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."
When time flies
Two green imperial pigeons fly above the palace gardens. They fly around each other, from tree to roof, then back to the lawn. Without a clue about the world, without regard for their surroundings. Jaaguzan sat staring at the birds while his coffee was steaming. He thought about recent times. His children were growing so fast; his eldest son had already turned 15. The disturbing rumour that had come to his ears, that his son was mean. He would rat people off, shoot birds and beat maids. A conversation with his son yielded nothing; he had denied everything.
His wife, his dear Zahra, with whom he is still hopelessly in love. He had already caught her once with more political knowledge than she pretended. She says she has no interest in politics, but still seems to be informed. His concubines wanted more intimacy, to give him more children. But he kept his promise to Zahra. But by and by, he was going mad with his concubines' nagging.
The rebellion, ah well. The government was so embarrassed about this uprising that they kept it hidden as much as possible. Both from the public, and from him. Several military blunders had been committed, which would severely damage the reputation of the armed forces. He had become so angry with the Vizier al-Harb saying, "After the Sanpo-Çakar War, how much of the image of our armed forces is left?!" The Vizier had submitted his resignation to the Grand Vizier soon after. He shook his head at the thought of this.
•••
"The Shahbanu is not in a position to achieve our goals. If we really want us to rule this country, then in they are a block on our way," said the man in the shadows. The other members of the order muttered among themselves. Suddenly, the man struck the ground with his staff. Everyone was silent. "Whoever doubts my judgement, let him speak. Whoever believes in our way, let him follow my orders," roared the man in the room. With a gesture, a servant handed out letters. Each order member was given his or her own letter. Only similarity was that they were ordered to keep silent to the Shahbanu. When each order member had read his letter, they burned the letter.
•••
Dervish stepped out of the car, a servant handed him his walking stick. Astīr joined him at his side as they looked up at the newly built palace. "By Craitgod, what a beautiful palace!" spoke Astīr in full admiration. Dervish smiled and looked at his wife. "Here, my wife, is where we will live. This is where our twins will be born. May the great Craitgod bless us". "Amen," Astīr replied. Together they walked through the main gate, but Astīr stopped to catch her breath. Highly pregnant, she excused herself. Dervish sent for a wheelchair and continued the tour.
He had had the palace built in the new capital of his sultanate. Now that the palace was finished, only now did he show it to his wife. Gleaming white marble, stained glass in tall windows, Babhki carpets, a pond in the middle of the Great Hall. Astīr was impressed, but soon asked to take her to their bedroom. Tired of all the impressions.
