The Deathless War

Tunivar Shola looked down at the children in front of him. Markanday Fino, the eight-year-old Prince of Burnock was looking at him with pure hatred. Next to him sat the seven-year-old Princess of Frostingale, Ahri Tansen. She refused to look at him.

Tunivar Shola knew they were both bright children. After all, it had taken a lot of effort to kidnap the both of them. Little did they know that both their tutors, Ifthram and Soch -  were his students. And no one who spent time with him questioned his ways. He was the greatest sage to walk the land and commanded everybody's respect.

Even so, if he was going to pull off his current plan, he would need the help of these children. They held the key to pulling off a Deathless War. Children could not be reasoned with, but these two were royalty. They had been raised to rule. He would trust that Ifthram and Soch had readied them.

"Burnock and Frostingale are bitter enemies, and neighbours. They cannot afford a war, but the long drought has shortened tempers on both sides. The borders of both countries are overrun by goons. If a war takes place, your friends will die. Families will be killed. Orphans will fill every church in your land, and there will be enough to fill a thousand more. Your people will become poorer still, and your countries will not recover. Is that the world you want to inherit? Is this the legacy you want your parents to leave behind? It is all they will be remembered for." Tunivar Shola spoke slowly. He paused after describing each image, letting them imagine the horrors. They were young, but they were royalty. And this was important.

A breeze blew through the window. Tunivar Shola walked towards the children and sat next to them. "You can help avoid all of it," he said softly. "Both your parents trust me. They have both called upon my wisdom in searching for the two of you. Each blames the other for kidnapping their child. In return for my help, I have laid out two conditions - they must raise another successor of my choosing in case their child cannot be found, and they must not wage war on the other for a decade."

Tunivar Shola let that sink in. He could see Ahri's eyes widen, and Markanday shaking his head. He smiled. They were cottoning on quickly enough. "Without your help, I cannot do this. Royalty is another word for sacrifice. If you devote yourselves to my plan for the next decade, we may save both your kingdoms yet."

There was a heavy, pregnant pause in the air.

"Markanday Fino - I hereby name you Tunivar Tansen, Prince of Falsingale." The boy gave a small nod, not looking up.

"Ahri Tansen - I hereby name you Shola Fino, Princess of Burnock." The girl clenched her fists, but Tunivar Shola knew it was just to strengthen her resolve.

"This is why you are royalty," said Tunivar Shola softly. "The level of sacrifice you can make is unparalleled - you have the power to change the course of so many lives. If you can live out the next decade with integrity, we may save everyone. The kings will not know who you really are. Keep your identity a secret. There's a carriage waiting for each of you to take you to your new homes." He handed each of them a map outlining where they would find the waiting transport, and a sealed letter with his stamp for proof. And then he was gone.

The next decade proved to be prosperous for both countries. And the new prince and princess were the jewels of their respective lands. Each showed great prowess in battle, as tacticians, and as scholars. Nature was kind and bountiful, blessing them with rain and wind and sun. They grew from strength to strength. But as the peaceful decade came to an end, the upcoming Battle of Burnfrost loomed large. The mood grew dim as the people were reminded that their real heirs were still missing, and Tunivar Shola was nowhere to be found. Old bitterness resurfaced, and the frenzy of war swept across both nations. Preparations were under way, and shortly after, completed.

And then the dreaded day was upon them. The two Kings faced each other, while Markanday and Ahri trailed their foster fathers.

On a hill some way off, Tunivar Shola smiled. And then he started clapping. In the silence, the rhythmic echo carried over both armies.
"Come, O Great Kings. Meet each other, and see the legacy you have created for yourselves."

Confused, the two kings made their way forward and stood next to him. "Tunivar, Shola - make your way here as well." The two children made their way over, helmets still on.

Tunivar Shola turned towards the kings. "You have known me for a long time. I told each of you what one part of my name means. Let the world know today."

If they were surprised, the kings hid it well.

"Tunivar is The Call of the Heart," said the King of Burnock.

"Shola is The Voice of the Mind," said the King of Falsingale.

"Aye! And today, for the first time in history, I have brought your hearts and minds together. Tell me if you do not see yourself in the other."

Tunivar Shola turned towards the two children, "take your helmets off, please." They obliged, and the flabbergasted kings could only stare.

Tunivar Shola turned towards the armies, his powerful voice echoing. "I give you Markanday Fino and Ahri Tansen - the Heart and Mind of Burnfrost! See what each has made of themselves, and think - can the people you wish ill give rise to such incredible rulers? Tell me - will there be war tonight, or will there be feasting?"

Without waiting for a response, Tunivar Shola started riding away. He found himself smiling as massive cheers washed over him, signalling everlasting peace.