#mnhmh

The Manthos castle was in ruins, so the council had to meet elsewhere. The Astanna temple was in a bad shape too, but they had managed to find a safe corner, to have important discussions and decisions. Today, Nashuja was invited to discuss future solutions for the leadership of Manthos.

- I came back to Manthos to help my family and to help rebuilding the city. Nashuja said, I am in fact King Ifiklis' son, but I had no intention of claiming the throne - I still haven't. The story of my becoming is a brutal one, and is still painful to my mother, me and the whole family. Forces within and outside of Manthos will surely try to use this against me, and against our country.

- However, he continued, I do understand there is a need of leadership in Manthos at the moment, and I accept that I might be the best suited person. However, I propose the following: I suggest that you make me the legal guardian of the Queen, and thereby the regent, without any formal right to the throne. Should she die, we will need to elect a new leader or king for Manthos.

After a brief discussion, the proposal was adopted and sealed with a toast of kykeon. Nashuja were now the regent of Manthos.

The child queen moved in with her uncle and his family. After all, he now had the best and most solid house in Manthos. Myrto and Eleos also moved in, and Myrto was given the daily care of the ailing queen. The change after a few weeks was astounding.

Noor had made a poultice with herbs, that after a few days made the eczema a lot better. It would probably disappear totally with time. In the beginning Noor had kept a polite distance to the queen, but soon gained sympathy for the little girl.

A nutritious diet is always important, and it certainly was for Petra's condition. In addition it seemed like the social environment did her good too. The women usually cooked together, often under the supervision of Noor. And what's more healthy than sharing a good meal with your family?

Every day Petra and Nashuja went for a walk, short ones in the beginning, longer ones as Petra gained more strength. The fresh air did them both good, and they developed a warm and trusting relationship.

Most people in Manthos thought this was a great arrangement. Nashuja was well-liked, and no one questioned his good intentions for the position. His efforts for the reconstruction spoke for itself.

Some very few whispered in the corners, about him not being a legitimate regent, that he was born out of wedlock, and that he might not be a citizen of Manthos even. These people had their own agenda, one that benefited themselves and their pockets only, and most people met these allegations with rolling eyes and disapproval.

Even Noor eventually came around. She never heard anyone comment or dwell on the way Nashuja had come into the world. And she was full of admiration of her son, but, truth be told, she was immensely proud of all her children.

Here she is, with her surviving children and grandchildren. Except Pamesijos and his family, who were abroad of course, and the two newborns who were sleeping.

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[End of chapter 14]

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Noor knew she would carry the loss and grief with her for the rest of her life. Her sister, her three sons, grandchildren, friends and neighbors. You never get over this kind of tragedy, it's impossible. You just learn to endure the sorrow.

And there was work to be done. Her grandchildren needed her, and she needed them. Yes, life goes on. Not like before, their lives had been changed forever, but the restoration had begun.

And Noor was not alone. Grandmothers became mothers, brothers became fathers and strangers became caregivers. Everybody was affected. The town itself also faced unimaginable challenges. It would be a lucrative period for carpenters and masons, but discussions raged over what should be rebuilt first. And who would pay for it?

Some meant the Agorá was the most important, some pointed at the temple, so that the gods hopefully would become more friendly. Others still pointed at the need for stable housing for families with children. Usually these priorities would have been up to the king to make.

However, the king, and the rest of the royal family, were now confirmed dead. Well, there was one exception; King Radhamanthos II's cousin Petra was found alive, but rumors would have it that she was in a state incompatible with leading a kingdom. And honestly, would any seven year old girl be?

At the moment, the generals held the reins, and kept Queen Petra hidden from the public, but this couldn't continue forever, it would be unheard of. Manthos would need a king, or at least a capable queen. One could possibly search for more distant relatives across the borders. The problem was that the royal houses of the other countries had also been hit hard by the monster wave.

The generals decided it was necessary to clear part of the Ágora first, so that the farmers could come to sell their vegetables and the population would have something to eat. They asked everyone to contribute on a voluntary basis, and most were willing. Rusa Propis was one of the volunteers. He was still young, but had gained a good deal of experience having cleared much of the grounds at home with only the help of his grandmother and little sister.

Yes, life goes on. Not like before, their lives had been changed forever. But there were moments of joy, glimpses of normality. They all appreciated that.

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It was a beautiful morning in Manthos. The platanus trees sparkled in their new autumn colors and the Manthos river was running quietly through the settlements. However, in the Asijaka household, things were anything but calm.

