“I looked out to sea while Phridon consoled me, though I could not shake my sorrow. In time, the cool air began to quench the fires in me. I sat next to my friend, leaning against him, and dared to hope a sun might still hide behind the clouds darkening my world. We stayed there long after he finished speaking, and it was me who broke the silence.”

“‘The burden I carry has worn deep ruts in the road of my soul. I was utterly alone until you aided me with news to help my quest. You too have spent your days like me, with no equal in all the men of your Kingdom.’”

“‘To be sure, you are unique among those God set on this earth, but I fear a part of me drifts untethered and lost. I must ask for the wisdom of your counsel. How can I return joy to my heart? Without the sun I seek, nothing remains for me. I cannot survive alone without her.’”

“When I finished, Phridon sat in silence for a long time, thinking. Then he took my hands and knelt before me. He looked up into my face as he spoke. ‘You are King and Lord of India and came to my lands as brother and friend. I could not ask more from God than to meet you.’”

“‘You must appreciate the bond we share as brothers. No act of gratitude is better than simply being friends. Because of this, I am chained to you as your servant and willingly obey your command. It is my wish to ease your pain, and I will endeavor to aid you.’”

“‘Mulghazanzar is a highway for ships through these parts. What happens abroad will be heard here, for all manner of people come to us from far and distant places. If any know of her, we will find them, and in doing so soothe the fire which consumes you.’”

“‘Fear not, my friend. We will seek news with a fleet of ships from our ports. I will send experienced men who know the ways of the sea and have visited many foreign regions. They will help you find the moon of your heart. I ask only for your patience, as these things take time.’”

“‘Do not allow your hand to grow restless or let your mind torture you while we wait. Together we can hope to find a way for you to aid her, bringing an end to your grief. Hold your head high, beside me, and we will defeat the evil of Fate with joy.’”

“When he finished speaking, we embraced, and I gave thanks to Heaven for the light he brought to my life. Then, we made our way back to the city with newfound resolve. On our arrival, he called the Captains of every ship to us.”

“He ordered them to cross the seas seeking news of Nestan. None were to sit idle. Instead, they must overcome every hardship which came upon them, scouring the waters day and night.”

“We sent men to every corner of the world, and I confess my shame in allowing myself to rediscover happiness. The efforts of our search consoled me for a time, and the pain of separation lightened. I found joy, believing I would learn news of her with the help of Phridon.”

“While we waited, he commanded a throne to be set up for me in the palace, placing it next to his. He apologized for not showing me the respect I was due as King of India and made himself my subject. Though I protested, he would not relent, and his own soldiers and people swore allegiance to me.”

“But what point is there in lengthening the story? Captains came to us from everywhere. They roamed all ports and crossed every sea, yet none had news. With every new ship, the weight around my neck increased. My burden grew from ten to a hundred and then to a thousand. Each day, the river of my sorrow flowed anew and left me rent with grief. Soon, my thoughts darkened, weighing heavily on me.”

“I decided it was time to leave and called to my friend to tell him of my intentions. ‘With God as my witness, it pains me to speak these words. You are a brother to me. My time with you is a balm to my wounded soul, yet I am unable to go on living like this. My heart falls further from me with each passing moment.’”

“‘It crushes me to receive no news of my heart’s desire. Time slips from my grasp like sand, and all the joy in this life becomes bitter to me. I am sorry, but I can remain here no longer. The sea brought nothing but sorrow, and I must ask you to release me. I will roam the lands, seeking her abroad. Though I fear the day and night will become one to me without you, if I do not go, I will bring about my own ruin.’”

“Phridon’s expression turned from gold to gray as I spoke, his heart lost to grief at learning of my departure. He wished for anything other than what I requested, but he did not try to change my mind when he answered. ‘My brother, this news lays heavy on me. These past months with you as my companion have been the best of my life.’”

“‘Now I find the sails of my spirit fallen. The winds of Fate blow what I desire most from me. Yet, I will not stop you. How could I call happiness my own if I stole it from another? I give you my leave and blessing, though it wounds me to do so.’”

“How his words pained me. Until meeting him, I had no home in the world other than India. He and the people of his Kingdom had given me something I would never be able to repay. They gave me a measure of peace. I did not realize the importance of their gift until it had slipped away from me.”

“But their kindness is what gave me strength to carry on. Where the city of my soul once fell to ruin, their love showed me I could hope for a way out of the rubble. But I could not stay. Although it was difficult, nothing remained but for me to leave the Kingdom of Mulghazanzar.”

“With no other choice, we prepared for the journey. Asmath and my two Knights readied themselves, and we made our way towards the gates. The citizens were sad to see us go. Some wept pitifully at our passing, throwing fresh cut roses, and wishing us to return in health and haste. They left us wanting for nothing, save perhaps a less sorrowful departure.”

“Phridon surprised me above all, presenting a gift of inestimable value. He gave me the black stallion I ride. More, he spoke words I cherish to this day.”

“‘Brother, there is no way for me to accompany you, though I know the road will be difficult. In place of me by your side, I give my steed to you. None can catch him, and if you wish, horse and rider can vanish from all pursuers in a moment. May he carry you safely through any troubles which pass while you are away from the safety of our city.’”

“As we left, the sorrow of our parting watered the ground. Most of all, between myself and the brother I was leaving behind. We embraced one last time, kissing the cheeks of one another fondly. My heart wept as well over Asmath, for I knew she had spent many an evening conversing with Phridon under the stars. They would miss one another, but she and I could have no peace until we rescued Nestan from her captors.”

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