Aahana Swrup
In ‘Chief of War,’ the Maui King, Kahekili, embarks on a mission to conquer the four kingdoms of the Hawai’i Islands. Initially, his ambitions appear to be in accordance with an ancient prophecy that speaks of a Great King who will unify the Islands’ people under one banner. Nonetheless, his bloodthirst, violence, and devotion to his own legacy speak of a different truth. Ka’iana, the War Chief, who helps him wage war against O’ahu realizes the, which compels him to change alliegnaces to Kamehameha, the virtuous Chief of Hawai’i’s Kohala District. Soon enough, the same truth begins to unravel even in front of the eyes of Kahekili’s most loyal subjects. This includes his own son and future successor, Prince Kupule. Once the prince realizes his father wants to undo the bloodlines of every royal family in the four kingdoms except his own, his hackles inevitably rise. However, this decision puts him in a vulnerable position, leaving him and his demise clouded with uncertainty. SPOILERS AHEAD!
Prince Kupule Has a Run-in With Death After Confronting His Father
At the beginning of King Kahekili’s campaign, Prince Kupule remains entirely loyal to his father and his cause. He has no real reason to believe the Maui Chief isn’t simply pursuing the same prophecy that has loomed over the four kingdoms’ fates since ancient times. Therefore, he remains a reliable pillar in Kahekili’s council and army during the war he wages on O’ahu. Even when his methods turn unorthodox and devastatingly cruel, employing manipulation, deceit, and lies, the son stands dutifully by his father’s side. Nonetheless, slowly but surely, doubt begins to seep in.
Under Kahekili’s rule, any and all forms of criticism or distrust began to be viewed as treachery. In time, more and more council members find themselves on the receiving end of their Chief’s brutal punishment. Furthermore, he declares his intention to clear up the royal bloodlines of all four kingdoms, leaving only him and his legacy as the foundation of the Islands’ future unified kingdom. Eventually, the Prince begins to realize that if Kahekili stays his course, he will only end up tarnishing his reputation and family name along with it. For the same reason, he finally decides to make his move. One night, when Kahekili is high on spirits and destroying a sacred place, insisting that he’ll build a new version of it again, Kupule attacks his father. Nonetheless, the old King’s reflexes are stronger. Thus, before he knows it, he has already expertly stabbed his son, sending him one step closer to death.
Prince Kupule Survives Kahekili’s Attack
Even though it’s a weapon that Kahekili brandishes that nearly kills Kupule, the father is instantly remorseful of his actions in their aftermath. As a result, he calls for immediate help from the medics, determined to pull his son over from the edges of death. Fortunately for the Prince, the medicines work and save his life. Even though he is bed-bound for now, his life remains intact, leaving the possibility open for a future. Furthermore, despite his treacherous, back-stabbing actions, his father doesn’t seem angry with him in the slightest. However, this is far from Kahekili’s sign of respect for his son. Instead, he seems to coddle the Prince, insisting that he should have kept a closer eye on him to ensure he doesn’t stray to such duplicious paths.
Thus, instead of blaming Kupule for his actions, Kahekili turns his wrath on the Prince’s closest comrade, Lima. The latter shares many people’s opinion that their King has grown drunk on power. Therefore, Kahekili insists that it’s his company that must have tainted his son’s mind. Yet, when he tries to have the man killed, Kupule makes a stand for him, asking his father to spare the other man’s life. While the king obliges, he makes it known that Lima would have to pay for his sins one way or another. As for Kupule, he would have to focus on getting better for now. However, with Maui’s battle with the kingdoms of Hawai’i and Kauaʻi looming on the horizon, the Prince would have to reckon with the reality of the situation and his father’s intentions soon enough.
Read More: Is Nahi Dead or Alive in Chief of War?
