In the eyes of almost everyone, Basiliskus was the scheming enemy staying behind the shadows of conspicuous villains. All his actions made them formulate verisimilar conclusions. He was the man always crying to sever Gilan from Clapestris. He looted the armories and equipment stored in the fortified house of Mahagino. He used the information from Shahin for the whereabouts of Darina and Prince Thariem.
Eight days past and he returned to the capital of Clapestris with many prisoners of war. Entered with him to the main gates of the city are the wagons of spoils. The one that is highlighted among them was Darina in the cage. There is a blood-stained steel helmet beside her. It is a known helmet always worn by Prince Thariem when mounted for campaigns.
The Clapestrisians filled the sides of the streets with their sighs and unexplained hopes. The Agabean Royal Knight has returned but is no better than them.
“She has become a prisoner of war,” was among the genera
After the war is a morning dream still far from that pleasant, bright, and redeeming. Clapestris has met her heroes and her villains. On the part of the heroes is the responsibility to capture all enemies. While there is Shahin and Ardeshir already captured, Tanya Khatun and Minister Hazper are still at large. Ozroes vowed to capture them. Darina insisted on going with him. It is for Prince Thariem to continue his authority in Clapestris, unhinged by any of Darina’s influence. “This is what I can do to compensate Your Majesty for all the troubles you had with me,” Darina said sans the fear that Prince Thariem might envy her again. “But Darina, we helped hand in hand to restore Clapestris. This is not about me neither our aims. Do not go thence just because you think the conflict we had before might come again.” “It is not because of the conflict, Prince Thariem. I want Clapestris to know that a prince is with them. I want them to acknowledge your name. Hence,
Some suspicions do not last. They are better off unattended and let consideration do its work. By this, malice subsides to the unrecoverable setting. Perhaps, mercy worked with consideration in excusing the Eran Jamasp from the previous doubts of Prince Thariem. He was, after all, never been an ally of The Falcon even of the time that he received the order concerning Darina. Hence, he is favored to know the pleasant news about Prince Thariem retaking the capital. He also heard that it was Darina who caused the messengers to spread the news. “They utilized the military prowess to the best of their advantage,” Jamasp said. He is glad in himself that he was among those who extended help to the Clapestrisian force. “Seeing how easy it is for them to enter the capital, it seems like they did not rely on the strength in numbers,” Farhad said. Ever since the company of Prince Thariem came to his abode, he became an enthusiast in understanding war. He sought to write a book
Instead of her grim look during her charge in a battle, Darina rather has a worried scowl. The Agabean Royal Knight is composing within herself what must she say to King Rashal about the recovery of Clapestris. The reason why she hasted on going to the king was to save Prince Thariem’s face. She still brought that same purpose as she finally faced King Rashal. “Father King, Prince Thariem has operated to restore Clapestris not for his name’s sake but for your highness. He never assumed to reside on your throne for he believes that you will return any time sooner.” Unlike the puzzled soldiers who are with King Rashal, the king is not confused about what Darina is referring to. He smiled to convince Darina that he never thinks about Prince Thariem in that manner. “Darina, how can I think with such malice? You and Thariem are the jewels of my crown. I regard the works of the both of you with appreciation and due faithfulness,” he said while looking at her. The k
In the ancient land of Pars, later than the Battle of Carrhae, there sits the Royal Capital of Clapestris extending her vast power to the outskirts of the surrounding provinces. The subjects and monarchs alike would walk and live with the antiquities and honors of Pars. Their lineage, culture, and even sympathy are with Pars. But in the name of Clapestris, they flourish. This is the tale during the 9th sovereign governing Clapestris. Where the crown of the monarch is adorned with the paradox of order and dissension, of excellence and futility, and the persons of Prince Thariem and Darina. As long as the edges of history can bring a subtle touch to this side of the tale, the unveiled beginning always arises at the vehement drought that afflicted Clapestris. The drought lasted for three years. During those times, some farmers thought of selling their flocks. Others fled to the mountains in fear to die from hunger. The Kingdom of Clapestris has sent their valian
The steps of the hustling horses send fine tremors on the bridge crossing the eastern borders. Riding upon these horses are the men of valor. They are carrying the banners of gold, silk, and saffron which are the prestige of Clapestris. King Rashal led the royal team, and they are marching at a heightening pace to reach the palace. The central gate welcomes the Royal Force. The noise is a sound of clamor and celebration combined. The families are reunited with their soldier relatives. Others bereave for the death of their sons whom they likened to torches no more flaring. Prince Thariem and Darina greet their royal father while riding upon their horses. The king replied to them with a nod. The refined young adults joined his majesty in entering the palace for a victor's feast. The victor's feast is set at the wide dining hall. The fine music from stringed instruments and flutes gently swooned the hearts of the royal forces. The frames of their chairs are plat