- ... and none of my friends has so little freedom in their lives as I have. You interfere in everything I do and don't let me have any privacy at all. It's not fair!

- Myrto! That's simply not true! I give you a lot of freedom!

- You don't! Because you only give me freedom to do something you have already decided for me.

- Like this trip now, Myrto continued, all the girls in the dance group have gotten a permission, except me. For what reason? It's totally safe, and even cousin Bansabira will be there and everything!

- It's a long trip to a foreign country, Noor tried to remind her, and Bansabira is not married either...

- But there will be guards from the castle joining us!! It's just because you have some strange issue with the royal family, and also against Omiros! You are so prejudiced!

- I'm what!!? Now, listen to me young lady, you have no idea what you are talking about! The world is not such an innocent place, and you have no idea what you're exposing yourself to! Besides, I'm not obligated to give you any further reasons. I am your mother, and you will do as I say.

- Yeah that figures. You are the family tyrant and we must all dance to your tune.

- Excuse me!!?

- It was the same with Teo back then, wasn't it? You decided that he shouldn't marry Mpatíni, didn't you? Because she was poor, right?

- Hey!! Teo interrupted, Don't involve me in this! This argument is between the two of you!

- Well thanks a lot, Teo! Since you got what you wanted in the end, you seem to have forgotten what it's like when she tries to stop you from being happy! I can't believe you are taking her side in this! Apostáti!!

- Enough! Noor was really angry now. You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about, it was a totally different situation and besides, Teo is a man, not a girl. It's not the same.

- Listen Myrto, your mother and I might have had our disagreements in the past, that's true, but you should listen to her. You are still young, and you don't know everything in life, even if you think you do. And please, take a timeout, you are scaring Mnhmh and disturbing the whole neighborhood.

- AHHH!! Nobody understands me! That's fine. I don't need you people anyway!

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The monster wave also brought with it dark clouds that passed across the Manthos sky. There was no rain, but it was freezing.

Areth' was lucky to be among the survivors, but in shock. For a long time she was just sitting in the rubble and dirt, not able to do anything, not even to think straight.

All of a sudden there was a glimps of sunlight, and she could here a baby cry. It was a true miracle: her 5 weeks old baby Apóllon had survived. But he and Areth were the only survivors in the household.

He seemed unharmed, but covered in dust and dirt, and Areth understood that they still faced serious problems. How would they find shelter, clean water and food?

- Let's go to grannies house, she said mostly to calm herself, let's find Giagia Noor. She will know what to do. If she is alive...

At least some of the walls were intact in Noor's house, but it was still a mess.

- Mother? Mother! Areth got frightened by the sight that met her. Mother, are you all right?

- Oh Areth, thank Astanna! Yes! We are fine, it's just scratches and I think I've sprained my ankle. But your brother Areth... Teo... the roof fell over him. And the small ones... I can't even find them!

- Is it only you and Mnhmh here? Areth swallowed.

- No Rusa is here, he tried to dig his father out with his bare hands, but he ... Oh, this is just too much! Why do the gods punish us like this?

- Is he injured mother?

- No I don't think so. I think he just needed a moment. What about Simadhne? Is she okay?

Areth just shook her head. Tears filled her eyes.

- Oh my dear Areth, I'm so sorry. Epiktetos?

- There is nobody mother. Just me and the baby.

- Sweet mercy. Let me hold you. I'm so sorry. For us all.

- Mother, what are we going to do?

- I don't know dear. Noor hesitated. We will have to try to find the rest of our family. That's the most important now, maybe someone need our help. Myrto first, she has nobody else to help her. Take Rusa with you. I think he needs to do something. I will stay here with the baby and Mnhmh.

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Noor had lit a fire when they got home. They didn’t say much. The gravity of the situation had hit them, but they also felt a kind of relief in the midst of the tragedy. A sense of relief that they weren’t alone.

They were lucky to be able to sleep indoors, even though the water had done a lot of damage. Most people in Manthos didn’t have that option that night.

The next day they got up early. While Noor and Areth were off to check on the rest of the family, Rusa, Myrto and Mnhmh stayed home to look after the children and to tidy up the worst mess. They still didn't have a lot of fresh water, but the river was not as muddy as the day before.

When they came to Tychon's house they could hear a child crying. Then they could see Tychon. He was not alive.

