The Hidden Kingdom of Kaballus

The Hidden Kingdom of Kaballus
Chapter One -- The End and the Exodus

Long ago Vatos was the king of Kaballus, and he reigned for many years with honor and courage. He was a man of superior stature. His kingdom thrived and flourished for the land was fruitful, and his subjects were satisfied as peace prevailed. For hundreds of years they enjoyed establishing their stables as the finest in the land while sequestering themselves from the chaos of Britain.

Being wise and perceptive, Vatos realized the end of his reign and his life was imminent. Convinced that Arillion his eldest son would not serve the people of the kingdom. but rather he would destroy them, King Vatos spent his last days and nights earnestly preparing for the future of his beloved kingdom of Kaballus. He carefully copied the words of their Sacred Book of Honor and prepared a Chest of items that would be vital to the survival of a new kingdom—one that would be a remnant of the old.

As the evening winds blew through the quiet chambers of the castle, Vatos remembered fondly the years with his treasured wife, Queen Eliza Margot, and their service to the horses and subjects of their forefathers’ domain. Then he called for his younger son, Balto. Shaking off the dust from the stable, Balto entered the doorway to a room filled with their family history. Vatos remained unaware that his son was watching as he was staring into the faded paintings on the cold stone walls and soaking in the memories and moments of his reign. Sadly, Balto knew that this evening’s talk would be different, more than their usual discussion of the horses or the day’s work or the bounties of the fields. As strong as this son was, at that moment heaviness filled his chest, and his heart began to break. Sweat drops formed on his furrowed brow as he struggled to overcome this tight pressure in his lungs and take a full breath. But this was futile; a sense of dread consumed him. Still, Balto managed to greet his father with the exuberance and joyful zeal that has been his since birth. In the solitude of their royal home, King Vatos sorrowfully revealed to his youngest son his impending fate and a plan to save a portion of the kingdom. “Son,” he began, “it is with deepest regret that I must prepare you and those who are willing to go with you for an Exodus.” Holding his son close to his breast in a comforting embrace, King Vatos continued, “My time here in this mortal realm will soon be gone, and I will go to something better. My heart is grieving for this kingdom and what shall become of it.” Upon hearing these words, which he knew to be true, Balto burst with emotion and attempted to console his dear father. “Balto, my son, be strong,” commanded Vatos. “It is my time and I am ready—to see Eliza Margot and relinquish the frailties of this aged body. Only one irreversible burden remains oppressive to me. As is the command from our Book, my firstborn son must ascend the throne. There is no power in me to change what is written.” Piercing intensely into Balto’s eyes he continued, “I can see it as clearly as I see you, Balto,” said Vatos. “All too quickly Arillion, your brother, will destroy what I have worked so hard to maintain for our kingdom, for the people.”

Not giving a moment’s time for Balto to refute, Vatos revealed the plan for the Exodus. “This very night you shall lead any willing villager out of this place. Escape to the East and travel quickly. Go with confidence in this quest. Take only what you can carry—keep nothing that burdens you down. Each person must make the decision for himself, unless a child who is still fed by his mother …then the mother will decide. Finally, my son, follow me.” Vatos took Balto to the Sacred Chamber of the Book. “Knowing I could not give you this Book,” he pointed to the Sacred Book that had been carried by Oswolfe, their patriarch, “I have carefully and precisely copied its words …take this Book and take this Chest.” The king presented a royal wooden chest that was plain and simple, except for the golden engraved letters beneath its latch … “NEWLAND”, and below the letters was the royal seal of Vatos. “When every solution escapes your mind and you would have come to me for help, open this Chest and realize your deliverance. Inside this Chest there are three, and only three, means of deliverance for our people. As I know you will do, use them wisely.”

The gravity of his father’s words pierced his soul. He sobbed and clung to his father. Finally, King Vatos addressed his youngest son with one more important consideration. His final moments with Balto were spent remembering the past and attempting to explain how Prince Arillion had become a man of self-pity, consumed in his own despair and self-loathing. “When the day comes that you see your brother as your enemy, consider with empathy your bond and brotherhood …” pleaded Vatos.