A Clapestrisian court is always a solemn place for ministers who commune to the king. But when Prince Thariem and Darina enter the court, a different, vibrant ambiance comes. It is as if some secret musicians are strumming the banjos and others are fluting a thrilling song. The prince executes his military salutation before the king while Darina is prostrated and bowed as she is wearing her long Median robe. If Darina has to enter the palace while wearing her battle gear, she needs to salute the king militarily. The king stomped his scepter to call Prince Thariem and Darina to initiate the conversation. Prince Thariem walked forward and bowed his right knee. “Greetings, my father king. Your servant has come before your throne to reason about the moats,” Prince Thariem started. He made a brief report about the event last night. The king only kept a straight face, but he is glad deep inside. The time flies so fast. Before his sight, his son is becoming more res
Darina wears her favorite armory as she enters the main site for the hunting games. The stage has curvilinear designs by the best artists from Shapur. The grandiose carved woods emphasize the thrones of King Rashal, Queen Mariam, and Queen Dowager Tahaliel. Darina went near to them and saluted militarily. “Darina, why are you not wearing the golden armory that I gave you?” Queen Dowager Tahaliel asked. “As a leader of the cavalrymen, I am ought to wear the black armory for the hunting games, Your Majesty,” Darina replied politely. Other players were glancing at her gears since they find it inappropriate for the event. “But I assure to your highness that I will wear the golden armory for the ceremony. I only seek to keep the golden armory from getting soiled when it must be prepared for a spectacular event such as for the Prince.” “You must dress up best for a great of your royal brother.” Queen Dowager Tahaliel finds Darina’s response satisfyi
The royals see that the new title vested to Prince Thariem is a kind of gift and appreciation for his excellence. However, to Mahagino, it was a call of more burdensome encounters to the following days of Clapestris. Mahagino was granted freedom in exchange for supplying the commercial trail of Clapestris and keeping his permanent residence at the small valley near the Kaskuhish. He was doing carpentry works for his unsold items when King Rashal and his men visited Mahagino. “Greetings of peace to Your Majesty,” Mahagino saluted. “What brings Your Highness to my humble abode?” “I will tell you once we enter your home,” King Rashal replied and marched towards the wooden cabin. The king found many Oriental items and jars inside Mahagino’s house. Many clothes are near the windows. The scent of the house was both out of agarwood and wine. He sat on the wooden chair and waited for Mahagino to settle himself as well. “I heard the rumors at the central market. You were sayi
Instead of her grim look during her charge in a battle, Darina rather has a worried scowl. The Agabean Royal Knight is composing within herself what must she say to King Rashal about the recovery of Clapestris. The reason why she hasted on going to the king was to save Prince Thariem’s face. She still brought that same purpose as she finally faced King Rashal. “Father King, Prince Thariem has operated to restore Clapestris not for his name’s sake but for your highness. He never assumed to reside on your throne for he believes that you will return any time sooner.” Unlike the puzzled soldiers who are with King Rashal, the king is not confused about what Darina is referring to. He smiled to convince Darina that he never thinks about Prince Thariem in that manner. “Darina, how can I think with such malice? You and Thariem are the jewels of my crown. I regard the works of the both of you with appreciation and due faithfulness,” he said while looking at her. The k
Some suspicions do not last. They are better off unattended and let consideration do its work. By this, malice subsides to the unrecoverable setting. Perhaps, mercy worked with consideration in excusing the Eran Jamasp from the previous doubts of Prince Thariem. He was, after all, never been an ally of The Falcon even of the time that he received the order concerning Darina. Hence, he is favored to know the pleasant news about Prince Thariem retaking the capital. He also heard that it was Darina who caused the messengers to spread the news. “They utilized the military prowess to the best of their advantage,” Jamasp said. He is glad in himself that he was among those who extended help to the Clapestrisian force. “Seeing how easy it is for them to enter the capital, it seems like they did not rely on the strength in numbers,” Farhad said. Ever since the company of Prince Thariem came to his abode, he became an enthusiast in understanding war. He sought to write a book
After the war is a morning dream still far from that pleasant, bright, and redeeming. Clapestris has met her heroes and her villains. On the part of the heroes is the responsibility to capture all enemies. While there is Shahin and Ardeshir already captured, Tanya Khatun and Minister Hazper are still at large. Ozroes vowed to capture them. Darina insisted on going with him. It is for Prince Thariem to continue his authority in Clapestris, unhinged by any of Darina’s influence. “This is what I can do to compensate Your Majesty for all the troubles you had with me,” Darina said sans the fear that Prince Thariem might envy her again. “But Darina, we helped hand in hand to restore Clapestris. This is not about me neither our aims. Do not go thence just because you think the conflict we had before might come again.” “It is not because of the conflict, Prince Thariem. I want Clapestris to know that a prince is with them. I want them to acknowledge your name. Hence,
