Jaaguzannama: A point in time

Jaaguzannama: A point in time
Original title	Jaaguzannama
Language	Common Tongue
Author(s)	Gustaaf Vermeylen
Genre	Historical narratives
Location(s)	Çakaristan
(main) characters	Jaaguzan
Timeframe	1722 AN and onwards

Jaaguzannama: A point in time is the fifth part in the story series Jaaguzannama. It is a sequel to Jaaguzannama: Pax Apollonia.

A new time

"Whahaha! This is not serious, is it?" the Shahanshah said, laughing. The other men at the trapezoid table did not laugh along and looked somewhat nervously towards Jaaguzan. When Jaaguzan saw their faces, he stood up, bent forward and leaned on the table with his hands. "Honourable members of the Majlis al-Shuwraa, surely you don't think I am taking this... plan... this... whatever it is seriously? Greater Floria, what a ludicrous idea! We are going adult with this. There is peace with our neighbours, peace on this continent: Pax Apollonia." Intrusively, the Shahanshah looked at the men, one by one. Then he sat down quietly, gestured for a servant to pour him coffee.

While the coffee was steaming, the Shahanshah asked what was the next matter to discuss. Adarsh Farrah spoke: "Your majesty, the Kaiseress of Shireroth, has issued a decree called 'Restoration of Validity'. It includes that the dissolution of the marriage between Kaiseress Noor and Noah Hallbjörnsson was a mistake. That your mother is recognised as a legitimate child and thus she and her descendants are legitimate in the eyes of Shirerian law. So that you and your mother's other descendants are summoned to Shirekeep." Jaaguzan read the copy of the decree, as if he did not believe the Ataliq's words. "Well," he said, "what is your advice?" The grand vizier said, "Your majesty, this is a big step in recognising that a great legal error has been committed. It repairs the rift in the family." Jaaguzan nodded and said, "We did not ask for this decree, indeed we are surprised at this step. But it is good that we are closing this old breach." The Ataliq said, "Your majesty, this does mean that the Kaiseress requests allegiance and therefore Kaiseress must agree to future marriages." "Well," Jaaguzan began, "I do have a problem with that." The grand vizier responded, "Perhaps there should be some kind of family treaty regulating such matters." "Good," concluded the Shahanshah.

The Ataliq spoke: "The next thing we would like to discuss is the position of the Grand Vizier. His Excellency, Dervish Çelebi, has indicated his wish to step down. Under the Fifth Amendment of our constitution, the position of Grand Vizier remains appointable by the Shahanshah. My question is whether, with the end of the Sanpo war, we cannot go back to an elective Grand Vizier." Jaaguzan replied, "It is of course unfortunate that my brother-in-law wants to quit, but it is understandable." He turned to Dervish: "For you I have a new mission, you get to build Jaihabar and that is why I appoint you Sultan of Jaihabar." Dervish stood up and bowed deeply to the Shahanshah: "By Craitgod, may the Shahanshah reign forever. You honour me greatly with this appointment". "Be it granted to you" replied Jaaguzan. "As for the position of grand vizier," Jaaguzan continued, "according to the cycle of elections, the next election for grand vizier would be on 3.II.1723 AN. But that is too soon to hold orderly elections. It seems better to appoint the next grand vizier." The gentlemen at the table nodded. Jaaguzan said, "Do we have a candidate?"

Dervish said, "In the last elections for grand vizier, I ran against Aytac Kizilkaya, who was still threatening to beat me." The other men at the table chuckled at this candour. Dervish continued, "As a candidate who has a reasonable electorate behind him, then he is fit." Ataliq said, "That election has been seven Norton years ago, that makes me wonder if that electorate still exists." Jaaguzan responded, "We need a driver, not someone who could win elections. I myself was very impressed by the analytical report on the armed forces prepared by Abu Turbati. Would he be a good candidate?" He looked around the table and gathered assenting nods from the men. "Good, then I will send for Abu Turbati."