The Red Crystal Kingdom
Stories of the Past

“Rafael is my childhood friend, along with Edgar, Sara, and Rena.” Ozan started his story. “He escaped from Kastala when we were fourteen.”

“How old are you now, prince?” ask Dubal.

“Twenty-two years"

“Alright, continue your story!”

“At first the five of us met, Rafael introduced himself that he was the son of Mr. Firas, he served as an ordinary palace soldier. We were seven years old, still playing.

“She was a fun person, likely just like Edgar. However, his playful nature slowly changed after two years of friendship because Mr. Firas was appointed a senior.

“When the five of us were playing at Rafael's house, we watched Mr. Firas clash with Kamasa, the High Lord of the Cleric and the Witch of the time. I don't remember the subject of the debate, but I do remember some of the key words that they uttered such as; office, World of Namaril, war, welfare of the kingdom of Kastala, and control.”

“In addition, what I remember is that they spoke in a loud voice while letting out anger at each other. Kamasa knows that is a prince and often greets me, but I never see Kamasa angry – angry to anyone. Of course he was once angry, it was just my childhood thoughts. But, until now I have also never seen a – person whose anger surpasses his anger at that time.”

“When the five of us were shocked and frightened. One of the two most worried is Rena and Rafael because Kamasa is Rena's father and Mr. Firas is Rafael's father.”

Uzan sighed for a moment, then continued his story. “When the Battle of Frederik broke out, namely the war between the kingdom of Rimasti and Enmar, Fadion's grandfather also allied with the leaders of the Kingdom of Rimasti. As the king of Kastala at that time, Grandpa Fadion advanced himself to battle.

“So right my guess, it is an outside factor,” Dubal commented. “Your grandfather was very brave. No king entered the battle zone. Not only sending assistance in the form of personnel and weaponry.”

“That's not brave, Dubal,” says Uzan. “That's his name is sloppy or, as you said to Edgar, stupid.”

“Oh yes?” Dubal. “Can you explain?”

Uzan nodded. “There are reports that in the Battle of Frederik, Mr. Firas tried to kill Grandpa Fadion with false information, that is, if Grandpa Fadion himself came to the battlefield, then the leaders of the Kingdom of Rimasti will give half its territory for only – only to Kastala.

“Half?” Dubal snarling. “If anyone persuades me for a fee in the form of half an island territory, I will not be able to believe it. That was stupid!’

“I already knew that you would be angry, Dubal, but back then, I was twelve. I don't know much about the ins and outs of the kingdom yet. My guess is that there must be some people behind Mr. Firas.

At that time, I can only assume that there must be some people behind Mr. Firas. By his nature alone, King Fadion was hungry for territory. I also judge from his behavior and his speech during the war meeting that he was indeed what I expected.”

“So so, yes?” Dubal twisted his beard.

“True,” Uzan continues. “Two years later Mr. Firas was arrested and sentenced to death by the Palace. He was caught red-handed targeting my grandmother, Queen Danari, with her arrow. Even Queen Danari's decision to impose the sentence was the result of meetings with Aggota Seven officials, especially Kamasa.

“At that time, we were in the field of warriors to see Rafael who was dueling a spear with Edgar. Afterwards, a soldier reports the death of Lord Firas, Raphael's father. Because information about the death penalty someone reported to his family after he died.

“After that, Rafael felt that his father had controlled the Palace, especially Kamasa. Since then, he has hated the four of us. Because the day after he found out about his father's death, he escaped from Kastala.”

“Only Rafael?”

“Rafael with his mother,” Uzan rectify. “The wife of Mr. Firas is very sad because of death, so he also thinks like Rafael and finally they both decided to run away.”

A moment of silence ensued between Uzan and Dubal.

“That's easy,” Uzan sighed. “You are strangers who want to travel with me. And you have realized your mistake, and in addition, you have told me about the origin of your – proposal. Plus, Arika has given some questions that make me question again about the original purpose of this mission. After all, the girl also voluntarily surrendered herself to be a member of our group.”

“Good, prince,” Dubal smiles cynically. “If the girl betrays you, I will voluntarily harm her for you.”

Uzan returned Dubal's smile. “Thank you, Dubal”

---

“Prince,” Dubal call Uzan back. “I want to know details about some conversations we went through.”

“Ask only!”

“You said that this Kamasa witch did not exist when this periodic earthquake occurred, right?”

Uzan nodded. Up to two weeks after that happened, he even represented it to Faraq, Interregional Officials.”

Dubal holds the chin. “Why would he go to Oslar for negotiations if he finally left his word to Faraq? If I were Kamasa, I would accompany you on release.”

“I also think so.”

"The Kamasa witch you're telling me about is quite suspicious," Dubal said. "However, it's possible that you only judge Kamasa from the outside, prince."

“Do you think that people should not judge something from the outside? that is human nature. Humans will always judge something from the outside, even though I'm not sure if I can do it."

"Your problem is quite complicated, but when viewed in terms of light," the soldier replied, “I do not feel doubt that King Endan did this because of the problem of protests from the citizens occurred, , because directly, he was warned by his citizens.”

Ozan was upset. "But suspicions about how I, Edgar, and Sara were questionable. Moreover, for a long time, this makes me suspicious, Dubal.”

“Then,” said Dubal, “you can talk about your suspicions to all the members of this group and consider whether or not you will be adding members after this. Isn't that right?”

Uzan sat leaning near Dubal. “I just told you about my point of view on Rafael's past and how it affected me and affected the flow of this journey. If you ask far about Rafael's past to Rena, Edgar, or Sara, you will get a different story.”

“I understand, prince,” Dubal nodded. “I'm only interested in changing the decision you made.”

I don't think I need to say this other than to you,” said Uzan. “Maybe Sara or Edgar will tell you about flakes – flakes story about Rafael to you and Arika over time.”

“Alright,” Dubal according.

“Are you going to watch the night till the end, Dubal?” Uzan let out a long sigh while occasionally holding back the drowsiness. “If yes, I will break.”

“You can rest, prince.” Dubal. “As you said, I'll watch the night until morning. I can't sleep tonight.”

“Alright, Dubal.” Uzan. Then, the prince set foot into the tent and finally rested there, leaving Dubal still awake.

That night, Dubal looks after Uzan and the others who are sleeping. Under the towering shade tree. The soldier occasionally looked up to check the peculiarities that were there, but the results were nil. Previously, who was willing to be a night watchman was also given extra food near the tent to eat so that Dubal could also remove boredom when doing guard, so he could be awake until the morning arrived.