The Trial Conflict
The Trial Conflict refers to a period of unrest when there were disputed Sovereigns presiding over the Houses of Xyun, Axum and Mith.
From Book Eight of Kannes — Xcelon
During the reign of Bakacaror, the Houses of Atu greatly expanded in numbers and influence. Pio of House Xyun defected to join House Mith, and then shortly after he left Mith for House Axum where he became an Ascendant. When the Sovereign of Axum died, Pio proclaimed himself Sovereign, even though he had no demonstrated ability.
Tavin disputed him and proclaimed his right to be Sovereign as the most capable Ascendant, but Pio accused him of colluding with House Xyun to work against him. The accusation stung because Pio’s status as a former member of the Xyun led many to believe him. For the next thirty years, House Axum had two Sovereigns by title, but only Tavin had the power to raise a selestiel.
“Vala from Axum were compelled to accept Zavres, but House Xyun refused to recognize her legitimacy.”
Slowly, Pio won the favor of the royal family member Zavres by offering to make her son a selestiel if Tavin were removed from power. Zavres imprisoned Tavin, which led to a series of protests from House Axum and House Xyun. But Pio failed to fulfill his promise and Zavres had him executed. She then proclaimed herself the Sovereign of House Axum, despite having never been a selestiel.
Vala from Axum were compelled to accept Zavres, but House Xyun refused to recognize her legitimacy. Their protest was joined by the other houses, minus Axum. Enraged, Zavres began to imprison opposing house leaders, which brought her into conflict with Nomo, a powerful selestiel of House Mith who had lived in solitude for many years. Nomo led an assault against Zavres’ guard and devastated them in a battle outside the orbit of Aos. Zavres feigned surrender, until she was met with reinforcements that managed to capture and kill Nomo. House Xyun selestiels then joined the fight against Zavres and she was defeated on Aos.
Zaca of House Mith next rose to power and continued to fight against House Axum. Although she claimed to be Sovereign, most Vala recognized Seean of Ko, a close ally of Nomo. They formed an uneasy alliance to combat rivals from Veti and Axum.
Meanwhile, King Bakacaror’s policies put a strain on the royal treasuries and he became increasingly dependant upon wealthy members of House Axum who pressured him to restore Zavres as Sovereign. Bakacaror capitulated, and Zavres renewed her assault against the other houses. After Bakacaror’s death, Zavres seized the kingship and declared war on House Xyun.
House Xyun and Veti leaders plotted an attack on Zavres after threatening to remove her dynasty from power. Hoping to win favor, Seean of Mith attacked them while they were assembled, but he was overpowered and forced to retreat. Seean appealed for reinforcements, but Zavres and the royal fleet were engaged in a conflict with House Xyun and he was killed. Macu succeeded her and eventually abandoned the campaign to focus on governing the empire.
