The Marakese

Counsel

You never dreamed of power? asked Alguran. I did, like every other man does, replied Philippe. I never dreamed of power, said Alguran. You never needed to I suppose, said Philippe. I guess so, said Alguran. Let us walk to the tavern, said Philippe. Alguran was surprised that Philippe wanted to have a drink. Yes, let us go, said Alguran. The tow of them walked over to the tavern which was still getting rebuilt after the duel with Xeltar. 

"It would be wrong of me to tell that I never wanted to be king" said Philippe after a few drinks. After all I was always the most prepared, I read everything that was there to know, he said. I guess I had everything except the bloodline, said Philippe. But your father was a great man, everyone aspires to be like him, said Alguran. Not me, said Philippe "I never wanted to be like my father" I never wanted to fight or go to wars. But guess destiny had other plans for me, said Philippe "Might be it was my fate to fight wars like my father" said Philippe. I would be proud if my father was the great general, said Alguran thumping the glass on the table. You are lucky Philippe, said Alguran. I do not even know who my father is, he said to the counsel. Philippe fell silent. All these years, I was angry at my father for dying so early, leaving me all alone in this world. And then I look at you and the countless other people like you, who grew up without their parents and I do feel lucky, said Philippe. 

Akimo.......

Akimo sat in his house in the front porch like Romanov had done all those years that were his last. He looked at the stars and was thinking that he too would join them soon. There came in a man with a hat just then, who resembled a samurai. Hello, he said to Akimo and introduced himseld. Hello, replied Akimo and told him to have a seat. "They say you are the greatest warrior in these lands" said the samurai. I suppose so, when there is no one else around now, he joked. The samurai was furious. Do not treat me for a clown, he fumed " I have traveled all these lands just to meet you" he said. Meet me? asked Akimo. Why is that? he asked him. I'm beginning to ask the same question myself, said the samurai. Would you like refreshments? asked Akimo. No, I want to learn the techniques fast, said the Samurai. And then? asked Akimo. What would you do after you learn the techniques fast. And then I would go and avenge my family, said the samurai. I would put this sword in the hearts of those who killed my son and wife, said the samurai. That would not be hard at all, said Akimo. In fact you look like a better fighter than me, said Akimo. That I'm, said the samurai. Then what are you really here for? asked Akimo. I want to learn how to kill, said the samurai. Akimo laughed "You want to learn how to kill" that even a child knows how to kill. The samurai got up in anger " Will you teach me or not old man" he fumed. I don't know what to teach you, said Akimo. Then I shall leave, said the samurai and was about to leave. Wait, said Akimo. What? asked the samurai. Maybe you can teach me something, said Akimo. Teach you? what are you going to learn in this old age? asked the samurai. Can you teach me how not to kill, said Akimo. Do you take me for a fool, asked the samurai. No, said Akimo. You seem to be really good in not killing people, said Akimo. That is not something you learn, that is something you just do, said the samurai. Then teach me how to do, said Akimo. The samurai stood in front of Akimo and stared at him. He did not know what to say nor did he have any answers for that. You said young samurai, that you want to learn how to kill people. I think you need to unlearn how to not kill people, said Akimo. The samurai was confused and decided to take a seat. I shall go make that drink now, he said. The Samurai nodded.  After a while, Akimo had come back with tea for the both of them. Drink this, he said to the samurai. The samurai took the cup of tea and held it." How do I unlearn" he asked him. First, drink tea , said Akimo. The samurai hurriedly drank the tea and again asked Akimo the same question. Akimo did not say anything. He slowly sipped his drink and enjoyed it. He finally spoke " People like to do waht they enjoy" he said to the samurai. Perhaps you like to fight, but not to kill, said Akimo. Yes, replied the samurai. And does man always do what he enjoys? asked AKimo. Perhaps not, replied the samurai. He does what is necessary, said Akimo. He does what is needed. Yes, you are right master, said the samurai. And do you think that killing is the right thing. No master, replied the samurai. But don't you think that sometimes it is needed. Like the sunlight gives space for the moon to breathe. Perhaps master, said the samurai. Do you think if there was only light, the world will be a better place, he asked the samurai. Man would not know what is light then, the samurai said. Yes, man would not know the difference between good and wrong, said Akimo. You are indeed right master. There must be darkness, darkness must exist, said the samurai. Same goes for you, there must exist darkness in us for the light to prevail. You must see the darkness and kill it for the light to prevail. And young warrior it is the duty of the samurai, not for him to run away from darkness, but embrace it. Travel through it, master it and eventually kill it, said Akimo. So that you eventually find the light! said the samurai. Akimo took another sip from his cup!