La douleur du passé - Mémoires d'un Roi
I was born as Aelis Valentinois, the first of that name. Why my parents chose it, I was not quite sure. But I liked my name from the moment I could speak. In fact, it was the first word I ever spoke. I was born into a very good family. A noble family. The Valentinois family was well known. My ancestors had served in various positions to the kings of France. When the lands of America were tapped for France, many of our family set forth to bring exploits there. By time I was born, we were in hold of numerous noble estates, with many vassals under our sway, and our treasury was more stuffed than a Christmas pig.
It was true that we rivaled the French kings for influence, but we were loyal to them. Our treasury indeed helped fuel French objectives in Europe and in America. Was it so horrid than the French King had to compete with his vassal? Perhaps. But it was not a horrid experience. We were loyal unto the end. But when I turned fourteen, I saw why we were so loyal.
"Aelis," My father said to me, "you are fourteen now, nearly a man. It is time you go off to find your meaning in life. The Valentinois treasury will always aid you, but it is up to you to fatten it. You can do so much. You could enter the church. Become a politician! You could even guide the military. As with all men in our family, you shall go to Paris. There you will find your way."
I was excited and sad all at once. To leave our estates was sad, but to escape the confines of rural Normandy was something I had always wanted. In due time, my carriage had been packed. I was off to Paris!
Aelis Valentinois before his trip to Paris
