On the 31st of August, Malaysia celebrated Hari Merdeka. Fifty-nine years ago, Malaysia declared independence from the British Empire. But no, this backer update is not going to be a history lesson on Malaysia. Instead, it’s going to be a history lesson on Eklaysia.

Hundreds of years ago, Eklaysia was a nomadic colony. They traveled around the world, trading skills and building relationships with different kingdoms. Through their exploration, they expanded their skill tree and grew their ’friends list’. When they finally decided to settle down, because of their growing numbers, they had become rich in culture, knowledge, and wealth. If there was a utopia, it would be Eklaysia.

Unfortunately, Eklaysia was like that functional-extrovert introverted friend of yours. They planted themselves in the desert, because they liked the seclusion. However, they functioned well among their allies knowing there’s something to learn and something to gain. But after their settlement, Eklaysia began turning down hangouts just to cuddle in bed with a good book. That closed them off from new relationships. As the world progressed with the emergence of newer kingdoms, Eklaysia was too far, and perhaps too complacent, to form new allies. And that, was why they lost their utopia.

Coming from a nomadic background, the Eklaysians never had to fight for independence. And... many still didn’t have to. After the attack from Pithr, those that fled to other kingdoms aside from Alpenwhist remained free people. Some formed new tribes, while many blended into foreign societies losing their own culture and heritage as the years went by.The only Eklaysians that were still Eklaysians were those in Alpenwhist. But the cost of being true to themselves was freedom. 

The Eklaysians in Alpenwhist understood the meaning of independence. They knew the price for freedom. They yearned and longed for a change in history. And when they held such insight, there was a reverence for their past. However, fighting for freedom isn’t a walk in the park. There has to be a champion - a leader - a person willing to put their life on the line for his people. And that person was Thom.

William Shakespeare wrote in the Twelfth Night, ’Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.’ 

That entire statement is more than a pep talk cliche, it is a journey. And for Thom and the Eklaysians, the journey wasn’t an easy one. However, I’m not going to spoil their quest for freedom for you. You’ll get the chance to experience it on your own when the book is published. But until then, know that you don’t have to be great to achieve greatness. I believe greatness is thrust upon everyone... and everyone includes you.