The Rival of Gods

Chapter Four: Tournaments and Executions

Tuor was the last person Sahshir wished to speak with at the moment. He had stayed the same from when they had last met. His skin had been a bit more tanned by the sun. His white hair was a bit longer, and he wore a white vest and baggy pants with a rope belt. His muscular form was on full display with his arms, and he had nunchucks at his left side.

When Tuor had requested he set up this meeting, Sahshir had immediately wondered as to the reason. He had not been satisfied with Tuor's claim that it was to remedy relations. There was always a secondary purpose to everything the man did.

"Tuor, where have you been?" asked Sahshir. A glance at Alkela revealed that Narcissa's twin had already moved off. Kushina stood just behind, and Sahshir motioned for her to stay back.

"Engineering a great many things," said Tuor, walking forward. "It is the will of Baltoth that Kalthak be reunified in time. You seem to have interfered with his designs in your zeal to ensure his greatness."

"You're a fool if you believe Baltoth did not account for that," noted Sahshir, walking past him. He did not actually believe Tuor about any of that.

"Perhaps," said Tuor, moving to walk beside him. For a moment, they walked, with neither saying anything. Sahshir looked up at the sky as a cloud passed before the sun. "Let us say that I have had to work overtime to adjust the execution of his plans, then." Tuor might have some small idea of the difficulties he'd left for Sahshir. Though Tuor had not had to fear Asim might murder him for a skin disease.

"And what were those plans?" asked Sahshir. He was genuinely curious about what good Tuor thought could come from all this.

"Western Kalthak has always been the stronger of the two," said Tuor with a shrug, "the ground is more fertile. And it connects to many influential trade routes. Because of the desires of the Lords of Eastern Kalthak. Baltoth allowed you to maintain independence."

"And because of Asim's valor and the defeat of Belosh in many battles," noted Sahshir.

"Asim is a fool," snapped Tuor. "He started a civil war that killed thousands. His actions weakened both of us and nearly led to your death. And through your death, it would have been the death of us all. A reunification would have been to both country's benefit.

"You would have ruled as a vassal king and well protected. Without the endless feuding, the focus could have been securing the land. Roads could have been built, and all you have achieved here would have been done far sooner. With the fall of Zigilus, Calisha could have expanded into Dinis."

"You assume there would have been peace," scoffed Sahshir. "Eastern Kalthak would be enslaved, not reunified. Our Lords would bend the knee to Belosh as our people grew fat and lazy. We seek glory against the enemies of Baltoth. It is our purpose to bring destruction upon his enemies.

"And we will not suffer domination by foreign overlords who abandoned us once before. Where was the West when Safara was devouring the maidens she enchanted? Nowhere to be found."

"You speak as though the pursuit of valor is the only worthwhile one," noted Tuor.

"It is," said Sahshir. "Though valor may be achieved in all things. To strive to lead a virtuous life as a merchant. They charge reasonable pay and manage one's affairs with integrity? That is no less glorious than to behave as a samurai ought to. It is merely another aspect of a greater society.

"All men have their parts.

"To play them well is to become worthy of remembrance, even if the memory of you fades."

"You seem to have put much thought into all this," said Tuor.

"Of course," said Sahshir. "No one else was willing to do as much, so the task fell to me."