Alben I of Valkanren

Alben I of Valkanren (11 AU—66 AU) was the fourth High King of Valkanren, the second son of Somnar the Great, the brother of Brenmar I, and the uncle of Somnar II. His reign was described as tense, uncertain, and at times, tyrannous.

As count
Alben had been risen to the rank of Count Palatine by his father, Somnar the Great, upon his birth; he administered the lands of the Levenmoor from his father's seat in Levenstad, and quickly became one of the wealthiest children in Valkanren. This earned the jealousy and rivalry of his brother Brenmar, who saw Alben as unjust and unscrupulous, inspiring Brenmar to institute his various reforms to the justice system. Their rivalry peaked when Brenmar was crowned High King, and made every effort to push Alben out of court by granting him the lieutenancy of Alryne, and sentencing him to serve as an administrator thereat.

Upon Brenmar's death in 55 AU, his (Alben's) son Somnar inherited the throne. A sickly, twelve-year-old boy, he died one year later from tuberculosis. It was a strong rumour that Alben had actually poisoned the king, although there is no evidence for this claim.

As king
Upon being crowned as High King of Valkanren, Alben immediately sought to undo the reforms made by his brother, Brenmar. He gave much more absolute power to the crown and sheriffs became purely nominal. Cyng lords became incredibly dissatisfied with Alben's rule and threatened rebellion on several occasions, however they only rebelled in 75 AU, during the reign of his son Marcus.

Alben I died from old age ten years after ascending to the throne, leaving it in a much worse position than it had been in the reigns of previous kings.