- Come to me Eris-baby, come to auntie Areth.

- Mama mama awawaw, Eris cried.

- Do you see Hellaya anywhere mother?

- No I don't. If she is alive we will find her later. Let's take Eris home for now.

- And my brother?

- We will bury him later. There is nothing we can do for him right now.

When they came to Phaidros house, the tragedy hit them again. Phaidros was dead, as were his three daughters. Miraculously, his wife and newborn son were still alive. His mother-in-law Apsara had lost everything and everyone, except her daughter. She was not in a good state.

- You should consider coming home with us, Noor suggested, this place is not safe for neither you nor the baby.

- We will see, Omera said. I found some blankets at least. We must at least bury our loved ones first.

- Well it's up to you of course. We will go to my sister now, and can pass by later if you need any help.

They felt a glimmer of hope when they came to Eira's house, or rather, what was left of it, and saw the children, as well as Khara, Bansabira and Polykarpos. The hope vanished when they discovered the three graves.

- Oh no! Not Eira! Noor broke down completely.

- At least she died very quickly, Polykarpos explained. Roxana unfortunately had a lot of pain when I found her, and died this morning. I couldn't help her ...

- I cannot bear what this disaster is doing to us! Noor cried, So much suffering and death, it's just too much.

- I know, Polykarpos said quietly. I almost wish I wasn't alive.

- We just have to keep going" said Khara. After all, the children, they need us.

- My sister, my sister. My heart! What will I do without you? How can I even continue?

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- It can't be! ARETH!! MYRTO!!

- What's wrong mother? What's happening?

- Nothing is wrong! Areth, do you see what I see, or am I just imagining things?

- Holy Persephone! It's Nashuja!!

- Who is Nashuja? Mnhmh asked

- It's your uncle, dear! Areth explained. Our oldest brother, that we've missed for so long!

- Nashuja my son! My heart! I thought I would never see you again! Is this your family? What about Pamesijos? He isn't...

- No, no! He is fine! He couldn't come since he and his wife just had a baby, otherwise he would be here.

- A wife! A baby! I'm so happy to hear that. Come! You must tell me everything. I can't believe you are here!

- We heard about the disaster. And that the royal family wouldn't be a threat to us anymore. We were so afraid that we wouldn't find you alive. It's so good to see you mother Noor!

- Yes, me and your sisters are just fine! But your brothers and aunt Eira, they have left us. It was a terrible, terrible tragedy... What about my parents? Are the still alive?

- No, they are both dead now, but I did find them alive and well when I first arrived. They went peacefully both of them.

- I'm glad to hear that. What about my siblings?

- Well, your sister 'knyfei died a few years ago in childbirth, but your brother Ak'nei is still going strong. We used to work together. He is a builder like me.

- A builder! Imagine! I always thought you would end up in the military services.

- I did for a while, but I enjoyed building more.

It was an evening of happy reminiscences and new acquaintances. Even Myrto seemed comfortable and smiling, even though she didn't speak. She just nodded and shook her head when asked something.

- I thought I would never be happy again, but what a day!, Noor thought to herself, Eira, my dear Eira, you should have been here... If possible I miss you even more in these happy moments, than in the sad ones...

Myrto was living with her mother, but in the evening, after Eleos had fallen asleep, she went back to her own house, and stood there, staring at the ruins for an hour or so, before she returned back home again.

She had not been speaking since that first night. They were worried about her mental state, but Noor decided to just leave her alone for now, hoping that she would heal with time.

And she did, slowly. The first signs of normality came when she took left-overs with her to feed Obi the cat.

Rusa asked her if she wanted some help to tidy up, but she shook her head. Nevertheless she came home with things she had found in the ruins: A pot, a child's sweater, a half-finished woven carpet.

And then one day she was ready. She made Rusa understand that she wanted his help.

He built a simple shed for her. It was not much, but Myrto seemed pleased with it. She continued to tidy up, stone by stone, pile by pile. She planted a few plants, or just watched Eleos play. Sometimes they spent the night there, but most nights they didn't. Nevertheless, she was getting better mentally. They all were.

Spring was just around the corner, and everything were looking a bit brighter. They kept themselves busy with gardening, fixing, building and making sure they had dinner on the table. It was not easy, because resources were scarce. Then, a few months after the disaster, Noor was about to get a new shock, of a different character.

- Holy Astanna, How can this even be possible?? Am I dreaming?? Come, everybody! Hurry!

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