The Chelon Rose

Act 1: the Exile

Character Profile: King Voulon

Monarch of Hemro, King Voulon lives in Palace. He is uncle to Archydor and brother to the previous king, King Charlen.

King Charlen was a popular and fair king. When his health declined, and it seemed he would die, it was clear his only son Archydor, at only five years of age, was too young to rule. The fair minded Charlen appointed his brother Voulon to be Archydor's guardian and administrator of the kingdom until Archydor became 16 years old.

Voulon administered for his brother while Charlen was on his sick bed and grew fond of ruling. Voulon seemed competent, however, it was clear that he did not have the common touch of Charlen and would never be popular.

When Charlen died, Voulon shocked the court and kingdom by banishing the prince and declaring himself king. Voulon felt such a young king would destabilise the kingdom, and with good reason. The kings spy's had reported that Belondale saw Hemro as significant weakened with only a child king, and were about to take the opportunity to push their borders further west into Hemro.

Voulon believed he had taken the hard, but responsible choice. Voulon intended to be a good ruler, however, he found himself in a difficult position, as he was unable to rally sufficient support from the Earls.

Earl Manong was his biggest threat, and Voulon knew he could not hold power against Manong's superior forces. So Voulon began the war with Belondale which he had hoped to avoid. He did this to distract Earl Manong and prevent a revolt. This was a successful strategy, the other Earls lacked leadership while Manong was preoccupied, and so pledged their support to Voulon.

Voulon found himself in a spiral however. He was forced to raise taxes, driving people to poverty and theft, life became expensive due to the war, it is no longer safe to travel and villages were plundered and crops burnt.

Voulon is bitter about how things have turned out. Also, he knows his rule is precarious. This has made Voulon a mean, cruel and shortsighted ruler.

created: 14 February 1998 | Last Updated: June 23, 2001

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