Time held no eternal promise, and before long, King Jamhur fell suddenly ill. On his deathbed, he bestowed his final counsel upon his queen, entrusting his realm and his young son, Gav, to her care and to the stewardship of his wise ministers. Yet Prince Gav was far too young to wear the crown, gird the royal belt, or command the throne. The noble chieftains and commanders were steeped in deep sorrow, for the world was filled with fond memories of Jamhur’s boundless generosity and radiant justice, and all feared that an empire left without a mature, formidable sovereign would soon descend into harm and ruin.
Assembly was called; soldiers, elders, and common folk gathered from Sandal to the marchlands of Kashmir and China to debate the fate of the realm. All concurred that a young child could neither lead armies in battle nor dispense royal justice and discipline. In the realm of Danbar dwelt Jamhur’s brother, May—a prince renowned for his wisdom, dignity, and fitness for the throne. The realm’s elders journeyed from Sandal to Danbar to offer him the crown. May accepted the call, traveled in state to the royal city, ascended the Kayanid throne, placed Jamhur’s crown upon his head, and flung wide the gates of bounty and righteousness.
Once his reign was secure, King May took Jamhur’s widow as his royal consort and raised young Gav with the devotion of a loving father. In time, the fair queen bore May a son. The king named the newborn prince Talkhand, his heart overflowing with fatherly affection. As seasons turned, Talkhand grew to two years of age while Gav reached seven—a bold, magnificent youth endowed with royal glory and champion stature, standing upon the threshold of destiny.