January 1915 Phnom Penh
Sisowath Pinnoret kneeled before King Sisowath with his head bowed, waiting for the King to speak. His uncle’s deep voice began.
‘Prince Sisowath five hundred years ago our ancestors ruled a great empire from Cambodia that included Siam, Vietnam, Champa and Laos. We became weaker as the Vietnamese and the Siamese became stronger losing our territory to the Siamese and the Vietnamese. My elder brother King Norodom turned to France and became a protectorate of the French to ensure that our civilisation would survive. Although it grates me to have another power over us, we have had territory returned to Cambodia from the Siamese - a feat we could not have accomplished by ourselves. ‘
‘When you travel to France to fight the German, remember that you represent not only yourself, but your country and your family. As my nephew you are next in the line of succession after your father to become King and your experiences will help to shape your future reign. However before you go, I have something for you. ‘
The King turned around and held a Dao in his hands. Looking directly at Prince Sisowath he spoke, ‘You are the first member of the royal family to go to war since we were a free country, take this with you and slay our enemies.’
.
Sisowath Pinnoret kneeled before King Sisowath with his head bowed, waiting for the King to speak. His uncle’s deep voice began.
‘Prince Sisowath five hundred years ago our ancestors ruled a great empire from Cambodia that included Siam, Vietnam, Champa and Laos. We became weaker as the Vietnamese and the Siamese became stronger losing our territory to the Siamese and the Vietnamese. My elder brother King Norodom turned to France and became a protectorate of the French to ensure that our civilisation would survive. Although it grates me to have another power over us, we have had territory returned to Cambodia from the Siamese - a feat we could not have accomplished by ourselves. ‘
‘When you travel to France to fight the German, remember that you represent not only yourself, but your country and your family. As my nephew you are next in the line of succession after your father to become King and your experiences will help to shape your future reign. However before you go, I have something for you. ‘
The King turned around and held a Dao in his hands. Looking directly at Prince Sisowath he spoke, ‘You are the first member of the royal family to go to war since we were a free country, take this with you and slay our enemies.’
.