aklatanextended
Selections from the Book of Arakim 1
The Book of Arakim traces the ordering and unraveling of Suran across generations. The priesthood is retained through Ahkman's line and divided after the Order of Shem Arakim into branches of Arakim, Laran, and Subal, with kingship in Shurak and the prophethood in Kodal—six tribes established by lineage and office, the pattern of Alma 13 worked out in a house. When Rakim vanishes, contending claimants fracture the people, and the succession dispute exposes hearts. Madek's long rebuke against corrupted polygamy confirms the frame's posture: a people given much truth failing to seek the Spirit's confirmation, mistaking the fruits of fractured households for divine sanction. Wickedness scatters them; a righteous remnant clings to the temple.
1
Ahkman’s son Arakim had traveled with Ahkman in the journey to make peace with people in the south. And behold they did arrive at the town on the southern large island. And it was a town called Yanyari where a chief had established himself over the people. Now Ahkman and Arakim did approach the town where the chief reigned. And they did enter into the town without any weapons, as a sign of peace. And the men of Yanyari saw Ahkman and Arakim. And they brought them before the Chief. And the Chief spoke unto them saying, Surely these must be a brave men for them to come into the heart of our country. And Ahkman spoke unto him by way of the Spirit saying, I have come unto you and your people to make peace. For I do not come unto you to preach or to conquer. For is it not better that two people live in peace despite their differences. But the Chief believed that Ahkman would try to enslave his people. For the People of Yanyari were a blood thirsty people and they did not trust outsiders. And the Chief did again speak unto Ahkman, But how can such peace be attained? For surely there are many disagreements between tribes. And there are no tribes which we have not gone to war with. And the Chief told his sons to capture Ahkman and to bind them with cords. And the Chiefs sons did so. Now Arakim did attempt to flee but they did also take him and bind him. And the Chief ordered that they be taken into the central building of the town. And the people of Yanyari spat upon them and mocked them. And they did rejoice that they had captured an enemy. And when Ahkman and Arakim were taken into the building, the Chief did stand before them. And he spoke unto them and mocked them. And he did thrust their faces into the dirt and he did command them to bow to him. And Ahkman spoke unto the Chief, and all the people therein, saying, You may mock me, but your mockings do mean nothing, for God is more mighty than the words of any man. Yea, He is more mighty than all men. And when the Chief heard these words he was angered and he did strike Ahkman. And Ahkman being a mighty man did rise up and stand face to face with the Chief. And he spake saying, My body has been struck but my spirit has been strengthened. For you may kill me now but I shall live eternally, for behold I have obeyed the command of God. And I have gained favor in God’s eyes and He will accept me into His kingdom. But wo unto those who do not obey the voice of the Lord for they shall stand guilty at the last day. And they shall not attain the greatest glory. Wherefore they shall attain pain and suffering. For they shall know that they received a messenger of God into their midst, but they did reject him. And Yea, they would have gained the highest. And the same shall be unto you. For unless you repent of your sins you shall not stand guiltless at the last day. And behold God has given you stewardship over these people, and you shall be held accountable for the wickedness into which you have lead them. And the Chief grew even more angered, and he did speak saying, I have lead these people as the gods have commanded. Yea, I am a mighty man. For the gods have made me so. And all those who followed him did cheer and shout. And the Chief did continue to speak saying, And Yea, the gods have given me such power that I can slay a man, and if your beliefs and false traditions are true then your God will save you. And the Chief took his weapon and slew Ahkman, and much blood did pour out upon the dirt. And Yea, the people of Yanyari did cheer all the more. And it came to pass that as the people did cheer, Arakim knew that he must also be slain like unto his father, for the anger of the Chief was great towards them. But behold Arakim did hear a voice speak unto him saying, Arise, Arakim and flee into the forest and return unto your own land. And Arakim did feel that the ropes which had bound him were loosed. And he looked round about him and did see the Chief and his people cheering, and rejoicing, and defiling the body of Ahkman. Wherefore he knew not from where the voice had come. But he did arise and flee. And the people of Yanyari did not see him flee. And how this was done he did not know, save the power of God had freed him. And Arakim fled beyond the bounds of the town and traveled many days and did return unto his own land in the north.
