Chronicles of Akbar

The Chronicles of Akbar is a narrative series written by Gustaaf Vermeylen, describing the events surrounding Akbar I, Sultan of Çakaristan.

Marhaba ho marhaba

Akbar on his horse

Akbar sat on a horse, surrounded by his guard. The enthusiastic crowd waved at him, while he was still a little upset that he had been elected sultan. Not his father, not one of his older brothers, but he had become a sultan. His smile was perhaps still modest. His meeting with Yodhaa, who was actually married to him, was very brief. Hasan had told about her and not a word of it had been lied to. As far as he could see, through her veil, she was very pretty.

He scattered gold coins into the crowd, while that crowd enhousiastically shouted at him: "Tu hai raja!” (You're the king). Suddenly Akbar was hit by an arrow. The guard reacted immediately by fencing off the sultan. Several people were not immediately aware of what was happening and were still cheering, while others were shouting in horror. Two men from the guard went after the gunman. Apparently the shooter had managed to get a weapon past the control. The shooter pointed a second arrow at the sultan, but the guard was unable to get the sultan in his sights. The two men of the guard ran towards him, when he realised this, he started to run away. He dropped his bow and arrow and fled.

The sultan was helped off his horse and brought back to the Red Fortress under guard. There doctors were summoned, while Abu's brothers sealed off the fortress. Large groups of people were imprisoned, but they were summoned to rest. The sultan was treated by the doctors, who removed the arrow from the sultan's left shoulder. The heart was not touched, the arrow was too high. The doctors treated the wound, but feared that the arrow might also contain poison. That poison could be more deadly than the arrow itself. The sultan lay unconscious while his wife and mother wept over the situation. His brothers and father remained strong, but all three of them got a headache from all the thoughts about how to proceed. The euphoria of less than an hour ago has turned into serious concern.

The two men of the guard managed to track down the shooter and took him prisoner. They took him to the Red Fortress. On the way, people spit on him, threw stones at him and the guard had to protect the shooter. In the fortress the shooter was put in a room, where he was guarded by six guards. He was searched and a capsule of cyanide was found. The shooter was disappointed, because this was how he wanted to avoid his punishment.

In the courtyard, Amir summoned the people to leave, but the councillors and dignitaries had to stay. He spoke to them, telling them honestly what the sultan's condition was. He stressed that it was precisely now that calm had to be maintained. The meeting was not entirely at ease. Hasan stressed: "If we don't stay together now, the fight for independence will have been in vain. Blood will have flowed for nothing! The only foreign guest still present said: 'If I may take the liberty of addressing you and giving you my humble advice, appoint a Grand Vizier to observe the government on behalf of the Sultan - may he soon recover. This will not put this nation out of control'. He bowed his head. The meeting actually agreed with the advice. But who should this Grand Vizier be? Amir urged everyone to remain silent, because the meeting collapsed in mutual consultation and debate. May I suggest that my brother, my father and I certainly would not become Grand Vizier? May I therefore propose that Rajesh Avchat be named Grand Vizier? For a moment, the sitting remained silent, but more and more faces cleared up, so there was agreement.

Rajesh Avchat himself was very surprised, but stated that he was very honoured. He took the oath before the meeting:

मैं यह शपथ लेता हूं मैं हर समय अपने सुल्तान की ईमानदारी और ईमानदारी से सेवा करता हूं और एक बहादुर और आज्ञाकारी सेवक के रूप में तैयार होना चाहता है, किसी भी समय इस शपथ के लिए मेरे जीवन का उपयोग करने के लिए।	main yah shapath leta hoon main har samay apane sultaan kee eemaanadaaree aur eemaanadaaree se seva karata hoon aur ek bahaadur aur aagyaakaaree sevak ke roop mein taiyaar hona chaahata hai, kisee bhee samay is shapath ke lie mere jeevan ka upayog karane ke lie.	I swear this oath that I serve my sultan faithfully and honesty at all times and wants to be ready as a brave and obedient servant, to use my life for this oath at any time.

The sitting applauded, while Rajesh nodded and bowed his head. Amir and Hasan breathed with relief. It was almost for nothing. They went back to the sultan. There they found the sultana next to the sultan, while others talked quietly from a greater distance. Suddenly the sultan moved, the doctors rushed. The sultan awoke, as if from a deep sleep. He looked up, wanted to get up, but felt the pain in his left shoulder. The anxious faces cleared up, relief began to set the mood. The sultan calmed down when he noticed he was in good hands. He saw her face, without a veil, without hindrance. Her beautiful face. He said to her: "marhaba" (welcome).

Courting the bride

The recovery of the Sultan went well. Akbar started working after some time. With his advisor and Grand Vizier decrees were issued to govern the sultanate. When he had recovered sufficiently, the marriage ceremony was organised. The formal marriage that had taken place during his coronation was now also confirmed with a wedding ceremony. Until this ceremony they had met, but had never been alone. They lived separated under one roof. That would change. The ceremony took place in the main hall, under the big dome.

"By Craitgod. This man and this woman are from now on bound together in the sacred covenant of marriage. Praise be to Craitgod!"

The sultan was very pleased with the marriage, a beautiful woman was now bound to him. On an elevated platform, stands a throne where the bride and groom were kneeling and a canopy above it. There was little time for the bride and groom to speak to each other. The guests passed the bride and groom's throne, expressed their congratulations and gave their gifts. The bride and groom smiles thanking their good wishes and gifts. They walked almost alone to the dining room, where the sultan had to admit that he was nervous to start a conversation with his bride. He did not want to flood her with questions. He had been dreaming about marriage for a long time, a beautiful woman for him alone. Comradeship, someone who would help him.

