Gods and Guardians

Chapter 41: The Nature of Unity

Dravan and Simenusa waited patiently for a message from Meinz.

'The messengers returned to Zainox some time ago, I learnt. A copy of Sairus' letter should tell us more about Meinz's disposition,' Lord Simenusa said, trying to be conversational. 'Let's hope His Majesty of Zainox does not forget—'

'He won't.' Dravan assured.

Then they went quiet again for some time.

The two men stood in the central palace square where the statue of the great King Dahira loomed mightily above them on a horse rearing on its hind legs. The king looked up at Dahira's serene face, a lofty contrast to the energetic nature of the entire composition. King Dahira had only sideburns. His eyes gazed into a distance that reflected distance in the mind of a great leader.

He was a mighty warrior in his time, rising from a veteran soldier to Supreme General and to the throne, by charisma and conquest. He kindled hope where it danced in the winds of uncertainty. He gave new life to the spirit of the Islands, when life was diseased with fear and oppression by the king of the time.

King Dahira was the only one to reach the third ring, the ring of the imperial eagle, for his conquest of land and sea that established the Islands as the Lords of all lands within and around their boarders. Well, that was five hundred teneries ago. The mighty Xexa has attained even the last and final ring. But the legacy of the greatest king in Islander history lives on.

It was he who established the DAH timeline, the counting of time used by Islanders till this day. It was he who made the 19 Cornelian Islands three kingdoms, granting supremacy to each kingdom. Then he partitioned the regions for expansion and documented a road map for this. He made Zainox seven Islands, Kainon eleven and shared his power in Zoan into three. He named the other capitals after their first kings: Simsee and Thralls. He instituted the vows of Kravorn as a sacred oath to be recited everyday by all Islanders. King Dahira lives on even in death, for his name in the mind of Islanders calls up nothing but pure energy, power, conquest and the insurmountable Cornelian spirit.

As Dravan looked up at the face of King Dahira, he didn't see the awe it once inspired any longer. He saw a great leader with great intentions, who made wrong decisions. The great king made a mistake that has continued to creep silently, insidiously, on the Islands till this moment.

'I will right your mistake,' Dravan said, barely above his breath.

Simenusa understood.

Dravan wished Maxis will understand. His attachment to someone of Dasirus' family was perhaps an impediment to his judgment. But Maxis must accept his primogenitor role in shaping the future of the islands and Islanders. He must.

Dravan looked up again.

This time, he was looking at the sky.

***

'I hope the seas threated you well,' Dravan said, embracing Maxis.

'It couldn't have been any sweater.' He put his hand around Kiyanna's shoulder.'

'Come here, lovely one,' Dravan beckoned, with a father smile. She sank into his embrace. 'Your mother would be proud. She looked just like you when she got married.'

'Thank you,' Kiyanna said, blushing.

'Welcome, very much.'

'Well,' Maxis broke, 'I better take my bride for her primation. I'll bring the letters to you personally.'

'Bride-to-be,' Dravan corrected with a smile. 'You still have to wait for Dasirus' approval after the primation.'

'Don't worry, Father, I trust His Majesty,' He said already half way to the door.