Italy --1448

It was the year of our Lord 1448 in the beautiful Vincian city in Italia. Home of the Duke and Duchess Luciano Donato and their young son Talan. The Duke was a powerful man, the leader of his city-state, only below the king of Italia himself.

The Duke was proud of his high title but was not boastful about it. Like most men would be, he protected his family and his people and swore to always do right by them. He brought up his son Talan, the same way; with a respect and honor for all people.

Everyone in Venice loved their leader he was a good man who taxed little and only when necessary, then afterward he always gave back money to the poor and poverished in his city.

Years pass and the city flourished in culture and wealth, twice a year the towns people would have a celebration in honor of their great and noble leaders thanking them for their kindness and generosity.

Talen grew up strong and kind. He was a leader like his father in every way and never planned on straying far from the path his father paved long ago.

He was brought up with a Classical education and knew all of the ancient stories of doomed rulers who placed themselves on a high pedestal and were full of pride and conceitedness. He would be nothing like them at all, he was determined to make sure of that.

Three months after his eighteenth birthday and his return from University his father called him into his private study.

"You called father?" Talan asked.

"Yes son," Duke Donato said looking up from his paper piled on his mahogany desk and looked at his son. "Talan sit, as you know I am getting old, I can not be expected to keep this position for much longer. So as if now you will be Duke-regent."

"You will be Duke in all ways but I will still be in charge in the background then on your nineteenth birthday I will officially step down and you will be Duke of Venice. Do you accept this plan?"

Talan sat shocked for a minute then a slow smile covered his face. "Really father? Yes I accept. I accept the position of Duke-regent, thank you father."

Luciano chuckled at his son's demeanor and clasped his shoulder squeezing it encouragingly.

"Good very good. Then we must get starting on your training."