Capítulo 12: Drunken Worries
"Centuries tell that before the age of magic, King Roll The First wanted to build a kingdom that would never need the aid of any to stand on its own. His idea was that his kingdom would be timeless, unshakable, and indestructible, like a large stone. Isolated it would be, and isolated it would stay, safe from the world's affairs.
"Can you imagine?" he laughed. "That our nation has not once held any record of war or any kind of political alliance in all of our history? How that is...I don't know. I can only be certain of the history that I have witnessed, but still..." his voice trailed off as he raised his glass to drink once more. "I tore down the stone walls around my kingom's borders and have spent my life learning the ways of trade, of foreign affairs, of partnerships because just as a butcher needs a farmer to breed livestock, how a seamstress needs a metalworker to make her needles, and how a doctor needs a florist for their herbs to make medicine, a kingdom cannot truly last without alliances.
"Magic has been an aid but its potential is still unknown. The only thing we know for certain is that for magic to be cast something else must be given. Energy. Blood. Life. Whatever fuel magic demands…. People are still dying from sickness, lives ending far too early when surely there is medicine out there to cure them. Magic has allowed citizens to enrich their daily lives but it has not solved the world's problems. Even the most powerful sorcerers and enchantresses in history could not solve every problem with charms and spells. The people need knowledge and to accept aid from anyone willing to help."
It was true. No one could rely on magic alone. It was a rare privileged gift that only a few had, and one that demanded respect above all. The dangers of overexertion with magic was well known. Everyone had a limit to how much they could use within a given period of time. All magic required a sacrifice, whether it be the caster's energy, blood, or life force. Still, when the mind had reached its limit, further use of magic would only lead to despair. Numerous tales had been passed down for centuries of many wizards trying to break their limits or fly too close to the sun only to meet an early end.
As often as Huran had heard this story he never considered interrupting him that evening. He was disassociating, letting the last drop of wine take him away for the moment.
"Stone Roll may be mighty, but it is not perfect, and I will not deny it. This alliance will be best for us as a nation. Still, I must also think about what's best for Snow, not as a king, but as a father." Arthur's tone softened in his final words.
Silence wafted through the hall as Huran slowly moved his gaze down to the remains of half-eaten food and unfinished drink on the table. The gears in his head were spinning, slowly, working on borrowed mental strength until finally, he shook his head. "You truly are a braver king than given credit, Arthur." A groan rumbled in his throat as he straightened himself from the slouch that he'd fallen into while listening.
"It has never been heard of a Sultan that would treasure their son's desire, nor speak of any second guesses such as this over their understanding for a brighter nation's future. Yet, to find the compromise for all..." Huran's voice trailed off, evident that he hardly knew how to put his thoughts into proper words anymore. "Everything will be fine, Arthur. I'm sure of it. Those walls weren't torn down overnight and neither will be any metaphorical one, either. There will always be conflict, those who resist change, those who take comfort in tradition even if it means hurting the progress and prosperity of those around them."
Arthur nodded. "Yes, I suppose that is true. Still, a father can't help but worry about his children."
"I understand how you feel. But you can't protect Snow from every trial that life has to throw at him, nor can I project Ali from the same. But they will have each other, as well as ourselves and Paribanu and even Jafar besides them as long as possible to help them through it. You said so yourself tonight, didn't you?"
There was a moment of hesitation until Arthur puffed out a laugh through his nose, remembering the same encouragement he had given Snow not but a few hours ago. "It would seem I don't even believe my own words. Does that make me a hypocrite? Some Father I am, lying to his son," he teased himself as he massaged his temples. "Even kings have their moments of doubt."
"That we do. Do not think of me as some heartless brute, Arthur. I've shared the same worries as you. Our nation's old laws would have put Ali to Death, but I would rather betray my nation's tradition than lay a finger on my blood. It's been a difficult process for both of us, and it will be an even greater hardship for the two of them regardless of whichever nation they take over." He shook his head, once again slumping back over the table, and sighed. "But now is not the time for hardships. Now...is time for rest."
"I suppose you're correct."
Huran gathered himself, straightening his robe, and stood. "Coming? Any later and you might hear the rooster crowing."
"In a moment. I think I might have one more drink…" or finish whatever's left in someone else's cup.
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