O Saga: Part One: Book of Origins

To reach King Ohdakota of Hanwi and get help for the people of Qamata, Malaika, and Chaska, they had to traverse the Old Thread Pass into the Eskander and Urqu Mountains.

Malaika and Chaska kept a lodge in the Eskander Mountains, so they stopped and resupplied first. They grabbed their winter gear and took off with the horses they had acquired from Black Legion soldiers.

As sworn members of the Order of the Wolf, they cannot eat meat or wear animal pelts. They are allowed to wear shaven fur, such as wool. Malaika grabbed all of the wool clothing she could, even lining her boots. Chaska even grabbed blankets for the horses as they faced extreme conditions ahead.

Malaika spoke to the wolves to keep their noses alert for pursuing enemies. It was a requirement to have a strong connection to animals to be accepted into their Order. It wasn’t enough to have a connection to the element.

Malaika could connect to most of the wild kingdoms except for tigers and a few others. She reserved her deepest connection for wolves. Chaska had helped her refine her abilities.

Like Malaika, Chaska was deeply connected to nature. He still knew more about how to find medicine and healing from the organic world. Even though it was called the Order of the Wolf, it wasn’t limited to one group, as Chaska belonged to the Bear Clan.

In the Order, the animal you have the most profound connection to is your Clan. Malaika had to be accepted by a wolf pack to belong to the Wolf Clan. Chaska had to be accepted by more than a couple of bears as they didn’t have packs.

Malaika remembered her Master telling her how he grew up in the city. He hated it there and dreamed of the mountains. Chaska’s first voyage to the mountain led him to one of his oldest friendships.

Chaska met Makwa, a Brown Grizzly Bear and Lord of the Urqu Mountains. Makwa was old now and rarely ventured far from his dens. Makwa always attends a salmon run, but anything else is too much for his old bear bones.

Lord of the Urqu Mountains was just a title Chaska gave Makwa. Like them, Makwa was a vegetarian and often protected other animals from human defilers. That’s just how Makwa saw humans, with few exceptions.

Makwa told Chaska how to find the sacred Hanging Gardens. Few human eyes had ever seen their glory. Makwa said many animals go to the gardens when ready to die, so it’s not a secret that the animal world delights in sharing.

Chaska and Maliaka set the horses free when they reached the harsh, sweeping winds of the Panpa Desert. They traded with the nomadic tribes for some camels to take them to the base of the Urqu’s. Malaika and Chaska had a long history with the tribes of the desert.

Once Malaika and Chaska reached the other side of the Panpa and the base of the Urqu’s, they released their camels and had to carry their gear up the northern face of the mountains. They were confident that no one would have followed them this far.

Chaska found Makwa and asked if some bear friends could help them speed up the journey. Makwa found four bears willing to help them, and they rode through deep snow, ice-packed peaks, and treacherous slopes.

Chaska and Malaika have traveled the Old Thread Pass many times. They usually just walked under less urgent and worrying times. They stop to trade with the desert nomads. Show them new ways to find water or medicine from plants. Explore new parts of the rainforests south of the mountains. Talk with the medicine men of the forests and make new friends among the animals they’d encounter.

It was a different journey they never thought they’d have to make. They must return to Chaska’s childhood home of Ikai Nor and speak to King Ohdakota. Malaika didn’t want to imagine what the conditions were like after they left Teodor. She felt guilty about leaving the city.

With the four bear’s help, they reached the ancient aqueducts that brought mountain water into the cities of Hanwi. Nooke and Waabi, the Black bears, had helped carry supplies. The larger Brown Bears, Mishi, and Mako, were generous in allowing Malaika and Chaska to ride them all this way.

The bear’s heavy fur made them sweat as they came through the rainforests, but their strong limbs made it so they handled the mud well. It wasn’t one before they went to the prairies and civilization. It was here that the bear’s journey ended. It would become dangerous for them to continue, and Chaska couldn’t ask more from them.

Malaika procured some horses to make the final leg of the journey. Chaska was in charge of trading their winter clothes and getting fresh supplies. They wouldn’t require warm clothes anymore. The trade value forced them to ask the black bears to carry the extra weight through the steamy jungles. They’d have to make it up to the bears some other time.

