Kingdom Of Shartak
The Tale Of Tarak And Maya
Tapran the shaman spoke in the traditional manner of the storyteller. The rhythm of his voice and the narcotic smoke from the sacred weed combined to entrance his one-man audience.
"Before the Fall of the Ancients the people of Shartak were not confined to one small island as they are now. At its zenith the Kingdom Of Shartak was spread across an entire mountain range, itself only the Southern part of a much larger island. Green and fertile valleys once existed where now the ocean laps upon our island shores. Our people are the last descendants of the mighty race of philosopher-kings who ruled those lands."
"In those long gone days the Kingdom Of Shartak was but one sovereign state within the mighty Hyperborean Empire. From his fabled, red-burnished orichalcum palace in Commoriom Loquamethros, the High King of Hyperborea, spread enlightenment to the peoples of the world. All paid tribute to the might of the High King and rejoiced in his magnificence. Hunger, disease, poverty; all were banished wherever the High King stretched forth his hand."
"From the earliest days the Kingdom Of Shartak was reknown for producing the finest warriors in all the many lands. Mindful of the wisdom of their ancestors and unmatched in bravery and cunning, the people of Shartak were esteemed as paragons of virtue. First among them was King Tarak Of Shartak, whose skill at arms was peerless, and who cut his way into the position of Champion of Hyperborea. Tarak served as the right hand of High King Loquamethros, bringing victory after victory in the campaigns against the fell creatures who fled the encroaching Ice Age. Many rewards did Loquamethros shower upon Tarak, all of which were as naught beside the prize that Tarak truly desired. For Tarak had become enamoured of the High King's daughter, the alluring Princess Maya, and she of him in return. Tarak's wisdom, nobility and martial skill had won him the heart of his beloved Maya. However they could not win him her hand, for she had been promised to Ivon the Grand Vizier, High Priest of Yhoundeh."
Tapran paused to sip from his gourd of water. He observed the frown upon the brutish features of the warrior sitting before him. The shaman raised an eyebrow. Although deep in the grip of the sacred weed, the hulking warrior remained observant. Noting this signal he spoke his thoughts, "All children hear the tale of Tarak and Maya from their mother. And all warriors learn Tarak's Lesson. You must have a reason for telling me this tale?"
The shaman smiled. "You are correct. All know of this tale and the lessons it holds. However very few know of the history and the truths that this tale conceals. That knowledge is guarded by the shamen. Listen, gaze into the fire, smoke your pipe, and learn of the true secrets of Shartak." By a small measure the proud warrior lowered his shaggy head in deference. The shaman continued.
"High Priest of the Cult of Yhoundeh, Ivon had experienced visions foretelling the destruction of the Empire, an event in which Princess Maya would play a key role. Ivon had convinced High King Loquamethros that Maya must marry him in order to prevent this disaster. In truth Ivon was obsessed with Princess Maya but she gave him no comfort, sparing him not even the slightest glance. From afar the people of Commoriom named her The Ice Maiden and wished that she might find love and happiness. But these good wishes were made silently lest the Inquisitors of Yhoundeh take offence."
"And so it happened that Ivon worked great spells of knowledge and learned of his love rival. Ivon was not accustomed to having his desires unfulfilled. In Ivon's heart the seeds of hatred found fertile ground. First Ivon engaged the Slayer's Guild to murder Tarak; the assassins died in their dozens. At the Imperial Court Ivon instigated an unsuccessful whispering campaign against Tarak. Conjured spirits refused to attack the noble King. Summoned daemons fell before Tarak's blade. Finally, in desperation and madness, Ivon travelled far into the Eiglophian mountains to seek the Dweller in Mount Voormithadreth, the ancient foe of the Cult Of Yhoundeh. Ivon betrayed his Goddess, selling his soul to the Toad God Tsathogghua in exchange for the destruction of his enemy. The bargain struck, Ivon returned to Commorion. He did not have long to wait. News of the inhuman outlaw Knygathin Zhaum and his deprivations soon reached the Imperial Palace."
"With but a few devious words to the High King, Ivon arranged for his rival's death. High King Loquamethros despatched his Champion to deal with the outlaw. Tarak and his men found the oulaws feasting on the dead amidst the smoking ruins that had recently been the village of Ixtal. A brief parley brought Tarak and Knygathin Zhaum together to settle matters by single combat. Tarak's first sword stroke, so quick that it was the merest flash, severed the outlaw's arm, and the second stroked cleaved his opponent's black heart. To no avail. As Tarak turned to his warriors to acknowledge their victory cheers, Knygathin Zhaum rose up from death and thrust his spear into Tarak's back. The cheers of Tarak's men turned to wails of anguish as their King fell dead at Knygathin Zhaum's feet."
"A runner carried news of Tarak's death to Commoriom even as his men carried his body from the field of battle. At the Imperial Palace Ivon was able to conceal his delight from all but Princess Maya. Through her tears she saw Ivon's eyes shining in triumph and knew him for the serpent he truly was. When Ivon approached Maya to express his sorrow she stabbed a dagger into his vitals, butchering his manhood and crippling him forever. She denounced Ivon to all present and declared her wish to die that she might join her beloved Tarak amongst the ancestors. She also swore a great oath to see Ivon and all his followers destroyed utterly. In her grief Maya fled Commoriom, turning her back on her heritage and her impending marriage. The High King gave orders that his daughter be found and returned but even the best trackers failed to find her. The love of the people was such that they disobeyed the High King to aid Maya in her final journey. Maya was last seen walking into the icy Northern wastelands where nothing human lived."
The shaman paused once more to wet his throat. A wreath of smoke trailed from the corner of the warrior's mouth, and his eyes were narrowed in a frown, "Ivon's treachery and dealings with the Black Toad are not spoken of... why is this so? This would seem to be an excellent cautionary tale as regards the nature of politics." The shaman smiled again, "All will be revealed in time..."