He thought back to what his professor said during one of the lectures: "The reason people get married, apart from dynastic motives, is that there is a framework around the relationship. Disagreements within intimate relationships are difficult to resolve, but they have to be resolved within a marriage. Because as part of the marriage vows it is the 'I won't leave you' element. As a result, within a marriage you cannot run away from every quarrel or manifestation of a defect. You have to solve it together. And how awful it is that a relationship is as unsettled as any dispute or manifestation of a flaw you can leave. Under what tension do you then live in the realisation that something only has to happen and your partner leaves? How are you going to behave then? First of all, of course you are not going to admit that you are doing something wrong. Secondly, you are going to behave like a frightened cat, because the relationship may just be over.

Some people then say it's a good thing that there is a possibility of divorce. Well, under certain circumstances that is justifiable. Only in general divorce is not a liberation from the bond of marriage. Because the uncertainty that you might get divorced if you don't, is a direct violation of your own vow of marriage. What is that vow worth if you can ignore it? After all, you made that vow, not only in front of your partner, but also in front of others.

So what is your attitude then? Look, you are in trouble, but so am I. You have flaws, but so do I. We are condemned to each other, because that is what we promised each other. It's an enormous vow, but that's why a marriage vow is also seen as a sacred act.

What would be your alternative, if you do not want to be 'bound' to a vow of marriage? Everything is changeable at any time. Well, live that. What does it look like when you're fifty? Two or three broken relationships, your family is fragmented, you have no continual stability. And it's not good for the children. It's a question of responsibility. If you can't run away, you have to solve your problems. So: I'm stuck with you, so let's solve problems. The alternative is that we have a boxing match for the next 40 years. If that responsibility doesn't hang over that relationship, then problems won't be solved. Because people avoid problems, that's the natural reaction. It is very difficult to solve problems, especially in an intimate relationship.

Suppose you have a quarrel. What your partner does and says doesn't seem to be in any proportion to what you do and say. You can't get to the bottom of it until you find out that your partner has been abused in the past. But your partner doesn't want to talk about it, and every time you bring that up, your partner gets angrier and angrier. So if in an unattached relationship there is always a threat to leave, but in the end there is a terrible story about the abuse. Your partner bursts into tears. What do you do then? In an unattached relationship you can avoid the problem and leave. Goodbye, good luck! But in a bonded relationship, you are condemned to solve this problem. Otherwise we have to carry this with us for the next forty years. This may be enough motivation to take on problems".

After dinner the party started. Music, dance and wine. Unfortunately the party was a separate affair. The men on one side of the main hall, the women on the other side. The women were shielded with a veil. While the dance and music were played in the middle. The sultan was reluctant with the wine, because he did not want to get drunk. The bride was escorted to the pouch room, where she waited for her groom to arrive. Akbar came in and there she sat on the bed. With her knees raised, under a veil. He took off his crown and sat down on the edge of the bed. She was clearly nervous. When Akbar carefully wanted to touch her hand, she pulled it away. Akbar realised that she didn't want to. He thought, was disappointed, but got up again and left. That night she slept on the bridal bed, alone.

The next few days Jodha saw her husband a few times while he was busy. She heard a conversation between him and her father, the Grand Vizier. The men did not know that she was listening while sitting on the balcony. Under the balcony, the men were in gespek. She was admired by her husband, who spoke with authority and full of wisdom. Not much later a high envoy from the Emirate of Arbor visited her. Her presence was desired and so she appeared in a beautiful dress and veil according to Aryastian tradition. In the courtyard towards the audience room she met the sultan. He nodded kindly and was apparently happy to see her. She appreciated his respectful attitude. But her court ladies, her mother and father were unhappy with the situation. According to them, the marriage had not been confirmed because they had not shared the bed.

On the other day she walked through the fortress when she suddenly saw the Sultan. He was not dressed in the usual sultanic robe. No crown on his head. His upper body was bare. Four sentries approached the sultan with drawn swords. The sultan fought the sentries, who apparently did not hold back. It was an exercise, because the brothers of the sultan were watching nonchalantly. The sultan defeated one after the other. The muscular upper body of the sultan was sweaty, she got itchy in her belly from the face. She hid behind the vitrages, but was indoctrinated from the muscular man. When the palace guards were defeated, the brothers approached laughingly. They drew their swords, but the sultan was already prepared. Akbar defeated his brothers with ferve.

That afternoon she saw in a beautiful symetric courtyard garden. She sang traditional Aryastian songs. The sultan heard her singing and was distracted. Then he finished the meeting, walked towards the beautiful singing. He saw her sitting, playing with young rabbits. The rabbits wanted to escape all the time, the court ladies were busy holding all the rabbits together. While singing her song, she stroked a rabbit in her arms. A poem, a song came into his mind and he heard the music already in his head:

