Story: A Covenant Between Brothers
Fulskatar's reign was 50 years. In that time, because so many people migrated and worked together as one, D'nashk Re'at was firmly established across the entire region that used to be called the South-West Wildlands. The early settlement period resulted in the capital city of Landreer, its sister city Zule, Kel'Calathorn, five major economic centers across the central grassland belt region and the coasts, and most of the military outposts along the borders. The mid settlement period resulted in two more major economic centers, one in the north and the other on the west coast. The late settlement period, near the end of Fulskatar's reign, established the Territory of Kerrindale. The achievements of this first generation and the growing splendor of D'nashk Re'at were profound beyond the imagination of the rest of the world, and the Most High's reputation spread rapidly . The majority of the Elders of Effrendell, who are most powerful and wise among the Elven folk, were glad to establish political ties with Fulskatar and acknowledge the Most High's blessing of his reign, sending gifts, ambassadors and many other Elf citizens determined to make their contributions to the new kingdom.
While Fulskatar was alive, no economic or political ties existed with Da'rahad. Instead, his focus was on internal kingdom growth. With families now free to settle down and enjoy the fruits of their labors, the population grew rapidly. Soon after the kingdom began, Fulskatar fell in love with Ree'an who became the first queen of D'nashk Re'at. Together they started the Royal Family. They had two sons, Holgar and Bomar, and one daughter, Lo'reean. During those early years, peace and prosperity permeated everyone and celebrations were large, long and frequent. The nation became accustomed to success and some began to wonder if there was anything they could not achieve if only they set their minds to it. With each passing year, they began to forget the terrible dangers that dwelt to the north and to the east. And Keanot regularly warned the people not to become prideful and complacent.
The kingdom's first tragedy came with the unexpected death of Fulskatar the Great. He was poisoned in his own Castle in Landreer during a wedding celebration for local friends of the Royal Family. The poison was undetectable by his Royal Taster (who also died), and slow to take effect, making it impossible to determine when he first came into contact with it. The people of D'nashk Re'at were shocked and the mystery went unsolved. Whoever the assassin was, they were not discovered and no one came forth to claim responsibility. But most older citizens had their suspicion - for that first generation remembered their time of slavery under Maargog the Emperor of Da'rahad and his anger at their exodus. Public outcry came to Queen Ree'an for a declaration of war and revenge, but with Keanot's counsel and the counsel of the Elders of the Kingdom, she chose rightly to follow the Common Law which she herself had penned the first draft. One of the benchmarks that made the Kingdom of the Free different was the Royal Family must be under the Common Law like everyone else. And war may not be declared without evidence of provocation or imminent threat to sovereignty.
The kingdom mourned the loss of their great Hero, and Ree'an was faced with the task of reigning alone as Queen. Under the Common Law she was entitled to continue reigning and look for a new husband if she desired, or she could groom her eldest son to take the throne. She decided to pass the throne to the next generation. While the children had received history, economic and military training from many elders and ambassadors, and deep instruction in the Knowledge of the Most High and the Magic of Nature at Kel'Calathorn, they received character training of the soul from their mother and she ensured the children knew what was at stake.
When the Eldest son Holgar was ready, a great ceremony was held and the title of the crown passed from Ree'an to her son. And in that first year, she also found him a wife and new Queen named Ava. Her generous heart and natural gift in hospitality quickly earned her the name Ava the Beautiful among the people, and her friendship with Ree'an as her mother-in-law and Queen Consort advisor was of great advantage to the people and the kingdom.
When her next son Bomar was given the position of Head Commander of the Royal Guard, he was further trained in fighting skills from the best generals and captains in the kingdom, and from the kingdoms that established peaceful ties with D'nashk Re'at. His reputation as a skilled warrior quickly spread and Prince Bomar became as famous and celebrated as his older brother King Holgar. It was then that Queen Consort Ree'an requested a private meeting with her sons.
"My dear sons, " she began, "I am proud of you and what you have become, and I know your father would be proud as well."
"What it is mother? Is something wrong?" asked King Holgar.
"No, there is nothing wrong at this time. But I want to warn you of something that may happen in the future, and I want you to be prepared when it comes. "
"Yes, mother, we will do so, " answered Prince Bomar. "for you are Ree'an the Wise - please tell us what this problem is."
Ree'an turned to Bomar first. "You, my son and Commander of the Royal Guard, have become a great warrior, and though you have not been tested in serious battle yet, I know that one day you will become even greater than your father, Fulskatar. The people looked to him and followed him easily, for they passed through great danger together and fought with all of their strength to survive. Those days were perilous and the people looked to a strong warrior leader. But the times are changing."
And she turned to Holgar next, "You, my son and my King, will be tempted to resent your brother for he will exceed you on the battle field and will win the praises of the people for his bravery against great enemies. But your destiny is not on the battle field - your path is inspiration, negotiation, political ties, economic growth, and securing the future generations of the Royal Family. A great kingdom that will last for many generations cannot be built and maintained by the sword only. It must have a steward who knows how to grow families, towns, cities and cultural heritage."
Then she reached out her hands to both of them, "though you are already great men and will no doubt shine before your people, I want you to make a covenant together as brothers, for the sake of our future."
"A covenant? " asked Holgar, "I thought the Monks warned us against making those."
"You were warned against making foolish and light covenants. But because you are men of authority and because men do foolish things when given power, I want you to make this covenant with each other today: Bomar, promise that you will not give in to our enemies when they temp you to overthrow your brother. And Holgar, promise that you will turn away from the desire for public praise and set your heart to the humble path of a servant, for the sake of D'nashk Re'at - the Kingdom of the Free. If you both do this, future generations will look back and call you blessed and wise!"
"Let it be so, " said Holgar the King.
"Aye, let it be so, " answered his brother Bomar, Commander of the Royal Guard.
And they embraced arms in agreement in front of their mother, Queen Consort Ree'an the Wise, and in front of the Most High, who alone sees all.