CSENTA.
In a land beyond the far Blue Mountains there was a king who had two daughters. One was tall and slim, and all the knights admired her for her beauty and grace. The other daughter was not as tall nor was she as beautiful. The knights never spoke of her. They didn't really ignore her, but they didn't think of her because they were thinking about her sister, and, as we all know, a knight can only think about one thing at a time!
The king loved his two daughters and tried as all good kings will to make his children into courtly and presentable young ladies. For these were to be the future rulers of the land at least that's how it was supposed to be.
The kingdom also had a magician named Silas. Silas was wise and knew that two sisters could never rule one land anymore than two dogs could share one bowl, so he approached the king and told him that he had seen the future.
And just what have you seen, magician, inquired the king?
Your daughters, Sire, replied Silas.
In good health, I presume? and the king glared at his servant as if glaring would give him the answer he wanted.
Silas was an honest man and had given the king much help, but he knew the king would be angry at the truth. Silas, however, was also a brave man, and he answered the king's question boldly, One of your daughters is a great queen. The other serves our land no longer.
The king frowned, but before he could reply, Silas spoke. Your daughters war, Sir. Like two enemies they fight over what they both believe is their own.
The king snorted and said, Magician, you do yourself a disservice.
Silas knew that, but he was determined to tell the king what he needed to know in order to save the kingdom. The future has not happened, but the future I see could happen and shall if you do not prepare your children to inherit this land. If you leave it to them both, they will fight for it.
A lunatic suggestion!, the king raged. My daughters shall each receive equal parts of the kingdom to rule. And if to show his intelligence he added, equal parts to rule for equal time, thence to exchange and rule the other.
Equal parts to be ruled equally is a hope, but in this world you forget that your daughters shall never lead equal lives. They shall marry different men, raise different children, and find favor in different counsel. Herein lies the seeds of war, Sire. Only you can change this future because you have created it!
The king, seated on his throne of gold and ivory jumped up, pointed toward his magician, and roared, Then it is charged to you to change the future! It is your task to give this kingdom into the hands of Peace. Find a plan, see it succeed, or your life shall be the forfeit of your schemes failing!
Silas stood transfixed. He had not seen this in his own future and decided to leave the king's presence before he really got into trouble. Your wish is my wish your majesty. . .but I must have time. In three months shall I seek your Highness again. At that time I shall give you my plan and if not to your liking, I shall give my life as well!
These are bold words magician. Make a plan as bold and make it work. This is my warning to you! With which the king stormed out followed by his servants, three lion cubs, six dogs of all types, two parrots carried by bearers, and a wilsit, which is a cross between two animals none of us have ever seen.
Silas knew he was in trouble, but he also knew he was smart. He left the throne room and returned to his laboratory determined to devise a plan to save the kingdom. . .and himself!
Silas spent the next several weeks trying to think of a way to save the kingdom and his own skin. He knew the two girls, Ingred and Csenta, were both nearing an age when men would not only fight in their names, but also would fight to give them their own names. For even though Ingred was beautiful, Csenta too would inherit half the kingdom and this made her appear, at times and to certain knights, to be beautiful too.
It was just luck that Silas, walking in the garden by the south castle yard saw Ingred and Csenta talking. It dawned on him, that if he approached these two, he might better understand how to solve his dilemma. Reaching in his pocket and grasping his lucky frog, he shuffled up to them. Hello, ladies of the realm. How are you on this fragrant morning? Silas was never good around women; they made him itch, and so he often sounded silly.
Ingred answered, her breath sweet, her tone adoring, We are fine, sir. This is a bountiful day is it not?
Quite so, Lady. A day fit for singing, dancing, and perhaps a chat?
You want to know about our future, magician, Csenta said boldly. You think our father's plan will not fare well.
Silas, taken aback by Csenta's understanding of his tact, replied, I am afraid of what is not yet truth, of what is still unwoven, and of what design the fates may weave. It was as good a reply an any, and Silas smiled as he bowed.
There is no strife between us, nor shall any come, Silas, Ingred sounded very certain in her reply. Csenta and I have always lived within each other's heart. We love too much to hate a little.
So it seems to us all, fair girls, but fate holds cards we can not see, and pulls threads across our lives that weave strange patterns.