Aryashti	Transliteration	Translated in Common Tongue
कहने को जश्न-ए-बहारा है दिल ये देख के हैराँ है फूल से खुशबू ख़फ़ा-खफा है गुलशन में छुपा है कोई रंज फिज़ा की चिलमन में सारे सहमे नज़ारे हैं सोये-सोये वक्त के धारे हैं और दिल में खोई-खोई सी बातें हैं कैसे कहें क्या है सितम सोचते हैं अब ये हम कोई कैसे कहे वो हैं या नहीं हमारे करते तो हैं साथ सफर फासले हैं फिर भी मगर जैसे मिलते नहीं किसी दरिया के दो किनारे पास हैं फिर भी पास नहीं हमको ये गम रास नहीं शीशे की इक दीवार है जैसे दरमियाँ सारे सहमे नज़ारे हैं... हमने जो था नगमा सुना दिल ने था उसको चुना ये दास्तान हमें वक्त ने कैसी सुनाई हम जो अगर हैं गमगीं वो भी उधर खुश तो नहीं मुलाकातों में है जैसे घुल सी गई तन्हाई मिलके भी हम मिलते नहीं खिलके भी गुल खिलते नहीं आँखों में हैं बहारें, दिल में खिज़ा सारे सहमे नज़ारे हैं...	Kehne ko Jashn-e-bahara hai Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai Kehne ko Jashn-e-bahara hai Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulshan mein Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein Sare sehmein nazare hain Soye soye vaqt ke dhare hain Aur dil mein koi khoye si baatein hain Ooooo hooooo… Kehne ko Jashn-e-bahara hai Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulshan mein Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein Kaise kahen kya hai sitam Sochte hai ab yeh hum Koi kaise kahen woh hai ya nahi humare Karte to hai saath safar Faasle hain phir bhi magar Jaise milte nahi kisi dariya ke do kinare Pass hain phir bhi paas nahi Humko yeh gum raas nahi Seeshe ki ek diware hai jaise darmiya Sare sehmein nazare hain Soye soye vaqt ke dhare hain Aur dil mein koi khoye si baatein hain Oooo hoooo.. Kehne ko Jashn-e-bahara hai Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulshan mein Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein Hum ne jo tha nagma suna Dil ne tha usko chuna Yeh dastaan humein vaqt ne kaise sunai Hum jo agar hai gumgee Woh bhi udhar khush to nahi Mulakato mein hai jaise ghul si gai tanhai Milke bhi hum milte nahi Khilke bhi gul khilte nahi Aankhon mein hai baharein dil mein khiza Sare sehmein nazare hain Soye soye vaqt ke dhare hain Aur dil mein koi khoye si baatein hain oooo hoo Kehne ko Jashan-e-bahara hai Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulshan mein Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein	People may Imagine spring is here Love, too, is bewildered Fragrance upstages the flowers in the garden Hidden in the veil of nature is a touch of sorrow The world around us is mellow Time is Slumbering. Lost and forgotten memories fill my heart. It is hard to describe this affliction I wonder to myself, Does she belong to me ? There is distance between us even if We travel the journey together. Like Two Shores of the ocean that never meet. She is near yet so far. I can’t endure this yearning. A wall of glass keeps us apart. The slow sleepy flow of time has silenced much of the sorrow here. and many unsaid things are lost in the heart. I heard a song, my heart choose her. What is this story that time tells me. If I am filled with sadness, She is forlorn too. Loneliness casts a shadow on our encounters. We meet and yet we do not meet. Flowers bloom and yet they do not. Springs in ours eyes and autumn in our hearts. The world around us is mellow Time is Slumbering. Lost and forgotten memories fill my heart. People may Imagine spring is here Love, too, is bewildered Fragrance upstages the flowers in the garden Hidden in the veil of nature is a touch of sorrow.

Band of brothers

In the Red Fortress there were many courtyards, halls and gardens. Akbar had not yet had time to explore the entire palace. But what he did recognise was the uncomfortable attitude of the dignitaries towards his older brothers. They did not know what their position was, their status and how to honour it. After all, they had in fact passed through a strict order of succession which made their younger brother the sultan. But fortunately, they were true to their word and loyal to their brother. On one of the many courtyards there is a small dome on eight pillars. The octagonal roof was depicted in the cushions under the circular dome. This is where the three brothers sat. In front of their layers bowls with all kinds of delicacies: various kinds of baqlāwa, ḥalqūm and fruit.

"My brothers", started Akbar, he hesitated for a moment. Amir looked at the sultan in full anticipation. Akbar took a breath and said, "Three things I need to get rid of. And without diversion I am just going to say it". Hasan wanted to drink a sip, but put the cup back on the table to listen to his brother. "I am still troubled with the fall of Kila Qandagozar. The rumours that our father deliberately waited a day before marching with his troops to help Aykut Kökgül are persistent. We need to know what happened. Amir interrupted and asked Akbar: "Did you talk to our father about this? "No, not directly. I don't know how he will react", Akbar replied. Hasan said: "I have a reliable source who told me that father was indeed waiting a day. He knew that I would certainly not be on time with my troops." "Hmmm, this is what makes things so difficult now. Father always said he was waiting for the right moment," Amir said. Akbar shook his head. "As a sultan I cannot tolerate that father was deliberately too late to relieve Aykut. And we as a family cannot tolerate that if it were not true, the rumours would continue to go around". After a few moments of silence between the men, Amir said: "Couldn't you ask the Emir of Arbor to go to court? Then you, as a sultan, would not be too involved, because it concerns our father, and a fair verdict could be made". "Good idea," replied Akbar. He waved and a secretary approached. He dictated a letter to the Emir asking for this case to be investigated and tried.

Hasan said: “My brother, that was one thing, what is number two?” "Yes", replied Akbar, "the second thing is the assassin's army. The man is still imprisoned, but remains silent in all languages. I can't keep that man locked up forever, he has to be tried". "What do we know about this man?", asked Amir. "Not much, not even his name," replied Akbar. "Yes, then only his behaviour can be judged. If he doesn't share his motive, that's his problem," Hasan said. "True, but that makes it difficult to know if he is part of an organization or if he is a loner," Akbar replied. Amir said: "Once, but a judgement has to be made. And I would say, the death penalty'. Akbar nodded, but replied: 'I do not think his blood should spill on the land that has been fought over. The same country that Aykut gave his life for'. "Isn't there an island where his sentence can be carried out?" Hasan asked. "Undoubtedly, I will take the man to court and if he is sentenced to death, carry out his sentence on a lonely rocky island in the sea," Akbar concluded.

