In the ancient land of Pars, later than the Battle of Carrhae, there sits the Royal Capital of Clapestris extending her vast power to the outskirts of the surrounding provinces. The subjects and monarchs alike would walk and live with the antiquities and honors of Pars. Their lineage, culture, and even sympathy are with Pars. But in the name of Clapestris, they flourish.
This is the tale during the 9th sovereign governing Clapestris. Where the crown of the monarch is adorned with the paradox of order and dissension, of excellence and futility, and the persons of Prince Thariem and Darina.
As long as the edges of history can bring a subtle touch to this side of the tale, the unveiled beginning always arises at the vehement drought that afflicted Clapestris.
The drought lasted for three years. During those times, some farmers thought of selling their flocks. Others fled to the mountains in fear to die from hunger. The Kingdom of Clapestris has sent their valiant men to purchase goods from foreign lands. They called for merchants from Southern and Northern territories to accommodate the needs of the capital's people at a good price.
No one foresaw how the toil of Clapestris will be eased. The awaited days would dawn upon the kingdom on this very day with the sign that two children are born in the capital. Queen Mariam brought a healthy son with the help of her court lady, Dahlgem.
The rain started to pour down the plains then into the capital. There were grateful cries along with the symphonies of the rain bringing bliss to a dreaded desolated land. The people of Clapestris rejoiced altogether. The drought is finally over.
King Rashal brings the triumphant news after the battle at Atropatene. The heavens blessed him and his kingdom dearly. Hasting against the rain, the king and his men return to the capital to meet his newborn son. While on his way, he thought of storing his torn cloak inside a wooden cabin, for it is uncustomary to bring a cloak worn on war to the palace. The king halted as he heard the cry of a child. He called Bolo, the Minister of War, to bring the torch to check the place.
The king saw the child, wrapped in fine silk cloth, with a familiar sign of a tiger embroidered. King Rashal felt his heart skipped a beat at the sight. He made sure that his minister didn't see it. The same familiar icon makes the kingdom hostile against the bearer of that symbol. He doesn't want any uprising to begin right after the recovery from the drought. He has also favored the little girl just like someone who pities a person chased by death. The umbilical cord of the child is still fresh. He carried the child and pacified it. The baby girl in his arms halted in crying. King Rashal couldn't help himself from beaming.
"Bolo, what do you think if I will bring this child to the palace?" King Rashal asked while carefully holding the baby. He wishes that by this child, his son will have someone to lean on. The king also knows that the best way to keep the little girl safe is to put her in the palace under the sovereign name. In this way, no one can go against her. King Rashal can ensure the babe's safety while the child's parents will seek her in the latter years.
"It is well. My Lord," Bolo replied understanding that the King implies to take the little girl to foster. For the sake of his king, Bolo is confident that the little girl is not a threat to the throne which will be passed to King Rashal's son. The Minister of War even thought that the little girl can be a means for a peaceful pact with another country. Someone that can be married off for the sake of the kingdom. He dares not yet to speak about this foreboding idea because he doesn't want to dig his own grave before the sight of the king. He continued reminding the king about the rules of Clapestris. "However, she is not your daughter. It is against the law to crown her as a princess of Clapestris."
"I may not give her the title but she will be served like one," Rashal declared. "Even if the nobles would disagree."
"As you pleased my lord," Bolo said. He restrained himself from shivering about the last time he witnessed his king's anger against the ministers. His ministers were bold in defying his decree to stop foreign merchants from entering provinces situated away from capital cities. Bolo understood his king's reason for that matter. Perhaps, he will understand his master's decision in this present situation too.
King Rashal entered the palace with the baby in his arms. The servant turned their heads, thinking that the child is their lord's captive for their kingdom's prosperity. They thought that she's a highly honored child that can make that child's kingdom subjugated by King Rashal's authority. On the other hand, Queen Mariam was upset to see that the king brought another child while she bore the real descendant. If it wasn't for the rain and the Royal Adviser's news that it's a new moon today, she will never believe that the little girl is another present for all of them. Even the servants trembled because they thought wrong about the little girl. Surely, the king has the power to bring one up and the other down. If their thoughts are sent to the kingdom, they will probably be ousted for indirectly hating the little girl.
"What makes you doted by the king, dear?" asked Queen Mariam inside her chamber with the little girl sleeping on her bed beside the prince. Two babies sleeping soundly before her makes her calloused heart melt. She's starting to understand why the king is comfortable with the little girl. The lassie will be their hope to save the kingdom from getting tied with another country. Queen Mariam thought of announcing her words in the naming ceremony.