All this is true, we know it. The fate of our land is upon our shoulders and therefore, magician, we have made a pact, Csenta spoke as if she knew everything in Silas's head.
Silas knew Csenta was bright. He knew her interests lie close to the kingdom's welfare. In fact, he liked her. He was however, astounded at her ability to see the politics of the kingdom, a manly art till now, so clearly. And how did you come to know I was concerned, he asked.
I told her, Ingred volunteered. I overheard father talking about how much trouble you were in.
Silas winced, I hope your majesties understand my concern is for you both.
Csenta spoke: Your concern lies where it should, Sir. The king would not have us inherit the land to see it destroyed. Yet, we would not have it destroyed either. What future did you see?
Silas knew this lady had a talent and he spoke to her as an equal, Csenta, I do not see the future as it must be, but I see what it will be if all remains as planned. You two will war, bickering over what your father left you like two vultures over carrion.
Ingred sniffed and smoothed her sleeve. She was, she knew, no vulture; a dove perhaps, but certainly no ugly thing.
Silas saw her displeasure. I see what there is to see and nothing more. You, Csenta, seem to grasp the problem. You spoke of a pact. Tell me what you have done.
We have decided to rule the land as a whole. I will rule the first seven years after father's death and Csenta will rule the next. After that, we will each rule for five years. The other shall have her own dwelling; her own life to live. No responsibility!
It goes deeper than that, Silas, but I don't expect you'd understand, Csenta said.
I, not underst. . ., he sputtered. He stopped mid word too, because he knew Csenta saw things that he did not and she saw without magic. She had insight, a tool as powerful as his own magic. It was, he had to admit, the first time he had seen it in a woman.
I know you have your plan, ladies, but might I interest you in another?
No, Ingred answered, not willing to rethink this thing again. She already had a headache
.
Silas turned to Csenta.
My sister has spoken. Good day, sir. And she turned and walked away.
Good bye Silas, was all Ingred said as she swooshed through the garden looking here and there for her wilsit.
Silas sighed, put his hands in the opposite sleeves and thought, Today is the end of the kingdom. Tomorrow begins the wreck of the next. With this strange thought, he ambled off to pet his owl and to think about looking for a new place to work.
Silas puttered in his laboratory for most of the afternoon when he heard a knock. Without waiting for a word from Silas, Csenta opened the door and walked in talking, You are right magician; this land is doomed. My sister will become too fond of her pampered place on the throne, and I through lack of patience and love of the land my father left, will take it from her. There is the future, and you don't need a crystal to see it. We two are different. She is pampered and flatters herself. I am not that way, but I take my father's inheritance too seriously. We shall fight. It is not fate, it is fact.
Silas did not know what to say. Csenta was right. She seemed to see more clearly than he did just why the two could not rule one land. Again, he found himself under pain of death unable to solve the problem.
I have a solution wizard. Don't look so perplexed. Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I am unable to think. You would be surprised at what I know because I'm a woman. It is a great asset!
For the first time in his life, Silas thought about how woman were treated, and he understood that under the rule of this woman, life for all would be good, not because she was a great woman, but because she was a great leader. He decided to do his best to help her, even though it looked as if she were helping him!
What is your plan?
I have a friend who deals in certainty, No, don't ask, you do not know him. With his help, we can solve the problem and bring peace forever, or at least for our ever after.
And how shall he help?
It is not exactly how he shall help, but how you shall.
Silas liked Csenta, but he found her very bossy. He didn't like bossy, but he knew she was as strong as he, maybe stronger when he really thought about it.
Csenta continued, You must see my father again on midweek next. At that time, go to him and tell him of your plan that you have one. Explain that you can settle the inheritance. Call me in at that point. I will do the rest.
Silas wasn't sure he liked leaving his entire life in the hands of someone else, but afterall, she was a princess, and she was intelligent, and she was sure of herself, and in fact, she had a plan which was one thing more than Silas had. Obviously, he agreed.
On midweek, the king summoned Silas to his throne room. This is where all official business was done. It is certain that Silas had some misgivings. The proof of this was that he had given all his magical equipment away to friends.
Silas, at the king's request, entered the room. Magician, boiled the king, have you a plan to save this land?:
Everyone in the room, and just everyone was there, quieted at the king's words. They were in the best of places, because either way, they were going to get a show. Crowds like shows. If Silas really did have a plan, then they would all be saved the trouble of the inherited war. If he had no plan, they could watch Silas die. Either way, the crowd was in for a treat.