The roads to Ikai Nor were wide and downhill. The aqueducts and the Sugai River flowed and guided the way to the capitol.

Some might have called the buildings and cities they passed beautiful and ornate, but Malaika thought they were wasteful. It was madness to her. How can people stand claustrophobia? For Malaika, even the cities of Qamata were overcrowded, and it would take three or four of those cities to equal one in Hanwi.

Nobody gave Chaska a second look, but Malaika was a rare duck in these parts. Lots of whisper-filled pointing and glaring made her want to shout “Boo” and fake an attack to scare them. Malaika didn’t think Chaska would approve.

“Malaika, did you notice all the extra city flags and decorations?” Chaska probed.

“Not really, Master. Should I have?”

“I suppose not. It looks like we’re riding to the capitol to spoil many people’s fun. It’s the Festival of Lights or the Hanwi Independence Day. At night, everything will be covered in lights. Lanterns, candles, and fireworks will be everywhere.”

“Sounds horrible,” Malaika said very dourly.

“It’s not so bad. The people will be festive and joyous. We might have to break up the party.”

——-

As Chaska had predicted, they could see the lights of the city and the fireworks exploding long before they reached the city Gates. It would not be easy to get an audience tonight with the King.

The city gates were open, and there was no trouble gaining entry. It was a very open-party invite; the city had little to concern itself with but drinking and merriment.

As Malaika and Chaska rode their horses down the stone streets, no one noticed them much. Everyone was drowning themselves in strong beverages and public fornication. It didn’t seem like a family event. Malaika felt offset by it, but Chaska was as stoic as ever.

Chaska and Malaika found some stables to leave the horses and tossed the caretaker some money. Someone was still working in this town.

They waded through the crowds past the Hippodrome, which looked past capacity. Malaika could feel the thunder of the hooves as the chariots raced around the track there. A ping of pain entered her as she thought of the horses forced to entertain these idiots. It’s a good thing they weren’t stopping there; she’d be spared the torture.

Down by the coast, the lights shore like a sun in the theatre; God knows what sort of debauchery was being considered entertainment. Chaska had told her that he thought the buildings beautiful and ornate. Malaika only felt cool towards everything.

Building after building they passed was a hive of activity. The Library shone bright, but Malaika doubted anyone was there to read. Steam drifted into the night sky from the bathhouses that were surely getting overloaded with human sweat and filth. She wasn’t impressed.

The few things that Malaika could appreciate were the many gardens, fountains, and canals that adorn the wasteful statues and buildings. She bristled at the squandering of enormous amounts of pure water. She thought of the nomadic tribes of the desert they bartered with, who would treat that same water like gold.

Chaska had found someone he knew who could speak to the King, but after a long argument, Chaska finally conceded that it wouldn’t happen tonight. Minimally, they now had a place to stay for the evening.

——

Malaika was surprised to see the marketplaces were still packed and bustling. She assumed the people would sleep off such an overdose of indulgence. After waiting their turn, they were finally brought to the King.

King Ohdakota had a greyish, short, well-cropped beard to match his hair. He was tall, dark-skinned, and well-built, but he couldn’t hide his kind brown eyes. The King stood before his throne to greet them, as did his Queen beside him.

The throne room was full of domes, arches, minarets, Muqarnas vaulting, and girih tiles. Every inch was covered in fine details. Yellow was the prevailing color of the city and mixed in somewhere at every turn.

Every building had many courtyards and gardens; the King’s Palace was no different. Malaika could still smell the citrus orchard they passed on their way in.

The King and Queen retook their seats on their thrones. They didn’t seem pleased to see them. Malaika doubted their mood would change after they told them why they were there.

The King and Queen were dripping in extravagant clothing; Malaika didn’t feel shamed by her humble clothes. She was proud to be modest and simple. She knew Chaska felt the same.

The Queen had a pleasant face, but it was ruined in Malaika’s view by all the jewels that she wore. They were just sparkly rocks to her. Malaika wasn’t here to question foreign fashion.

“Chaska Ehawee, you dare come to me after such a spectacular day with what I hear as war?” King Ohdakota jeered. Chaska said nothing. Malaika and Chaska were bowing in respect but heard the King just fine.

“Chaska Ehawee, who comes in and out of my country whenever he pleases, does whatever he pleases but never pleases his King.”

