“In the morning, I came down to the city and found townsfolk cleaning the streets from the celebration the night before. I had never seen those who owned residences tending common areas. This was always a task left to servants, or slaves in some countries. When I asked a young couple what they were doing, they stared at me in confusion before answering. ‘This is our city, so we clean. Are things not the same in your Kingdom?’ But what might I say to them? I came from far lands, different than here and perhaps not for the better in some ways.”

“The next weeks passed similarly. I constantly learned new things about the customs of these people. While it was interesting and educational, none of it truly mattered to me one way or the other. Like a man in a cave, I no longer counted the days or marked their events. Without Nestan, the passage of time meant nothing.”

“I existed to no end, and my heart withered. Yet I did not possess the liberty to die. Instead, I clung to a life none would envy. Though I smiled and laughed with others when they celebrated, in truth, I had no idea where to point my compass. Phridon sensed this and made himself my constant companion. We often hunted together in the farthest corners of his Kingdom, which is perhaps what saved me.”

“On one such day, we climbed high up onto a cape jutting out over the water. The view was spectacular, and in the distance, I recognized the island his deceitful cousins met their end on. Yet farther beyond, one could watch ships pass over the curve of the world. This place held rare beauty, and I said as much to my friend.”

“He turned to me when I told him this and shared a story with me. ‘From here, I once witnessed a thing like nothing else before or since. Some might say it was a mirage, but my eyes did not deceive me, as you will learn.’”

“‘On the day I speak of, I came to hunt. My faithful steed sat beneath me as I tracked the flight of my hawks while they brought birds to the ground. The sport pleased me, and after a time, I came where we sit now. I gazed over the vast expanse of sea before me and noticed the smallest of vessels on the horizon. It appeared as no more than a speck of dust on the ocean. Yet, whatever this thing was, light shone from it like the setting sun.’”

“‘I watched as the object moved closer, amazed by its speed. Perhaps the hand of God carried it, for no ship I know of can travel so swiftly across the sea. While marvelous to behold, I wondered who piloted the craft and what they might want. As they neared, I waited to see what they would do.’”

“‘In time they came closer to the shore, and I made out a small and ornate golden boat. The finest silks covered all sides, so none might easily see what lay within. Yet as the wind blew, I caught a glimpse inside and laid eyes on the moon herself. I swear to you now, she commands my heart to this day. Had I the means, I would give her the Seventh Heaven as a home.’”

“When they landed on the beach, the maiden came to the edge of the boat, accompanied by two large men with skin black as pitch. They helped her disembark, and she wandered between them and the trees. Her eyes flashed like caged lightning, and she wore her hair down. Thick tresses clung to her like well-aged vines. If I possessed words to describe her honestly, the sun would cease to shine.’”

“Seeing her filled me with joy, and I desired nothing more than to make myself known to them. I hastily rode down the side of this cliff. You have seen how my horse is like a falcon on the land and a fish on the water. He can vanish from the field or likewise approach without a whisper. Yet, despite the power of my steed and his manner of crossing all obstacles as if nothing, we never reached them.’”

“‘However fast I came, they went faster. In the end, I arrived in an empty camp. Their ship was a distant spot on the horizon, and I had no way to catch them. Before long, they vanished from sight. Other than those moments, I never learned more of them.’”

“I listened, and knew it was Nestan, though he did not realize it. The flames of loss burned my heart with renewed intensity, and I lost my composure. I threw myself to the ground, yelling at the Heavens and shouting in rage and frustration.”

“If I died then, it would have been preferable to me. It made me sick to think of my rose subject to a will than her own. Worse, I became unreasonably mad thinking of any man other than me looking on her.”

“Phridon witnessed this and tried to console me, though I am sure my behavior confused him. He pitied me as I lay in my misery, soothing and calming me with care and concern. Unfortunately, my grief drowned out all else, and his words were lost to me.”

“At one point, he shook my shoulders, shouting at me and begging to know what was wrong. ‘I am sorry for whatever I did, but I am here to help. What did I say to ruin you so utterly? Tell me!’”

“He brought me back to reason, and I took deep breaths of the sea air, choking on the sorrow which moments before threatened to engulf me. Then I explained how my sudden woe had nothing to do with his actions. He did nothing wrong but rather a great deed for me.”

“I searched so long for news of her. Yet, Phridon had no idea of this, and I bore him no anger. My will was spent. I broke down and shared all my troubles over the last few years. He learned every moment of my story from start to finish, no different from what I tell you now. I told him because he wished to be my brother and comrade in arms. Accepting such an honor from him without also detailing the burden it carried would be an injustice.”

“I explained to him how the sun of my heart rose and set on her every movement, sharing the battles I fought to win her love. He listened intently, learning of the intrigue leading to Prince Khvarazmsha’s death. I described the two Kadj men who kidnapped Nestan, and he confirmed their descriptions as the men on the boat. Yet telling my tale did not lessen the fires consuming me. I did not know what to do. In the end, my mind became a brand burning me to ash.”

“Still upset, my friend tried to console me. ‘I am ashamed of my mistake, for I did not know my words would bring you to ruin. You are King of the Indians. A ruler mightier than me by a hundred thousand times. Surely a royal seat and throne are more suited to you than this place, yet here you sit with me.’”

“‘Why do you forget this? A man such as you cannot be formed without his heart being pierced by a spear. Though the pain may lacerate you, do not despair.’”

“‘The will of God is beyond either of us to understand. We can only be certain of his mercy, which thunders down from Heaven and changes sorrow to joy as rain turns the fields from brown to green. Those who trust in Him and keep their faith never grieve without cause.’”

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