A Kingdom Divided Shall Not Stand

CTALK

- CITO BELTRAN

Once upon a time there was a "Prince" who had the favor of a kingmaker, and they were both in agreement that the Prince should become the future leader of the nation.

The Prince was amiable, bright and well-trained in the letters and the law. It was almost a perfect arrangement, except that the Prince was not the son of the kingmaker and other people believed that a true son deserved the blessing.

Sadly, when it comes to plans and human ambition, many people forget the rules of court as well as conduct in the presence of kingmakers or powerful people. Whether you are a direct descendant or favored kin, everyone must wait to be asked and to express an opinion.

Unfortunately, family ties tend to blind not just bind, and it did not take long for people to take sides and voice their unsolicited opinion out of place and, worst of all, they turned on each other. The once amiable relations had been fooled by the devil and turned them against each other.

It was bad enough that members of the family were at odds, but what made matters worse was that many members of the court or "alalays" took sides, some blocking any and all support for the Prince while others painted a dark image of the son. Some say they brought it upon themselves and their families.

The final outcome ultimately revealed that both the Son and the Prince were not ready for the heavy mantle of leadership because they were both easily swayed by relations and emotions and lacked the wisdom to overcome such divisive attacks on the family.