"Point three", Amir began. "This point is a bit personal", said Akbar, "we have the sultanate under control, but there is still a lot of green on our borders. There are opportunities there. One of the possibilities is the annexation of the former Aryasht. This area and especially its people are one of the cultural pillars of our nation. It is therefore important that we unite that area and its people with us. On the east side, we still have a piece of former Krasnarus, which is part of an island. If only for strategic reasons, it would be good to fly our flag on the mountain top of that island. That is why I want to send you both on a mission. A mission on the borders of the sultanate. But you are not doing that just for me. Hasan, I want to name you Raj over Korhal. Aryasht is west of there and that is part of your mission. Only Korhal is in your domain, with a large degree of autonomy. Amir, I want to send you east. I want to make you Khan over Albion. Conquer the island and conquer it for your khanate. Everything beyond that island is outside your domain. I don't want to take you away from Agra, but I do want to give you a share in the exquisite task that is mine".

The brothers looked at each other, their faces brightened. "What a great idea," Amir shouted. Hasan agreed and added: "My brother, we will not let you down! "Good to hear", said Akbar relieved. "Hasan, I named your mission 'shuddh butg par'. May Craitgod be with you!" Hasan nodded and already wanted to toast. "Amir, I named your mission 'tariqat alwird'. May Craitgod be with you!" Within days of this meeting, the brothers said goodbye and Amir and Hasan left for their mission.

Çakar revolution

The sultanic seal with written in Arboric "Çakar"

For the first time since the coronation of Abu to sultan, a large meeting was organised in the Red Fortress. The atmosphere was less tense than at the previous meeting. At that time, the National Awakening was just coming to an end, but the future of the nation was very uncertain. It is different now, with a sultan at the helm, a government led by the Grand Vizier and secure territory.

The sultan emerged and sat down on his throne. Those present bowed their heads out of respect for the sultan. On the balcony on the right hand side of the sultan sat the sultana, somewhat hidden behind curtains. The Grand Vizier came forward and said: "By Craitgod, may the sultan reign forever". Those present answered with "Āmīn!". "With your permission there are a number of issues that need your attention", the Grand Vizier continued. The Sultan nodded approvingly.

"Your majesty, dignitaries, our nation exists by the grace of the great Craitgod. The struggle for independence has been fought, we honour those people who have paid the ultimate price for it. It would be a good thing if we did not forget that struggle and gave their lives. May I suggest, Your Majesty, that we erect a national monument? And to establish the day on which the National Awakening ended as official Independence Day? Several of those present nodded during the Grand Vizier's speech, after which a silence followed. The sultan nodded approvingly and said: "In this renewed city, the capital of our new nation, there is enough space to build a national monument. A park around that monument, so that the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice are carved in stone and there is room for reflection. Let that monument be the place where the fallen are commemorated every year and our independence is celebrated". "Thank you, Your Majesty," said the Grand Vizier with a bow.

"Your Majesty, dignitaries, in the absence of a constitution or a declaration of independence, we have not given our nation an official name. As a working title, we use the name 'Sylvania' and that is how we are labelled internationally, but officially we have not. May we ask you if you have a name for our nation', said the Grand Vizier. The sultan thought visibly and, after a short moment, said: "Dear Grand Vizier, dear dignitaries, may I hear you". It took some time for someone to come forward. "Your Majesty, may you rule forever", his speech was interrupted by the approving "Āmīn!", by those present. "Since you have been elected our sultan, sultan of this nation, it makes sense to name this nation as follows: Ultimate Sultanate of Akbar". The sultan smiled. "Your proposal flatters me, my dear, but this nation is greater than my name." The dignitary understood. Another dignitary came forward and said: "Your Majesty, may you rule forever" "Āmīn! "Why shouldn't we continue to use that working title?" The sultan replied: "Our nation encompasses a larger territory than what was once called Sylvania. The working title is inappropriate for our culture and identity". The dignitary nodded.

The Grand Vizier said: "Another possibility would be to use the name 'Hasanistan', but one of the sub-regions is already called that. The National Awakening is a joint effort by Hasanis, Nogans, Coriaks and support from the green. The name 'Hasanistan' would place too much emphasis on one of the participating population groups. The sultan nodded approvingly, after which the Grand Vizier realised that he had forgotten the formalities. He bowed his head in shame. The sultan didn't make a point of it or he didn't even notice it. The next dignitary came forward and said: "Your Majesty, may you reign forever" "Āmīn! "Our nation is the land of the cresent moon. We are on the east side of the Apollonian continent, while on the west side lies the land of the sun. The sun and moon are the most important celestial bodies, the moon reflects the light of the sun. May that be characteristic of our nation" "Thank you, my dear, your words have included true depth".

The meeting remained silent until the sultan himself took the floor: "In a divine vision I spoke with the great Craitgod. The deliberations of this assembly are of great value, that is why what the great Craitgod said to me was brilliant and brilliant. Naming a nation after me does not hold up. A nation named after a small minority does not stand up to others. A nation named after a lost past does not do justice to the present. That is why the following name is appropriate to our culture, does justice to your choice to choose me as a sultan and has eternal value: Çakaristan. The assembly burst out in joy and applauded: "Praise be to Craitgod for our nation Çakaristan!"

When peace had returned somewhat, the sultan said: "So it shall be, by the grace and wisdom of the great Craitgod, from this day forward, our nation is called: Çakaristan. The formal name will be Çakaristan: 'Ultimate Çakar Sultanate' and the ceremonial name 'Hilal Empire'.” The meeting applauded loudly! The sultan saw some participants asking about the ceremonial name. To which the sultan began to explain: "Our great nation is located on the Apollonian continent. We carry the Cresent Moon on our flag, while on the west side of this continent there is an empire with the sun on its flag. That is how that great empire and our great empire form a balance in perfect dualism". The previously questioning participants were pleased with this explanation and again there was a loud applause.

