The west was in disrepair. The nobles of the Sultanate looked for any opportunity to revolt and the neighbouring kingdoms stalked them like hawks. Ahmed listened to all his advisors with a blank face. Problem after problem crept up whenever one was solved.
"Send relief to the west and begin a mass employment strategy for the free slaves. Get them to build roads, and houses or tend to the fields. Whatever it takes get them working and get money flowing. Import goods from our neighbours and invite merchants into the Kingdom, cut their taxes if you must. Business must start flowing again if we are to survive." Ahmed fired off the orders to those in charge of the economy.
Nodding in acknowledgement they began to write down the orders and discuss how to make it work. "For the nobles, those who are loyal to the new regime give some benefits, keep them loyal. As for the rest, find replacements and have them removed, we can't deal with another internal conflict now, as for our neighbours. I'll get marriage alliances. My son can marry one of the Grand Prince's daughters. He has his hands full with his brothers, I'm sure his back being safe would delight him."
"I will have more children. It pains me to use them like this but to secure the peace of the people there must be sacrifices. When I have more children they will be matched with respected partners, as for now. Ali, secure the border. Do not give them an opportunity or reason for us to attack. Our Kingdom currently is a glass house."
Ahmed finished his orders. He stood up with the rest of the council bowing towards him. Leaving he headed for his wife.
Katarina sat on a chair holding her pregnant stomach, whilst servants tended to her needs. The opening of the door drew everyone's attention, as Ahmed walked in sending off all the servants. Once clear of everybody the smiles on the two faces dropped, not fully leaving their faces but a noticeable difference.
"Husband. I hope you are well." Her gentle voice spoke as she invited him to sit next to her. Ahmed gently rested his head on her shoulder.
"Every day is a new issue. I solve one thing and two more pop up. Sometimes I wish I returned to before all this began." His words were sad as he spoke of the past.
"You mean her?" She asked. Her voice was void of jealousy, instead having a sympathetic tone.
"We both lost those we hold dear. We found comfort in each other's grief and we both know we can never love each other like we did them." Ahmed got off her shoulder kneeling in front of her. "But that does not mean I do not care for you, Katarina. When I say these foolish things I do not mean it. I just miss her that's all."
"You do not need to defend yourself to me. I lost my husband and daughter. You know that I would love for them to return but it cannot." Ahmed rested his head on her stomach. The two remained silent for a long time.
15 years passed. The Sultanate had become an established force within the region. The West slowly recovered from the attack yet the scars of its raid remained. Villages remained empty and the grounds black.
The Church of Sol fled the lands after the Sultanate's establishment, taking much of their wealth with them. With the fleeing of the church, the Followers of Khors could prosper unhindered, with the Sultanate going under mass conversion over the years.
The Ammary threatened war numerous times, but the death of the king's second son after one too many threats reinforced the fear the neighbouring Kingdoms had previously held during the civil war. With the border secured, wealth was refocused on rebuilding the Kingdom and the Sultanate began to see pre-war levels of grain output.
Ahmed, now old, sat on his throne with delight. After so many years his efforts were rewarded. He created the realm he wanted.
'caw' The familiar bird call echoed in the empty throne room. Ahmed slowly got up his bones aching with every step. Walking down the palace palace walls, he followed the bird, ignoring all those around him. Through the halls into the garden, the bird landed on a large oak tree in its centre.
Ahmed took his seat under it. His mind was racked with bitter memories and nostalgia. he thought of the first time he saw the crow. 'Had his actions this whole time been him or was it Khors using him?" It was a question he knew couldn't be answered whilst alive. He smiled happily either way. If it had been Khors will then he didn't mind and if it was all his then he was glad it was successful.
Closing his eyes, the wind blew past his face. His head leaned to the side as the crown slipped off his grey hair. His mind was at peace. The summer sun and cold breeze being the perfect blend.
Hasan stood on the steps of the Safrid tomb. It was built in the centre of the city for all those to see. He looked down at his people, his eyes still red from grief. "My people. A day which should be full of celebration is one of sadness. I should be happy that I can finally ascend to the throne and take my father's place but I know, it is a seat that I can never fill. To us, he was a father, a saviour or a friend. And now we must part with him."
"Today. I announce the official death of my father, age 55, and in his place, I Hasan Safrid, take his place as protector of the people and realm. I swear to you that I will honour my father's legacy. In the name of Khors, I ask you sister to place the crown on my head."
Following the tradition of the empires in the east that followed Khors, Hasan's eldest sister, Zahra came over. With a light kiss to the largest gem on the crown, she placed it on Hasan's head. Raising his head he looked down at his new subjects.
"ALL HAIL HASAN SAFRID. PROTECTOR OF THE PEOPLE AND REALM AND OUR NEW SULTANE!" The guard next to Hasan called out getting cries from the crowd as they all began to chant the words back.
His smile was friendly as he waved towards them, walking down the steps. The tomb was closed behind its large stone doors as the sea of people split allowing Hasan to walk through.