“I thought every citizen of Hanwi was free to do these things. Has the King ratified freedom since I last left?” Chaska boldly scolded the King.

“Insults on top of all of it.” The King shook his head in disbelief. Everyone in my Kingdom is free and happy; did you not see it last night? Why is it always Chaksa Ehawee who is a Thorne on my side? I barely see my cousin anymore, yet your footsteps still plague me,” The King said frustratedly.

“Must be your conscience and not I,” Chaska responded.

“Many have told me I should be glad in your constant absence. Others say you are a prophet wandering the wilds. I once thought you were material to be a great leader, even someone to lead Armies.” The King proclaimed.

“But not anymore.” Chaska finished the King’s thought.

“Why are you here?” The Queen changed subjects.

“My Queen, I come here for those who cannot. Are you aware of Tsar Miro’s military campaign in Qamata?” Chaska got to the point.

“We are; scouts have been monitoring the situation.” The King said, not knowing where this was heading.

“You know? And still, you party and parade while the people of Qamata are being slaughtered?” Malaika says, unable to bite her tongue.

“Silence. You have not been asked to speak.” King Ohdakota censored Malaika quickly. It didn’t help the awkward tension in the room at all.

“Is what she said true, Chaska?” The Queen asked, now concerned.

“It is. Did you know that the Shadow Coven and the Black Legion have allied with King Miro of Ishvara?” Chaska informed.

“This is the first I’ve heard of it. When did this happen?” Ohakota inquired.

“I don’t know when it happened, but they now completely control Qamata. My apprentice and I fought against these forces in Teodor some days back. The situation is critical, My Lord.” Chaska tried to keep calm.

“Why have I not heard any of this from my scouts?” The King said incredulously.

“I can’t speak for your scouts, who were likely found and killed by the capable Sorors now in the employ of Warlord.” Chaska

“So you’ve come to ask us to fight, or have you come to take refuge?” Ohdakota asked slightly insultingly.

“We have come here to rally Hanwi to war. To be the defenders of justice and of the helpless. To take the fight to an enemy that will soon march on these lands if left unchecked.” Chaska tried to persuade.

“The decision is easy for you to make, cousin. You have a daughter of Qamata in your ward. Your allegiances are freely given. I have the interest of thousands of families to keep in mind.” The King stood up from his seat and raised a pointed finger at Chaska. “I will put Hanwi and its people above all, as I have always done. I can’t, in good faith and just your word, go to war.”

“So you will do nothing? We wasted our time and many people’s lives. We can waste more.” Malaika shouted venomously at the King.

“I know you speak out of pain, so I will forget your manners even if you’ve lost yours.” The King said, keeping his cool. “I will call a Council, and we will consider all these startling events. Unlike some Kings, I am ruled by my people.”

“I wish there were time to make long, reasoned decisions, but people are suffering and dying. Did Hanwi not just celebrate their Independence? Freedom? Qamata has been a peaceful people and ally of hanwi for generations. They have never lifted a hand towards hanwi except to trade with. Where has their freedom gone? Where is their fireworks? They won’t be in drunken stupors tomorrow. Their children will make arrows for Black Legion soldiers, who will use them to kill Hanwi families before the seasons change. Tell your Duma that.” Chaska said with a raised voice. Malaika had never seen him that emotional in her life.

———-

Malaika and Chaska were forced to wait days upon days, waiting for an answer from the King. To keep their minds and bodies sharp, they used the vast open space in the King’s Orchards and gardens to spend time with each other.

Chaska, as always, had his spear and Malaika her sword. Fighting with real killing weapons wasn’t for the faint of heart. They weren’t bothered by a nick or two. It took competent fighters to fight with maximum effort and keep the movements precise.

Because of the length of Chaska’s spear made it difficult for Malaika to get close with her sword. He always had the correct counter for her approaches. Considering he taught her, many of the moves accounted for her failures.

Malaika tried to surprise her Master with a double bluff, parry, and strike. It still ended with the blade of Chaska’s spear within a silver of Malaika’s cheek. Malaika had lost enough for today.

They were collecting their things when they had company. A young man and woman seemed to be looking for them.

“Did you just finish? We came too late then?” The young woman said.

