A Gleaming Path

by Jeffrey Pawlak

  Sharq eventually brought them to the towering formation in the heart of Onda Reef, which they entered through a short tunnel. They stepped into a huge, rounded chamber that was perhaps even more beautiful than what lay outside. Much of the floor dropped away into a lake of the cleanest water that Alamor had ever seen. The tall walls rose to a domed ceiling, with a gaping hole in its center where the afternoon sunlight spilled in and illuminated the chamber.

  Several Onda swam about in the lake, occasionally bounding out of the waters like the others that Alamor and his companions had seen. Other Onda, evidently guards, stood in place stoically, each bearing a spear that was crafted from what looked like the sturdy bones of aquatic monsters. The walls and floor were made of the same jade-colored rock as the room where Alamor and the others awoke earlier. Reflections from the lake’s shimmering waters danced across the walls in an elegant display. Several walkways were carved into the walls, running high above the chamber floor. Some seemed to follow after other tunnels and rooms, while others carried a pristine current of water that eventually formed into a waterfall and fell into the lake below.

  Sharq directed them over a stretch of rock that reached across the lake, ending in a dais where a throne of white seashell sat. A female Onda stood just before it. She was a stunning creature, beautiful to all eyes no matter the race or being who looked upon her. Her scales were violet, except for her underbelly, where they were grey and glimmered like silver. She held a staff that was taller than herself, the rod carved out of bright pink coral and topped by a pearl the size of a man’s hand. She wore a crown that was also fashioned out of lavender-colored coral, a gorgeous headpiece with many points.

  Sharq brought them before the dais and gestured to the stunning Onda who stood there. “Friends, allow me to introduce you to our leader—Tsunari,” he announced.

  Even though Tsunari may not have been a monarch, Tiroku fell to one knee as a sign of respect. Alamor and the others did the same. After all that she had already done for them, their group wished to show Tsunari as much gratitude as possible, and that included venerating her as if they were her underlings.

  “It is good to see you all unharmed,” Tsunari spoke as they came back to their feet. Her voice was smooth and warm, motherly. Her smile was just as comforting as she looked upon the group. “I understand that you have endured great hardship of late, but I am most pleased that my scouts were able to rescue you all from certain death.”

  “We are very grateful for that, Tsunari,” Tiroku said. “I don’t think we will ever be able to thank you Onda enough for saving our lives.”

  Tsunari shook her head. “No thanks are necessary from you, especially when it seems like you and your other companions are allies to us.”

  “If I may ask, where are our other friends?” Tiroku inquired.

  “They are retrieving their weapons and other possessions from our armory,” Tsunari answered. “I spoke with them shortly before Sharq brought you here. The royal family of Tordale is represented very well. Are the rest of you also from Tordale Castle?”

  “No, we five actually come from a few different corners of the kingdom,” Tiroku answered. He introduced everyone to Tsunari and told her where they hailed from. “We only met with our other friends a few days ago out here on the ocean.”

  “The ocean has not been a safe place as of late,” Tsunari said. “You had a very specific purpose for leaving the continent, didn’t you?”

  “That is correct,” Tiroku answered. “Perhaps our other friends already told you, but we journey to put an end to the man called Baldaron and his army, who have swept over Tordale in the hopes of conquering it. Baldaron and his uncle are wielders of the destructive magic called Scourge, which once nearly engulfed all of the continent hundreds of years ago.”

  Tsunari offered a grave nod. “Yes, we Onda have been aware for some time now of the terror that has befallen Tordale. Your companions told us all what Baldaron and his forces have done to the mainland in recent days. It is at least comforting to hear that there are some who intend to stand against this evil, but I am curious to know how you will do it. Your numbers were small even before that monster Garadev and his brothers attacked you the other night. Now, there are just a few of you left.”

  “Strength in numbers has never been our plan,” Tiroku declared. “We already have a much greater power in our possession, and we seek another of its kind.”

  Tsunari did not immediately respond. Her features hardened, her expression almost becoming stern. It seemed as if she knew what power Tiroku referred to. “Is that power the gem that this young man carried with him?” she asked, indicating Alamor.

  “It is,” Tiroku confirmed. “You have kept it?”

  “We have,” Tsunari answered, her voice lowering. “It nearly killed one of my guards when he tried to touch it, but it’s being kept with your other possessions.”

  Rawner showed a look of surprise. “Nearly killed them, huh? That’s not what we thought the thing was supposed to do…”

  Alamor internally echoed Rawner’s sentiment. How could the Radia of Gallantry have possibly harmed one of the Onda? Its Serenity was tremendous, but none of the Onda would be able to use that energy. What else would be so dangerous about it?

  “Would you explain to me just what that gem is?” Tsunari went on to ask.

