Xunpadshahannama: Rajas of the Sandstorm
| Xunpadshahannama: Rajas of the Sandstorm | |
| |
| Original title | Xunpadshahannama |
| Language | Common Tongue |
| Author(s) | Gustaaf Vermeylen |
| Genre | Historical narratives |
| Location(s) | Çakaristan |
| (main) characters | list of characters |
| Timeframe | 1735 and onwards |
Xunpadshahannama: Rajas of the Sandstorm is the second part in the story series Xunpadshahannama. This Book of Xunpadshahan is the official chronicle of the reign of Xunpadshahan. It contains various stories surrounding the Shahanshah, the third ruler of Çakaristan. It is a sequel to Xunpadshahannama: Game of Crowns.
Loose grains of sand
In the middle of the Thul Marusthal lies a ruin. A ruin of a bygone city, once situated on the banks of a river. That river has dried up and sand has taken hold over the city. The ruin is called Apolloniae Genevae, the ancient capital of Madland at the time when that nation was located on Apollonia. First as part of Antica, later independently and before the nation moved north. The ruin was the meeting place of two men. The first man had arrived on a Jaap Pimpim. The second man arrived on a camel. Somewhat suspiciously, they approached each other and were actually unsure how to greet each other.
After the initial awkward moments had passed, the men started talking to each other. "Here we are, both with a desire to rule, but both do not rule". Hrithik looked strangely at these words from Aurangzeb. "Yes," Aurangzeb said, "it is true. My mother rules..." Hrithik responded and said, "Surely with one firman you deprive her of that position and you rule". "It is not that easy, she has her pawns in all sorts of places and they are going to oppose me," Aurangzeb sighed. Hrithik pondered and said, "It is time for you to play Tahmaseb chess and win, if not it will cost you your head". Aurangzeb nodded in agreement.
"And now you," Aurangzeb began, "You're hiding in caves, listening for sounds of planes, helicopters or drones so you can get out safely. You must have a terrible existence." Hrithik replied and said, "It's not like I'm hiding in a cave like a shivering reed, but it's still intense. Only my children have to grow up in that intense environment. That is something that bothers me". Aurangzeb said, "We can end that situation here and now." Hrithik replied in disbelief, "And then, are you going to put me on trial? Or lock me up in the Fangzhu Castle?"
As Aurangzeb tried to calm Hrithik, a sandstorm flared up. The men jumped up, Aurangzeb wanted to run to his Jaap. But Hrithik shouted, "You can't stay ahead of a sandstorm!" Aurangzeb looked back and saw that the sandstorm was fast approaching and realised that Hrithik was right. Then he saw the ruin and cried, "Come, let's take shelter in it!" Hrithik led his camel to the ruin, but the beast refused to go inside. The sandstorm descended on the men and Hrithik could no longer restrain his camel and the animal escaped. Then Aurangzeb grabbed him by the arm and dragged him inside.
Passing of the first generation
At his bedside were his wife, Rani Champavati, and his daughter, Jodha Avchat. Rajesh Avchat was breathing with difficulty, but could still utter some words utter. He said, "As long as my grandson is out of favour, I don't want a state funeral. Let that be clear." The women nodded. Rajesh said further, "Let it be clear that the Alsalams are not living up to their family name." His wife appeased his agitation over this, he calmed down and continued saying: "Find a peaceful way in the tumult of this nation". Then Bharmal Amer entered and bowed to his Raja. Rajesh said, "Come closer". He did as Rajesh instructed him. "This Raja is going to die, you are the new Raja of Poorajangal. Lead this state into the future, carry it forward". Bharmal kissed Rajesh's hand and solemnly promised to do so. That same evening, Rajesh Avchat, Raja of Poorajangal, the first grand vizier of Çakaristan, died.
Zahra wanted to organise a state funeral, with the coffin was transferred to Agra so that people could pay their last respects there pay their last salute. Then with grand ceremonial the funeral at Keruliya. But Rani Champavati had told that Rajesh did not want this. Jodha had also told Zahra that a state funeral was not wanted. Zahra allowed herself to be convinced.
A few days later was the funeral. From the crowd and in disguise, Hrithik watched the funeral being conducted. It was not safe to participate openly. He watched as his grandmother, his mother and his sister followed the coffin towards the family tomb. Followed by Bharmal Amer, the new Raja of Poorajangal, and his father, Kahoda Amer. And then the rest of his brother and sisters with their children. Till the family tomb, the family followed by the Shahanshah, the Ataliq, Grand Vizier and other dignitaries. At the family grave, in a private circle Rajesh was buried.
Change of wind
Tarsica was clearly visible in the night sky. The serene calm of the night seemed to disguise the fact that in the palace of Mathura there was great sorrow. The old sultan, Dervish Çelebi, had breathed his last. His wife, Astir bint Alsalam, sat weeping by the bedside; she would not be comforted. After a while, Süleyman became impatient and said, "Mother, we must inform the people". Astir looked up and looked at him angrily: "Have respect for your father, his body is not cold yet". Süleyman ignited in anger and wanted to respond, but furiously left the room. He shouted some orders to the palace staff, who immediately listened and followed them. Astir fears seemed true. Her eldest son had been vying for the throne for some time; now his moment had arrived. She looked at her other children. To her faithful servant, she said, "Call Aurangzeb".
•••
Aurangzeb arrived at Apolloniae Genevae, but saw no one. He was a bit late, hoping Hrithik would wait. He walked around the ruins, but saw no one. "Hey!", it sounded from the ruins. Aurangzeb saw Hrithik standing in semi-darkness, and sighed. The men greeted each other amicably. "I thought about what you said," Aurangzeb said, "no, I don't want to lock you up in Fangzhu Castle nor do I want to banish you. It's just very difficult, on the one hand, not to treat you like the former king of Krasnocoria but, on the other, to grant you an acceptable position." "I have thought about that too," Hrithik countered, "I have also made my position impossible. But is it an idea that I want to be your representative in Hurmu?" Aurangzeb's face brightened, he nodded in agreement. Hrithik looked up startled, did he hear correctly? Aurangzeb started asking what's up, Hrithik immediately soothed him. Then Aurangzeb heard it too, the blades of a helicopter. Both men peered outside and saw three helicopter approaching them in the distance. They looked at each other, Hrithik said, "This can't mean much good". Aurangzeb started searching his clothes and said, "They must have been tracking me". The helicopters approached quickly.
