By Whose Right?

In most fantasy it’s relatively easy to know who the ruler should be:

He’s the one who pulls the sword from the stone. He’s the one whom the gods have decreed in prophecy will come. He has the magical birthmark, the ability to do things no other man can do. He is wedded to the land and knows her every need.

It’s a nice thought. I mean, if you could have it be true. It will all work out because it’s magically pre-ordained.

In fantasy it works precisely because we all wish it were li...