it difficult. During the nighttime hours, the boy leaned his head against the window and fixated on the bright full moon ,or oftener than not, blistering hot landscape while contemplating his own future.

Like it or not, the passenger would soon be crowned the King of Embrey . . . He was only sixteen years old . . .

Sighing, the boy now looked at farmland and orchards, seemingly speeding past him. Familiar sights were hazy blurs. The boy was uncertain, indeed frightened, by prospects of taking on such a lofty helm. One moment he was in his safe, comfortable dorm room, laughing and joking with buddies, as word came of King Ogden's assassination. Without asking his opinion on the matter, the boy was notified of his new position, then literally thrown in the stagecoach.

That was night before last . . . Why me?

Why did the Embrian Council, supported by two members of the War Ministry's Chiefs of Staff, grant me such power and privilege?

The boy was born of royal stock in the eastern empire of Kokashima, along with being the Embrian Councilor Fumiko's youngest child. In his opinion, those issues accounted for very little. The boy's grandfather, the mighty warlord Ko, was killed upon his throne and the family was transported to another country, far to the west. This was done with the assistance of his mother's personal bodyguard Shimura, and a kindly merchant mariner named Theo.

In time, Shimura became a feared member of the Branellian Navy. Through money, influence, smarts, and skullduggery Fumiko and Theo were placed in the highest legislative body in the land, the Embrian Council.

How did that qualify the boy to be chosen as King? Was this decision based on luck of the draw, political persuasion, "lucky sperm," or conceived from sheer desperation?

Perhaps those in power demonstrated the need for a convenient, orderly... patsy... stooge . . .

Yes, the boy was born of royal stock in the eastern empire of Kokashima. So be it. This was not Kokoshima and wasn't such honor usually bestowed onto an eldest child? The boy was the youngest of three children! His brother was part of the diplomatic team in the Kuschan capitol of St. Alexandrov, while his sister was married to a prosperous businessman in Marks.

Apparently, Councillor Theo's "baby boy" was the only candidate available to serve as Embrey's King.

The only candidate available to serve as Embrey's King . . .

Who else was available? What about Councillor Theo's adopted son, a strange Kuschan boy named Yuri?

Fumiko's youngest son was fond of Embrian history and political science. He excelled in drama and often placed first in speech tournaments. Despite his small frame and alternating high-pitched -to-baritone voice (puberty!) the boy had a strong, commanding presence in large crowds.

Well, the strong, commanding presence was a nervous little wreck, bouncing around within the speeding coach which now raced in an emergency trip to the capitol of Sykes. Hiroyuki was afraid it took more than good acting and speech skills to qualify for the highest office in the land!

Hiroyuki, King of Embrey . . .

Commander-In-Chief of the nation's armed forces . . .

. . . and he was scared to death!

At age sixteen, Hiroyuki stood only five-feet-one-inches tall. He wore a white, plumed Tudor hat, over long black locks of hair concealing the ears. Lord Werner's uniform resembled those of other parochial schools operated by the Brotherhood of Faith Church, a long-sleeved tunic hanging inches above the knees, lacking breeches or tights to cover the legs. The light-colored tunic featured a bronze star at the chest, and included a long, flowing cape which Hiroyuki used as a blanket to warm his bare legs during the journey. The boy's shiny, Equestrian boots stretched nearly to his knobby knees. His boyish face, dainty hands, and hairless thighs were a smooth, olive tone.

Upon his arrival at Theo's compound, hidden deep in a wooded area near Sykes, Hiroyuki was to present a speech for the Council, existing members of the Chiefs of Staff, local magistrates, and a diplomatic corps from surrounding countries. The speech had been written and rewritten, as Hiroyuki sat alone in the coach. Less than an hour from his destination, he reached into his bags to skim through the manuscript. His growing anxiety and shaking hands made that task nearly impossible. Leaning out of the coach's window, the future King of Embrey . . .

(King of Embrey!) . . .called for the driver that he had to urinate.

The vehicle, along with the escorting cavalry, halted next to a stony creek which crossed a grassy field covered with livestock. Without waiting for the coachman to open the door, Hiroyuki popped from the vehicle and dashed behind the nearest tree. He was granted no privacy as armed men watched his back, gawking in all directions for potential assassins or curious onlookers. Hiroyuki resented this intrusion until he realized that, from now on, he couldn't go anywhere without an entourage imposing upon his every move.

Lifting his tunic and lowering the silk undergarment, the future King of Embrey tolerated those who viewed pee stream from his puny manhood. This exhibit was also witnessed by cows, sheep, and horses, who didn't know or care that His Majesty answered a call of nature.

After shaking it three or four times, the King wrapped the undergarment around his loins, lowered the tunic, then strolled back to the coach. This time, he obediently allowed the driver to open, then close the door.

What price the boy wouldn't pay to be an irresponsible, fun-loving teen in the safe, secure, comforting dorm room at Lord Werner's Academy! But now recalling the grandeur and splendor of the royal courts in Kokashima, he sought to emulate the memory of those lost times.

