THE TEARS OF KUMARI KANDAM
CHAPTRE 82

Bheim and the seven kings of the seven continents finally agreed to meet Daxraj Natesh, thirty-one days later, after the secret emergency meeting at Rona* ended. Previously they fasted for a full month by eating only water and white rice. They wish it was the equivalent of soaking in Badaal*. And that morning, right on the thirty-first day, the eight kings together headed for the Mook Forest.

Rona* is the place where kings and queens will be tried if proven to commit sins related to the people. Rona is located in the middle of eight continents including Kumari Kandam. And the one who will be the judge in Rona is every leader of those eight continents.

Baadal* is one of the sacred lakes in Kumari Kandam. It is said that Baadal was guarded by a giant fish named Ghinauna. Those who soak in Baadal will be purified from the rest of human filth, the rest of the food and drink, or the poison that settles in the body. But Ghinauna is known to be unfriendly, so very few people can soak there.

But of course their journey is not that smooth. Nope. Not because it did not find the portal where the wandering tribe lived. Precisely the portal set at night that day is now gaping, as if allowing anyone to enter. It turned out that the portal was no longer protected by a spell, because the owner of the spell had closed his age. Yes, the owner of the spell as well as the person who wants to be found in the future of the king, Daxraj Natesh, is gone.

"This has never happened in the history of nomads. Infants who are not even one day old already have a sign ...."

Bheim and his fellow kings were still silent, trying half-deadly to digest every word that the vice leader of the wandering tribe, Aryesh Farorz, had said.

"Black birthmarks instantly appeared on his body after he was born. Where that meant he could already receive strength. And according to tradition, our Leader bequeathed his power, and died shortly after, "Aryesh said, wiping away his tears.

Braheim patted Aryesh's shoulder. "Suchlaskanlah. We will all return to Him. And you know, he's done his job."

Aryesh. "He has not done his duty, Your Majesty."

"Whatchu mean? His successor was born and will save us all in future wars of destruction."

"Didn't you see it often? About how much power does the wandering tribe leader have? His successor could be a threat instead of a hero. Because he cannot control his power" Aryesh replied to Braheim.

"Then teach him. At least a Deputy like you must have the same formidable power, right?"

Aryesh turned his head in response to King Padachihn. "Hamba can only teach how to concoct. Nothing more than that, Your Majesty."

"There's got to be another way."

Aryesh turned his head in response to King Garjan. "This has also never happened in the history of nomadic tribes. Usually our Leader will only be home one or two years, having successfully taught how to control power to his successors."

Again. Bheim and the seven kings were again silent. Let alone getting an answer about the enemy they will face in the war of destruction in the future, now instead appear another more complicated question. What if Daxraj Natesh's successor can't control his powers? And what if the baby who has not even turned one day old is what turns out to be the enemy they had suspected so far?

"Let's continue this discussion at a later time. Because what's more appropriate for us to do now is to join the funeral service."

The seven kings nodded concurrently agreeing to the proposal of Braheim. They also took turns to pray Daxraj Natesh according to their respective beliefs. Then after that they took turns to meet Haala to convey his martial will. King Hathelee, who had his first turn to meet Haala, forgot the words of condolence he was about to say, because he was amazed by the figure of a baby in Haala's arms.

The black cloth-clad baby was like the most beautiful rare gem among the other gems within the sea of gems. Not really his toy, and a million times more handsome than his late father. Then in contrast to babies in general who can only wriggle like a caterpillar, the successor Daxraj Natesh was even busy building a defensive wall on foreigners such as King Hathelee.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," Haala told King Hathelee.

"Greetings. Congratulations on the birth of your first son. Then I also mourn the passing of Daxraj Natesh. He is the hero of all of us. God must have given him the best place in the afterlife."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"It should. Then rather than that, there's something I want to tell you."

"Please, Your Majesty."

King Hathelee was silent, shuddering to feel Haala's son's sharp gaze. "I didn't mean to expel you and your son. But your son who most likely could not control his power would obviously become a threat in the future. You must understand what I mean. Tell me whatever you need. I'll get everything ready."

Haala turned silent, surprised by the information she had just heard today. King Hathelee who felt he had said something awkward was resigned, replaced by King Jvaala.

"Waalaikumussalam," King Jvaala told Haala.

"It seems you also want to convey something."

Haala's heart suddenly beat a little faster. Either thumped at the name, or gurgled at the prospect of what the Braheim had given him. If not expelled, could it be imprisoned? Or even be put to death?

"Essentially everything is created with a rope of control. I, King Braheim, and King Arshaq will try to find a teacher to help your son. So don't worry too much" added King Jvaala.

This time, Haala did not pay a reply. Until King Jvaala came out of the tent, replaced by the King of the Shushk Continent.

" ... How is it possible to drive you and creatures this small away from the eight continents?"

"Hamba will think about it, Your Majesty."

King Shushk sighed. "What do you need to think? This is your birthplace. Of course this is where you should stay. But the thing is, your son can indeed be a threat."

Spontan Haala looked down at her son. A very small and frail creature in his arms that has not even turned one day old has been sworn into a threat? More than one king?

"Devraaj Narvinder."

"Long live and blessed always, sun Kumari Kandam."

Braheim approached Haala's bed. "You like it?"

"I'm sorry?"

"I just gave him a name. I heard from Aryesh the demon didn't get to give his son a name."

Haala's smile escaped just like that, making the son participate. Braheim.

"Let me carry it."

Haala nodded, then handed her son over carefully.

"She liked the name I gave her. Then the name will be yours from today on" added Braheim.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"You look beaten. Just like when Daxraj Natesh died in the past. Honestly, I wasn't hit at the time. But this time I felt it. That means he's really dead."

"Yes, Your Majesty. This time it's real."

"I won't let him grow up without a father figure so I'll be his father."

Haala looked surprised, in contrast to her son who returned smiling.

"See. He smiled again. That's a sign he agreed. How's yours?"

Haala was silent for a moment, feeling the remnants of her shock. "Please forgive the lack of servants, Your Majesty. Servant does not know what kind of answer should I be-"

"I'm not talking about dad, anyway" Braheim said.

"I'm sorry?"

"Are you willing to wear the crown of Queen Kumari Kandam and promise not to let go forever?"