Melanie Nilles

Welcome back! This week we have Phelan Isolder, heir of the throne of Cavatar. However, it’s not your typical kingdom, as some of our guests have hinted. I’ll let our guest explain, though. He’s the expert.

Thanks for joining us, Lord Isolder. We’re honored that you could join us. But to clarify, can you start by explaining how the rule of the kingdom is different from other feudal systems?

I’m not sure what you mean by feudal, but I will explain how Cavatar is governed. We are a country of five provinces forming a sort of confederation, each with their own governor. Each province is allowed up to three representatives on the king’s advisory council. They have equal voice concerning laws over their lands. Since the first Isolder was selected as the head of the country, it has been in our family to rule. Since it is passed to each heir, we have no binding loyalty to any one province. It is a fair system and one which has allowed Cavatar to flourish for hundreds of years.

If you search our history, you’ll see that over 900 years earlier–I’m not certain of the exact number–but the numerous warring states of Ayrule realized too many losses and consented to peace. In the days after, the leaders met at what we know as the Council of Laerenthal and chose Isolder to unite behind. His children took his name to identify them as the heirs of the kingdom. But it was not Cavatar then. Rather, they called their new alliance, Frîmor. It grew into a country with each of the smaller countries joining into the five provinces we have today. And the leadership was agreed to be a position of inheritance with each country represented equally in the Council.

When Rivon forces invaded almost four hundreds years later, the invaders were driven back by the forces of King Damien Isolder of Frîmor. After twenty-three years of various warfare and Damian’s death, his son Aric formed an alliance with the sovereign of Rivonia. As an honor to that agreement, Frîmor was renamed. The name “Cavatar” is a merger of two Rivon words: Cavaliae, meaning “honor”, and Natar, meaning “peace”.

That is as brief a history as I can give. The library in the palace contains far more detail.

Do you still maintain peace with the Rivon?

They have been our strongest allies since those early days and now are our strongest trade partners. The currents of the Darnasian Sea speed their ships to our coast. It carries them closest at the point where the city of Candro has grown. Those same currents brought them as invaders long ago.

We have other allies, but none beyond the sea as close as Rivonia. Part of my training has been as emissary to those distant lands. It will be my duty one day to maintain those alliances when I am king.

Are you required to take all those travels? Where have you been and what have you seen?

It is not a requirement, but in my experience I’ve found it helpful in understanding the…role expected of me.

I have been many places, from Rivonia of course to the far shores of Caprion, one of the smaller continents, and various island nations. I could not describe the wonders of so many countries. By far, the Rivon are the most talented architects with cities more beautiful than one could imagine, and quite old, I might add. They have lasted for centuries. Other places have marvelous statues or golden pillars. For the memories of those places, I am grateful of my position.

How do you compare those to your home, Setheadroc Palace?

Setheadroc palace was designed by Rivon architects as part of their concession of peace when they were driven out of Ayrule. While it bears a similarity to their cities, it merges the styles of both Ayrulean artisans and Rivon. It is unique in its own but similar to what you would see in Rivon cities like Chavali, the capitol.

I think I would pay my weight in gold to see what you’ve seen. What is your favorite place on all of Gairdra?

*sits back and stares away for a few seconds*

I might say home. Yes! I have traveled so much that I find myself at home wishing to stay. I find my peace there. Nowhere else can claim that, the intangible, invisible sense one has of where he…or she…belongs.

Home is where the heart is.

Yes! You’ve said it much better.

Thank you, Lord Isolder. You’ve opened our eyes to a world of possibilities, or at least this world. It would seem there is far more to explore than one continent.

And thank you, readers, for returning for another interview. Remember to come back next week for another revealing interview with another character from the upcoming Legend of the White Dragon series. We will have one of the lesser nobles, Baron Cathmor, with us.