When it seemed that everything had been solved, that the conflict was over and peace had been established, the regional governor was stupid. Instead of remaining calm and ensuring that no evidence against him was found in order to regain his position after the investigation, the very coward was on the run. Maybe he did it because a lot of the plundered women and riches of Minusla had gone to his hands, or maybe he was just as stupid as his actions were. In any case, after the attempted escape, no one could defend the innocence of man, and the appointment of Malakar as governor went from being a temporary post to become an official function.

In the end, everything had been resolved so amazingly quickly that the men began to call Alanzor "little tiger"; since in a single attack he had finished with the problem with the same agility that this beast did in nature. The young man liked it very much that they put a nickname so noble and that referred to the previous kings, however he resented that "small" because he was certain that this adjective was due to his height, with which he was somewhat self-conscious .

—Have you written everything that happened? —He asked Hali, whom he had ordered to accompany him into the carriage on the way back to the palace.

(At least that way I will not get bored so much) thought the boy king.

—I have written everything as your Majesty ordered me —The slave replied.

Discovering that the man knew how to read and write was a surprise, since only the nobles and high officials had access to this type of teaching. However, instead of investigating the origins of Hali, what Alanzor did was to ask him to transcribe everything that happened. There the important thing was not only to have a first chronicle of his reign, but to check the sincerity of the slave: if he would write what had really happened or what would please the winner of the conflict.

—Let's see what you've written —He held out his hand for Hali to hand him his work.

The notes of man were reduced to a single sheet full of references and abbreviated words; everything was written with haste and some characters were unrecognizable because of this. So either he was inept unable to write well, or someone used to taking notes quickly and then transcribing them.

(Which of the two will it be?) Asked the child king, who at that moment must have been quite hesitant as it disturbed the man whose work was being evaluated.

—Your Majesty?

Alanzor returned the written page.

—I hope you can translate that —He certainly could not.

—Yes, your Majesty.

A sincere, educated man who respected the traditions accepting his punishment ... or that was at least the image he wanted to give. Why Hokas had put him in his way?

—How much time left to you from slavery?

—A little more than three years, your Majesty.

—And haven’t you thought about fleeing ever?

—Continuously, your Majesty.

—Why do not you do it then?

—I would not have anywhere to go anyway, your Majesty.

He trusted Hokas and his criteria because he knew that the minister cared for the country sincerely. And since Alanzor had begun to do it, it could be said that he and that man were allies. But was it reason enough to trust him and the people he introduced?

—From what you have written will be extracted the report of what happened. Try to have it translated by the time we get to the palace.

Confidence should be earned, it was not a gift that could be granted for nothing in return.

—Yes, your Majesty.

Suddenly the carriage stopped.

—What is it, Tanmi? —He called to the leader of his escort.

—Your Majesty, stay away from the carriage doors —Hali interposed, to protect him in case of attack, or at least that seemed to be the case.

—A rider from the palace, your Majesty —Tanmi said.

—From the palace?

(What happened?) He worried, remembering that he had left Bemlos alone and his mother there.

—We are interrogating him, your Majesty —Said his guard.

However, that uncertainty and inactivity were worse than the poison. Alanzor was not accustomed to the responsibility of being king, but neither to the lapses that he had to wait before he could act.

(What the hell happened?) That question was killing him inside.

—Your Majesty? —Tanmi called from the outside.

—Speak, for God's sake —He said, already desperate and not caring what others might think of his reaction.

—It seems that there has been a riot in the palace and that his brother, Prince Bemlos, together with Minister Hokas are under arrest.

He did not hear that they named his mother and that worried him. Who would be stupid enough to oppose him when he returned with the whole army? They despised him for being fourteen years old when in fact they should fear the tantrums that the boys of his age, and especially with his power, were capable of riding.

He left the carriage almost in one jump.

—Tanmi, make them listen to me! —He was so angry that he said that almost by shouting.

—Yes, your Majesty.

He did not even notice how they did it, but at any moment Alanzor was on a high surface and surrounded by the warriors who were returning to the capital with them. For although it had been decided that some would remain in the west until the waters returned to their course, the truth was that the great majority of the men who had fought there were now under the direct orders of the infant king.

—Damn! —That was the first thing that came out of his lips due to his anger, and also to the sudden confusion of having to give a motivating speech to those strangers, something he had never done or knew how to do—. Is it that western farmers have made you stupid? Have you become weak? —He growled—. The strength of a king is measured by the strength of his army. Is my army a handful of weak!? In the capital they must believe that, because they have dared to rise up against me even knowing that I would be backed by this army that I call mine —He extended his arms to them and then clenched his fists tightly—. And I ask you: are you a gang of weak?

—No, your majesty! —Answered Tanmi and a few.

—They have make a fool of you. They have mocked you by belittling your strength, and they continue to do so! Are you going to allow it?

—No, sir! —This time the scream was different, because more voices joined.

—I ask you if you are going to allow it!

—No, sir! —Practically all joined the ovation.

—Of course not! You are my army! You are my strength! And from today nobody will make fun of you again. We will show the capital what we are capable of!

On that occasion the battle cry was intelligible, but unanimous. The men were motivated and the march of the procession accelerated. Alanzor left the carriage and travelled on horseback from that moment; not because it was necessary but to give the image of a warrior king, which was what his people needed in such a situation.