Book One (CH 01): Avtandil's Quest
Chapter 01 - The Story of Rostevan
Storms forever darkened the horizons of men, but some people did not fear the unrest these times brought. To them, the darkness was no more than angry clouds hiding skies of azure crowned with gold. They knew misfortune often lingered on the winds of Fate, and the rule of Kings ebbed and flowed across generations like the tides of an endless sea.
One such man held lordship over the vast Kingdom of Arabia, commanding a host of near countless Knights. Rostevan was his name, and none were his equal in battle. His enemies feared the might of his armies, but the people loved him. He was wise, gracious, and fluent in speech. Yet today, despite his strength, he was unable to find peace.
A problem unlike any he faced in the past weighed on him, and he worried it might undo his entire Kingdom if left unresolved. Where commoners were free to worry and fret over their daily concerns, he had no such liberty. His duty bound him to lead his people into the coming sun, but the veil clouding his vision blinded him. For the first time in his rule, he could not decide what to do.
As he wrestled with his thoughts, his eyes roamed past the assembled courtiers and to the gardens. There, his daughter Tinatin, the joy and light of his life, stood next to a crystal fountain. She was his only child and had grown into a young woman without equal. All who laid eyes on her lost their hearts and minds. Many praised her, though only a poet’s tongue could compose words worthy of her grace and beauty.
She smiled and waved when she saw her father, but he did not see her. His attention was once more on the matters before him, though his mind was elsewhere. The worry eating at him was a constant distraction. Seeing his daughter only deepened his concern. Though eager to speak in private with his chief advisor Sograt, he could not ignore the responsibilities of his Kingdom.
When at last the court retired, and he found himself alone, he called his advisors. For the wise always seek counsel before action. One by one, they arrived, seating themselves around him in a circle. Looking at the faces of men he had known and trusted for decades, he put his hands up in frustration.
“Friends, my mind is in turmoil, and I am unable to find relief. I cannot stop thinking about the future. A procession of Kings and Queens from the past consumes my thoughts. They march through my every waking moment but slip from my grasp before I can reach them. Like sands on the winds of time, they remind me of my own mortality.”
“Their shadows grow long across me, and I fear my days in this world draw near to an end. Old age, most grievous of all ills, weighs upon me. If not today, then tomorrow I die. For this is the way of the world. Life is like the bud of a rose, which falls when dried and withered. Yet, what about our own futures?”
“When the sun sets on one of us, another flower must bloom in the garden, or we are all lost. You above all are aware I have no son to inherit my rule. Without an heir, the approach of this moonless night will consume us, for no joy exists in what darkness attends. In time, our Kingdom will fade into the pages of history and be gone forever. Knowing this, I have to act, but do not know how to proceed.”
“I have thought long on these things and would crown my daughter Tinatin as King, but she is not a man. I feared the people would not accept her, so I called you. With all your wisdom, what do you think of my idea? Give me your advice and help me find peace from this storm.”
The Wisemen turned to one another, wordless, until Sograt spoke, gently admonishing his distraught King.
“You are wise to consider the future, but how can you talk of your age with us? We are all old here, and every living thing withers with time. Roses are no different. When one fades, the scent and color excel, and like you, they have no equal. Do not bury yourself so soon.”
“These words are not flattery, but rather a light we hope to shine into the darkness weighing on your mind. Often, we have spoken of your daughter’s deeds, which, like her radiance, are revealed bright as the day. We advise you to appoint her as Regent. Allow no one to question your decision.”
“She is a woman, but as Sovereign, she is begotten of God. Is it not true the children of lions are the same, whether they are male or female? She is no less a lion than you. When your time is finished, let her rule. Crown her and invite the people to celebrate, for they adore her.”
Rostevan found peace in their words, shining like a fresh pearl. The fog clouding his mind dissipated, and his radiant face shone once more. He smiled, expressing his gratitude and devotion to his advisors.
“Your advice exceeds my grace, and the truth of your wisdom compels me to act. We will announce her as our future King!”