Chapter 4: How to Become a Child Ruler

"Yes, I mean you, little Sijarkes." The Dove bent before her.

"By the day you set foot in Ori'ehem, you shall take up the Tirkju'a's domminical seat and rule in his place," said the Dove unto her. To this, the Sijarkes exhaled heavily, withdrawing from the Dove's proximity.

"And as the Sijarkes?" she gasped. The Dove nodded.

The Sijarkes took a moment to recollect herself, turning away momentarily.

"Parrhadomme, if there was anyone—any Domme—who could take the Tirkju'a's place, it would be the Avigrijer. But of course, without a doubt, no one beats the original Tirkju'a at his job. It just goes without saying. But what do you mean the new Tirkju'a? I have not even been outside Katill Broiis in a few thousand years. And if I am to be perfectly honest, I will not know what to do!"

A sigh followed. "The Tirkju'a himself didn't even know what to do with me."

"The Order has no use for him," interjected the Dove all too suddenly.

The Dove stood farther now. He looked out over the window that offered a view towards the horizon where Haradoj-ka'e lay.

"Not anymore." The Dove gave her a sharp, even glance. "The Order is in need of…something else."

The Sijarkes tried to find her words, anything to ward the Dove off on that judgement. The Order was fine as it is, isn't it? But the Dove would not say, yet it was impossible for it not to be. The best reason she could come up with is that things were not getting done since the Tirkju'a's position remained vacant—it's been two whole years!

"But the Tirkju'a thought it'd be best if I remained here in Katill Broiis." The Sijarkes froze. "I'm not a good choice, believe me."

The Parrhadomme watched her with fourteen of its eyes, bright and whole. If the Sijarkes looked closely, she could see versions of herself in them, frightened at the proposition.

"I am not afraid," said the Dove, "You will know what to do." A simple clarity in itd eyes.

The Sijarkes knew it had utmost confidence in backing up the Dommes and their pursuits all the way if it fell under its precious promise of prosperity, and she knew it would not disappoint her as well.

"I will guide you, of course. In my own ways. Everything has been prepared for you." The Dove placed a hand over the Sijarkes' forehead.

"The young Du Quam under Umdochar, supposedly next in line to serve the Tirkju'a was reassigned under your court. He will be assisting you in your affairs, and so will Du Quam Umdochar. You will find it most accommodating and efficient to work so close to our states so I ordered for the Ori'ehemian Quamship Temple in Gu'ambiss to prepare your settlement."

When the Dove pulled its hand back, the Sijarkes jerked away, feeling her forehead in disbelief.

"The temple? You would really entrust me the temple? The Tirkju'a's side? It sounds like a lot, I'm not even going to deny it. It's too much. Too much for a Domma like me."

The Dove, not used to hearing those sorts of things even within its own circle, was stern. "Sijarkes, I have always referred to you as a Domma, like the Tirkju'a, the Avigrijer, the Margijer, and the rest. As a Domma, you have already proven yourself to me by complying with every task given to you. Were you not raised in Katill Broiis? And far longer than any other Domme, also. If I am asked, I'd say there is no other that is most deserving of the Tirkju'a's domminical seat."

The Sijarkes took the chance to interject. "But, the Tirkju'a—"

"Do your credentials not give you confidence in your qualifications?"

"No, that is not the problem. Actually, I don't know what it is."

"That's it, then." The Dove nodded, tilting its head. Then it leaned before the Sijarkes, getting on eye level, speaking lowly, it said:

"You leave for Gu'ambiss by the next dawn bringing with you this promise of prosperity that you shall lay once again before the people in Gu'ambiss, to give them your presence, and to mark the beginning of your reign."

The Dove paused momentarily, letting it sink in for the little Sijarkes.

"I trust that you will swear your faith on this promise of prosperity that I laid before the men of old."

"Of course, without question," the Sijarkes replied without missing a beat.

"That is my order to you," the Dove said with finality, now complete in its command. The Sijarkes only watched it with great interest, brows arched.

"Do not be frightened. I know you can do it," the Dove continued once more after the lack of reaction, "And I know the Tirkju'a would be very proud of you, to see you like this after all—we knew it would be worth it." The Dove cooed, patting the Sijarkes' head as it did so. It was very close to her now, but she was getting used to its divine warmth and all the comforting words it had much to share.

The Sijarkes had made up her mind after some time. She shook her head.

"I'll do it."

The Parrhadomme smiled, reclining back in its stance.

"I won't forget this. This opportunity is just what I need. I will prove to you that you didn't waste two Domminical seats on me for nothing."

The Parrhadomme gestured to the doors, and so the Sijarkes went on her way, trotting down the pebbled pathways with her signature strong stride, heart pounding at her chest.

"One day, all the world shall know my greatness," she thought to herself, "And when that time comes, I'll be untouchable. I'll show that Tirkju'a how to do his job right!"