The Nation of the Glorious Turnip

THE DAY OF THE COMING STAR

The God-ruler had become his own worst enemy, since the last day of innocence lost, its power grew slowly, obfuscated from his mind, in the shadows it waited for years, biding its time while the corruption spread across the realm, drifting it further into darkness. Five years later, time became an ally to the God-ruler as he successfully breached the hourglass that marked his death, carefully collecting the sand so that none would spill, effectively halting his aging. It was this same day that would mark the appearance of a star in the night sky, the first since darkness descended on the realm, 420 years to the day. The following centuries he ruled the realms with an iron glove, looking down from his ivory throne high above the city. The fires of despair continued to burn, but each night for 500 years, a star grew brighter in the sky. Until one day, the star set foot in the city, his light banishing the fires of despair. The sultan, still a bright and cunning young man, knew his armies could not withstand this heavenly adversary. Instead, he opened the gates and welcomed the star to his palace. He had his slave servants prepare a large diner for the star, and for this uncharacteristic act of kindness, there was returned to him something he lost a long time ago: His soul.