LYRICS
There was a kingdom – hidden behind high mountains and surrounded by dense forests… Forgotten land, that seemed to exist only in ancient legends, however many people wondered whether it ever truly existed… No-one has reached the land for ages. Many tried, everyone failed.
The kingdom was called Arstonaroth.
Childhood Land
It was good time, it was good place
Life was gorgeous in any case
not such a long time ago
For almost five hundred years the kin of Ottarchs has ruled that land. Through their commitment, wisdom and fairness their ancestor's Beglurg's dream about bliss and safety came into fruition. These virtues were passed down and every son of the Ottarchs was worthy of wearing the crown. The reigning monarch, Ignecor, was also an admirable ruler. His beloved wife, queen Voliana, died a few years ago, but she gave him two children – Corren and his twin sister, Violemi.
Since I remember I’ve always known
Our kin was chosen to guard The Code
This set of rules was obeyed by everyone
Council controlled observance of that law
Every moment I close my eyes
I see my childhood land again
No wars, no hatred, blissful days
I remember it all but in vain
The land without pain and fear
But now it’s gone, it’s disappeared
not such a long time ago
Arstonaroth was like a promised land: no wars, no hatred, no power struggles… Five centuries ago, after years of domination of Dissonabia – a Southern land that aimed at hegemony – people chose isolation and accepted rules of The Code to avoid further bloodshed and suffering. Led by Beglurg, they ran away and hid behind high mountains, successfully fending off enemy attacks. According to plan open tracts between woods and mountains were forested.
Years passed by… Power, hegemony and violence could only be found in old stories, as the next generations from Arstonaroth were not experiencing them. Since the whole world forgot about that land, nothing disturbed its development. The land flourished and soon there were no worries about safety…
Discordance and Tragedy
But there was one matter
That darkened Arstonaroth’s sky
Discord between Corren and father
No-one could deny
Corren was young and passionate
His heart was yearning for power
Always insubordinate
He wanted to build the empire
Nobody believed in Corren’s dream
Even his only bosom friend
Who always supported him
still tried to comprehend
However Corren had to be
Prepared for a wise reign
Even if Council was displeased
Blue blood was in his veins
Ignecor loved his son despite his restiveness and believed he would become wise someday…
So every evening they met together
Corren and Ignecor – youth and wisdom
Old king tried to teach his heir
The priorities of ruling the kingdom
But Corren had his own standpoint
Though blood is thicker than water
He pushed to implement his point
And sacrificed our father
Then all of a sudden came that day
It seemed like time had stopped
Who could ascend the empty throne?
The Crown of Arstonaroth
[instrumental]The Ignecor's body was found in the court garden. The Ignecor's body and Corren – all in blood. But why Corren murdered the king – no-one could answer. They must have had an argument and the impulsive son killed his father… It was the end of his dreams about the throne and power – Corren was captured and The Council sentenced him to death. The last male successor of Arstonaroth throne was about to lose his life. Locked in a dungeon, he feared the worst.
It was a hard time for the kingdom. And then the Council proposed Violemi to take the throne. Poor thing! Corren's twin sister had never been interested in royal matters. That quiet, shy girl had no idea about ruling the land! But the crown came to her.
As it soon turned out the execution day never came. Corren broke out with the help of friends, who believed in his innocence. He chose life as an exile instead of death. However, he didn't come to terms with that. As soon as it was possible, he began preparing for his return.
The people he met were impressed by Corren's story because they had heard about Arstonaroth only in ancient legends and they were sure it was imaginary. A lot of them willingly joined the army he was gathering as mercenaries. Corren had a plan and, since he was a member of the royal family, he knew about the defense system of Arstonaroth. He knew how to get inside and that the kingdom had no army or weapons. The reckless heir apparent – full of anger!
Corren's Battle March
My own
Army is ready to execute my orders
Thousands of warriors swords and shields
This night I’ll cross safeguarded forest border
I’ll seize the power and won’t ever yield
I was to be the worthy lord!
(king, ruler, lord!)
I was to be the worthy lord!
(in my kingdom!)
I was to be king!
But where is my crown?
I was to be ruler!
