...And all the representatives were summoned to hear their king's proclamation, back to that island in the golden sea.

***

The Young King was not tall, by any stretch of the imagination. He was quite accustomed to that downward-peer which he commonly received. Due to this, as the circle recommenced, he was surprised to see the crowns of the delegates as they bowed in reverence. Their faith was apparent. He did not want to let them down-- He knew that the Natural Gods tested him on this day-- His heart pounded-- He did not dare sit-- He took preliminary observations of the participants:

Firstly, his sage, Drya. In this uneasy moment, her visage soothed the spirit. You have proven to be a faithful companion, Drya. Why, then, has your answer to my question from but a moment ago engendered such anxiety? Patis appeared incredibly indifferent. Was there really pain behind his eyes? If Drya has read your mask as such, then there may still be cracks in your stoicism. The ascetic's humour, by the judgment of the Young King, was radiantly positive. His smile prevailed in even the tensest of situations. Finally, the Young King observed Jin-ur. Squinting was required to even spot her figure, shrunken and faint; a distant, wispy cloud which lingered on the verge of dispersion in the sun. "Are thou to speak or just stare?" She asked, noticing his apprehension. So, his augustness begun:

"Monilay. Wise and gracious people of Urdhiin, I come not to offer you a solution beyond reproach, but to pose a question: What is this unseen obstruction which prevents us from cooperating? Among us today art naught but fellow Urdhonians; whether we place our faith in the heavens or in the land, whether we be men or women, artisans or warriors, the tie that connects is the Urd. I see no reason for which we cannot end this treaty deftly, in a manner most mutually beneficial. Here is but a humble proposition: The abrogation of the treaty is followed by the design of a new agreement, which permits Altemplum to charitably expedite the process of rebuilding Lûnatus. Do any delegates disagree with this concept?

Before even the Young King had the time to survey the opinions of the group, Opha began a campaign of instinctual opprobrium: "With all due respect to your eminence, I take issue with every factor of this proposition..." And on the diatribe went. Yet for every question and criticism sent his way, the Young King returned an intelligent answer. With much mental effort, he faced down the stubborn fellow with acumen. Next there was a never-ending barrage of litigious criticisms, a cascade of "uns." "This is unprecedented!" led to "Thine prejudice is unprofessional!" eventually led to "Thou are unfit to rule!" The Young King, nearly offended, recalled what Drya said of Patis' unseen suffering. Perhaps, then, this poor monk suffers as well. His ideas of what is Right, and is always Right, has been challenged. I shall exercise patience. And so he did, until another, most unexpected, delegate stepped in: The ascetic.

The old monk stood with fists clenched. Then, something unusual occurred-- In the first instance which anyone present could recall, the old monk frowned. It was a sternness reminiscent of the disappointment of a parent, something the Young King recognized immediately. "Opha, cease this disrespect at once." He was uncharacteristically cross in response to the young monk's insolence, saying "I fully intend to accept his eminence's proposition, whether or not you agree. However, under the Benevolence of Odux, I will not take disciplinary action but proffer a choice: You may assist your fellow monks under this new agreement, even if it goes against your beliefs, or choose to step down from office in the wake of transgressions against your king." Opha was discomfited, with eyes darting to and fro. If the Young King were in his shoes, he pondered, he may flee posthaste. Instead, the monk quietly sat with an air of shame. "Then, if none else object, the Altemplum treaty is nullified henceforth."

Is that it? Then, the battle is over, the Young King thought. My only hope is that I performed adequately for the delegates! Joy of joys, the first step on mine path as king has been walked! There was a conclusive silence which absorbed the circle, all eyes turning to the ruler for the last time. However, his focus was captured by his sage, the woman who had supported him through it all. The monks, the elder, and his daughter all fell away for that warm moment.

***

"Afore I go, Drya, I have but one question. For what reason do we meet on the call of that bird?" "It is no average bird, but the King's Finch. Albeit a small and noble creature, its song is grand and resounding. Truthfully, among all birds of its kind, I must profess it mine favorite."

***

...You believed in me, Drya. Thank you.

"The delegates of Lûnatus object to the aforementioned agreement."

