I must commit this to paper, because at this terrible crossroads that I have found myself on, I realize that I will need to justify myself to my descendants and my people's descendants. First of all, I hope that all those who read this and learn of the history that I am going to be a part of, understand that all that I do is for my kingdom and my people. I will not run away from my duties or the consequences of my choices. I do not seek personal fortune or glory, as those could be easily obtained even if I had not surrendered my kingdom to the Tyrant Aurelya.

To any who might seek to lionize or demonize me for my choice, understand that it wasn't truly a choice. Yes, I could have opposed her, called her for what she is, a crazed psychopath that will bring only pain and destruction to the world, I don't think she would even disagree with me. I could have fought her. I might have become a martyr, a hero, but it wouldn't have changed the fact that she would sill take control of my kingdom. I cannot even imagine a situation where I might be able to defeat her, to be honest. I could also just grovel at her feet and ask her to give me all of the material wealth I could ask for. I don't think she cares about anything, so I could have taken anything that I wanted as compensation for submission, and she would kill anyone who opposed.

So please understand, the choice I made is the hardest path that I could find, for I believe that at the end of the tunnel lies something that is worth it. I will relinquish my ultimate authority in this land, but on the other hand, I believe that by ingratiating with the Tyrant in whatever way I can, I will be able to at least protect my people from the excesses of her rage and collect for them whatever dregs of generosity she might decide to offer.

In this first month of her reign, I happily write that as difficult as it is, my choice has paid off in good things for my people. I must admit that it was a shock when the Tyrant and her General came back carrying sacks and sacks filled with jewels that were all made in this country. I thought that there might be at least one mistake, that she would bring something that was made by a bitter rival of ours. But, every single piece that she presented to me was made by my people or their ancestors. Of course, you can't eat jewelry, but at least there's a measure of pride taken back, a measure of satisfaction as the traitorous elves pay for their choices with life and treasure.

There and then I surrendered my country to her. What other choice was I to make? Her power is more than proven with that amount of loot obtained in such a short amount of time. I will do the best that I can with this opportunity.

The tengu, her Sorcerer, came to me with a proposition. According to him, there are many uses for the souls that he has collected, but until now, not a proper place to install functioning Soul Relics. Something made with souls, huh. It makes me shudder and I ask myself if maybe he might not be even more dangerous than the Tyrant. I do my best. I authorized him to install those Soul Relics throughout my country on the condition that he leaves the souls of my people alone. He accepted. I fear that I cannot even know if he is going to keep his end of the bargain, but there is nothing else that I can do. He tells me that the first relics he will install are bound elven souls that will help turn Greshe Khaaran into a much more prosperous place in terms of food. I must admit that this prosperity sounds good, but I would rather not have known its origin.

The minotaur, her General, has had quite a few meetings with my generals, as well as the captain of my guard, some of whom are now assigned to the Tyrant. As expected from a man who helped defeat Teldarion. His ideas are genius. I almost pity our neighbors who might try and resist the Tyrant. However, they have brought this upon themselves. If they had not pushed my country to the brink of ruins, then perhaps we might have somewhat resisted the Tyrant. But, as things stand, there are very few of my people who are not excited at the prospect of going out there and pillaging other countries and enacting vengeance for our misery. And with the General at the head of it, I doubt that failure will be on our side.

I do not ask for my people to be forgiven for what they are about to do. I will do my best to make sure that they won't need anybody's forgiveness.