Lunesday, 2nd of Aprillia, 470th year of the 5th Era

“We have received… a letter of summons…” Old King Parhal said as he held a piece of parchment in his hands as he sat upon the Dragonbone Throne “It appears… the Raja Malim has finally decided to interfere with the affairs of the other Kings… hehehehe… How amusing…”

The elders of the council all had a stern expression when they heard the news whilst their King seemed to be taking the letter with a modicum amount of amusement. Josias was sat on the floor on a cushion along with his friends and the other Elders of Goria while his father Parulian sat on a lower stool with a cushion beside the King's throne. As always, Elder Marasi and Bishop Ludwig stood flanking the King's throne on both sides.

Josias could only furrow his brows when he heard that the letter of summons came from the Raja Malim. To his understanding, the Raja Malim was the highest religious authority among the Halak who still held to the old ways akin to what Bishop Ludwig had told him was the position of the so-called ‘pope’ to the Catholics. Because of Goria’s overwhelmingly Christian influence, Josias and the others of his generation weren't too familiar with the Raja Malim and their traditions outside of the old folk tales and stories that some elders would still tell them. The current Raja Malim was the latest in the long line of Priest-Kings who have held that title since the first Raja Malim - who was said to be a grandson of Si Raja Halak - acquired a divine relation from the Creator God Mulajadi Nabolon and established the precepts of the Traditional Halak Religions that have been preserved both orally and the ‘Pustaha’ tomes of the many shamans and Priest-Kings. But besides that, he was confused as to why this letter of summons even meant anything to them if it was called upon by some prominent Pagan shaman. It had nothing to do with them as christians. But at the same time, Josias had little interest in interrupting the council and angering the elders at his presumption.

“Why must we even bother answering the summons of this charlatan?” The first Elder to echo Josias' thought spoke up. He was Hesekiel's grandfather, Ludwig's adopted father, and the former Chief-Shaman of the Gorian Clan, Tuan Rihar Marihot Rapmasari. The white-haired almost eighty-year-old Elder Rihar was the village's foremost shaman before the arrival of the missionaries, currently being a seventh-circle mage, perhaps the most powerful mage in all the Halaklands and Timotheus’ mentor in magical studies. “The current Raja Malim is an upstart riding on the coat-tails of his father's shadow. We have no obligations to help them, not especially when they did absolutely nothing to aid us when the other clans came baring down upon us! I'd say to hell with those pagans!”

Josias admired Elder Rihars’s zeal as besides maybe some of the missionaries, he was the most zealous christian in all the Halaklands despite him converting and being baptized when he was already almost sixty years old. Josias had been told by Serena that her adopted grandfather was at first the most opposed to Christianity and to the Missionary but when he saw Ludwig's drive to learn more about the culture of the Halak and his efforts in trying to understand them as a people, even sharing many heartfelt discussions about philosophy and the like, it slowly won him over. What truly was the turning point however, was when one of Rihar’s grandchildren was sick and he did all he could with his shamanic and medicinal knowledge to cure him but to no avail, when Ludwig managed to heal him, Rihar was willing to be baptized. It was said on the night before his baptism, Rihar was personally visited by an apparition of a man clothed in white who looked neither Halak nor Westerner, who was glowing splendidly and on his hands and feet were wounds that looked like they were left behind by nails. The apparition had told him that even in his old age, He was still the Lord his helper and that he will carry him. The night continued with Elder Rihar saying that he continued having conversations with the man in his dreams and on the day of his baptism, for a split second, he saw the Skies part and through the clouds he saw the splendor of the Kingdom of Heaven and all the Hosts of angels in their Glory awaited him.

But even among the most Zealous of christians within the Halak, it could not be denied - especially with the acculturation that Bishop Ludwig had championed - aspects of the Old Ways were still present and perhaps even embraced within the Halak Church. It was because of this that another elder - Elder Sintong, the head of the Idabagak clan - spoke up, countering Elder Rihar's point.

