Two Paths Diverge: Bhalluka Refugees - Chapter 8

[Vardaen]

Suryakant gives Shamad time enough to digest the new title. After many long minutes finally the High Holy Brahmin speaks again. "The people of Prasad must have a stong leader, and one that knows the way of things. Your House suffered greatly, perhaps the worst, in the attack. Each one of the Kshatriya dying an honorable death so that we might escape. I am saddened by the loss, but uplifted to know they shall be reborn of even higher glory and greatness."

[TetNak]

"Each one?" Shamad asks, dumbfounded. "There are none left? None?" His face turns into one of utter devastation. He does not let his emotions spill forth any further, however, as he simply shakes his head as they continue to walk.

[Vardaen]

"Oh no no Shamad, there are some left. You are not the only one. My words perhaps came out wrong, but your House, it is much more small than it has ever been. Yet some still live." He is sorry for confusing Shamad, that is clear on his face. "I said that those that died, each died honorably."

[TetNak]

Shamad lets out a deep breath, "Good," he says, "Who has ordained me Saradara?" he asks, knowing that there may be some who oppose him even in these times.

[Vardaen]

Suryakant strides along, the sea of refugees behind him and the other Brahmin. "I have. Though I supose it is not fully in my power to do so. However in these times, I don't see how there could be much debate, what with your service and your verterancy among the House. Perhaps a few others might claim it, but I doubt very much they will."

[TetNak]

Shamad nods, "Perhaps not, High Brahmin Suryakant, but perhaps they will. For long I have had troubles with my distant family. They have attempted to use their connections to the Raja to broker an ill-fated marriage." He shrugs, "I have not really thought about it much lately, obviously, as my duties are far more important. But, with Sujata near ..." He blinks, forgetting himself, "Uh, anyway, I shall inform Ghanji and Sujata. If you could tell the Kshaitrya of my house I have accepted your endorsement, and that I shall return to them as soon as I can ..."

Finally he shrugs, "Either way, we are camped at Afsar Abranjin Jawali, currently .."

[Vardaen]

The High Brahmin listens to Shamad, "Those ones within your family shall hardly bother you any more. Nayan Prasad is not among the refugees." He doesn't say what happened to him. "Nor will the Raja's endorsement be an issue, not at this time." It is strange, but Shamad has not seen the banners of the Raja or his men among the refugees as of yet.

"The Crown of Silver Courage? Then you have found who you were looking for? This is very good, perhaps then, you will all be able to stop The Destroyer."

[Bitom]

Rhokti trudges along, chewing on his knuckles. There was a question that the harbingers were to ask the high Brahmin man. It was the whole reason they came here, but it has been two days and many adventures, and Rhokti cannot remember what the question was.

[TetNak]

Shamad might not remember what to ask as well, as he is busy with the High Brahmin about political affairs. "Where is the Raja? Did she escape? I have seen nothing of her house amongst the refugees?" He does not say anything about Nayan, likely he cares not that the man has been killed.

[Vardaen]

The High Brahmin looks at the ground as he walks, his strange white eyes are down cast. "The Raja, and her men, they remainded in the city. She refused to leave it. It was by her men's bravery and that of House Prasad and others that we were able to escape at all." He looks behind him at the sea of refuees walking along downtrodden and homeless now. "It was a great sacrifice, but she understood what needed to be done. The Deva shall protect her."