But I’m an exile now…
It was more than I could stand
They threw me out, me, the heir!
I had to leave my homeland
The Council’s judgment was unfair!
I had to turn my fate and come
(to the throne!)
I wanted Arstonaroth!
(on my own!)
Soon the first battle in four hundred years took place in that land! Legnacherians, the guards of Arstonaroth, desperately and heroically tried to stop Corren's army in Onidros Canyon, but they failed. They were only a small border patrol and they had almost no weapons, just chemical mist that caused enemies to hallucinate. Corren, however, had prepared his army for that and Legnacherians were powerless. Very soon all of them were dead. And Corren, that impetuous man, looked on that scene of destruction! The cruel man with the heart of stone! But suddenly he noticed a familiar face…
Full of Sorrow
I recognized my bosom friend
His lifeless body lay on the ground
And I saw clearly – it was the end
I was alone, nobody around
What have I done? I’ve betrayed the kingdom!
I brought bloodthirsty army in
I almost ruined my ancestral heirdom
I almost wasted my father’s dream
But then I followed his sagacity
Welfare and trust are the point
Now I must take responsibility
Now I must change my standpoint
How could I be so blind?
Things have to be the same again!
I finally made up my mind
and said to myself - come what may!
Corren understood his deed. He thought he could right a wrong but he didn't know it was too late… The changes had already been made.
The land without pain and fear
There will be peace again, it’s near
like not such a long time ago
Under the cover of darkness Corren reached the court. Secret passageways allowed him to get into his sister's room. Violemi was astounded but she heard him out. Fearing his huge army she decided that the rest of Legnacherians should use poison instead of the mist and The Council agreed. Soon everything was prepared and Corren led the way to his army's location. Violemi rode quietly next to him.
Hopes
I feel it was the right decision, the only way to go
Bringing the army was so impetuous, now I know
But together we’ll deal with evil I’ve done
Then I’ll be clear of charges and I’ll come to the throne
Poor Corren! He really thought that! Now he understood his guilt and grew up to be the king. When the battle started he was like his father – wise and brave!
The Battle for Arstonaroth
[instrumental]
The battle was hard-fought and when the army of mercenaries was defeated, Arstonaroth became safe again!
However, Violemi's behavior was strange – her look was cold… Oh, I wish the story ended here…
No Return
Violemi, my sister, I’m finally home
Corren, I wish you’d never returned
It ends all my sorrows, calms heart full of woe
In Arstonaroth the tide was turned
Believe me, I found our father dead
His murderer must have been insane!
Because of you much blood was shed
Nobody will hear you out again
I was under the illusion
That I could stop Council’s wrath!
You should be under no illusions
The Code says clearly – death for death
By anyone without exception
The penalty must be paid
It must have been a cruel deception
I cannot believe, I should evade…
Nothing could save poor Corren! When the axe reached his neck Violemi didn't even cry… I heard his heart beat with hope till the end – and their last words seemed to remain in the air…
It’s too late for you - now I’m the queen
It’s too late for me to save my skin
It’s too late for me - now you must die
It’s too late for you - you’ll see, you’ll cry
I’ve always been neglected
Cause you, the son, had to ascend the throne
Nobody expected
That daughter will wear the crown
Wear the crown
I'm an old man who spent all his life serving the worthy Ottarchs rulers, so I couldn't stay in Arstonaroth when I found out the truth. My little Violemi, please forgive me! But you should know, why I decided to left. You should know…
And now all it’s right, now it’s good time
Just like I’ve dreamt, now I’m in my prime
But what if power is only a delusion?
Delusion
Power is mighty it makes all dreams come true
But how to well use it nobody has a clue
Delusion surround me I cannot break out
It wasn’t my plan, I mistook, I have no doubt
Power and wealth – inessential when you are alone
Let them fade out let them know you don’t need them all
Power is mighty it makes all dreams come true
Delusion surround me but too late I have it understood
Delusion
It was only delusion
I saw through and I find myself weak
Disappointed in my hopes
Power is mighty it makes all dreams come true
But how to well use it nobody has a clue
Delusion surround me I cannot break out
It wasn’t my plan, I mistook, I have no doubt