"Our nation is founded on a rich history of earlier nations. Only our nation will stand out from them in greater greatness. To begin with, we will change various names according to our language, according to our culture," said the sultan. The sultan's secretary came forward after a gesture from the sultan and read a list of name changes:

Original name	New name	Arboric	Aryashti	Meaning
Albion	Jabal al-Mada'	الجبل المضاء		dawn-lit mountain
(East-)Antica	Ardnusur	أردنوسور	अर्द नसर	land of eagles
Aryapur	Fatehpur	فاتحبور	फतेहपुर	town of victory
Aurelius and Makit	Çakarabad	شاكاراباد	चकराबाद	city of Çakar
Chesterfield	Kila Maidaan	فورت سهل	किला मैदान	fort plain
Caerulea	Keruliya	كيروليا	केरुलिया	blue
Fluride	Faliwrid	فلوريد
Gevet (city)	Hiawatha	هياواثا
Korhal	Korhalistan	كورهليستان	कोरहालीस्टेन
Kuregred	Kuribad	كوريباد	कुरीबाद
Lezije	Lyzij	ليزيج
Livorno	Liburnia	ليبورنيا	लिबरनिअ
Maldon	Paar-Pahaadee	عبر التل	पार-पहाड़ी	crossing hill
Marco	Merku	ميركو
Micograd	Micobad	ميكوباد	माइकोबाद
Phedodah	Poorajangal	غابة كاملة	पूराजंगल	complete jungle
Slavograd	Salafubad	سلفوباد
Slavonje	Salafulanid	سالافولانيد
Sylvania	Sylfystan	سيلفيستان	सिल्वेनिया	from the forest
York	Ghodabad	غوداباد	घोडाबाद

The secretary nodded to the sultan when he had finished listing and took a step backwards. The sultan looked at the participants in the meeting and said: “May I ask the meeting to vote on these names?” The participants looked at each other, the Grand Vizier had to smile. With a nod, the sultan approved that the Grand Vizier would speak. The Grand Vizier said: "Dear representatives, our sultan, in the great wisdom of the great Craitgod, has decided that our great nation will have a parliament. This Parliament will have the mandate to become the legislative body of our nation. The sultan, may he reign forever, will ratify the approved laws by his signature. To this end, the sultan will draw up a basic law, provide a meeting place outside this palace and organise elections”. The meeting replied with: "Praise be to Craitgod for our nation Çakaristan!".

A vote was then taken and the list of new names was adopted by a large majority. The secretary announced the result of the vote. The sultan was satisfied.

A kiss from the rain

Jodha woke up, she felt enormously rested. She thought she had slept well. Her husband was still asleep next to her. She smiled, thinking back to the day before. For weeks she had been courted by the sultan. He did his best. And slowly her appreciation for him turned into love. She had already caught herself with a warm tickling sensation in her belly when she had seen him swordfighting. His muscles and appearance were beautiful to see. But she also felt the pressure, the pressure from outside to go to bed with him out of duty, because she had to give him a heir to the throne. She didn't have that in mind when she was younger. She wanted to fall in love, get married and then. The order was different now.

The previous morning began like other mornings. She had been invited by the Sultan to have breakfast with him. That happened more often, but the conversation was for looser than usual. She sighed when they had recovered from laughter. Even though she no longer knew why they had laughed so much, Akbar asked why she sighed. She said she used to dance and sing spontaneously when it rained. In Poorajangal rain is a blessing, so people would always party when it rained. Akbar asked what she sang then. And Jodha started to sing some lines of a song:

O clouds please rain

It's sweet and it's warm

It's like a kiss from the rain

It's warm, it's warm

She clearly saw him enjoying her singing, although it was very simple. Suddenly the Sultan said: "Let us do something spontaneous!” Jodha was curious. He gestured her closer and in a gentle tone he said to her: "Put on some simple clothes, come to the parrot tower, then we will secretly go to the city". Jodha looked surprised and agreed. It was not clear how they managed it, but less than an hour later they walked together through the vegetation just outside the Red Fortress. Akbar looked through the bushes to see if anyone would see them if they took to the streets. When the coast was clear, Jodha and he took to the streets. Together they went to the souk. Their simple clothes seemed to be enough not to attract attention.

At the souk they were overwhelmed by the spicy smells, the wild colours and crowds. Akbar was introduced to some new flavours, which Jodha recognized from her homeland. They ate shawarma on a pita roll from one of the many street stalls. In the park, where the parliament building was under construction, they enjoyed the sun and the fresh breeze. Pigeons had already found the newly created park, while many trees still had to mature. Akbar wanted to see the national monument, which was built further on in the park. In this way they could see the monument well, without any formalities. They walked back into town, to the river Taw'am. Low quays had been built on the banks, so ships could moor. The ships were almost absent, so the quays were relatively deserted. In the distance they saw the Red Fortress. They talked to each other in such a way that they did not notice that heavy rain was approaching over the city. Armed they were talking to each other, when the shower erupted. They were so surprised that they rained soaking wet in a short time. Quickly they fled under one of the stone arched bridges over the river. There they were alone.

Akbar asked Jodha: "Can you sing that song again? The song about the rain." Jodha smiled, scraped her throat and began to sing:

