O Saga: Part One: Book of Origins

The last thing Rovan remembered was the smell of smoke and the heat of burning ships. It had been nighttime, and now his eyes met with the bright sun stinging at his vision.

Rovan knew this groggy sensation; it had been long since it had attacked his senses. He was much younger then.

“What happened? Are the soldiers still there?” Rovan asked Olafur, who was standing over him with a wry grin.

“We lost, and we’ve been sold to pirates. You fetched the second highest bid, and, of course, I had the highest.” Olafur joked.

“If I weren’t sore all over my body, I’d beat you with your detached hand that I’ll rip off your feeble body. But for now, I think I’ll lie here some more.”

Olafur extended his hand to him and helped him to his feet.

“We overtook the last ship. All five were burned.” Olafur informed him as they stood on the ship’s deck, looking towards the city.

Rovan didn’t see an army surrounding the city, something he hadn’t noticed when they had arrived.

“What else happened.”

“You set four ships on fire before passing out.”

“I remember that part.”

“The attacking forces retreated toward the mountains after we joined the city in firing against them. Riders from the North helped us win the battle.” Olafur said.

“For now, I expect the soldiers will regroup and come back. There is also a good chance more ships will arrive soon,” Rovan said, regaining his composure. “You and I came to this city to meet someone, so we will do that. Tell Captain Dantes to take the ship to Teodor and wait for us. Gather your things; we will depart and discover what is happening here.”

It didn’t take long for Rovan to gather his things, and he was back on the main deck looking for Olafur. Captain Dantes came over to talk to him.

“Sir, if I may, I’ve never seen anything like that before. I had heard about the power, but to see it with my own eyes— was breathtaking. Forgive me for my doubts.” The Captain said while bowing.

Rovan scratched his head in embarrassment. “No need for apologies or bowing. Captain and your men showed equal valor, I hear. You overtook the last ship, vastly superior in size and crew. You all deserve as much credit for the victory. If I may ask, why are the crew so jumpy towards me suddenly.”

“The crew were in awe of you, sir. But to be frank, you also scared them a little.”

“I guess that’s fair. Next time we see each other, Captain, I hope to continue to earn the crew’s friendship. I wish you and the men good luck.”

“You as well, sir.”

“Captain, when you arrive at Teodor, secure extra supplies. We may have to take the long way back home.”

With that, Olafur and Rovan were rowed over to the docks.

—-

Rovan and Olafur were standing by the portcullis of the Barbican gatehouse. They were waiting for someone to let them in.

“Who goes there?” Snapped a patrolman looking down at them.

“I am Sir Rovan of Tara, and this is my Squire. We seek passage to speak with the leader here. We are looking for a friend.”

“Well, Sir, we had a siege here last night, and we aren’t looking to let people in just now.”

“Yes, we know, we were on board that merchant vessel leaving the harbor.”

“You were on that ship; why didn’t you say so.”

And with that, the portcullis lifted, allowing them to walk the causeway up to the bridge. The drawbridge lowered, and even more portcullises lifted. They walked a series of ramps until they reached the central part of the citadel, where the apartments and keep were.

“So I’m a Squire now?” Olafur whispered to Rovan.

You earn your place as my Apprentice. I learned of your courage in taking the last ship.”

“I was pretty brave,” said Olafur arrogantly.

“On second thought.” Joked Rovan as Olafur playfully shoved him.

Rovan and Olafur were getting strange looks from everyone as they passed by, but he thought it was deserved. Rovan was still in his golden armor. He reminded himself to remove it as he suddenly felt a little pretentious.

They were led to a tall man with fair skin and a hair color Rovan had never seen. It was red and braided to match a long beard. The man didn’t wear armor, but his clothes looked like animal skin.

“I am chief Yachay of the Lwazi People. I hear you come from the ship that helped us; thank you on behalf of all in the city.” He said in the old common language. It was expected to be used when foreigners would meet. The Elysium crew spoke mainly in Anahitiian, so Rovan had to improve his language skills.

“You are too gracious. We came before you because my Squire came to meet a friend. Do you know him? His name is Flaero.”

“I’m sorry, this name means nothing to me.” The Chief said apologetically.

“I feared this. Can you tell us what happened here? Why were you under attack?”

“We have been under attack for many months now. We are not a people of the city. Most of us here come from all over. We were farmers and hunters, that is, until the people from the South started moving to our lands like greedy cattle. They started taking land for themselves and didn’t want to share it. “ Yachay said.

“At first, we ignored them and moved to where they weren’t, but more kept coming. Then soldiers came and started attacking us. They slashed and burned crops, killed many people’s livestock, and then started to kill our people when we didn’t respond.”

“Some of our younger, hot-headed warriors took things into their own hands and started to attack them back. They killed some of the settlers. Things got a little out of control, and some terrible things occurred. It wasn’t long after that; many soldiers came, and things worsened. They were taking people to camps.”