Silas spoke quietly at first and then in a stronger tone as he got going. Wizards are all talkers, and Silas was no exception: Liege, my lord. I have come to this room today to bring you peace and satisfaction. I have devised a plan so bold it is no less than a masterwork, so intricate it seems simple, so magnificent it will move you to tears of joy. It gives the land peace and. . ., and he rambled on holding his audience of royalty rapt for more than thirty minutes.
It's good Silas talked so long because Csenta was slow in starting her plan. However, once begun, it would save the kingdom. That was certain!
About forty minutes after he had begun, Silas himself began to wonder where Csenta was. Ingred was there. All the knights chasing after her were there, but Csenta was missing.
Finally the king interrupted, Silas, magician, wizard, and to coax him, friend, please tell us your plan. My guests grow impatient.
Silas got the hint. One moment more if you would indulge me. The plan comes. . ., and he saw Csenta come in the room, Now!
The king rose. What is this? Csenta are you the plan our magician speaks of?
Csenta paused and spoke slowly. Father, sister, friends of the realm. As you know my father has led you well. He shall lead you until his death many years from now. At that time my sister and I are to inherit the king's land and responsibility. Knowing this, and knowing our sisterly ways; our personalities, Silas, my father's servant, saw the future torn with war. A war would be certain if we ruled one half a land.
This land was not meant to be divided. My sister sees this as clearly as I. We decided we would not divide the land, but divide the time we rule. Each leading for a part of our lives. Last week we agreed to this plan.
I know now that it is futile. Therefore and she paused long for all to listen, I abdicate my inherited throne.
At this the king roared, guards rushed Silas, who groaned, the audience gasped to hear. They were shocked because certainly, no one would give up so wonderful a life.
Csenta raised her hand to bring order. This doesn't mean I leave this land. It means that neither my sister nor I rule.
At this Ingred, who really wanted the crown, started to her feet. The king, already in a rage, began to pace, forcing one foot down in front of the other. Csenta again quieted the crowd.
Gentle people, be still. This is not as it seems. The plan lies on my tongue. You must hear it before you display your opinion.
Oh, please tell us, the king spit sarcastically. How do you intend to alter my wishes?
Your wish is mine, father. A kingdom where peace rules, not sisters; a land of plenty not neglect. To this end, Sir, hear me out.
The king had not heard such a tone since the Queen died, and he saw his wife's spirit in his daughter's eyes. Speak, daughter, he said. Then he sat right down.
I have come from the land past the far mountains, and I have brought a friend of the kingdom, a man who has my love and. . .
You're married!, roared the king?
No. Be quiet!? Returned Csenta, and to everyone's surprise the king shut up!
This man I love is not unknown to your majesty. Indeed, he is your friend. In truth, he is your brother! At this the king jumped up Harrith?, Home? The king's eyes filled with tears.
He is home father. He is where he belongs. He is my plan father. He, being 22 years your junior must inherit the throne. Csenta, knowing Ingred would not be happy looked at her sister. You are just, and you are kind, Ingred. I propose that you are given the post of Protocol General, a position to rival your desire for the flurry of court life. If you agree, I shall give you the WestLakeLand for your home, that beautiful piece of mine that father gave me on my twelfth birthday, and you always wanted? No, don't look aside. I want you to have it. You do agree. Csenta spoke as if it were a statement, and in truth it was.
For me, Harrith, and she looked at him, now with his arm about the king, I would like only to know you will rule justly. Knowing this I offer my service to you as you see fit.
It is your father, my brother, who must decide. Harrith spoke smilingly, knowing the king liked this plan. Csenta, you have seen the way of the world and to you I give all my trust. You shall be my closest advisor. In all things political, your voice shall be heard as mine own.
The king beamed and laughed, for he liked this very much. Stooping to pet his wilsit, he decreed, Let this be a festive day. Let all know Harrith is my successor, but Ingred is his aid. Let all know Csenta is Harrith's advisor and let all know they must, and the king winked at Csenta as if he knew it all would work out from the start, they must return Silas' magic shop so he may rule in his laboratory. After all, he saved the kingdom did he not?
And with this, everyone began to laugh and laugh. For everyone knew just exactly who had really saved the kingdom.