Tales from the Spice Lands

Chapter 1: The Time Has Come

At Harlem Royal Palace, Caviaria

"The time has come…" Yuki Harlemwonder stated to his son Sebastian as he crept up near the throne, eyeing all the guards that stood on each side about four feet apart.

The throne room was the size of a normal house in Caviaria itself—which is saying something, because the only people who lived in Caviaria were stupid rich and had houses the size of average streets. So, as if possessing a throne room lavish with all sorts of stone and decorated with all sorts of materials wasn't enough, you can just imagine the power that comes with said throne.

Yuki Harlemwonder was Caviaria royalty, one of the leading forces in ingredient distribution to Nihariana. Not only that, but he also played a major part in the great plunder of Nihariana 30 years ago—not only taking a decent amount of slaves for himself, but also stealing the Holy Recipes entrusted to the major pakwaan owners in Nihariana.

"What is it, old man?! I was in the middle of a rather extravagantly exquisite cook-off with Wannatabe. And I can already sense that he has thoroughly expressed himself in indescribable words that just need a medium to travel through my ears," Sebastian flaunted, climbing the gold-lined white and blue marbled steps of where the throne sat to come eye to eye with his father.

"The time has come—""Yeah, yeah, time and it's coming excitedly. What's the next part?" Sebastian rudely interrupted.

"Foolish child," his father started. "The time has come where the Gods will finally pick a personal chef to ascend to Thronium and be offered immortality."

Sebastian's eyes widened, ears like red-hot chili peppers, the hair on his body spiked up at hearing that the prophecy he had heard about—almost to the point where he believed it was nothing short of a myth—had actually, to his surprise, come true.

"And whoever will be bestowed upon this immortality will take a seat amongst the Gods for eternity," Yuki finished, staring point-blank into Sebastian's eyes. He sensed his son's heartbeat quicken and his body grow cold at the news.

"Of course, a foolish child like you can only dream of this. But you need not worry—I have strong connections with the messengers of the Gods from the land of Thronium. And if you follow along, they will make sure you qualify each round and then maybe you can—"

SLAM!!

Sebastian slammed his hands on the throne's golden hand rests. (Guess what they're made of? You guessed it—it's gold!) His light crimson, wide-eyed, pale face was now just 12 centimeters from his father's.

"Old… man… Father dear, I am not in need of your babying assistance. I shall prove to you that I am worthy of the title of God. And I will—and verily I will—destroy anyone who comes in my path."

He was so close, tiny balls of spit caressed Yuki's royal face.

Sebastian turned around—chest out, chin high, proud as a lion—and started walking toward the door.

"Insolent child! I know you better than anyone! You will fail without my help!" Yuki Harlemwonder spat.

"Come here, you," Yuki gestured to the guard beside him. "Tell Wannatabe to keep a very close eye on him. I don't want him ruining the Harlemwonder name."

The guard nodded and exited immediately through the side entrance.

"SEBASTIAN!!!"

A voice screamed from behind as he crossed the palace garden, heading back through the hallway to find Sir Wannatabe.

"SEBASTIAN! HEY, WAIT UP!!" Fakreath came running, panting heavily."What's with the rush and the ignorance, man? I thought we were as strong as TO BE OR NOT TO BE," he said in a mock-Victorian accent.

"My father's an asshole… thinks I can't handle shit," Sebastian replied as they treaded toward the kitchen.

"I mean, like… he is kinda"— he whispered—"the richest a-hole in Caviaria. RESPECTFULLY, OF COURSE."

Sebastian chuckled slightly and kept walking.

"What brings you here anyway?" Sebastian asked. "Since second grade, whenever you've come to me it's almost always bearing bad news.'Oops, Sebastian, I broke your crayon,' or'Sorry I ditched you, Sebastian, the girl at the bar really did look at me like she wanted me.'"

"Whaaaaaaa… when did that… how did you… like y'know…" Fakreath blushed and trailed off.

"You're fading, Fakreath," Sebastian pointed out.

"Hehe, aaaanyways, putting aside our amazing history of jolly camaraderie—"

Sebastian abruptly halted and eyed Fakreath for a full two seconds, then resumed walking.

"Okayyy! Sorryyyyy. Jeez, is that what you wanted to hear? I sound like such a Morty. So anyway, an extremely secret source told me there's some big news coming from ol' Thronium today, and the messenger will be announcing it in Town Center."

"Is your source the homeless guy on Street 12?" Sebastian raised an eyebrow as he opened the kitchen door. No Sir Wannatabe.

"WHAT?! NOOO!! How dare you question my authentic sources, sir! I am quite frankly very disappointed!" Fakreath pouted.

"Plus, I already know what it is. It's the God's prophecy. It's come true. They're announcing it." Sebastian calmly explained.

"WHHHAAAATT!!! THE PROPHECY?! THAT MEANS A NEW GOD WILL BE ELECTED?!?!" Fakreath screamed, his voice echoing throughout the Harlemwonder Palace.

"Calm down! You'll make my mom angry, and I don't want to deal with her right now." Sebastian snapped.

"Calm down??? Calm down??? My good sir, do you even know what we're toying with?!" Fakreath cried out.

"Yes, I do. That's why I need to find Wannatabe and start prepping myself." Sebastian turned back toward the garden.

"So you're not coming to the announcement?" Fakreath asked.

"No."

"Well, suit yourself! Me and Shakeela are gonna go and enjoy ourselves."

"Wait!!" Sebastian called out. "…I'll come with."

"Really? What turned you on to go?" Fakreath teased.

"Very funny, Fakreath… let's go."

Together, they exited the Harlemwonder Palace.

At the Town Center

The messenger of the Food Gods ascended the pulpit and began:

"Oh people of Caviaria! Hear me! For this may be, for one of you, the greatest news and opportunity to ever have the good fortune to enter your ears. Oh People! It has been decided—

By the will of Soobian, The God of all the Spices,By the will of Reesha, The God of Rice,By the will of Saylid, The God of all the Sweeties,By the will of Cynthia, The God of all the Cocktails,By the will of Horatio, The God of Heavenly Recipes,By the will of Charango, The God of Chutneys,

Binding and encompassing all by the will of THE ALL-HOLY SUPREME ONE,The God of all the Gods—

That a new God and personal chef shall be appointed to take a throne in the land of Thronium. Those who are willing and have the skills to cook and have mastered cooking—and especially those who dare—are all welcome to enter this trial of the Gods and this tournament. For one of you shall indeed ascend a new throne… and… indeed… one… of… you…"

The voice faded in Sebastian's mind as one thought echoed louder than all else:

"It will be me. I will prove it to the Gods! I swear on my and my father's life. IT SHALL BE ME, AND I WILL FINALLY PROVE MYSELF TO MY FATHER AND BECOME A GOD FITTING OF THE TITLE."

Meanwhile, somewhere in Nihariana…

"Oye Joshi, ithay naal aa zara haleem ki daigh vich gotha tou laa!!"

"AYAAA ANTIE SHAZIA!!! Ya Rabb, kidhar phass gaya mein!!"