On the road, Hiroyuki practiced a bit of recitation and memorization from the speech. What good did that do? His nerves were shot! It wasn't the oratory of the speech that frightened Hiroyuki. He spoke to far larger crowds than the one he'd face that evening! Hell, the speech was implanted in his head. The yellowed, sweaty scroll in his hand was of little use.

Mostly, it's what the speech represented that scared Hiroyuki. The text's words were to carry truth, weight and meaning, not only for those in attendance but to every citizen of Embrey!

Trekking down a winding path on a foothill overlooking Sykes, Hiroyuki spied upon sections of the great city. Certain neighborhoods and business districts were in ruin. Too many memorable landmark buildings had been razed, this was not only the work of the enemy during the recent Branellian surprise attack, but more so the fault of General Gornick's brutal reaction to it. Sickened voices within the Embrian hierarchy questioned whether Sykes would ever enjoy its former glory as a once vital international and commercial metropolis.

Sensations of shock, despair and horror overwhelmed Hiroyuki. Familiar structures, etched into his memory like friends' faces, were destroyed or severely damage by the warfare and violence. Days after this insanity, a haze of smoke and fog lingered over the shattered community. Hiroyuki's heart sank. Again, the teen reminded himself that he'd soon take responsibility for Sykes' restoration.

I can't be the King of Embrey! It was a mistake, a terrible mistake, to appoint me! I must call it off! I can't take charge of all this!

Everything evolved into a strange, surreal dream . . .

. . . but who was dreaming?

Hiroyuki always suffered from butterflies, prior to making public speeches. It was to be expected, and a necessity to assure preparedness for a strong performance. Hiroyuki knew almost everyone who'd be at Theo's compound to see him. Most were like cherished, extended family to the lad! Theo often played the role of the respected father figure, General Chang and Admiral Kraig were his uncles, and Councillor Omar acted as a trusted cousin. Through channels, Hiroyuki learned that Theo's creepy, adopted son was away on undisclosed business. While Hiroyuki loved Yuri, he kept his distance from him. Prone to fits of anger and sadness, Yuri once beat a hen to death by repeatedly slamming it across a decaying fence post, for no apparent reason other than to vent his pent up rage.

Embrey did require a king. In truth, Hiroyuki should've been flattered by this noblest of appointments! Surely no one expected him to accept such responsibilities and obligations without proper training and education! Hiroyuki would be attended by the finest teachers, and have assistance in the decision-making process.

Yet, if things went awry, the boy understood who'd take the blame! God forbid, in a potential coup where could he possibly flee to? Kusch? Campens?

Or, like King Auric IV of ancient times, escape to the Forbidden Island?

Hiroyuki took a deep breath, then slowly released it. The world, which had been so predictable just days before, suddenly became a heavy-laden saddle upon him. Two nights ago Hiroyuki sat in his quarters, talking trash about local girls from the township of Griffith, when his life was turned upside down by members of the Embrian Secret Police barging into the room. This intrusion scared hell out of his drunken buddies, who were measuring their erected penises with a ruler. Classmates were soon baffled to learn they'd bow down to the kid with the shortest pecker.

Their old chum, Hiroyuki . . .

The future monarch didn't know whether to laugh, cry . . .

. . . or leap from the stagecoach, screaming.

The advent of a marvelous dream . . .

. . . or start of an unceasing nightmare?

Upon entering Theo's compound, Hiroyuki encountered a row of familiar faces and complete strangers, lined up to greet him. Tears spilled from his eyes as he saw Theo standing next to his mother Fumiko. They, too, were overwhelmed with happiness. For a moment, the boy forgot about his pending duties as King. He wished only to hug Fumiko, and shower her lips with kisses. As the coach came to a halt, Hiroyuki neglected to wait on the driver to open the vehicle's door. He jumped from the coach, ran into Fumiko's open arms, and embraced the tiny woman. Weeping, Hiroyuki didn't care whether his actions were dignified or not.

Sobbing, Fumiko planted her lips to her youngest child's moistened cheeks. Onlookers responded with friendly laughter and kindhearted applause.

Behold!

Our new King of Embrey . . .

. . . still standing a meager five-feet-one-inch in height, his weight barely a hundred pounds, dressed as an Embrian schoolboy with his silly hat and shortened tunic . . .

Behold!

King Hiroyuki I of Embrey!

After spending considerable time with his adoring mother, Hiroyuki turned his attention to Theo, a burly, aging man with a chubby face and burgundy robe. As a rule, the Councillor gave the lad a firm handshake and pat on the back. Not today. Dignified or not, Hiroyuki threw his arms around Theo's shoulders.

His heart still aching from the absence of his beloved son Yuri, Theo granted the same regard and affection to Hiroyuki as he did the Kuschan immigrant, his adopted son.

