All Chapters of Jewels of The Crown: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

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

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

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

Darina never had her knees wobbling until now. She cannot recall any deeds deemed repugnant for the Prince. She was only standing before the palace, fixing her gaze at its main doors called the Doors of Blessing. “Reporting, Your Highness. Our Royal Cavalry Captain has come with the reinforcements His Royal Highness, the King, has commanded,” Rowen initiated on behalf of Darina. There was only silence in the midst of them. It only broke out when a stranger galloped his horse at a noticeable pace. Minister Hazper marveled that this stranger has the company of the high-ranking messenger he sent. “I am Marsden, the Mercenary of the West, and a Stranger of the South. I have come on behalf of the Royal Cavalry Captain to plead for Her Highness’ cause,” the man in purple clothes announced. Darina has only read the accounts of the Mercenary of the West. But the book was written for more than five centuries. How can this man in purple declare that he is the M

Marsden might be known as a Mercenary of the West and the Stranger of the South. However, he was a traveling musician looking for good places to bring his music while earning from his audience, the passersby. He only became a mercenary when a chieftain needed his help, and the people of this clan called him the Mercenary of the West because he came from the vast Anglo-Saxon land. In all his years of being a mercenary, he witnessed many things about wars, the intricate mindsets of the people he worked with, tactical strategies, and rivalry. For him, it could have been understandable if its between clans or kingdoms. But what he sees in the present time is a rivalry between the most unlikely pair, siblings. One who has a sure route to the kingly future. While the other has a secured and treasured life. One could be pretentiously naive, and the other is saliently envious. Their estrangement from each other could be real trouble. In a sarcastic comment about his own life, it see