“What did you hope to see?” Chaska asked.

“My Father has long bragged about his cousin and how he was the best warrior in all of Hanwi. I came to see for myself.” The new young lady said.

“Ichante? I haven’t seen you since…., I don’t know when.” Chaska said, surprised. “Malaika, this is Princess Ichante.”

“Glad to meet you.” Malaika bowed and stumbled as she wasn’t quite sure of the etiquette.

“I’ve heard about you as well, Malaika. I’m glad to meet you, too. This is Apollyon. He is a Knight like me.” Ichante said.

Ichante and Apollyon both looked to be in their early thirties. They were still young, but cracks of aging were starting to show. Apollyon was handsome and fit. Malaika guessed he could take care of himself in a fight.

Ichante had big, luscious lips to match her big brown eyes. Her hair had springy brown ringlets that were shoulder length. Her mocha skin was flawless and smooth. She had striking features that highlighted her exotic beauty.

“Where is your brother, Hotah?” Chaska queried.

“He’s still with my father. I tell him you asked about him.” Ichante said.

“You said you came late; why are we still here?” Malaika questioned.

“We wanted to spare with you,” Ichante said.

“I see. We still can if you want?” Malaika challenged. “I’ll fight Ichante, and Chaska can fight Apollyon. Is that alright?”

Chaska seemed caught off guard but didn’t say no. Apollyon didn’t seem as happy about the arrangement. He and Chaska went first, and it went as expected. In three moves, Chaska had him beaten.

“I think I’ll just watch for now,” Apollon said wryly.

Malaika and Ichante squared off. Each had a sword in hand and no shield. The warriors tested the waters with deliberate strikes to see what the other might give away.

They would strike faster and add faster countermoves. They were equal in many ways, as they matched speed and skill. Neither seemed to like losing as they wouldn’t give an inch to the other.

Malaika was about to get carried away with the upward swing of her sword when it was blocked, not by Ichante, but by her Master.

“I think that’s enough, don’t you,” Chaska said knowingly.

Nobody answered but understood the meaning. Malaika couldn’t help but giggle and mime the word “sorry” to Ichante. Now, they were all smiling and laughing a bit. It didn’t last long as the party didn’t have its last member.

An older man close to Chaska’s age stood with a stern gaze. He didn’t look as fond of having found them.

“Chaska Ehawee, I heard you were around.” Said the strange man.

The stranger had a baldheaded, large frame and a look that screamed warrior to Malaika.

“Atoc Baal.” That is all Chaska said as he became suddenly frozen.

“Perhaps we have time to spare, friend,” Atoc said in his deep but unfriendly voice.

“Some other time,” Chaska said softly, but Malaika could tell his springs were coiled. She didn’t know what was going on between the pair, but it was bad blood, to be sure.

“Atoc, don’t you have somewhere to be?” Ichante said in a manner that made it clear to go away.

“Some other time than.” Atoc agreed and walked away.

——

“We can’t go to war.” King Ohdakota started. “We are moving to secure our borders in case of an attack, but we aren’t going to risk open war. It has been voted on and decided. We will take every precaution and be ready if it comes to it. I’m sorry, Chaska, but I can’t give you what you came for. I can’t retake Qamata.”

“I’m sorry, too.” Chaska scowled.

Malaika didn’t bother with etiquette and stormed out of the hall; Chaska wasn’t far behind. They found their horses at the stables, settled their bill, and rode back towards the mountains.

All hope wasn’t lost as two riders came up fast on them.

“Ichante, Apollyon: What are you doing here? Have they changed their minds?” Chaska asked, confused.

“I’m afraid nothing has changed,” Ichante said.

“Except we are joining you,” Apollyon said with enthusiasm.

“We appreciate it, but four won’t be enough,” Maliaka said, defeated.

“We’ll see. I trust in my father. He is ready to fight but must wait to convince the others. He also has an ace up his sleeve.”

“What’s that?” Malaika asked.

“My mother, the Queen. Suppose anyone can change the hearts and minds of the people. It’s her,” Malaika assured.

“Where are we heading, by the way?” Apollyon asked.

“To Teodor. We might not win a war, but we rescue the people we left behind.” Chaska answered

The four rode horses to the mountains and had a slight chance of success, but that’s what made them heroes.