Approaching the Sage

In this world, who holds the pieces, and who is merely a piece on the board? With brush and blade, one writes of loyalty—only to turn and plot rebellion. The dance in the golden throne hall has yet to cease, yet half the realm has already fallen to ruin. Who is being crowned and ennobled, while who is trading children for food? The court is full of men in crimson and purple debating the fate of the nation, yet not one will lend an ear to the cries of the common people.