O Saga: Part One: Book of Origins

Malum had never thought much about the ocean growing up. Now that he was sailing for the first time, he hated it. The peaks and valleys of the waves didn’t sit well in a stomach accustomed to mountains, where everything is permanently steady. The Anahitiians they had hastily met and formed a sudden alliance seem to be alternately thriving.

Malum and Flaero had found an isolated part of the ship at the bow. It dawned on Malum that he still didn’t know Flaero well either. Somehow, Flaero won him over, and they became friends. It wasn’t all that different from how Kiron had taken to Malum. It seemed long ago since he thought of Kiron and felt guilty.

Malum didn’t feel guilty that he had redirected all these people to veer off their paths and help Malum rescue Thea.

Thea was all that Malum cared about. He wasn’t concerned that a whole city had been captured and lost to a tyrant. He wanted Flaero to help him strengthen his connection to the O element, as he thought he’d need every one of his powers to storm the Witches Covenant.

Kiron had taught Malum that he only needed to remove himself as an obstacle to find his powers. It wasn’t until Flaero suggested tapping strong emotions that Malum began progressing. Flaero would always be in Kiron’s shadow as a mentor, but it was Mal’s best chance to become powerful enough to help Thea.

Malum wanted to weep as he thought about how the Witches might torture Thea. It was another reason Malum wished to increase his power. He tried to make the Witches suffer.

He heard Soror Dominus admit that the Coven killed Thea’s mother. They had stabbed Kiron with a poisoned blade that ended up taking him from Malum. Now, they were trying to take Thea away from him.

Malum didn’t know how powerful he could be, but he would die to free Thea. If he had to sacrifice himself so she could escape, he wouldn’t hesitate.

Malum never wanted to seek revenge on Lalit for bullying him because he was only attacking him. They had finally given someone to fight for. It was a primal instinct.

Then there was his brother Kai. Malum still could see his severed head lying before him as his blood flowed and pooled before Malum. Soror Dominus walked around his brother’s body as if it was just spilled milk and not blood. To her, it was trash to be discarded.

Malum’s body was stiffening with anger and hate. He lashed out and punched the side of the ship hard. It stung his hand and possibly damaged the bones, but he didn’t care.

“Something bothering you?” Flaero carefully asked.

“Nothing.”

“Thinking of Thea?”

“Yes, among other things.”

“Kai?”

“Yes,” Malum said practically in tears.

Flaero must have sensed that more questions would have been like poking at a wound, and he went back to looking at the horizon. The horizon is the only thing to look at on the open sea. Water and endless sky make it difficult to tell if you’re getting anywhere.

Malum still had the amber rock that he found in the mine in his satchel. The O element, as he was later told, was called. He reached into his satchel and checked that it was secure. Malum had a nervous habit of playing around with it. Flaero said it was because Malum was drawn to its power. Malum didn’t have reason to doubt him as he’d been right about everything so far.

“I wanted to thank you. Your suggestion to tap into my emotions worked. I finally think I understand what Kiron had told me about removing oneself.” Malum said.

“It was an impressive display. I can’t take any credit.” Flaero tried to be humble.

“Once we got in the city, there was too much chaos, so I chose not to test my abilities more. If you are willing, maybe you can help me unlock more.”

“I can’t promise much, but if more of Pepelu’s words come to mind, I’ll gladly share them with you.”

“I want to be ready when we arrive on the Witches Island. If I practice, you can watch. I’d greatly appreciate it if something comes to mind that you think can help.”

“I’ve got nothing better on my schedule.”

Just then, some dolphins started to playfully surf the bow waves for fun. It caught Flaero and Malum’s attention. They both laughed as they leaned over to enjoy the show. Malum wished he could be as carefree as these magnificent creatures.

Malum had heard of dolphins and how mischievous they could be. Even as a child, Mal was never allowed to be as uninhibited. Mal had a sudden moment of recrimination, as he thought he shouldn’t be enjoying such things when Thea was probably suffering at that very moment. His smile turned quickly to melancholy.

