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
Prince Thariem did not see off Darina in person. He was just standing at the balcony looking at the gates where Darina’s caravan once passed. Darina and her cavalrymen went away at night to not stir any attention from the nearby kingdoms. Prince Thariem has no other thoughts but a wish that his title would not produce any hostilities. But a wish is not enough, that is why he understood that Darina must lead the campaign of recruiting the soldiers. While silent in his thoughts, Minister Hazper came to him casually. “Your Highness, it is getting noon. Do you think that Darina and her cavalrymen will tarry first if it would rain? The clouds are covering the heavens,” Minister Hazper started. “I would not like them to tarry,” Prince Thariem replied. “We need more defenses any time sooner.” “But that is why I have come to your place, Your Majesty. Why did you not inquire first from the ministers about the plan of the reinforcement?” “For it is an emergency