In the naming ceremony, all of the kingdom's nobles and peasants stand together to witness the start of a new beginning for Clapestris. They found in the great throne in the midst of two golden lions, their King Rashal, beaming with delight to his people.
"The heavens had blessed us with the rain and a prince that will keep the glory of Clapestris. Yesterday, two children were born in this capital. I will call my son, carried by Queen Mariam, Thariem. For he is the triumph in my battle," he declared while upholding the prince. He brought back the prince to Queen Mariam to proceed to another declaration. "I will call this pretty child, ministered by Dahlgem, Darina. For she came like a threshold of paradise," King Rashal announced.
The nobles and the ministers expected Queen Mariam to protest about the special adoration given to Darina. However, she also stood up like a proud mother to her only daughter, speaking in delight to the king.
"My lord, may you be pleased for thy queen to speak to your people," Queen Mariam asked.
"I am. Spill it, my queen."
Queen Mariam nodded and stepped forward. "Today, you heard the names Thariem and Darina, and the blessing of the rains," she started while holding her royal seal. "You are all witnesses to the three precious gifts that this kingdom received. These are the signs of prosperity. Hence, I declare to take Darina as part of our family. But the reason that I announced this, is to protect her from the tendency of marrying her off to another kingdom."
The ministers started to murmur. It is what they dread that Queen Mariam would overrule the plans of the court and the kingdom's defenses. This does not help strengthen the military prowess and allegiance to other kingdoms. There's a knot from a neighboring country waiting to be tied with the vows of the Clapestri's Crowned Prince. By the prince they can peacefully conquer one country, but what country can they conquer with the Queen's special restriction on what to do to Darina?
"Darina is our royal member. If she is to be married off to another kingdom, it is like we are also subjugating our kingdom to that country. But if another kingdom is rather married off to the Crowned Prince, it is like we are winning over against that country since he will be the one who will have the authority to overrule prevailing powers. Do you understand this, ministers?"
"We understand, Your Highness," the ministers replied.
Others marveled at the Queen's kind of wisdom, without knowing her true motive. She glanced at the king, believing that the king also knows what is hidden behind Darina's identity. After all, they had encountered that tiger symbol during the times that King Rashal has to march southwards to bring more forces to his royal father. Queen Mariam remembers how the owner of this mysterious symbol offered refuge for their near-death expedition. In Queen Mariam's thoughts, Darina is perhaps the token of brotherhood between the kingdom of the mysterious symbol and the kingdom of Clapestris.
After the arguments, the ceremony continued with its final part.
"We heard the names of these children and their future with Clapestris prevail. I offer you a drink, for my beloved son and the doted Darina," King Rashal brought up his golden cup.
His people followed and spoke their blessings altogether.
"Long live the triumphant king of Clapestris. Prince Thariem, the heavens favored us with your birth. Let wisdom and bravery be your swords. Lady Darina, doted by the Majesties. You are named as bliss, bringing paradise in his kingship. May the children help each other like siblings for the sake of the kingdom. Prosperity and vitality be with them."
The steps of the hustling horses send fine tremors on the bridge crossing the eastern borders. Riding upon these horses are the men of valor. They are carrying the banners of gold, silk, and saffron which are the prestige of Clapestris. King Rashal led the royal team, and they are marching at a heightening pace to reach the palace. The central gate welcomes the Royal Force. The noise is a sound of clamor and celebration combined. The families are reunited with their soldier relatives. Others bereave for the death of their sons whom they likened to torches no more flaring. Prince Thariem and Darina greet their royal father while riding upon their horses. The king replied to them with a nod. The refined young adults joined his majesty in entering the palace for a victor's feast. The victor's feast is set at the wide dining hall. The fine music from stringed instruments and flutes gently swooned the hearts of the royal forces. The frames of their chairs are plat
A Clapestrisian court is always a solemn place for ministers who commune to the king. But when Prince Thariem and Darina enter the court, a different, vibrant ambiance comes. It is as if some secret musicians are strumming the banjos and others are fluting a thrilling song. The prince executes his military salutation before the king while Darina is prostrated and bowed as she is wearing her long Median robe. If Darina has to enter the palace while wearing her battle gear, she needs to salute the king militarily. The king stomped his scepter to call Prince Thariem and Darina to initiate the conversation. Prince Thariem walked forward and bowed his right knee. “Greetings, my father king. Your servant has come before your throne to reason about the moats,” Prince Thariem started. He made a brief report about the event last night. The king only kept a straight face, but he is glad deep inside. The time flies so fast. Before his sight, his son is becoming more res