“People were starving and being beaten in these camps. So we all came here to the city for shelter. When we saw that soldiers were coming down from the Mountains, we took many warriors to the North to attack at night. But when we arrived, you had already been attacking the ships. The soldiers ran.” Chief Yachay said with a mournful face.

“We saw that one on the ships had the Father’s breath and power like a Chief.” Yachay finished.

“What do you mean? Power like a Chief?” Rovan asked.

“All animals and men have God’s breath, which is life. This breath gives us a connection to everything. It is like a shared power with the Earth Mother. It allows us to heal and connect with nature. The Earth Father allows us to destroy with wind, water, Earth, and fire. In Qamata, only the Chiefs are allowed to develop that power. That way, there is a clear leader. He can only train his successor. So I saw someone using the Earth Father’s fire on the attacking ships, so he has a power like a Chief.” Chief Yachay surmised.

“I see.” Rovan said, “So you have this power?”

“Yes, and I know it was you with your gold armor that has it too.”

“You and I share common abilities then, but it seems we also share an enemy. Maybe we can help each other.”

“Who is this enemy?” Yachay inquired desperately.

“He is Tsar Miro of Ishvara. I came here to meet the rebel leader trying to form a revolution against him.” Olafur spoke up. “The Tsar will come back for this city. He will have reinforcements; we should leave.”

Yachay thought about Olafur’s words, “Yes, an alliance would benefit us both.”

“We also need to warn those to the West. The Tsar isn’t going to stop here. We think he wants all of Qamata. There is a drought in Ishvara; he wants your resources.” Olafur added.

“Then we should all head to Teodor and warn Chief Kava of all of this. We have horses but can’t take all these people with us.”

“Leave most of your warriors with the people. They can protect them as they move West. You and one or two of your men will come with us. That is if you wish it?” Rovan said, a little embarrassed to be bossing a Chief around in front of his people.

“I think what you have spoken is wise. We will do as you say. Let me speak with my people, and we will leave immediately.”

——-

The Chief and his men were better horsemen than Rovan and Olafur, but they managed. The people of Anahiti were more adept at riding sea creatures than the four-legged variety.

As they rode, Rovan tried to make polite conversation. It was a little tricky on horseback, though.

“If you have the power to connect, why didn’t you use it in the battle?” Rovan asked out of curiosity.

“Because there was no cause. I would have if it came to it.” The Chief said with a bit of whimsy. “Why did you?”

“It’s what felt right in the moment. I, too, don’t like to waste it if it is unnecessary.”

“The big young one, is he your Son?”

“Oh No, but he does want me to train him. He is a good warrior, but I’m not sure he has the power yet. I don’t think he’s ready yet.”

“Maybe it’s not him.”

“You mean it’s me who’s not ready?” Rovan said contemplatively. That could be. I’m the one who is always reluctant. I came here to find my Master, not take on an apprentice, Squire.”

“Your Master? How did your Master get lost?”

“I don’t know, it was a long time ago. I think Akiva passed on, but I’m not sure. She comes to me in dreams.”

“Dreams, powerful they can be. And dangerous.”

“What do you mean, dangerous?”

“They can show us many things, but many can be false- things we wish to see, things that fill us with fear and certainty, things that cloud our judgment.”

“I came here because of the dreams; I know they might be nothing, but they also have substance. I thought I’d give it at least a chance, for my Master’s sake.”

“And not for this young man’s?”

“No. At least that’s what I thought.”

“But now you’re second-guessing it?”

“I suppose I am.”

“You’ve already decided about it; you’re just trying to accept it.”

And with that, Rovan became lost in his thoughts. Perhaps Yachay was right, and Rovan accepted that bigger things were happening: he had a place in this storm that kept unfolding. You must ride a storm out and see what’s left in the aftermath.

——

It was getting deep into the evening, and they had stopped to make camp. The Chief thought they’d make Teodor by tomorrow sometime, but it would be another hard ride.

No one was talking as they sat around the campfire eating. Rovan was still thinking about his conversation with the Chief. Rovan thought about what he might do differently if they resumed Olafur’s training.

Rovan heard what he thought was a wolf howling. He noticed it caught the other’s attention, too. Rovan knew little about wolves besides what he had read about them. He did have experience with other predators, though, enough to realize he needed to center his focus.

There was more howling, but it was louder and no longer singular. It got everyone to stand up and scan the darkness, deepening by the second.

When Rovan was dealing with predators around his children, it was easy for him to focus as he was in protection mode. However, he wasn’t familiar with these lands or their threats, so he was on edge more than usual.

The noise of the wind and the rattle of a bush added to his unease. He knew how to defend himself, so he grabbed his dagger from his side and steadied his nerves and resolve.

He saw shadows moving in different directions. Sounds of something panting nearby had rushed by. He could sense the camp was surrounded. Olafur had taken his dagger out, too, and stood behind Rovan, protecting a rear charge. The Chief and his men had taken a similar position.

