Chapter 3: Golden Age
This is the Golden Age of ‘Sukul, the height of the clan. ‘Sukul reached the height of their wealth from their architectural work, and military power. There was also a new Kaidon during this age, Ishto ‘Sukul, son of Katosa ‘Sukul, grandson of Latosa ‘Sukul. The newly appointed Kaidon was kind, patient, wishing to avoid conflict with the other clans, but he was not always like this. He had to learn from many mistakes to become who he is now.
“Kaidon, we have had reports of hostile activity outside the borders of our land”, says the Royal Zealot.
Even during the golden age of many clans, war is still present. The Royal Zealot, Anma ‘Sukul, has been keeping up with hostile activity against ‘Sukul. The Royal Zealot is second only to the Kaidon during military engagements or in times of war. If the Kaidon is not present, the Royal Zealot takes charge. There were two other commanders during this time; Cazu and Kazuto ‘Sukul.
“Who are these attackers my friend?” Ishto asks. Anma walks to the war table showing a map of their borders, “There are multiple attacks throughout the eastern side of our state. They are newly formed clans. Some of them believe we are growing weaker under your leadership.”
There were clans during this time who saw Ishto’s kindness as a weakness. He was forgiving, more than most Kaidons or leaders amongst their people. But his kindness was not a weakness. Some did not understand that kindness and respect was another way to gain favor and loyalty from other clans. Even with the allies that the 'Sukul gained under Ishto's leadership.
Ishto examines the war map closely, thinking on how to respond to such aggression towards his State. “What do they have in military power? Numbers, ships, alliances”, Ishto asks. “They do not have much in regards to ships, but they do have numbers to make up for it”, Anma responds. “What is our plan Kaidon?” Ishto stares at the war table. He takes a moment to breathe, looking up towards his Royal Zealot. “Alert the clans, we are going to war.”
Clan ‘Sukul responded to the call to battle. Ishto and his commanders fought against the opposing clans who wished to see their destruction. What was thought to be a war against a few small clans, was revealed to be a war against very large organized states.
“Our forces are spread thin across our lands. We’ve started to lose ground around the West and Southwest borders,” Anma says. “We need more warriors if we plan on winning this war,” Cazu states. Ishto, standing at the head of the war table, looks to his council. “We must bring our allies into the fight and maybe make some new allies as well.”
The war was dragging on longer than expected for the clan. Ishto began to look to their allies and new alliances for assistance. Many of them joined the conflict but others chose to stay out of it. The war soon came to a close against the other clans.
Ishto, raising a glass to make a toast. “Today, our house has won yet another war!” All of the members of the council raised their glasses, except one. “This war would have been over sooner if you didn’t wait to act and bring in our allies,” Anma states.
Members of the council grew silent. They looked at Anma, then to Ishto. This was the first time they have heard the Kaidon's Royal Zealot speak out against him. His status and loyalty was known. But something had changed in this war.
“Anma, my friend. We’ve won the war. This is a time for celebra-,” Anma slams his fist against the table cutting Ishto off. “Celebration? Your kind heart kept you from seeing war until it was right at our doorstep. We had many casualties that could’ve been avoided. Yet you want to celebrate while families mourn and bury the dead?”
The room went quiet, the members of the council did not wish to join the conversation. There was a shift in the air. Ishto lowered his glass, placing it on the table. His eyes fell away with sadness. The silence in the dining hall was deafening. All eyes were upon the kaidon and the one thought to be the most loyal.
Ishto raises his head slightly towards his friend, “Anma, we can speak of this matter later. Right now is time for celebration,” Ishto says. Anma gets up from the table, “You may celebrate. I have a guard and military to rebuild.”
The Royal Zealot leaves the room in silence, with a few of his officers. The rest of the clan continues to celebrate the victory. Except Ishto, he quietly sneaks out of the party. He prays for his friend that he will understand his ways. That he will learn why he chose this path as a Kaidon.
But little did Ishto know, this single argument was going to be the start of something far worse. The Golden Age of ‘Sukul looked to be coming to an end. . .