Darina wears her favorite armory as she enters the main site for the hunting games. The stage has curvilinear designs by the best artists from Shapur. The grandiose carved woods emphasize the thrones of King Rashal, Queen Mariam, and Queen Dowager Tahaliel. Darina went near to them and saluted militarily. “Darina, why are you not wearing the golden armory that I gave you?” Queen Dowager Tahaliel asked. “As a leader of the cavalrymen, I am ought to wear the black armory for the hunting games, Your Majesty,” Darina replied politely. Other players were glancing at her gears since they find it inappropriate for the event. “But I assure to your highness that I will wear the golden armory for the ceremony. I only seek to keep the golden armory from getting soiled when it must be prepared for a spectacular event such as for the Prince.” “You must dress up best for a great of your royal brother.” Queen Dowager Tahaliel finds Darina’s response satisfyi
The royals see that the new title vested to Prince Thariem is a kind of gift and appreciation for his excellence. However, to Mahagino, it was a call of more burdensome encounters to the following days of Clapestris. Mahagino was granted freedom in exchange for supplying the commercial trail of Clapestris and keeping his permanent residence at the small valley near the Kaskuhish. He was doing carpentry works for his unsold items when King Rashal and his men visited Mahagino. “Greetings of peace to Your Majesty,” Mahagino saluted. “What brings Your Highness to my humble abode?” “I will tell you once we enter your home,” King Rashal replied and marched towards the wooden cabin. The king found many Oriental items and jars inside Mahagino’s house. Many clothes are near the windows. The scent of the house was both out of agarwood and wine. He sat on the wooden chair and waited for Mahagino to settle himself as well. “I heard the rumors at the central market. You were sayi
Prince Thariem did not see off Darina in person. He was just standing at the balcony looking at the gates where Darina’s caravan once passed. Darina and her cavalrymen went away at night to not stir any attention from the nearby kingdoms. Prince Thariem has no other thoughts but a wish that his title would not produce any hostilities. But a wish is not enough, that is why he understood that Darina must lead the campaign of recruiting the soldiers. While silent in his thoughts, Minister Hazper came to him casually. “Your Highness, it is getting noon. Do you think that Darina and her cavalrymen will tarry first if it would rain? The clouds are covering the heavens,” Minister Hazper started. “I would not like them to tarry,” Prince Thariem replied. “We need more defenses any time sooner.” “But that is why I have come to your place, Your Majesty. Why did you not inquire first from the ministers about the plan of the reinforcement?” “For it is an emergency
Darina never had her knees wobbling until now. She cannot recall any deeds deemed repugnant for the Prince. She was only standing before the palace, fixing her gaze at its main doors called the Doors of Blessing. “Reporting, Your Highness. Our Royal Cavalry Captain has come with the reinforcements His Royal Highness, the King, has commanded,” Rowen initiated on behalf of Darina. There was only silence in the midst of them. It only broke out when a stranger galloped his horse at a noticeable pace. Minister Hazper marveled that this stranger has the company of the high-ranking messenger he sent. “I am Marsden, the Mercenary of the West, and a Stranger of the South. I have come on behalf of the Royal Cavalry Captain to plead for Her Highness’ cause,” the man in purple clothes announced. Darina has only read the accounts of the Mercenary of the West. But the book was written for more than five centuries. How can this man in purple declare that he is the M
Yesterday controversy cannot bar Darina’s entrance to fill the administrative court of her mien in great authority. The sunlight passes through the higher windows and shares a fair glint on Darina’s armory. The bright amber appearance before the audience reminds them that the Royal Cavalry Captain is someone that they feared formidable enough to trample their positions in Clapestris. However, for Darina, she intended to wear the golden armory, since it is only now that her royal father officially called her presence. She has a lot to tell him even though it is a formal occasion. She handed over her headgear and her scepter to the chiliarch to indicate that her presence is not for her appeal but a report. She has brought with her Rowen who pushes the cart comprising the model of military prowess Clapestris currently possess. Robert the chiliarch, who is a commander of a thousand, governs the order of the court on behalf of the king. He ushered the formality fo
Marsden might be known as a Mercenary of the West and the Stranger of the South. However, he was a traveling musician looking for good places to bring his music while earning from his audience, the passersby. He only became a mercenary when a chieftain needed his help, and the people of this clan called him the Mercenary of the West because he came from the vast Anglo-Saxon land. In all his years of being a mercenary, he witnessed many things about wars, the intricate mindsets of the people he worked with, tactical strategies, and rivalry. For him, it could have been understandable if its between clans or kingdoms. But what he sees in the present time is a rivalry between the most unlikely pair, siblings. One who has a sure route to the kingly future. While the other has a secured and treasured life. One could be pretentiously naive, and the other is saliently envious. Their estrangement from each other could be real trouble. In a sarcastic comment about his own life, it see