Rovan saw the light reflecting off canine eyes moving closer. He crouched low, getting ready to strike with his dagger. He could see they were wolves as they moved close to him. One was within striking range, and Rovan lifted his arm to strike.

Rovan was suddenly tackled from the side. Rovan’s dagger had been knocked from him, and someone’s arms were around his throat. They were both on the ground, and it took a moment for Rovan to get his wits about him.

Rovan realized his arms were still free and maneuvered his hips to the left so he had the space to land a right elbow on the attacker. The attacker let out a slight noise but didn’t let go. So Rovan hit the attacker again, and they released him.

Rovan rolled over to cough and looked to see if another attack was coming. He was surprised to see a girl grabbing her side wincing in pain.

“Enough.” Came a voice from the bushes. Out of the shadows came a person dressed in a visually arresting outfit.

“I am Chaska Ehawee. This unfriendly person is my Apprentice, Malaika.”

——

Malaika was tall with long, golden-braided hair. She had piercing blue eyes that made her look angry all the time. Rovan couldn’t guess why. She wore tall leather boots that had many buckles to keep them tight. Rovan thought perhaps too many buckles.

She had a giant brown cape with a big pelt on top made of some furry creature. A brown padded shirt was tucked under the brown leather belt draped with many pouches. She had a sword sheathed that hung lower than her leather-stripped skirt. Looking into her eyes, you could tell that she was a formidable warrior.

Malaika’s Master, Chaska, was tall and very broad-shouldered. He had dark skin and serious, intense eyes. Rovan could now see where Malaika got it from. He wore a black leather padded shirt, but the pauldron and vambraces were silver metal.

He wore a red cloth wrapped around his waist and a long spear, which he always seemed to be holding in a threatening manner. The spear’s blade was thicker and longer than usual. He wore metal greaves over black pants, but the most striking piece of armor was what he wore over his face.

He had a face shield that looked like a skull. It was painted white with bits of red, and spikes shot out from it. It seemed designed to evoke fear, and it worked.

The wolves had run off somewhere; Rovan didn’t know why they had been scared and didn’t care.

“Why did you tackle me?” Rovan questioned.

“You were about to stab that wolf.” Malaika accused.

“Yes, I was.”

“She wasn’t going to harm you. It was the wolves that led us to you.” Malaika asserted.

“And why did they lead you to us?” Olaf asked from behind Rovan.

“I don’t know, ask them,” Malaika said unkindly.

“You must excuse her. We are sensitive to the treatment of animals. We are on the way to Teodor to see Chief Kava. We came upon the wolves when we came over the Mountains from Hanwi. We heard about the tribes under attack in Qamata and came to find out more.” Chaska said.

“You’re members of The Order of the Wolf, right?” Rovan deciphered.

“Yes, how did you know?”

“She hinted you can talk to animals. I see the O element on your spear. Call it a lucky guess.” Rovan said.

“And you are from Anahiti, Golden armor; You are Order of the Sun?” Chaska retorted. Rovan nodded in confirmation.

“Greetings, Malaika!” Chief Yachay said. Malaika answered him in a language Rovan didn’t know.

“You know each other?” Olafur asked.

“Of course. We are going to see Malaika’s father tomorrow. Chief Kava.”

“Chief Kava is her father? Wait, I thought you said that only Chiefs get taught how to use the power. If her father is the Chief.” Before Rovan could finish asking Yachay the question, he was interrupted.

“My father would love to talk to you about that. He was training me to be his successor, but I had other plans. You could say my father might be happier to see you tomorrow than me. I’m a black sheep.” Malaika said in her usual prickly tone. “What brings you here?”

“These men helped us when the Tsar of Ishvara attacked us. Our people are walking this way for refuge. They are behind us by a day or two. We came ahead to warn your father.” Yachay said

“We come for much of the same reason,” Chaska added.

“I’m sorry we got off on the wrong foot. I’m Rovan; this is my Squire Olafur.”

They all got in their proper introductions and told each other how they had each gotten this far, as they say around the campfire.

——

The next day, they rode hard with little talk amongst them. Chaska and Malaika had their horses, and Rovan was glad to have the addition of stronger warriors. He didn’t want to have to exert as much energy and effort as he had in the last battle. He would be less and less helpful if that were the case.

Having more capable warriors also meant this might be over quicker, and they could head back home. However, it did bother Rovan when he thought about how he wasn’t finding any clues about his Master so far. He was starting to think he was wrong about that part. Maybe she was contacting him to force him back into the world. To make use of his talents and abilities. He was growing to accept his fate here.

There were starting to be many parts to this, and he wanted to talk to Olafur away from the rest and devise a plan for them alone. They weren’t looking to become pawns in somebody else’s game. If they didn’t like what they heard in Teodor, they could find their ship and go their own way.

They were committed to helping them against the Tsar and his forces for now.