“I agree with the Great Elder's point. We as a christian people do not owe any religious fealty or affiliation to the Raja Malim…” Elder Sintong said “But it can not be denied that the Raja Malim holds great sway over the greater Halaklands. Refusing to even entertain the idea would further push us away and make us even more of a pariah within the Halaklands. And further tension would only lead to an escalation of conflict and eventually… war… we do not want war, do we?”

“If the Heathens want war then we shall give them war!” Elder Rihar retorted zealously “We defeated the whole lot of them once, and now we are stronger than ever before! It would be a just and holy war to bring the Light of Our Lord and Savior upon the pagans!”

“For a man who used to be at the front of sacrificing and eating criminals, you sure make some great posturing!” Elder Sintong said back with a laugh in his tone

“I have been made anew and have been forgiven of my most heinous of sins! As we all have by the holy sacrament of baptism! Is that not right, Lord Ephorus?”

“That is indeed correct, Lord Elder.” Bishop Ludwig had nodded before he continued “But while I truly respect the Zeal and fervor that you have for our Lord - even more so than mine own - I must admit that there is merit to Elder Sintong’s words.”

“Lord Eporus…” Elder Sintong smiled as he bowed with his hand over his chest before smirking at the Old Elder Rihar.

“While it is written that Christ indeed came to bring a sword, it also is written that He is the Prince of Peace and we as his children shall be bearers of Peace.” Ludwig continued “If there lies a peaceful solution to the matter, I don't see why we shouldn't entertain those options first?”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Elder Rihar gave a harrumph before he conceded his point with a nod and a shrug. But not before giving one last voice of input, “What specifically then does the Raja Malim want from us?”

At that question, King Parhal cleared his throat before he started speaking again.

“The Raja Malim… has invited all the Kings and Elders of the Halaklands to the Sacred Isle of Matanitao, to the Dolok Mulajadi…” King Parhal started as he was reading through the letter “...to celebrate and give offerings in thanks to the Great Harvest this year, in the Gotilon Nabolon… to strengthen the bonds between all the Children of the Halak…”

Josias could only scoff at the notion that the letter was as innocent as it seemed.

“And this letter arrived only a few weeks after Lord Partogi was exiled? This has the scent of the Old Fox of Saorma all over it…” Elder Sabam Hutabaru said “He's trying to stick his fingers into places where they don't belong…”

As Josias' maternal grandfather said that, the other elders couldn't help but nod in agreement and Josias couldn't help but agree with that sentiment. The timing was too suspect. Too clear for it to be a coincidence. The Isle of the Raja Malim had been silent these past few decades since the war, but now that Goria was prospering and was trying to better enforce its own religious laws within its own realm, they're crying for a festival for the ‘strengthening of bonds’? It was a ploy that even children could see through. But regardless of its obviousness, it was a good plan meant to trap Gorian between a rock and a hard place.

“...In addition to the great festival…” King Parhal had continued reading through the letter. It seemed like there was more to hear “A great and friendly tournament shall be held to test the prowess of the young warriors of the Halak… All the Kings and Clan elders… may send representatives of their realms and clans to participate within the battle of strength… Five warriors representing each of the Twenty Kings of the Halak… and each being no older than twenty years of age…”

As King Parhal had said that, almost instantly, Josias could feel the gazes of the elders and the people there started to gaze upon him and his friends who were in the hall.

“While I have the fullest confidence that the young men of Goria would reign far supreme above any weaklings of the other Realms, that still doesn't give enough reason for us to forsake our faith and make offerings of our rice and produce to Pagan Gods…” Elder Rihar said once more

“But as Elder Idabagak has stated before, disregarding the summons would needlessly put us in a disadvantageous position among the other Realms…” Elder Sabam said before he looked to Bishop Ludwig “Lord Ephorus, is there no possible way that we may participate in the events of this Gotilon without compromising our faith?”

Josias looked on as he saw the Ephorus Ludwig nod as he scratched his chin and shut his eyes as if looking for an answer. Amazingly, it didn't take long before he came up with a solution.