After running a gauntlet of smiles, handshakes, and well-wishers, Hiroyuki was escorted to his mother's humble cottage. There, he was unceremoniously stripped from his uniform and bathed. Standing naked in a darkened bedroom, Hiroyuki permitted a tailor to take his measurements, who then went about making suitable clothing for that evening's festivities. Saying nothing, Hiroyuki wondered if all Embrian kings were subjected to this level of humility and embarrassment.

For what seemed as an eternity, an army of servants placed the wardrobe over Hiroyuki's shell. The teen was no longer allowed to dress himself. Passively, Hiroyuki had his hair cut, curried, and shaped into a ponytail which he despised. Once he was finally crowned as Embrey's king, this hairstyle would be the first to go! During this ordeal, the boy laughed uncontrollably, while refusing to explain the reasons for his mirth. The envy he suffered when discovering that Brother Kyle's penis was three inches longer had temporarily subsided.

I wonder what Brother Kyle thinks of me, now!

The boy's envy of Brother Kyle returned as he was poked and prodded by servants who tended to his every need.

Based on his own whims and orders from Theo, Fumiko and Omar, Hiroyuki wore a long burgundy robe and skullcap, similar to those adorned by Embrian Councillors. After years of the monarch dressed in flashy, gaudy attire, everyone agreed that the new ruler must be a representative of the people, accessible to their wishes and desires. That suited Hiroyuki! While the boy was offered this lofty position for life, he was just a man . . .

. . . and wanted to be remembered as a good one . . .

After leaving the cottage, once again Hiroyuki was greeted by scores of those wielding the powers of office over Embrey. Whether it was proper for one in high standing to grin, Hiroyuki couldn't help but a smile at those around him. Was this expression a sign of admiration and happiness? . . .

. . . Or humor directed at the one now reigning over the Sovereign Nation of Embrey?

A podium and rows of chairs were set up in the yards surrounding Theo's home. There were more security guards at this gala event, than dignitaries. Those assigned to protect Hiroyuki still revealed their approval through cheers, whistles, and applause. Bowing politely, Hiroyuki thanked everyone in attendance, as a small band played Embrey the Proud, their national anthem.

Nearing the podium, Hiroyuki realized he left his speech in the seat of the stagecoach. He thought it best to wing the whole thing, and speak mainly from the heart, and not the head.

Was Hiroyuki truly appointed King of Embrey, or planted merely as a figurehead and patsy for covert powers? The kid had a loud voice, didn't he? He planned to state his own dreams, goals, and ideals for the future, and pray that everyone gave him guidance and support in such grand endeavors.

After waiting for the crowd's roar to finally die down, King Hiroyuki I of Embrey stood behind the podium, offered his appreciation for those around him, and mapped out his agenda for the birth of this new nation . . .

. . . and assurances that his reign would bring prosperity for everyone in his care.

"Esteemed guests!" he opened, hoping his oratory didn't crack or waver. "Having assembled as the voice of the people and the military power of Embrey, I welcome you!

"We live in troubling times!" Hiroyuki continued. "A time when our nation's fate lies in our hands. You have trusted me in guiding those hands to rebuild this great country as what it should've always been, yet unfortunately seldom was. No sovereign lord upholding the high and the mighty at the expense of the poor is worthy of long endurance! To our regret, Embrey has been just that, for far, far too long. With your blessings and hard work, we can boldly step beyond what has often been too much expected of government."

Whether it merited wisdom or not, Hiroyuki stepped away from the podium to venture into the crowd, eyeing certain members of the delegation as he spoke. "Mighty Kings do not make for mighty nations!" he explained. "If I am to be King by the will of those gathered here, then so be it. If I am to remain on the throne, I will not do so on the backs of our gentry, commoners and peasantry."

Stopping for everyone to digest his rhetoric, Hiroyuki noted tears of joy in Fumiko's eyes, along with expressions of impassioned fire on Theo's face.

"We have a long way to go, to reach a destination with an incomplete, sketchy, and badly soiled map," the teen went on. "Indeed, you fine men and women must finish that map! No king can rule without knowledge. No man should follow another who is by ignorance, sloth or prejudice lost . . .

"I pledge that, with ample guidance, I'll do as best I can with my God-given abilities, and be the man you seek for this lofty post. I will not reign through penchant to favoritism, dishonest guise or malingering cronies. Nor tarnish my post with the sin of self rightious neglect! You must guide me but never, never intone a selfish pleasure at the fault of another! You must work together to shape well-hammered proposals that best serve the nation's interests and never one man's greedy desires, not even my own."

Stepping toward the three present members of the Embrian Council, Hiroyuki motioned for them to stand alongside him, facing the crowd. Placing his arms around Theo, Omar, and his mother, the newly-crowned King of Embrey smiled. "Upon my formal coronation the rigors of court must pervade!" he shouted, his voice echoing throughout the compound. "For now, let me approach you as the friends you are, and always have been! For a fleeting moment, let us celebrate this transition...

He turned his eyes to meet those of Theo the former mariner.

"let us raise to the sun our flowing glass while we pray for a fair and following breeze to see us into the begining of a new and brighter day! Thank you!"

"Thank you, one and all!"