Book 9: Chapter 1

Book 9: Chapter 1

It began long, long ago.

One driven man set out on a journey. His oppressed and enslaved people, stripped of their pride and cultural heritage, found no salvation in this life or the next. Cries for rescue went unheard, a masters whip and scorn their only reward.

You slaves have no god. Your only fate is to be mocked, persecuted, and consumed.

Most of his brethren suffered this derision in silence. After all, no words could save them. Despite endless trials and tribulations, emancipation never arrived. It was enough to leave one wondering if the gods despised them.

He was different, however.

Our divine savior is somewhere on this vast continent. They just havent heard us yet.

That was his conviction.

However long it takes, Ill find a god to deliver the Flahm.

With that, he departed on a holy quest. His name is long forgotten. Posterity only knows this traveler with the fiery red hair and bright crimson eyes as the Founder.

And that man was the father of the Flahm Kingdom.

A young man sat by a roaring fireplace, a book in one hand. It was Wein Salema Arbalest, the crown prince of the Natra Kingdom. Together with the gentle snow outside the window, the hearth created a cozy atmosphere.

Did he reallysearch for God? asked the youthful girl with him by the fire. Her name was Falanya Elk Arbalest, and she was Weins younger sister and Natras crown princess.

The siblings were discussing the history of a particular civilization. The ancient Flahm people, to be exact.

Yes, at least according to our records here in Natra. Of course, were talking about an event from centuries ago. Its hard to know what someone was thinking back then.

Still, we cant discount written history, Wein implied wordlessly.

So did the Founder succeed? Falanya asked, but her brother continued without answering.

The Founder chased every holy lead across the continent. Apparently, he even marched into forbidden sanctums and exposed the gods despite local protest. His actions made him the target of attacks by several different religious groups.

He must have been truly desperate.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

The Founder ignored his own peril in pursuit of God and left no stone, figurative or literal, unturned. All so he could bring meager peace to his suffering friends, comrades, and loved ones.

However, his wish never came true.

What? Falanya questioned, her eyes large.

Ancient societies believed in far more numerous gods and spirits than those of the modern day. That spectrum ranged from nature worship in primitive animism to polytheistic systems ruled by a central deity. Among these, the Founder likely converted to the oldest religionatheism.

The Founder spent long years searching every corner of the continent and risking his own lifeyet he never found a divine protector for the Flahm.

After demystifying the gods hed yearned for, the forlorn Founder must have concluded the continent was home only to false idols.

He didnt find Godbut built the Flahm Kingdom anyway?

Thats right. At first, the Founder was heartbroken, but he quickly hatched a diabolical plan: If God didnt exist, he would invent one to suit the Flahm. Wein paused to grin. And thus, the continents first monotheism was born.

Sirgis, former prime minister of the Delunio Kingdom and current vassal to Natras crown princess Falanya, entered the room and felt a slight wave of regret wash over him. Hed come looking for his master but found someone hed give anything to avoid.

Oh? May I help you, Sir Sirgis?

Ninym Ralei, the one who posed the question, tilted her head. She was Crown Prince Weins aide and, as evidenced by her white hair and red eyes, a Flahm.

Might I ask where Princess Falanya is? Sirgis asked, his expression sour.

Shes in that room, Ninym readily answered, pointing to a door nearby. However, Her Highness and Prince Wein are in the middle of a discussion.

I see In that case, I shall return later.

Sirgis turned to leave, but Ninym called out behind him.

Its almost time for Prince Wein to return to his government affairs. Would you like to wait here for a while?

It wasnt an odd proposal, but Sirgis groaned quietly.

Sirgis didnt grasp the meaning, but a kind smile spread across Ninyms face.

Your Highness, those words alone ease the hearts of all Flahm.

Although different races, the pair appeared like sisters as Ninym accepted Falanyas embrace and stroked her hair. Their shared history wove a tangible harmony between them.

Did you need me, Sirgis? Wein said, breaking Sirgiss contemplation.

No, I wish to confirm a few matters with Princess Falanya about an upcoming meeting.

Gotcha. Wein nodded. Give her a minute, though. Shes still processing her feelings.

Yes, understood.

Im sure there are shocking aspects of Flahm history, Sirgis thought. If one delved into the continents history, they would find several grisly truths. Falanya was a princess, but also a child. No one could blame her for being upset.

Thats right Shes still a child.

Since Sirgis became Falanyas vassal, he had come to understand that she was a capable royal. Her passion and ambition were evident, and she had an equal measure of intelligence. Falanya took advice yet refused to be spoon-fed.

Given a decade to mature, the frail, inexperienced princess would be an excellent politician.

However, there was one significant caveat.

Even the gifted Falanya was no match for her older brother, Wein. A survey of one hundred people would be unanimously in favor of the elder sibling.

This wont be easy.

Sirgis would install Princess Falanya on Natras throne. That was his goal as an exprime minister (courtesy of Wein) and as Falanyas vassal.

I cant rush things. However, theres no telling when the current king will abdicate to the prince. Ill need both stealth and haste

Did Wein realize there was a turncoat in his midst? Most certainly. He was a genius prince, after all. Still, the young royal said nothing. There was no telling if that was due to carelessness or because he had other plans. Sirgis felt uneasy, but his objective remained the same. He would use every opportunity to support Falanya.

Incidentally, I hear youll be traveling abroad soon, Prince.

Yeah, to the Ulbeth Alliance. Know anything about it?

Ive visited the region on numerous occasions. It is apeculiar nation.

Oh? How so?

Both Natra and Delunio have unique cultures and traditions, but the well-established Ulbeth Alliance is distinct to an abnormal degree, Sirgis replied.

HmmIve heard theyve been around awhile. Culture and tradition, huh?

Wein tried to conjure a mental picture of the unfamiliar country and groaned quietly.

Falanya, having regained her composure, called to him. Wein, youre going to Ulbeth on business, right?

Yeah. Natras trade with Patura took a major hit during the last Gathering of the Chosen, so I need to hurry and do damage control. Im sure Ulbeths representative, the Holy Elite named Agata, wont stop there, though. Negotiations should be interesting.

Falanya sheepishly eyed the prince. Please be careful, Wein. The previous Gathering of the Chosen looked safe at the beginning. Even if you expect a regular meeting, theres no telling what might happen.

The chaos from last autumns Gathering of the Chosen still cast a shadow over Falanyas heart.

No worries, Falanya. Stuff like that is one in a million, Wein assured her with an amused grin. He ruffled his sisters hair. Still, Ill need you to watch the homestead while Im gone. Sirgis, help her out, okay?

You can count on me, Wein!

Yes. Leave everything to us.

Falanya was bursting with enthusiasm, while Sirgis merely gave a formal bow. The genius prince smiled and nodded in satisfaction.

Several days later, a delegation led by Wein departed for the Ulbeth Alliance. Falanya, who saw them off, would later ask herself the following:

I wonder if everything that happened in the Ulbeth Alliance that winter hinted at the future awaiting my brother and the others.

In the future, this period came to be known as the Great War of Kings.