I awoke with a familiar sense of dread. Every night for the past twelve years have I woken, chilled by the cold sweat of a thousand fears. My castle walls could not save me from these dreams and as I gaze out into the town below, I find small comfort in knowing that
none of my subjects will experience their horrors.
I slowly flex the muscles in my legs, feeling the scars left from a dozen battles. When they are a bit warmer, I walk to the fire and awaken it. I suppose I could "will" it to flare up brightly, but I'm a creature of habit and I surely need the exercise.