Chronicles of Persia
My name is Prince Kyashahara. Though this name is now recanted in songs and legend across the length and breadth of my realm, I am no fool, and I know that all glory is but fleeting. I am writing this now in the hope that my quest shall not be buried underneath the Sands of Time and forgotten by all. My journey is a long one, and at times may seem impossible, but I swear to you; every word is true.
Chapter 1: Arrival in Azad
Word had spread far and wide throughout Persia that the daughter of the mighty Sultan of Azad, Sheherazad, had reached a marrying age. Excitement swept through the Empire: Azad was a kingdom that existed south-west of the borders of Persia, in the vast expanse of desert known as Arabia. It was well known for being the most powerful, wealthy and fabulous city in the entire known world, said to be greater even then my home in Persepolis. Since the Sultan had no male heir and it did not seem that he likely he ever would, whoever married his daughter would inherit the kingdom. Naturally I was interested in such a prospect and my father even more so and thus set off on a journey to Azad with a small company of armed retainers. Had I known what was to transpire I would have bought more, but then I had no idea.
As soon as the kingdom came into sight it took my breath away. The palace, which was large beyond all that I had been taught possible, was built into a cliff face that dominated the city. The town itself seemed to simply extend on from the marvellous citadel to form a huge, opulent and by all appearances impregnable fortress. I had heard of the wealth and power of Azad of course, who hadn't? The fanciful tales that travellers weaved about its cloud-piercing towers and of the magical waters of life that were said to be hidden deep within. But never in my wildest imaginations did I think that such a place could ever have existed in the real world, and as I continued towards it I began to wonder whether or not I was dreaming.
My arrival had all the grandeur and splendour as befitted one of my rank, and I could tell that even the inhabitants of this fanciful city were impressed by the power and the wealth of Persia. I rode at the front of the company upon nothing less than a tame elephant bought with incredible price from the distant realm of India, revelling in the attention and awe that preceded my arrival. A few other princes and petty lords of other realms were arriving at about the same time as I and for the same reason but all paled in comparison to my own entourage. The news spread soon that I had arrived and in return I learned the news of the Sultan's absence. It seemed unclear exactly as to why he had left and this fact unnerved me. Nevertheless I was granted a private audience with the princess and was eager to show her my obvious power and prestige.
My first meeting with the daughter of the Sultan was an extremely unusual one. She seemed not in the least impressed by my wealth and power, but did seem to acknowledge me as a person. For my own count, I knew that I would willing give away all the marvels in Persepolis if her own radiant beauty could be mine. Unfortunately our first meeting was a horrible clash of egos that left both of us smarting: I found her to be childish and insufferably bossy, while she seemed to think I was arrogant and mean spirited. The second meeting went much better however, as we grew to know each other, and on the third meeting on the third day both of us felt true love blossom. However outside this budding romance much darker plots were now in motion...
In the Sultan's absence the Grand Vizier of the kingdom, a wizened old man and rumoured sorcerer by the name of Jaffar, was the de facto ruler. Although I had heard of his vast wisdom and intellect abroad, I personally found the man to be an infuriating upstartish busy-body who lorded his knowledge and power over everyone. I also learned that Sheherazad hated him even more than I did, and distrusted him greatly. She said her father had only kept him on in order to keep an eye on him, and confided to me during our third meeting that she feared her diligent lord had finally been fooled by the crafty Vizier and that was why he was absent.
On the same third day Jaffar shocked everyone. He said that before the Sultan had left he had given him a decree that stated if a suitor had not been found by the next full moon then Sheherazad would marry Jaffar and therefore the decrepit Vizier would inherit the kingdom. It was already the night preceding the full moon and there was no time left. Sheherazad was outraged, saying that she had never been told of this limitation. Jaffar apologized but defended himself by saying that the law had always existed if she had just asked to see it. Sheherazad countered with a desperate ploy, saying that she had chosen her suitor already: me, the prince of Persepolis. When Jaffar said he had not been informed of this the princess said that the decision had always existed if he had just asked to hear of it.
I had no sooner heard of this new development in the castle when suddenly I was ambushed by the castle guards. My retinue and I fought bravely but we were outnumbered and surprised and so cut down to a man. Even in such an underhanded move though Jaffar did not dare strike me down for fear of the retribution of my father so instead had me arrested and thrown into the castle dungeons, saying that I had attacked the castle and attempted to abduct the princess. I would be kept in prison until a caravan could be organised to send me back home to Persepolis in disgrace and chains. This was something I could not stand.