Aryashti	Transliteration	Translated in Common Tongue
ना रे, ना रे ना रे, ना रे ननना ना रे, ना रे ना रे, ना रे ननना रे, ननना रे, ननना रे, नाना रे बरसो रे मेघा-मेघा, बरसो रे मेघा-मेघा, बरसो रे मेघा बरसो बरसो रे मेघा-मेघा, बरसो रे मेघा-मेघा, बरसो रे मेघा बरसो मीठा है कोसा है, बारिश का बोसा है कोसा है, कोसा है, बारिशों का बोसा है मीठा है कोसा है, बारिश का बोसा है कोसा है, कोसा है, बारिशों का बोसा है जल जल जल जल जल जल जल थल जल थल चल चल चल चल चल चल चल चल चल चल बहता चल ननना रे, ननना रे, ननना रे, नाना रे ननना रे, ननना रे, ननना रे, नाना रे ननना रे, ननना रे, ननना रे, नाना रे ननना रे, ननना रे, ननना रे, नाना रे बरसो रे बरसो रे मेघा, बरसो रे मेघा-मेघा, बरसो रे मेघा बरसो गीली गीली गीली हाँ, हा हा हा हा गीली गीली माटी, गीली माटी के चल घरौंदे बनायेंगे रे हरी भरी अंबी, अंबी की डाली मिल के झूले झुलायेंगे रे धन बैजू गजनी, हल जोते सबने बैलों की घंटी बजी, और ताल लगे भरने रे तैर के चली, मैं तो पार चली रे तैर के चली, मैं तो पार चली पार वाले पर ले किनारे चली रे मेघा ननना रे, ननना रे, ननना रे, नाना रे ननना रे, ननना रे, ननना रे, नाना रे ननना रे, ननना रे, ननना रे, नाना रे ननना रे, ननना रे, ननना रे, नाना रे तू तू तुरु, तू तू तुरु, तू तू तुरु काली काली रातें, काली रातों में ये बदरवा बरस जायेगा गली-गली मुझको, मेघा ढूँढेगा और गरज के पलट जायेगा घर आँगन अंगना, और पानी का झरना भूल न जाना मुझे, सब पूछेंगे वरना रे बह के चली, मैं तो बह के चली रे कहती चली, मैं तो कहके चली, रे मेघा ननना रे, ननना रे, ननना रे, नाना रे ननना रे, ननना रे, ननना रे, नाना रे ननना रे, ननना रे, ननना रे, नाना रे ननना रे ना रे ना रे ना रे ना रे ना रे ना रे ना रे ननना रे, ननना रे, ननना रे, नाना रे	Naa Re Naa Re, Naa Re Naa Re Naa Re Naa Re, Naa Re Naa Re Barso Re, Megha Megha Barso Re Megha Megha Barso Re, Megha Barso Meetha Hai Kosaa Hai, Baarish Ka Bosa Hai Kosaa Hai, Kosaa Hai, Barrishon Ka Bosa Hai Jal Jal Jal Jal Jal Jal Jal Thal Jal Thal Chal Chal Chal Chal Chal Chal Chal Chal Chal Chal Behta Chal Geeli Geeli Geeli Ha, Ha Ha Ha Ha Geeli Geeli Maati, Geeli Maati Ke Chal Gharonge Bimaayenge Re Hari Bhari Ambi Ambi Ki Daali Mil Ke Joole Jhulaayenge Re Oh Dhan Baiju Gai Ne, Hal Jote Sabne Bailon Ki Ganti Baji, Aur Taal Lage Bharne Re Tair Ki Chali Main Toh Paar Chali Paar Wale Parle Kinaar Chali Re Megha Naa Re Naa Re, Naa Re Naa Re Naa Re Naa Re, Naa Re Naa Re Tu Tu Turu, Tu Tu Turu, Tu Tu Turu Kaali Kaali Raaten, Kaali Raaton Mein Yeh Badarvaa Baras Jaayega Gali Gali Mujh Ko, Megha Doondega Aur Garaj Ke Palat Jaayega Ghar Aangaan Angana, Aur Paani Ka Jharna Bhool Na Jaana Mujhe, Poochenge Varna Re Beh Ke Chali, Main Toh Beh Ke Chali Re Kehthi Chali, Main Toh Keh Ke Chali Re Megha Naa Re Naa Re, Naa Re Naa Re Naa Re Naa Re, Naa Re Naa Re	Oh no ... oh no Oh no ... oh no Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no O clouds please rain O clouds please rain O clouds please rain O clouds please rain O clouds please rain O clouds please rain It's sweet and it's warm It's like a kiss from the rain It's warm, it's warm It's like a kiss from the rain It's sweet and it's warm It's like a kiss from the rain It's warm, it's warm It's like a kiss from the rain Water, water, water ... everywhere Flow, flow, flow ... everywhere Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no Please rain O clouds please rain O clouds please rain O clouds please rain Yes, it's wet ... ha ha ha With the wet soil Let's make houses On the branches of green mangoes trees Let's swing together Dhan, Baiju, Gajni Everyone is ploughing their fields The bells on the oxen are ringing Everyone is filling their pots I'm swimming over to the shore I'm swimming over to the shore With my wings I'm going to the shore O clouds Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no In the dark black nights These clouds shall pour The clouds will look for me in the lanes And it'll turn back after roaring My home, my courtyard And this water fountain Don't forget me Or else everyone will ask I've flown away I'm saying this as I go O clouds Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no no

While singing there were dance movements. Akbar enjoyed her singing. Jodha ended her dance in the arms of Akbar, where she sang the last lines. As if from a romantic movie they kissed each other. For the first time in full love. They experience it as magical, that moment. But in a film everything is directed to perfection, here in real life there was clumsiness too. For both of them it was the first time they kissed another, the first time they experienced a moment like this. That evening in the Red Fortress was possibly even more magical. Their kisses turned into a paradisiacal being together.

Our generous king is a shade of Craitgod

A special convoy transported the former king of Krasnocoria and his family to Agra. The mood was sad and they were nervous about what was in store for them. The former king looked outside, through the tinted windows of the armoured car. The landscape slipped by from what was once Krasnocoria. What he once ruled over. As they approached Agra, more and more building activities became visible. The former king was impressed by the large-scale approach. The new roads, railways and buildings. Eventually he also saw a well-known building, the Red Fortress. This was where the peace talks had been held to end the Hasani War. Now it is apparently the sultanic palace.

