I thought the premise was interesting, so I decided to write it.
Enjoy! ^_^
'Wise kings generally have wise councilors, and he must be a wise man himself who is capable of distinguishing one.', Diogenes.
The kingdom of Asyder on the continent of Hyle has always been the most prosperous kingdom.
With a prospering economy and a well trained army to act as a deterrent the kingdom had been in peace for over five centuries.
But never had the kingdom of Asyder been in more prosperity than in the reign of the current king, Aaron Basquette.
Since just after his rise to power, successing his father, King Basquette has almost never made a mistake in his ruling and has always brought the kingdom to further greatness.
The commoners adored him, the nobles respected him and even other kingdoms had to admit that something was going right in the Kingdom of Asyder.
Until they came.
The Kingdom of Gwenith and the Kingdom of Thandir, jealous at the Kingdom of Asyder's prosperity and fertile lands, joined forces and started a war that would last four long decades.
In that time, although King Basquette made the right military choices at every turn, the overwhelming military might of these two Kingdoms combined could not be fought against and they managed to make Banquettes forces retreat back to the capital Asdoth.
The battle for Asdoth went down in history as a noble struggle to defend their homeland against an overpowering force yet eventually the walls could no longer hold and the enemies forces managed to reach the palace itself.
---
Inside the great palace of Asdoth sat an aging man on a throne made of polished granite. The golden crown resting on his head could not hide his ghostly pale and worrying face.
"I've failed.", his voice resounded throughout the high audience hall.
"I was hoping to maintain this prosperity in my reign but instead I've brought death and destruction to it's people...
What should I do Michael?",
An old man with long Grey hair appeared aside the throne.
"Your majesty. You have done nothing wrong If anyone is to blame it would be myself.",
"Michael?",
"I'm sorry your majesty but there's no time. Once those soldiers break into the palace you and anyone else will be killed.
Listen to me. I've been by your side since you were born. I advised you and your father and it was a pleasure and privilege to have served by your side. I've already taken the liberty to evacuate your family. You're the only one left...
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Go your majesty I'll buy you some time."
"But Michael I don't want to see you die too. I'm not leaving you here to do that, you won't be able to buy any time, not at your age!",
"*chuckles* Don't worry. I'm not going to die. Someone has forgotten who the old high court magician used to be your majesty. I'll meet up with you in three days, so Aaron, please go.",
"... Alright. But three days and if you die I'll kill you!",
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind your majesty."
The king stood up and swiftly walked over to a door off to one side and went through without looking back.
"Sorry your highness. I lied.", Michael said with a grin. Michael had not been the high magician for nothing but at his age there's no way he would buy more than a few hours.
---
*Boom!*
The heavy wooden latch on the door to the audience hall broke and soldiers flooded into the hall only to come face to face to something they didn't expect.
"I'm sorry. Were you after his majesty? Well, he just left. I'm afraid you have to put up with me instead. Now shall we start?",
Without another word two white flames shot up out of Michaels hands and filled the hall with their fiery light.
"HE'S A MAGE!",
One man managed to scream before the water in his body evaporated.
"Ha ha ha. Now time to finish this off. 'To the spirits of fire, I offer the my soul to stand and guard the path to my friend', and with that Michael suddenly caught ablaze and turned into a flame, brighter and stronger than the two before.
This flame guarded the only path to the king for two weeks. Incinerating anyone who was stupid enough to step into the hall.
If Michael was still in his youth he could have performed a spell like this with a flick of his wrist however in this case he had to offer his soul, his very essence.
And like that Michael, who sacrificed his life for the king, was no more.
---
"Where am I.", Michael 'woke up' in a room of white. There was nothing else to say about it it was just white.
A voice came directly into Michael's mind.
"Hello Michael. Nice to meet you. You may call me God."
---