It’s easy for us to forget where we come from. Often times I catch myself wondering where I would be if it wasn’t for my burning desire to chase the next story. My parents spent their whole lives tending the flocks and fields under the sun. Perhaps that could have been my destiny had strange circumstances catapulted my writing in front of so many of you. This thought spurred a detour from my journey and I decided to sit down with an old friend, Zultra of Zygethia. I wanted to ask him about his roots, and the criticism for seeking the crown.



For those of you who have met Zultra, it won’t surprise you that I found him chatting with the locals in a tavern in Nirath. I almost expected a story to arise, but there was no ruckus to be heard this time. He kindly ordered me a pint, and we found a quiet corner to speak about days of old.

We quickly found ourselves addressing the topic of Zultra’s self-proclaimed nobility as King of Zygethia. It was amazing to hear of the fervor and zeal his followers placed in the vision he shared with them. However I knew, just as well as he did, there were many who were despised at someone so lowly seeking a position of such great power. I decided to ask him about his roots, and how he got to where he is today.

Bradford J. Wilshire: “Can you set the record straight for those who would tear you down for being a self-proclaimed king? Where did this journey you are on begin?”

Zultra: “I was always a gregarious child, coupled with my academic interest and street smarts I caught the eye of the local Duke as he made his rounds through the duchy. He saw greatness in me and on my 18th birthday approached me and gave me a Barony, which I named ‘Crownhold’. I named it in honor of the Duke who gave me the title of Baron. He wore a helmet that looked like a crown.”

BJW: “What were your parent’s professions growing up?”

Z: “My father was a tanner and my mother liked to knit. My interests were and still are in crafting weapons and I am also fond of growing apples, nothing like apple pie!” BJW: “People have been calling you out for seeking the crown, and it seems like you may take it through war, what should our readers know about you?”

Z: “That I am not a tyrant or a cruel man, I am just working towards making Zygethia.”

BJW: “Would you say you are building the dream of Zygethia from the ground up?”

Z: “We are building from ground up, and it started by going around to all the local communities sprawling the message of Zygethia by myself.”

BJW: “Do you have anything to say to those who would spread rumors or mislead others about the fact that you aren’t a king yet?

Z: “They are more than entitled to their opinions. To those that spread disinformation, true legitimacy is via leadership, leadership without the need for fancy titles or fear the naysayers will not have the last laugh.” The oil was running low in the lamps as we finished our final round. The tavern was quiet as the bartender began setting the chairs up for the night. Zultra bid me farewell and I sat for a few more minutes to write down these last thoughts. Our origin is only a piece of the puzzle, we are not defined by any one piece of who we are. Rather, we are defined by the sum of all our puzzle pieces, the good ones, the bad, the pretty, the deformed, and in the end even the ‘ugliest’ part of us helps create the beautiful picture of who we are. Dear readers, don’t forget who you are along the way, and always remember where you came from. Until next time, Be Bold, Be Known. Bradford J. Wilshire