Even just before the Red Fortress there were construction works. Cars were no longer allowed to enter the Red Fortress, but stopped at the beginning of the bridge to the entrance gate. The construction work was to provide that arrival point with the necessary buildings and shielding. Undoubtedly there will also be room to park the cars when the Sultan's guests are in the Red Fortress. They got out and walked together across the bridge, through the entrance gate. There they were escorted to the large courtyard with the throne of the Sultan. A large number of people were present in the courtyard. The former king and his family were placed in front of the throne of the Sultan. Without handcuffs, without threat of weapons, but escaping was not an option. On the right, three men sat on three chairs, dressed in long robes. On the left were the Grand Vizier, Rajesh Avchat, and Ümit Çakar, the Sultan's father. Above the throne on the left, on the balcony behind curtains, he saw a beautiful woman, apparently the Sultana. And on the right above the throne, on the balcony behind the curtains, he saw Hamida Banu, the mother of the Sultan. He did not see the brothers of the Sultan.

The court speaker announced the arrival of the Sultan and from behind the throne the Sultan stepped forward and sat down on the throne. The court speaker began: "By Craitgod, may the Sultan reign forever". Those present answered with "Āmīn!". The former king and his family were amazed at what happened. The court speaker continued: "Your Majesty, before you stands Jovan, King of Krasnocoria, and his family. They were hiding in Micobad, where your brother, Hasan Çakar, found them. He had them brought here and so they are here". The Sultan nodded, after which Ümit Çakar came forward and took the floor: 'Your Majesty, under the responsibility of this man, many brothers have been murdered. During the Hasani War and the Sylvanian National Awakening, our brothers were murdered by men who had sworn allegiance to this man. May I advise the Sultan to punish this man for that". Ümit Çakar stepped back to his place. The Grand Vizier came forward and said: "The king pardoned the Hasanis after the Hasani War and cannot be held fully responsible for the actions under the Krasnocorian flag". Extensive statements were made by the two men. When they were over, the court speaker asked if the former king would like to make a statement.

View on Fangzhu Castle from the south

Jovan said: 'Your Majesty, thank you for bringing me and my family here and protecting them. It is true that, as king of the fallen Krasnocoria, I can be held responsible for all actions under my rule. I cannot hide behind the fact that others have acted in my name. May all the dead who have been mourned find peace. All you can ask for, Your Majesty, is mercy. At least let my family continue to live in peace and tranquillity. If you pronounce a punishment, let me bear it." He became emotional and could not speak any further. One of the three men in the chairs talked to each other, then one of them stood up and said: "Your Majesty, we have come to a verdict" The Sultan nodded. "Jovan, the King of Krasnocoria, is fully responsible for his actions and those under his responsibility. His family cannot be blamed for that. It should also be borne in mind that the political circumstances have unleashed the Hasani War and the Sylvanian National Awakening, not the King's actions'.

The silence was deafening, everyone was waiting for a word from the Sultan. To the amazement of those present, the Sultan stood up. He descended and stood in front of Jovan. He said: "You pardoned my father after the Hasani War, that mercy must not be forgotten. Therefore, I will spare you your life and that of your family.

I send you into exile. The Chidao Emperor, Heavenly Light of the Jingdaoese Empire, has provided you with a home where you and your family can live in peace. The Fangzhu Castle has been made available for this purpose. You and your family have been banished from the Ultimate Çakar Sultanate for the rest of your life". The former king looked at his wife and said to the Sultan: “Thank you, may you reign forever”.

The Sultan's father looked a little disappointed. But one of those present exclaimed: "Dilwale hai zil-e-crait-elahi!" (Our generous king is a shade of Craitgod) The next day the former king signed the official abdication, renunciation of possessions and declaration never to set foot in the Ultimate Çakar Sultanate. His family and he were driven to a military airfield, where a private jet was waiting for them. That plane took off and flew to Jingdao. Akbar was only reassured when he received the news that the former king and his family had been handed over to the Jing. He was still afraid of an attack or something. Fortunately, that did not happen.

Tears on the marble floor

After a while Jodha noticed that she was pregnant. Akbar and they had their belated honeymoon, in which they showed a lot of love and passion to each other. First her father was worried about the absence of sexual intercourse, now her father was worried about the absence of the Sultan at meetings. Apparently it was never good, she thought it was youthful. She was already very happy with her pregnancy, although she was very nauseous. But Akbar was even happier if possible. He had lifted her up and danced around with her with joy.

It was difficult to keep the pregnancy a secret, but it worked well to keep the news within the palace walls. The sultanic couple experienced their happiness intensely, which made Akbar's work seem to suffer. During a meal together with both their parents, the sultanic couple received the old advice to find the balance. Akbar was invited by the tribal elders of the Nogans to talk about cultural preservation. The sultanate expanded rapidly, more different population groups came under the sceptre of the Sultan.

A few days before his departure, a tragedy took place. Jodha was inconsolable, she had lost her baby. Her pregnancy came to an end in great pain. Shortly before, we had listened together to the beating heart. But now it was over. Akbar wanted to comfort her, but she did not allow it. For days she cried with her court ladies, while Akbar cried on the other side of the closed door. He found the situation heartbreaking and wanted to do something. But she did not allow it. He could understand very little of it. His mother advised him to be patient and in his prayers he asked Craitgod why this happened.

Without her he left for the meeting with the Nogans. Just outside Akyar tents had been set up, where the tribal elders had gathered. On his way to Akyar he passed Kila Qandagozar, where he stopped. There was a memorial erected for Havildar Aykut Kökgül and his 20 men. Inside, the names of the men were carved in stone, not to mention that they gave the ultimate sacrifice for the creation of the sultanate. Yet he still felt that something was wrong with his father's performance around the attack on the fortress.

