For twenty days, Avtandil rode across the Kingdom. He journeyed without pause, often riding through the night. In his heart, every step forward was one closer to Tinatin, the treasure and joy of his world. Nothing would steer him from his course or the fulfillment of his vows. He was neither cold nor tired, as the fires of love within kept him warm and filled with vigor.
Wherever he went, people welcomed his arrival with drums and celebration. Both commoners and nobles gave him generous gifts, adoring his presence and lamenting his passing. But joy though it was to be adored by those loyal to him, he wasted no time in reaching his destination.
Eventually, he came to the farthest edge of the Arabian frontier. He stood before an imposing fortress that struck terror in those who dared challenge the might of Arabia. The structure was built of solid rock, with towering stone walls stretching as far as the eye could follow.
This spot marked the end of the beginning of his journey. Once he passed the gates on the other side, he would be adrift and alone. The whims of Gods and Devils would be his to overcome, and he would be master and servant to no more or less than the skill of his own hand.
When he entered, Shermadin greeted him. This was the warrior he had been raised with, the same man who helped him with the contest against Rostevan, and he trusted him more than anyone else. They ate and drank together before inspecting the fortifications and greeting the soldiers. Then, when Avtandil had confirmed all was well, he invited his friend to speak in private and bared his soul.
“We have been inseparable as brothers these many years, and I come before you in shame. You alone are aware of my most secret affairs, yet you have not seen how I suffered and cried in silence. Until today, I could not to share this hidden woe with you, but now I tell you of my pain with joy.”
“I have longed for Tinatin from afar. My heart was her prisoner, but now she has given me hope. Not long past, we shared our love of one another and swore an oath before I left the palace. I am sworn to spend three years beyond our borders to learn news of the strange youth in panther skins you and I saw so long ago. In return, she vowed to accept no man other than me and forever be my wife.”
“To you above all, I must share what is in my soul, for only you understand me. My wish and duty are to my lady, but before anything else, I am a Knight. A vassal must serve, for faithfulness to Kings is fitting for those like you and me. We must not bend before misfortune but instead meet our fates as men.”
“Of all the lords and vassals of Arabia, you and I are closer than brothers. So, I give you these words from my own mouth. While I am gone, I will appoint you as General over my armies. I can trust no other with this task. In my absence, you must lead the soldiers to battle and rule the nobles. Send messengers to court and state the affairs of the borderlands. Write letters as if you were me and present priceless gifts in my name, for why should anyone understand I am not here?”
“I ask you to keep this secret and await my return. Though I realize this is not a desirable task, mourn my passing and weep for me if I fail to come home. Sigh at the brother and friend you lost and inform the King of my death. Come before him as though you are drunk from sorrow and tell him the thing which none escape has befallen me. Give all my treasures of gold, silver, and copper to the poor, dispensing them among those who have not.”
“More, I beg of you, should this tragedy come to pass, do not forget the childhood we shared. Be motherly in your heart towards me, and remember what was good between us, my dear Shermadin. Think often of the times we spent together and pray for my soul.”
“In this, my brother, you will serve me best.”