In the eyes of almost everyone, Basiliskus was the scheming enemy staying behind the shadows of conspicuous villains. All his actions made them formulate verisimilar conclusions. He was the man always crying to sever Gilan from Clapestris. He looted the armories and equipment stored in the fortified house of Mahagino. He used the information from Shahin for the whereabouts of Darina and Prince Thariem. Eight days past and he returned to the capital of Clapestris with many prisoners of war. Entered with him to the main gates of the city are the wagons of spoils. The one that is highlighted among them was Darina in the cage. There is a blood-stained steel helmet beside her. It is a known helmet always worn by Prince Thariem when mounted for campaigns. The Clapestrisians filled the sides of the streets with their sighs and unexplained hopes. The Agabean Royal Knight has returned but is no better than them. “She has become a prisoner of war,” was among the genera
The luxury of the kingdom is on owning many regions and the luxury of the military is on having prowess that outnumbers the other. However, the camp of Clapestris cannot count the assurance of numbers. The espionage they launched confirms a thousand and half a hundred are loyal to Shahin. There are thousands more serving Ardeshir. In a hazier perspective of what kind of strength Clapestris must confront, a fragmented alliance is reported between the camp of Shahin and Satrap Basiliskus. If they understand their common goal, they might become the bigger enemy that Clapestris must war against. Marsden could barely understand that Darina decided to divide the caravan in two at the increasing strength of their enemies. Prince Thariem will lead the other division towards Gustus in their search for Ozroes’ medicine and military support from the empire. Meanwhile, Darina will lead her division to make war against the satrap of Gilan. While there is still time and th
The worse fall of a kingdom is not by siege but by the internal problems prevailing in its sides, ruining foundations and dividing its people. It is a haunting folk saying that joins the caravan of Clapestris when a commotion erupted in the midst of it. Darina and Prince Thariem emerged out of the carriage to resolve the noise. Many soldiers with their ready swords surrounded the sowers of ruckus. They are the same people sent by Tanya. There are about ten of them with clothes no distinct from the soldiers that work with Ozroes. “Brothers, why do you have to cause this?” asked an Amyrgian soldier to the workers of Tanya. “It is best for us to do this, brothers. For we are not heading for the glory of our house. We are heading to our downfall. Look at Clapestris and how it is ruined now. Even the Clapestrisians have to flee to this desert because of the travails there,” accused by Tanya’s worker. “No one in his right mind would think th
Many soldiers of varying ranks and skills are admitted to the company of Prince Thariem and Darina. Tools are with them but their delight is on Ozroes that is healed and freed from his isolating yurt. Darina cannot help herself but keeps on staring at Ozroes. They are inside a carriage which Ozroes recommended for them to ride in. The same familiar bright eyes met her in comforting silence. “Ozroes…” she called him. “What is it, your highness?” “I am more than delighted that you are now fine,” Darina stated. “I am also grateful that you sent messengers to aid my situation,” Ozroes revealed. It was Tali, Samira, Nariman, and Kashvad who sought another physician to check his condition. The physician has proven that he was poisoned but he also has not denied that there is still a remaining sickness in him because of the inadequacy of medicine around. The medicine administered to him before the sight of a few people was enough to relieve his sympt
It is still, after all, a battle of time, terrain, and understanding. Going to the land of the Amyrgia Clan as of this time is like plunging through the lair of an old mad lion. It is the place where the Falcon was from. The traveling Clapestrisian military can never assure itself that no hostility will await them there, especially from the ruling entities. They cannot rely solely on Ozroes, though be of great name and authority, due to his illness that kept him weak and guarded away from the rest of the steppe. The terrain is at least favorable to the Clapestrisians. There is a portion of the Gobi Desert that makes it distinct and bold to face the hint of a Parsian topography. It is the Kashun-Gobi. It mediates before the borders of Amyrgians. It offers a route for the Clapestrisian force to reach the eastern territory of the mentioned house. Yurts of familiar designs and varying sizes are placed in the eastern district. Amyrgians move according to their way of life
In war, there are pawns. But for the struggling Clapestris, never forlorn and abandoned brothers. The messengers in themselves thought already that something might happen to them than expecting the receivers to respond according to their ideal. However, they choose to not get frightened. They composed themselves in the understanding that their roles are not yet done; even if they have to get fettered down the cells of arid antiquity. The fate that happened on messengers for Gilan also emerged to other pairs who touched the city thresholds assigned to them. Yet, a distinct event came to the pair who arrived in the Amyrgian land. Another person from the house of Amyrgia had received the letter from Darina. Instead of locking them, they are well received. Maidservants and musicians attended them. Steppe delicacies are set upon their tables. Their thirst is ready to be quenched by wine. “Serve them well for they are from the house of Lunekleare,” the chief woman announce