Upon arrival at the tent park of the Nogans, the discussions went well. After the meal with typical Noganish dishes, the Nogans began to sing:

Aryashti	Transliteration	Translated in Common Tongue
ख्वाजा जी, ख्वाजा ख्वाजा जी, ख्वाजा जी, ख्वाजा जी या ग़रीब नवाज या ग़रीब नवाज या ग़रीब नवाज या मोइनुद्दीन या मोइनुद्दीन या मोइनुद्दीन या ख्वाजा जी या ख्वाजा जी या ख्वाजा जी या ख्वाजा जी या ख्वाजा जी ख्वाजा मेरे ख्वाजा, दिल में समा जा शाहो का शाह तू, अली का दुलारा ख्वाजा मेरे ख्वाजा, दिल में समा जा शाहो का शाह तू, अली का दुलारा ख्वाजा मेरे ख्वाजा, दिल में समा जा ख्वाजा मेरे ख्वाजा, दिल में समा जा बेकसों की तक़दीर, तूने है संवारी(तूने है संवारी) बेकसों की तक़दीर, तूने है संवारी(तूने है संवारी) ख्वाजा मेरे ख्वाजा, दिल में समा जा(तूने है संवारी) ख्वाजा मेरे ख्वाजा तेरे दरबार में ख्वाजा दूर तो है देखा (आ) तेरे दरबार में ख्वाजा सर झुकातें है औलिया तू है उनलवली ख्वाजा रुतबा है प्यारा चाहने से तुझको ख्वाजा जी मुस्तफ़ा को पाया ख्वाजा मेरे ख्वाजा (ख्वाजा मेरे ख्वाजा) दिल में समा जा शाहो का शाह तू, अली का दुलारा मेरे पीर का सदका (हा) मेरे पीर का सदका (आ) है मेरे पीर का सदका तेरा दामन है थामा ख्वाजा जी टली हर बला हमारी छाया है खुमार तेरा जितना भी रश्क करे बेशक तो कम है, ऐ मेरे ख्वाजा तेरे क़दमों को मेरे रहनुमा नहीं छोड़ना गंवारा ख्वाजा मेरे ख्वाजा (ख्वाजा मेरे ख्वाजा) दिल में समा जा (दिल में समा जा) शाहो का शाह तू, अली का दुलारा ख्वाजा मेरे ख्वाजा ( ख्वाजा, ख्वाजा) दिल में समा जा (दिल में समा जा) शाहो का शाह तू, अली का दुलारा ख्वाजा मेरे ख्वाजा, दिल में समा जा ख्वाजा मेरे ख्वाजा, दिल में समा जा बेकसों की तक़दीर, तूने है संवारी बेकसों की तक़दीर, तूने है संवारी ख्वाजा मेरे ख्वाजा, दिल में समा जा शाहो का शाह तू, अली का दुलारा ख्वाजा मेरे ख्वाजा, दिल में समा जा शाहो का शाह तू, अली का दुलारा ख्वाजा जी ख्वाजा जी ख्वाजा जी	Khwaja ji iiii…. khwaja Khwaja jiiiii, khwaja jiiiiii , khwaja jiii Ya garib nawaz Ya garib nawaz Ya garib nawaz Ya moinuddin Ya moinuddin Ya khwaja ji Ya khwaja ji Ya khwaja ji Khwaja mere khwaja Dil mein sama ja Shaho ka shah tu Ali ka dulara Khwaja mere khwaja Dil mein sama ja Shaho ka shah tu Ali ka dulara Khwaja mere khwaja Dil mein sama ja Beqaso ki taqdeer Tune hai sawari Khwaja mere khwaja aaa… Tere darbar mein khwaja Door toh hai dekha aaaa… Tere darbar mein khwaja Sar jhuka te hai auliya Tu hai unalwali khwaja Rutba hai pyara Chahne se tujhko khwaja ji mustafa ko paya Khwaja mere khwaja Dil mein sama ja Shaho ka shah tu Ali ka dulara Mere peer ka sadka Mere peer ka sadka aaaaa….. Hai mere peer ka sadka Tera daman hai thama Khawajajiii Tali har bala humari Chaya hai khumar tera Jitna bhi rashk kare beshak Toh kam hai ae mere khwaja Tere kadmo ko mere rehnuma nahi chodna gawara Khwaja mere khwaja Dil mein sama ja Shaho ka shah tu Ali ka dulara Khwaja mere khwaja Dil mein sama ja Shaho ka shah tu Ali ka dulara Khwaja mere khwaja Dil mein sama ja Beqaso ki taqdeer Tune hai sawari Khwaja ji khwaja ji….	Noble Khwaja, Khwaja Noble Khwaja, Khwaja, Noble Khwaja O Benefactor of the Poor O Moinuddin, O Noble Khwaja Khwaja my Khwaja Fill my heart You are the King of Kings Beloved of Abu Khwaja my Khwaja Fill my heart You have undertaken the fate of the helpless Khwaja my khwaja It is in your court, Khwaja That I have seen light It is in your court, Khwaja That even the saints bow You are the Guardian of India, Khwaja Your rank is lovely By loving you, Khwaja, I have reached preferred Khwaja my Khwaja Fill my heart You are the King of Kings Beloved of Abu It is by my Master’s alms Yes, by my Master’s alms That I have held your hem O Noble Khwaja You have saved me from all miseries I am imbibed with the wine of your love No matter how much you are envied You remainever greater Your feet are my guides, it is unthinkable to leave them Khwaja my Khwaja Fill my heart You are the King of Kings Beloved of Abu Khwaja my Khwaja Fill my heart You have undertaken the fate of the helpless

On returning home, the door of Jodha's residence was still closed. Abu knocked, but Jodha did not want to let him in. He told about the meeting with the Nogans, especially what happened. He had received a revelation from the great Craitgod, who the Nogans called 'khwaja'. After that he had joined in the whirling and got into trance. "Jodha", Abu said, "There are no words from my mouth to comfort you, but you are my wife, I am always there for you". It remained silent for a moment, then the door gently opened. Jodha came out and let herself fall into the arms of Abu. She cried her last tears and came to rest. Their hearts were beating synchronously, their love for each other became deeper.