“Before we train, we should get to know these Anahitiians better and determine if we have a plan.” Flaero reasoned.

“I guess you’re right.” Malum reluctantly conceded. He knew they would need help to rescue Thea, but he was weary of making more alliances.

——

“It’s too late now,” Rovan said to Olafur.

“Too late for what?” Said Olafur as he looked at his cards.

“To rendezvous with the Elysium in Bimnet.”

“Captain Dantes is a smart lad; they’ll be alright.” Olafur placed a card on the discard pile. “What do you think will happen to them?”

“Nothing, I hope. We don’t know if the Elysium is still in Bimnet or what happened. If Captain Dantes is smart like I think he is. He’ll set sail further North with as many people of Qamata as they can fit on the boat.” Rovan hypothesized.

“I’ve known him longer than you; I can guarantee that’s exactly what Dantes did,” Olafur said, studying one of the crew’s latest plays.

Rovan and Olafur were sitting on the main deck, surrounded by the rest of Olafur’s crew. They were playing a card game to pass the time. They had to flee the Siege of Teodor and capture this vessel from their enemy, or they would probably have died.

The men teased the crewman for stowing a deck of cards during battle and swimming in the ocean. The cards remained stuck together because they hadn’t dried out sufficiently.

“I guess we’re going to rescue this Thea, whoever that is, but now we have little choice.” Rovan lamented. He then looked at Malum and Flaero standing at the bow. “You’ll have to ask those two.”

“How does this Flaero know how to get to the Isle of Wicca and the Witches Covenant?” Olafur quizzed.

“I have no idea, but anywhere away from Teodor will do for now.”

“I’m out.” One of the crewmen announced to everyone’s groan. They all stood up in disappointment and dispersed. Olafur and Rovan walked to the bow to talk with Malum and Flaero. Rovan still wondered how much to trust these new allies.

“I thought I was meeting an older gentleman.” Flaero laughed.

“He’s old enough.” Malum joked, looking at Rovan.

“I saw the way he fought; I wouldn’t say much to annoy him,” Flaero said, covering up Malum’s joke.

“You were looking to meet my Uncle, Uncle Loean,” Olafur said. “He wanted to meet you, but he thought himself too old. He wanted to help you fight with the only things he could. Supplies and money.”

“He’s given us two great Knights; I can use that more than supplies or money,” Flaero said craftily.

“He’s just a Squire, and I’ve said nothing about fighting your revolution. We’ve only said we’ll help rescue your friend.” Rovan sternly rebuked Flaero.

“I’m confused. Olafur’s Uncle sent you to help, but you aren’t going to help?” Flaero asked, annoyed.

“Olafur can help you if he chooses, but I am heading home after this.” Rovan declared.

“What do you mean? Are you going to abandon the people of Qamata? You’re going to abandon me?” Olafur was getting upset.

“All is lost. The battle has been won. We made a mistake; I made a mistake. I’m going home to see my family. I can stay until we find the Elysium. We should all head to Anahiti; your crew, the people of Qamata, can find a place to settle there.”

“And Akiva?”

“She’s gone. There was nothing to find. Yachay was right about dreams. We were seeing what we wanted to see, and it cost many their lives,” Rovan said.

“You’re going to walk away as evil spreads?” Olafur pleaded.

“I’m not hearing a better plan,” Rovan said as he walked away.

——-

Malum watched Olafur move to follow Rovan, but Flaero grabbed his arm and said, “Let him go. He needs some time to think.”

Olafur asked Malum, “What do you have in that satchel?”

Malum wasn’t sure if he should tell him or not. Flaero gave Mal a look to suggest it was OK.

“It’s the O element, what made you ask,” Malum said.

“A feeling just washed over me as you came closer. Something pulled at my mind; I’ve never experienced such a connection.” Olafur explained.