Patis had spoken, and the group was startled. What? You... The Young King knew not how to react in a graceful manner to such a sudden twist. His heart pounded; his confidence quickly fled. What is the meaning of this? "I... I feel I have misjudged you, Patis. Please, elaborate upon your feelings."

"Quite simply, your eminence, Lûnatus will no longer take part in agreements-- of any kind. We need not the assistance of Altemplum, even if thou think it should benefit us." The Young King was in disbelief that he would hide his disagreement until this moment. "It is but a simple interaction, meant to assist the restructuring of your tribe. It suggests no ill-will within your tribes' relationship. Additionally, the charitable aspect is intended to appease the god Odux." Next, the ascetic: "I would not have agreed without this clause; it is most appreciated." Then, Patis: "Bah, the charity is unnecessary. And why should I be concerned for their zealotry? In no way does it affect me." His agitation was apparent. Sweat trickled from his furrowed brow. The Young King continued to engage with Patis through his sudden outburst of contrarianism.

Jin-ur was pulled awake from her near-evaporated state. "It's no use reasoning with him when he's like this." She declared. The Young King wouldn't concede just yet, not when so close to making a real, beneficial change! "Damn, where is thy spirit, Jin-ur? Apathy is unlike thou!" In exasperation, his formal veneer broke. However, it was just what the woman needed to hear-- She puffed her chest and turned to face her father. "Say, what is the use of this selfishness? I assure thou that the work required to transition abruptly from the treaty would be immense! While our people toil to relearn what they once knew, how will they survive? Our reserves are nigh empty, after all." A logical thought, yet I fear the elder operates logic no longer. Patis spoke, not to her, but to the Young King: "Entering yet another agreement is an illogical move for my tribe, especially as we are only just freed of the last. And worry not for us, as we will manage to survive in the old fashioned manner-- through a test of mettle and might." Jin-ur scolded him, despite his continual dismissal of her: "Thou will survive, this is assured. And our house will too. But what of the young and the sick? Thou would abandon them all in the name of tradition!" She was panting in the heat. The Young King noted that yet again Patis was unresponsive.

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The sun beat down upon the circle, and even the high monks were feeling its effects. Jin-ur had a sudden flash of radiance blur her sight, and in that moment relived the fateful vision which precipitated the journey to Altemplum; she remembered the children starving, and the harsh sun drying out every last drop of water. She could still hear the groans of the beggars flooding the streets, and it made her feel terrifyingly powerless. Her eyes suddenly widened and a chill passed over her as she made a dreadful realization: This was the reality which her father was now advocating for. If he were to get his way, a path would be set for ruin.

In the heat of debate the Young King and Patis were fully absorbed. While the first attempted to reason with the latter, he was met again and again with defensive obstinacy. On the cycle went, until-- "Father!!" Surprised by Jin-ur's shout, Patis glanced but for a moment. This mere second was her last chance to reach him, she figured. With tears in her eyes, Jin-ur put all of her power into an ardent plea. The Young King watched so intently that even the heat of the sun seemed to pause. "Father. I know that you yearn for days of yore. Everything was taken from you and there is no replacing it. Howbeit, to affix all your hopes to the way things once were can only lead to disaster. Please, do not put your pride above your people-- Especially those who need your leadership most... I only wish that you would look at us."

Patis averted his gaze, then he barked, "To think that mine heir would be so shameful to willingly show her frailty... I would I had fathered a male-- Forsooth, even a bastard!"

Jin-ur had nary a moment to react before all consciousness was rent from her body, the overwhelming nature of the situation conquering her. She fell like a rock into the hard dirt, throwing up dust. The Young King dashed to rouse her, lying motionless on the ground. She did not wake. The delegates hurriedly gathered around the woman, and even her father started towards her. The Young King, with anger, stopped him in his tracks with locked eyes. "Do thou see what thine pride has earned?" Patis appeared mortified at this development. "To treat thy own child in such a way-- What despicable actions! The future of thine tribe is at stake, and thou can't even find it in thy heart to consider what he wants!" A murmur struggled its way from the daughter's mouth, and the father grabbed her up into his arms. The Young King caught his breath in the wake of his cathartic rant. Meanwhile, Stoic Patis let his tears run free as rivers.

