Theseus’ mother and father did not meet by chance. Only Eric himself knew how long he searched for her.

Looks were hardly his primary concern, but since he had the power, the mother of his heir would be useful and beautiful: a rival to his majesty.

Theseus learned at an early age that his parents never loved each other. Theseus was a tool, nothing more. He was created by Eric to be an heir, ensuring his line continued to hold the throne after his passing. He would hold sway over the kingdom of Amber, even in death. He was conceived by his mother, Cylyria, in exchange for what she always desired: fame, wealth and sway. In exchange, she would carry Eric’s seed and arrange for his training in the arts of rulership.

Eric, in crafting his master plan, made a critical miscalculation. Theseus wasn’t interested in Amber’s throne. In fact, he was never interested in much of anything. He enjoyed his lessons in art, his training in diplomacy, his practice in swordplay: he had a knack for them. However, he much preferred staying in his rooms, reading and drawing. He feigned interest well, and Eric never suspected his training was for naught.

When he became a man, Theseus grew tired of his home and his mother. During one of his father’s annual visits, Theseus asked to be moved away. Eric agreed, as Theseus had learned all he could from his mother and the tutors. His mother hardly noticed he was gone.

Eric answered Theseus’ request with Vmrtnz. It was a large island, dominated by a maze. In the center of this maze was a majestic city. The buildings, finely crafted and beautiful. It was a society where wit and strength of mind outweighed brawn and strength of arm. It was a land where the pursuit of knowledge and answers reigned.

The place had castes and social classes like any other Renaissance society and at the upper echelon sat the "Puzzle Masters," the elite. The king of the land was always chosen from their ranks. Heredity and family were not pre-requisites for rulership. The King was selected through challenge, judged by a Council of Elders.

Theseus became a master at seventeen, a feat previously unheard of. Eight years later, he was king.

He governed his people fairly and justly. His rule was challenged eight times. Each trial and subsequent victory solidified his position as he dealt with them confidently and decisively.

The most notable challenge came from one Kaemyron, an influential Master who had written a three-hundred page novel in an encryption the likes of which Theseus had never seen. The council determined Theseus had one month to decipher and rewrite the novel. To make matters worse, Kaemyron, a conjurer of great ability and little renown, committed a foul which would certainly get him executed if discovered. He summoned a beast, a monstrous minotaur, to stalk the maze and devour anyone foolish enough to cross its path.

The specifics of the month were lost in history. However, on the last day of the month, Theseus arrived at the challenge’s final ceremony: an outdoor festival. The battered and injured king rode up to the main grandstand, leading a wagon.

Cries and cheers erupted as the tarp was pulled from the payload, exposing the corpse of the minotaur. It had one, clean thrust wound to its center mass.

Theseus tried his best not to limp as he climbed the stairs to the Elders. He smiled evilly at Kaemyron as he passed, then dropped two books with a thud on the Elder’s table. The first, Kaemyron’s novel, was translated and transcribed. The second was an arcane research tome, with notes on incantations, blood sacrifice, and in-depth research on beasts of legend.

Theseus’ rule was never challenged again.

He remained in Vmrtnz, acting as King, for 205 years. He had not spoken to Eric in decades, so his father’s Trump call caught him by surprise.

"The time is nearly upon us, son. When I call again, you will take your place by my side."