From Golden Empire to Dark Oppressor
Vandelor Kohsahv's son, Donvarris, paled in the light of his father's glory. He was faithful to his father's ideals but lacked much of his spirit and strength of personality. Besides this, a rumor that many historians hold to be true spread that Donvarris preferred men over women.
No real evidence exists to substantiate this rumor. Still, historians argue that 300 yahdi should have been sufficient time to find a potential bride or at least have an illicit affair. But, there are no eyewitness accounts of him ever showing any interest.
There was no shortage of potential brides among the nobility who would have given anything to marry the successor to the throne of the world. But, he never seemed to pay any mind to any of them, no matter how pure their hearts or how beautiful their countenance.
By no means was he a coward or incompetent. On the contrary, he was an accomplished warrior of Korvahn caliber. As a career military man, he had risen quickly to the rank of Torvahl, the highest military rank short of Tolkor.
Though he definitely qualified for leadership, the problem of his lack of an heir remained. Technically, his next oldest brother or sister, who was qualified for the throne, would succeed him. But, events following his death did not happen accordingly.
Three aravahti after Donvarris assumed the throne, he was assassinated. Before his brother, Falen, could be inaugurated, the nobility demanded a tournament of succession. Their legal argument challenged Donvarris' qualification for the throne in the first place and, since his crown was not legitimate, his family line must forfeit the right to the throne.
This was nonsense, of course, because he had more than proven his mettle as a warrior--more than a few times. However, in this time of history, prejudice against homosexuality was strong, and no matter what the arguments in his favor were, the nobility would not relent in their accusations.
Though the law was on Falen's side, the ones responsible for judging the law were biased in favor of the nobles. Of course, the nobles prevailed, and a tournament of succession was soon organized. Only the most notable warriors of Korvahn status among the nobles of pure Behrahthi lineage were invited to participate. The last man alive would gain the right to be crowned the new Tolkor.
The champion was Tellevis Menanta, a man as swift with a sword as a kluahv is in snatching its prey. Unfortunately, his justice and mercy were not half as swift as his blade. He had none of the idealism that was a strong trait of the Kohsahv dynasty. He ruled with an iron fist, and, unlike Vandelor Kohsahv, his mercy was just as hard.
To ensure a long and prosperous reign, he showered the nobility with all kinds of favors, and he was not above accepting bribes. Consequently, his popularity among the nobles ensured that his dynasty would last for many generations to come.
Vandelor Kohsahv's dream of a world secure from tyranny had been shattered. The world entered into a dark age that lasted for 200,000 yahdi.
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