Chapter 4: Destined to Be a Leader

## Chapter Chronology

**Destined to Be a Leader** is the 4th chapter of **Armageddon: Death of a King** and also the 4th chapter in the Armageddon Series. **Destined to Be a Leader** builds upon the events established in the previous chapters, exploring the idea of leadership and destiny. As the chapter's title suggests, it may examine the journey of one or more characters as they strive to become leaders and the challenges they face along the way. It may also delve into themes such as determination, ambition, and the cost of success.

## Summary

#### ***Instability***

Jean-Jacques Dessalines was taking a nap when a figure came and knocked on his door. Startled, Dessalines got up and opened his door only to see a letter on the ground. It read, *"Dear Mr. Dessalines, We would like to inform you that you have been invited to sit down with Prince Cael to discuss some matters. Sincerely, the Royal General."* Dessalines then leaves his **Paradise**, a living place made specifically for a soul, to go down to the capital of the Empire, **Zaidan**.

###### ***Humble Beginnings***

Jean-Jacques Duclos was born on September 20th, 1758, into slavery on a plantation named Cormier. His father had given him the surname of his owner like his two brothers, Joseph and Louis, before him. He worked as a laborer in sugarcane fields for about two decades and even reached the rank of Commandeur before being sold away. He was bought by an Affranchi going by the name of Dessalines, who he later took the last name of, and worked for him for about three years before he joined a slave uprising.

#### ***Instability Continuation***

*"Such good memories,"* Dessalines says as he makes his way to the **Zaidan Palace**. *"The Caravan has arrived at the palace, Sir Dessalines,"* states the driver. Dessalines gets escorted to the meeting room and is greeted by Cael. *"Welcome, Dessalines,"* greeted Cael, *"I have some pressing matters to discuss."* Dessalines asked, *"And what is this matter, may I ask?" "Armageddon has been called and will be held. I want you to be a participant,"* stated Cael. *"I see, I think I must accept for my people, and to uphold my pride,"* replied Dessalines. Cael then replied, *"I'm glad you have accepted my invitation Mr. Dessalines, I hope to see you win later this month."*

###### ***Haiti's Rise***

In 1791, Jean-Jacques Dessalines joined the slave rebellion of the northern plains led by a trio of sworn brothers seeking to end slavery; **Jean François Papillon**, **Georges Biassou**, and **Jeannot Bullet**. All three men had their own unique fighting style that Dessalines would later incorporate into his fighting style. Papillon's style was graceful, Biassou's style was quick and powerful, and Jeannot's style was wild and unpredictable. Dessalines led slaves to victories after victories and got the attention of Papillon. *"You are an impressive young lad, I want you to serve directly under me as my lieutenant,"* said Papillon.

Dessalines would see many injustices committed against his people during his travels and swore to eliminate the root of the evil, the Whites/Colonists. That was when he came across the Will of the Demonic Lady, **Ladjablès**. She promised that if they were to soul bind he would receive insurmountable power. Dessalines agreed and continued on his journey. The Will then explained that his powers will multiply the angrier he gets.

Dessalines then met a rising military commander Toussaint Bréda, who would later be known as **Toussaint Louverture**, a man also born into slavery. He was fighting with Spanish forces on Hispaniola. In 1794, after the French declared an end to slavery as a result of the French Revolution, Toussaint Louverture switched allegiances to the French. He fought for the French Republic against both the Spanish and British, who were trying to get control of the colony of Saint-Domingue. Dessalines was inspired by Louverture and followed him, becoming a chief lieutenant to Toussaint Louverture and rising to the rank of brigadier general by 1799.

Dessalines commanded many successful engagements, including the captures of **Jacmel**, **Petit-Goâve**, **Miragoâne**, and **Anse-à-Veau**. In 1801, Dessalines quickly ended an insurrection in the north led by Louverture's nephew, General Moyse. Dessalines gained a reputation for his cruel "take no prisoners" policy, and for burning homes and entire villages to the ground. The rebellious slaves were able to restore most of Saint-Domingue to France, with Louverture in control. The French initially appointed Louverture as governor-general of the colony but after some deliberation decided to re-instate slavery in Saint-Domingue.

###### ***Leclerc's Campaign***

**The French Republic Leader** then dispatched an expeditionary force in 1802 to restore French rule to the island. An army and ships led by General **Charles Leclerc** were sent to recapture the island. Dessalines fought against the invading French forces, with Dessalines defeating them at the **Battle of Crête-à-Pierrot**. During the battle, Dessalines and his 1,300 men defended a small fort against 18,000 attackers. To inspire his troops at the start of the battle, he waved a lit torch near an open powder keg and declared, *"I will blow the fort up should the French break through!"* The defenders inflicted extensive casualties on the attacking army, but after a 20-day siege, they were forced to abandon the fort due to a shortage of food and munitions. The rebels forced their way through the enemy lines and into the **Cahos Mountains**, with their army still largely intact.

#### ***Instability Climax***

*"His fighting style is amazing,"* stated Cael, *"He's not going to lose to whoever they are going to send." "That's not all my lord," Hebi replied, "Have you ever heard of Wills?"* *"I think I've heard of them, they can grant humans extraordinary powers,"* replied Cael. *"Well, Sir Dessalines has an interesting one I would like to show you."*