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Chapter I
Union of the Seas: Eclipse
Volume I- Origins
Chapter I
20 years before the Cataclysm
"It is the eclipsing of all the nations of the world by your new empire."
Tudkhalias walked on the shore. The town was busy- a shipment had just come in from Wilusha (Troy). Tudkhalias was a warrior of the town of Tarsos. The shipment had taken many days to reach his lands. The King Mursili, the Second of that name, ruled over all Hatti.
(Hatti)
The plague around a decade earlier had wiped out much of the land, including the old King. However, there were still troubles. The Kaskas raided in the mountains, and the Arzawans fought in the southwest. Tarsos was a small center of commerce along the Sydnis (Cyndus, Berdan). The sun beared down on the plain with a fury that morning, only to be replaced by an odd and unusual event, the likes of which Tudkhalias had never seen.
(The Event)
The moon rose above the lands and blocked the great sun. For a brief time all the light of the sun was darkened by the shade of the moon. Tudkhalias was overcome with fear, as was everyone in the town. The world was surely ending! How could life go well without the sun? They wept and cried, joy, anger, fear, and sadness all at once at the majestic spectacle. However, it sooned faded, and the sun returned. However, Tudkhalias was still staring. He decided to see if it would happen again. (1) Instead, he received a vision.
"Servant of the Hatti and Tarsos, you are a great warrior." Emenated a powerful voice from around him.
"It is your destiny to forge your own Tarsos and your own people." Cried the voice.
"What is this? What do you ask of me, O great spirit?" Moaned Tudkhalias.
"The eclipsing of the sun by the moon was a sign. It is the eclipsing of all the nations of the world by your new empire." Said the voice.
"Why me?" Shouted Tudkhalias.
"You are the greatest and most worthy of the warriors of the world. You may have little experience, and you are young, but the world is yours." Echoed the disappearing voice.
"Everyone! Everyone! I have had a vision!" Shouted Tudkhalias with glee.
Everyone in the town seemed to think he was crazy by their faces.
"Tudkhalias! Enough daydreaming! We need to handle the shipment. Come on!" Shouted the isha (master) of the town. He was a leader and father figure to all in the town. It was said he fought with the King many years ago, and was given many gifts for his service. This upset Tudkhalias- he thought someone would have wanted to listen to him surely? Would Kiya believe him? Oh how he wished she would! Kiya was the most beautitful woman in the world. She was smart, funny, and beautiful. No statue carved by the greatest of sculptors could come close to matching her. Tudkhalias had dreamed of taking her as a wife for a long time- he was approaching the age at which he must ask. If she did not believe him, surely she would reject him? Tudkhalias would give up his whole future empire for her love- he would convince her of his sincerity, and worthiness to husband! Tudkhalias begrudgingly aided in the shipment, but then raced off to Kiya.
"Oh sweet Tudkhalias, what has brought you here?" Said Kiya.
"I have come to see you, my love. I had a vision of my future. You and I- we ruled a great kingdom. I have been chosen by the gods! Surely you will believe me, like no other has? I will be a dutiful husband, and even in the harshest of times, I will care for you!" Begged Tudkhalias.
"Tudkhalias! Even your name is like that of kings! Of course I believe you, my dear. My love for you is too great to think you are insane. I know you better than that. I fully trust you to provide for me and give me a great life. Of course I will take you as my husband." Cried Kiya.
Tudkhalias would have gladly paid any price for Kiya, but alas, her mother and father had died in the plague. She had been raised under the tutelage of the isha, who had generously allowed her to select her own self being taken to wife. They were bonded a few days later. She brought a great new sword: a gift from the isha to Tudkhalias, while he brought his fair estate and his possessions. In this way they started their life together.
FINIS
(1)- POD. OTL Tudkhalias goes about his life, and never tries to wife Kiya. He dies from a fall several months later.
More will be coming soon. This is just a sneak peak really. This will not affect any other projects of mine.