“Your first time connecting to the O element? Malum has only recently truly connected to it himself.” Flaero volunteered. Malum bristled a little at his words. It is a slight case of ego rearing its ugly head.

“I have been training with Rovan, but some things got in the way.” Olafur defended himself.

“Malum was looking to do some training on our voyage. You’re welcome to join if it’s OK with your Master?” Flaero offered.

“Doesn’t sound like he still wants to be.” Olafur’s anger showed more than he wanted it to. “Do you know how to connect? Are you a Knight as well as a revolutionist?”

“It’s a long story, but I’ve been trying to help. I can’t offer any guarantees.” Flaero said honestly.

“I was going to try to focus the energy of my sword and use the sea as a target if that’s alright with everyone,” Malum explained.

“Works for me,” Olafur said cordially.

Malum stood by the port side rail and extended his sword to the sea. He was focusing and had his eyes closed. He reminded himself of what worked at the battle, to summon high emotions. He let his mind conjure up all the emotional injuries he had sustained recently, and he was able to send an energy blast harmlessly at the cresting waves.

“Give it a try. If you want, you can use my sword.” Malum proposed.

Olafur grabbed the sword and mimicked everything Malum had done. Nothing was happening.

“Flaero told me to use strong emotions from my past, and it helped,” Malum said, and Flaero shook his head to confirm.

Olafur seemed to be struggling to draw anything of significance but then had a sudden look of understanding.

Olafur stood with the sword extended and had an increasingly angry look on his face. The anger seemed palpable as Malum could feel his pain. Then a current of energy was released into the water. A large splash erupted, and steam was released. Everyone clapped as the crewman had been watching.

“Not bad,” Flaero said.

“It felt great,” Olafur admitted.

Malum and Olafur took turns, and each grew in confidence with each release of energy. Then, Rovan emerged from wherever he was hiding and observed them.

“Master, did you see?” Olafur said excitedly. “And you doubted if I could connect.”

Rovan said nothing. He watched them as they practiced some more, and his expression remained hard as stone.

“How did you achieve this?” Rovan finally asked.

“Flaero taught Malum and me to tap into our emotions,” Olafur said casually.

“He said what?” Rovan said, suddenly disturbed.

“I simply passed along something I heard from a trusted friend.” Flaero defended himself.

“No offense, but leave the training of my apprentice up to me,” Rovan said, not very friendly.

“He got me to connect in five minutes, something you haven’t done since I’ve known you. It sounds like jealousy,” Olafur taunted.

Rovan grabbed Olafur hard and dragged him away to get as much privacy as you could on a boat.

“Enough practice for now,” Flaero said to Malum.

Malum didn’t know Rovan and Olafur well enough, but they acted almost like father and son. Malum wondered if he might come to think of Flaero that way someday.

———

“If you want to follow Flaero, risk becoming just like those witches, then continue to listen to his advice,” Rovan yelled.

“Advice that works, imagine that.” Olafur mocked him.

“Olafur, using your emotions to channel is dangerous. It is not the way you connect.”

“Seemed to work just fine. Maybe you don’t know as much as I thought.”

Rovan tried to collect himself. “Emotions will grant you quick, powerful results. They can also consume you to the point of no return. They cloud your every judgment. A Knight seeks to master their emotions.”

“I thought you were going back to your family? Why do you care all of a sudden about what happens to me? If I lose myself, as you claim, you won’t be around, will you? You’re not my father; you didn’t want to train me. So stop acting like you care. You want to abandon us all and go back to your family.” Olafur was starting to walk away.

“Wait,” Rovan begged.

“Why?”

“Will you just wait?”

Olafur stood for a minute.

“It occurs to me that in all the time I have known you, you talk about your Uncle, but you never talk about your family. What happened to your parents?”

“I don’t like to talk about the past.”

“Please, I want to know.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Olafur seemed to be fighting tears.