“There actually shouldn't be much of a problem, my Lord Elders…” Bishop Ludwig said “If the Raja Malim is true that in calling for this Gotilon Nabolon he is looking to strengthen the bonds between the Halak people, there is no reason we should not join and participate. On the matter of offerings, all we need to do is bring what was asked for and give it to the Raja Malim personally for him to do as he pleases. We commit no sin when we are simply sharing the fruits of our labour with our neighbors. If the Raja Malim protests, we can simply spin the story around that he does not respect the treaty that was signed two decades ago which ensured our Realm of Religious Freedom.”

As Bishop Ludwig gave his explanation, the other elders nodded as it appeared that they agreed with the notion.

“And also…” Bishop Ludwig added “In line with what my noble father, Elder Rihar had said, I have full confidence in the abilities of the young people of Goria. Why should we squander such an opportunity that the Lord has given us to prove that His blessings and favour are upon us? As with the blessings and the Presence of the Lord did David defeat the mighty Goliath, so too shall our faithful triumph against those who have yet to believe!”

“Emma tutu!” The other elders stated in agreement with the Lord Ephorus. It was then did all eyes now look towards the Dragonbone throne where the King sat in deep thought. Eventually, King Parhal nodded as he addressed his council.

“...I am in agreement with you all… We shall participate in this festival… the Dolok Mulajadi is only a stone's throw away and it appears that… I must remind the other kings that I am still yet to pass on from the Earth… They have become complacent and must be reminded which among the Realms stands as… The greatest.” the People in the hall gave nods and grunts of approval before King Parhal then turned to his grandson Josias “...My beloved grandson… as my heir and the strongest among the young warriors of our Realm… You will lead as the representative of our clan… I leave the choice of the four other warriors to bring with us to you… There is still more than a week until the festival begins… More than enough time for you all to train…”

“Allow me to help them in that regard, father.” Parulian said as he crossed his arms with a grin while looking at his son “I'll whip him up to shape in no time! I can't have my son become complacent just because he's a third-star warrior. You will not become a frog in a well! The Halaklands are vast and there might yet be other mighty young warriors who we have not heard of.”

Josias could only give his father an awkward smile before he nodded. It was true enough that he couldn't grow accustomed to moderate training at the risk of becoming complacent and stagnating. He must continue to train and strive as he still needed to strengthen and pool his mana into the third star in order to even start looking into ascending again into the fourth star. But despite all that, he could only give a heavy sigh as he envisioned the week of Hellish training that awaited him before the Festival could even begin. As for the King's request of him, Josias couldn't help but look to his grandfather's eyes with a resolute expression though his excitedly beating heart betrayed himself any notion of stoic acceptance. Josias then bowed his head as he answered his grandfather the King.

“If it pleases you, Ompung, it would be the greatest honour for me to represent our mighty realm in the upcoming festival!” Josias said “If the Lord God is willing - and I am assured He is - I am confident that neither I nor any of the young warriors of Goria will bring shame to our realm. And above that, as the grandson of the Mighty Swordsaint, King of Goria, Great Hulubalang of all the Halaklands, I shall strive to bring honor to your name!”

With Josias' resolute answer, the Elders of the hall nodded with approval while the Mighty King Parhal couldn't help but give a genuine smile towards Josias before he spoke again.

“My grandson, my panggoaran… even without all that… You already honour me and make me proud… I am very pleased…” King Parhal said before he focused his gaze back to the council of the Great hall. “And so it is agreed then… Lord elders… Gorian shall participate in the tournament and the festival… and through that, we shall Glorify and Exemplify the Kingdom of God!!”

With a final shout of approval from the council, the King finally gave leave for everyone there to disperse. Josias walked excitedly out of the Great Hall as he was set on completing the task that was given to him. He must find worthy companions and then train together with them to face the other warriors of the other kingdoms. Much pride and honour was at stake and he'd be damned if he brought shame upon his house and clan in any capacity. And so with that resolve, the young Lord set off.