"Jin-ur, beloved, I am sorry. Truly, it is this damnable sun... No, I mustn't lie, I have knowingly maltreated my own flesh and blood! To think that I could ever overlook my dear daughter... A great shame upon me-- Shonos, strike me down with your judgment!" He held her close to his heart and the weeping went on; the shell of stoicism was irrevocably shattered, and the cloak of pride, sullied. The man swore to repay the debt that he owed her, a hundred times over if then it would be enough, and the delegates watched as the seeds of a renewed relationship were sown.

"Come, daughter, your people need you." And off the family went, homeward bound. Halting his mount, the father called back: "Presently my daughter ails from sun-sickness. Upon her recuperation I will return to Altemplum to sign your papers, or whatever is needed of me. Monilay."

***

Serene, yet stygian blackness reigned. The great heart of the plains was dark, unpierced by moonlight. Crickets, nestled in the grass, sang their nocturnal lament. The company of sages and monks currently trot along on horseback southwards. The sages took up the rear of the formation, while the Young King dozed upon the back of Drya's golden steed. She and her jhawla spoke quietly on the matters of the day: "What do you suppose will come of the tribes?" Drya asked, the discussions having riveted her. The old sage spoke wisely: "It is impossible to know, as I am no Seer. Yet if I were, I predict that I may witness a new, fruitful chapter in the relationship between the two tribes. Even under the discipline of the Natural Gods- who will surely have punishment to dole out after this dramatic episode- cooperation will arise. If Altemplum darkens, but Lunatus illuminates, then the monks will surely be allowed to worship at the latter until The First accepts their charity and returns to them his radiance."

Drya, trusting her teacher's prediction wholly, felt relief in her heart. "And what will come of the monk Opha?" She asked. "Hm. He is young, and cares much for the opinion of his brotherhood; I predict his resignation as officer until it can be proven that his heart is changed. Upon this evolution, he may be promoted to even the highest of positions in the temple." "Oh wise jhawla, could you truly see his heart changing?" He laughed. "There is flexibility in youth, as you undoubtedly know!" She smiled, reminded of her untamed days. The old sage said to her, "You are unlike us old souls, Catros and I, who hold antiquated ideas far too dear." "Forgive me, but I disagree. One is never too old to evolve, even that fearsome curmudgeon." Drya thought back to what the beggar had said during their encounter. After the day's events, his warnings of faith took on new meaning. Noticing an apparent silence, her jhawla asked, "Do you believe me?" "Surely I do, mine teacher. Even if nothing else is worth believing." He smiled. "If you are searching for something on which to bestow your faith, I say, the king is a fine place to start. You seem to care for him much." "I do."

Something unspoken then passed between the two-- After years of friendship, they had honed the art of communicating without words-- Drya understood that he had something to say of her secret responsibility, but did not want the Young King to hear. In response, she whispered back to her "captive" to test his wakefulness. He had nary a flinch to the sage's words; his body rhythmically swayed as he laid drooped against her back. "Jhawla, I assure you he is deep asleep." "Listen well," he whispered. "You should be wise to leave this place posthaste. On the morrow, I suggest. Why? The old general will certainly be reaching the holy land's entrance soon. Once he oversees its obstruction, I predict he may turn about and head straight to the Mazar. And when he arrives..." He did not need to finish the thought.

"I shall become the bane of all of the Empire."

"Not I, nor even the Mazar, can protect you then. So, take your captive and avaunt, afar, to the East, or perhaps the South. Fly with the speed and resolve of hawks. May your journey be cloudless and free of strife."

***

The next morning, as her jhawla recommended, Drya gathered her possessions and prepared to depart alongside the Young King. Afore leaving, as a goodbye to Altemplum, the two underwent proper sun-prayer. Partaking in the ceremony, they opened their eyes wide to the radiance of Odux with intent. "...Merciful Odux, grant us the gift of your radiance, so we may live our lives with honor and grace. Let us follow in the steps you have walked towards true Benevolence." The Young King found the practice surprisingly invigorating, and a reminder that the path of faith isn't always easy. Drya, on the other hand, came away from the ceremony with naught but a headache.