Vanuku

[Kubrick]

LOFRKAD, TÁMNR, NRZILYK

Former Emperor lived life peacefully in WJZR under new name

Elder Frjokonmek'ai, formerly known as Emperor Wrntukai II Banmek-Sntazed of the Jelbic Empire, third from the right.

31 October 5625

The Secretary-General of the People's Council has announced that until two weeks ago the former Emperor of the Jelbic Peoples, Wrntukai II Banmek-Sntazed, lived peacefully in the Jelbic People's Soviet Republic. The revelation came as a shock to many, the former monarch of Wrnuke had fled the nation during the turmoil of May 5590 to be with his newly-wed wife, Theodora of Narikaton & Darnussia. After the Bloodless Revolution he lived as Jelbic Emperor reigning over the remnants of his collapsing imperial ambitions and as consort to Queen of the Dual Monarchy. This all came to an end when, as commander-in-chief of Beiteynu, the Emperor did not object to a nuclear strike on Xsampa in 5599. The Yeudish nuclear Armageddon of the Xsampan people saw the collapse of their state and the Jelbic Empire as a whole. Rumours state that the marriage between Theodora and Wrntukai ended as well, though this was never confirmed, nor was the exiled monarch seen again. Over the last quarter of a century many have speculated what has happened to the once mighty Jelbic ruler. The internet is awash with conspiracy theories, some saying that the Thallers sacrificed him in an ancient ritual to absorb the 'ancient powers' that his 'noble bloodline' brings. Others that state he became a military advisor in Kundrati or Kalistan. Some made him out to be a mysterious hermit billionaire living in a great mansion in Lourenne. Some said, or hoped, that he committed suicide after the nuclear strike as an act of repentance. A few people suggested he had become a Tanhrist hermit in rural Jelbe. None however had gotten to the truth, which is that in 5601 the former monarch returned to his native Wrnuke.

The reason for the government to announce that the former Emperor lived within the borders of the Jelbic People's Soviet Republic is that the former monarch passed away on the 16th of October 5625 at the age of 77. "With his passing the Politburo feels that it is appropriate to share with our Worldburnerist brothers, loyal citizens, and others that the former monarch of the Jelbic Empire, the Wrntukai II of the House of Banmek-Sntazed, has spent the last twenty-five years peacefully living within our great nation as a reformed citizen and a dedicated follower of Worldburnerism," said Secretary-General Batr Juhnsrmko Vrn during the press conference earlier today. A special report was released describing some details of the life of the former monarch. After realising the gravity of his sins the exiled Emperor fled Narikaton & Darnussia, using his vast network and personal wealth to relocate in Jelbe under a false identity. After this he wrote a lengthy letter to the Politburo, expressing his remorse and his desire to return to his native lands and retire in peace. The letter came with the signed (in blood) promise to rescind all his titles and claims. A personal account added to the report by retired People's Secretary Altantrnkai Vrn, a former member of the Politburo in 5601, attested to the fact that the elder members of the Politburo were particularly taken by the letter and its promise. The blood promise hawked back on an ancient Jelbic tradition, that only true promises could be written in blood. The younger generation was less impressed, expecting it to be a plot. Nonetheless, the Secretary-General at the time, Nurem Rotrovesk, approved the RSB to bring the exiled monarch within the WJZR.

Upon the his return the few of the RSB and Politburo that had met the Emperor when he still reigned barely recognised him. He was in modest dress, had aged considerably, and behaved most modestly. He apologised profusely for all his actions and kept reiterating to all people there that "The Wrntukai of yesterday, is the enemy of Wrntukai today". The former monarch entered a program of rehabilitation and met with citizens, tutors, Worldburnerist scholars, and members of the Politburo. In the Summer of 5602 the personal tutor of Wrntukai Banmek-Sntazed declared him "rehabilitated" and he was allowed to re-enter Wrnuke's society. Surprisingly however, the former Emperor refused. He felt he had to do more to regain his liberty. The Politburo refused to imprison the Banmek-Sntazed scion. In the meanwhile a few Worldburnerist scholars, trying to fully emulate the teachings of the Worldburner, had founded a commune where they lived in modernity and modesty. They called themselves the Order of the Burned Men and were inspired by the modest background of the original Worldburner as well as Hosian monastic orders. They lived secluded, trying to distance themselves from Jelbic traditions and adapting modernity while spending their days discussing Worldburnerist theory and literature. This became a safe haven for men like Wrntukai Banmek-Sntazed. He entered the order in 5602, taking residence in a Burned Men commune outside of Wiel. This is where he took the name Frjokonmek'ai, which literally translates to "man who is as a consequence of having burnt". A man that has seen the fire, faced it, felt it, repented, and is now trying his best to make his life worthy. 

Frjokonmek'ai donated all his earthly wealth to charities and Worldburnerist causes. He became a passionate writer, about Jelbic history and Worldburnerist political theory. Under his new name he was often published and briefly wrote a column in the Opstmojadé Péashro newspaper. They never knew his real identity. Members of the Order of the Burned Men cited him as a wise mentor, a man with experiences and wisdom beyond his years, well-read and extremely humble. Only the leadership of the Order knew his true identity. In 5619 he was made an Elder, the highest rank within the Order, and spent many days tutoring members on history and Worldburnerism. At age 77 he passed away after a sudden illness. Frjokonmek'ai died at peace, his last words were that he had finally forgiven himself. The Jelbic People's Soviet Republic honours the passing of a devout Worldburnerist.

The Grak Sháhazi (Black Lion) is a periodic news magazine that was once founded by leftist Wrnukaék journalists in exile, it attracts mostly centre-left readers with academic backgrounds.