“If you don’t want to talk about your parents, then tell me, why do you care so much about rebellion?”

“To talk about that is to talk about my parents. My parents were one of the few families in any land who didn’t look to exploit people less fortunate than us. They saw all humans as humans, worthy of respect.”

“I see.”

“My parents became political pawns because of their kindness and generosity. Sultans and aristocrats made them their enemies. My Uncle told me the Sultan and his cronies had my parents killed. That is why my Uncle and I have looked to support any who oppose tyranny and oppression ever since. Fight against the Sultan and corruption. Supporting rebels, even if foreign, was continuing in the ideology of my parents, honoring them.”

“It’s rather like how the Order of the Sun became extinct. Long ago, they were the protectors of Anahiti, regardless of class. They became too popular and good for their own sake. Sultans and rich Viziers became jealous and felt threatened. They were ordered to disband or faced execution. Some hid, and the ones that fought were wiped out. So now they are just bedtime stories that parents tell their kids.”

“Not all of them. You’re still here.”

“Sultan Graeo’gi puts up with the training of some who can connect. He would kill both of us if he found out we were Order of the Sun. Part of my reluctance to train you is to protect you. I think that I am mostly just protecting myself.”

“But you’re leaving us; why do you care?”

“You might say that I’ve grown fond of you. You might say that I even care about you.” Rovan confessed.

“Then train me. Not like Malum and Flaero. Train me to be like you.”

Rovan felt a wave of emotion at Olafur’s words. He could feel his eyes water a little. It felt like words spoken between a Father and Son. These are words that Rovan wanted to tell his father years before. Rovan only wanted to make his father proud and be just like him. To be the good man he saw in his father’s every action. To have the respect of the community but his father pushed him away. But Rovan had children of his own. They needed him, too. Rovan was torn about what to do.

———-

“Do you think all is lost? Is the rebellion over?” Malum asked Flaero.

“Hope is only lost if you let it die in your heart. I still believe that we can win. We can turn this around and find redemption for those who gave their lives.” Flaero answered.

“I only care about Thea. I’m not sure about how I can change things for the better. The Tsar and the Witches, it just seems a power too great to overcome.”

“If you look at the mountain, you will think nothing can destroy that. And yet wind and water slowly break it down every day. The more water or wind you can get, the faster the mountain yields.”

“And who will be our wind and water?”

“Sometimes a mountain isn’t a mountain; it’s a dormant volcano. When you least expect it, it erupts.”

“You think there’s a volcano somewhere ready to erupt?”

“I don’t think I know it. It will happen; one only needs to be patient enough.”

“By the way, how did you know how to get to the Witch’s island? The Isle of Wicca.”

“Remember what I told you about my friend, Pepelo? She taught me all I know.”

“So, does that mean you know the layout of the island and where they might be holding Thea?”

“It’s a large island. Orisa is the port city, run by the Covenant, but the Sorors don’t live in the city. All of the Coven’s servants and workers live in Orisa. Pirates and Coven merchants come to Orisa to bring goods. This means we can disguise ourselves as pirates to enter Orisa easily.”

“A mountain fortress surrounds the Covenant. It will be the difficult part. At the foot of the mountain, there is housing for Oblates and Postulants. The Black Legion barracks lie in the flatlands between the city and the mountain. Around the island are numerous fortifications, and some roads have regular patrols.”

“Thea will be kept at the Covenant or one of the fortifications?” Malum asked.

“I don’t know. I assume Thea will be at the Covenant.”

“So the only volcano that might erupt is the one unleashed upon us if we are discovered?”

“There is an excellent chance that is correct.”

“So we might reach the Coven only to find out she’s being held elsewhere? It could be a disaster.”

“This is what it takes to get Thea back. You said you’d do anything.”

“I will.”

“This is it, and I will be there with you.”

“Why?” Malum questioned.

“If it’s not apparent, I like championing lost causes.” Flaero avowed.