The Rival of Gods

Prologue: Isamu Arrives

King Belosh had reigned for decades over a reign of comparative peace. There had been battles upon the Sea of Power and a few raids and skirmishes. Many of his sons had marched to fight in Calisha's wars abroad. Yet Western Kalthak, in his reign, had been peaceful and productive. He had stockpiled goods during good harvests. In doing so, no one went hungry when famine struck the land.

Unfortunately, the era of peace might be coming to an end.

One of his principal warriors walked into the throne room now. He came through the door, his orange hair a mess as always. His ram horns stood out nearly as much as his size, which towered over the guards. On his back was a massive cleaver of a sword, and his garb was in fur.

Evidently, no one had taken his sword, as usual. Isamu had a way of bypassing such restrictions.

"Isamu, I'm glad to see you here at last," said Belosh.

"Well, I got a bit held up, but plans can change," said Isamu. "What's the story?"

"Isamu, show some respect!" said Agas, white-bearded and ancient. One who was still dedicated to some level of decency. "You are in the presence of King Belosh of Western Kalthak, and you will kneel!"

"Break my arm if you want, old man," scoffed Isamu. "I kneel to no one."

"Enough, we've had this discussion far too many times, and it will never happen, Agas," said Belosh. "Isamu is valuable enough to tolerate his quirks. Or I would not have requested his presence."

"So, what's the story?" repeated Isamu.

"A meeting," said Belosh, remembering the letter. "King Abdul Sahshir I of Eastern Kalthak has invited me to visit him." And it was not an invitation he wanted to accept, though he had no intention of saying as much. "Though I wonder why he never requested my aid before now. Certainly, I might have made his ascension a far simpler matter."

"So, go do it or don't; why do you need to call me for this?" asked Isamu flatly.

"Don't pretend to be ignorant, Isamu," said Belosh. "There has been bad blood between our nations. Blood that had persisted since Eastern Kalthak came into existence."

Isamu paused. "...When did this happen? I know Asim's a bastard, but I thought he was just some bandit."

Asim... a common bandit...

Belosh had a headache trying to understand how Isamu could be so ignorant. Asim had carried out his raids in a specific bid to discredit Belosh. And worse still, it had almost worked. Before Asim attacked, there had been a discussion of giving Eastern Kalthak back. He was owed it by right.

Afterward, with both sides gearing up for a full-scale war, Baltoth interceded. He had decided to leave them separate. Officially because Eastern Kalthak did not want to rejoin. But it had been because Calisha lost confidence in Belosh. He'd had to scramble for years to regain Baltoth's confidence. His sons had done well there, better than Belosh had managed.

Not that Isamu would understand this, even if it were explained to him. So, perhaps a more mythical explanation? "Agas, explain, will you."

The older man nodded and stood slowly so as not to disturb his joints. "In ages past, the Goddess Safara was expanding her influence worldwide. Her very presence could enslave men and women alike. The merest glimpse caused them to fall desperately in love with her. Using this, she quickly subdued what is now Dinis and Chaminus.

"Perceiving the threat faced by her, Kalthak attempted to invade her. However, Safara used her charms to convince much of the army to join her. With them under her spell, she began to take over the entire land of Kalthak. Only the great desert between what is now Eastern and Western Kalthak slowed her.