Scianeus's Orphans Saga

The Aternos League was formed from the union of 37 city-states. Situated in the eastern archipelago, most of them lacked a direct land route to each other.

In order to prevent potential complications and seizure of power, a series of laws were compiled into the Raphamiel constitution after its writers Raphael and Nacamiel.

"A central government shall be formed that takes terms for 5 years and must include representatives from every city-state, barring for unexpected circumstances."

"The government shall be jointly headed by two elected officials. These officials will conduct their campaign together to promote harmony."

"Elective powers belong chiefly to the people, a second ballot of the ten top candidates will be conducted by the House of 296 and a final one of the remaining three will be carried by the assembly of the 37."

"All assemblies of the 37 shall be conducted in the Veruyan lagoon, each member is required to attend in their city's Flagship with unloaded canons"

"Each nation must house three branch buildings of the central government, their function shall be decided by the presiding deputy"

"To avoid inter-fighting and strengthen strategic ties, a united military force will be created and placed under the authority of a semi-independent strategic command."

"Each nation must strive to fulfill the annual quota of shipyard production and recruitment dictated by the strategic command."

"Inner trade between city-states will be exempted from tax for essential goods such as grain, firewood and fabric. The tax rate for other goods is decreed by the treasury and must be respected in every port."

"The strategic command is nominally headed by the Sophets, requiring at least one of them to have held previous field command. "

"The house of 296 has a term of 10 years and should be divided as such:

-1/3 must consist of company heads, retired officials and veterans with meritorious records.

-Another third must consist of patricians and merchants

-The remaining members are landowners, farmers, shipwrights and artisans.

Each member must be at least 40 years old and need the approval of the public assembly for their candidacy to be successful."

"The flag of the league consists of a Ship with 37 oars symbolizing unity, Shophets take turns hoisting the flag on their ships monthly."

"Each Suffetial proposal must earn a majority in the house of elders before being brought before the assembly of 37. "

The director:" These are some of the laws included in the constitution... Herbert you're dozing off again"

Herbert (rubbing his eyes): " Huh what? I wasn't asleep I promise, just resting my eyes"

"Is that why your arms are numb?" the director said while poking his arm, which caused him to jolt "Aaah stop! It tingles, I won't doze off again I promise", Amid the chuckling of his friends.

Herbert(pulling his arm away) " But why are learning about these things? I've never been to Aternos and doubt that I will ever go there."

The director smiles: "You never know what happens in life, learning the history of a country may help you acclimate to it faster in the future."

Dirrar steps inside the classroom, grabbing everyone's attention: "Raphamiel constitution? The title alone puts me to sleep! Don't you guys want to go have some real fun?" the whole class erupts with excitement, and the director is surprised by all the dreamy eyes looking at him as Dirrar shrugs his shoulders. He sighs and says" Fine, we'll end it here for today. You can go ...", as everyone shuffles from their seats in anticipation of the adventure he adds "I expect everyone to write a paper with their opinion on what was discussed today next week".

The cheery mood turned slightly gloomy as Dirrar joined in and started booing him. He then comforted them whispering "It's alright, he can be a hard ass sometimes. I'll let you boys have some of my special brew tonight!" his chuckling was interrupted by the sensation of an arm gripping his shoulder.

Sweat started dripping down his face as he turned around and was greeted by the director's eery smile as he dragged him away.

"Hey hey, I was joking! How can your grip still be so tight? " He tried to grab onto Arlen as they passed him by " Hey Arlen buddy! If you help me I'll give you special smoked meat later... huh? An empty sleeve!" "Arlen you bastard! Did you just wink? How come you two have the same smile?"

Dirrar came back out after a few minutes, he clearly went through a thrashing.

Zenobia: " Oh my, what did you do this time?"

Dirrar( sniffling) "I've done nothing! Ouch-The old man still hit like a horse"

Herbert (snickering): "So are we still gonna get that brew uncle?"

Joshua rushed over to hush him :" Hahaha yea sure, I'll brew you some of this fruit i collected hahaha!"

Zenobia approaches and pinches him by the ear: "You did nothing huh? So what is this brew thing about?"

"Hey hey hey! Please stop twisting, does grip strength increase with age or something?"

"I don't trust you boys to behave anymore" Zenobia guides him by the pinched ears and approaches the girls and says: "How about we join them tonight instead of the usual lesson? What do you think of that"

Sylvia (excited): "I agree! They can't be trusted, we should join in their fun.. To keep an eye on them of course"

Zenobia chucked "What a dishonest little lady, It's settled then we are all going out today".

Everyone made their way out of the courtyard with Dirrar's ears still pinched except for Arlen. He was approached by the director as the crowd's noise started dying out into the distance: "It was a good trick earlier with sleeve, gave Dirrar quite a shock! well done."

Arlen smiled feeling elated by the director's words as he added: " But why haven't gone off to join them? "

Arlen looked down at the ground without responding, prompting the director to continue the conversation: " You need to think of them as your family, and should share in their joy"

Arlen then lifted his head back up and asked " Is that what a family does?"

The director strokes his beard before inquiring: " A family is like a nation, it's a different thing for different people. What matters is your opinion, who do you think is your family?"

Arlen pauses, deep in thought before pointing at the director.

The director was moved, but he took some time to think before responding: "I'm happy that you think about that, and I hope you consider all your siblings as your family and care for them as well" he says while kneeling down in front of him.

Then he gets up, extends his hand and says: "Now, I'm afraid Zenobia is as hopeless as Dirrar when it comes to liquor. Why don't we head over there to keep an eye on things" Arlen takes his hand and they make their way to join the rest of the group. That day, the embers kept burning until dawn as they huddled together around the roasting game.

And then Arlen woke up...