  Even as he daydreamed, Alamor thought it was strange that Tiroku did not answer. He soon felt the Champion of Light nudge him on the arm, and he looked up to see that the Onda’s leader stared directly at him. Alamor’s body went rigid with embarrassment as he realized that Tsunari had directed the question at him. He swallowed nervously and hurriedly regained his focus.

  “It is called the Radia of Gallantry,” Alamor began, gradually finding his words. “It contains the Serenity wielded by Xogun, the Sage of Valor, when he was mortal. He and Ralu, the Sage of Mercy, protected Tordale when Scourge ran amok centuries ago. Before they died, Xogun and Ralu instilled all of their magic into a pair of stones known as the Radia, to be used to protect Tordale from Scourge when it returned.”

  “Such as it has, now,” Tsunari said, finishing for him.

  “Yes,” Alamor said, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

  “You say that the Sages, Ralu and Xogun, created the two Radia. What is the other called?”

  “The Radia of Hope. That one was created to hold Ralu’s Serenity.”

  “Do you also possess that?”

  “No, we are still searching for it. We know that Ralu’s Radia is hidden within a Spirit Shrine somewhere deep in the Arid Reaches. That was where we were heading before our ships were attacked the other night.”

  “And you are confident that these Radia that you seek will stop the man called Baldaron and his army?”

  Tiroku broke in and took over for Alamor in the conversation. “It would be unwise to place absolute confidence in any strategy, given the strength of our enemy, but the Radia do provide the greatest hope Tordale has to vanquish Baldaron. That hope is enough to place our trust and our efforts in them.”

  Alamor was slightly relieved that Tiroku began to speak for him again. Even though he felt that he articulated himself well enough before Tsunari, he did not feel very comfortable doing so. He was nervous enough addressing the leader of a different race, never mind trying to explain the Radia and their magic—two things that he still did not fully understand.

  Tsunari likewise appeared to have difficulty comprehending it all. She nodded several times in silence, not looking at Tiroku, Alamor, or any among their group as she digested the information. It was several moments before she spoke again. “I admit, I am not very familiar with magic other than what we Onda control, but I am very glad to know that there is in fact action being taken to protect Tordale. From what I have seen of the Radia you possess, you seek a truly tremendous power in the other. Perhaps you will be able to save this kingdom, in the end.” Tsunari’s expression took on a worried look as she averted her gaze from t
he companions. “We Onda would proudly assist you in your quest, however, we are helpless to do much beyond these waters at the moment. Ever since the man called Baldaron set Garadev and his brothers loose upon the ocean, we Onda are at grave risk by swimming far beyond this island. It was dangerous enough for Sharq and his fellow scouts to seek out your ships. He only did so to warn you, and, admittedly, because we hoped that you may be able to help us in some way.”

  “So, then, those monsters—Garadev, Rotour, and Saphos—are in league with Baldaron?” Tiroku asked.

  Tsunari nodded. “We believe so. Those monsters had been driven from these waters many years ago. That they have only returned now when Baldaron moved out across the continent seems like far too great of a coincidence. Ever since Garadev and his brothers came back to menace these waters, many Onda who lived further out in the ocean have been killed, along with several of my scouts. The ones that rescued you the other night were lucky to have not been noticed. Had they, surely none of you would have survived.” Tsunari looked back at the group. Her eyes suggested that there was more to the Onda’s plight than she had already revealed. “We are in even greater danger since we have lost our guardian, the ancient behemoth called Samuras.” Her words were especially morose, and as Alamor glanced about the chamber, he saw a look of great distress—almost defeat—upon every Onda’s face.

  “Was she killed?” Tiroku asked.

  “No, but she has been trapped inside the island of Waverock, to the south,” Tsunari explained. “The island houses a vast system of underwater caverns, which Samuras has often ventured to as she roams across the ocean. Garadev and his brothers ambushed her one day while she was resting there, causing a massive landslide that has locked her beneath enough rock that even she cannot break through.” A semblance of a sneer reached across Tsunari’s snout. “Those cowardly beasts know that Samuras is stronger than any of them, for she was the one who fought and drove them away from these waters many years ago. That is why Garadev and his brothers chose to trap her rather than face her in battle once again.”

  “Can you tell us more about your guardian, Samuras?” Tiroku spoke up. “Is she of Onda blood in any way?”

  “No, she is a leviathan of her own kind, with no equal,” Tsunari began, her voice filled with respect and admiration, as if she spoke of a god. “We Onda refer to her as the Queen of the Ocean, for she has guarded this part of the world since Tordale’s earliest days, ridding it of those who harm it and protecting those creatures who respect it, including my people. Onda Reef has long been a spot where she comes to rest, and any time she has, we Onda have always paid tribute to her, in gratitude for her protection. Throughout the ages, my people developed a connection with her; at least, as strong as one could be with a creature like herself. Samuras cannot communicate with us, but we Onda have learned to speak to her, in very unique calls and cries that her primal mind has proven to understand. This ‘language’, if you would call it that, is a very small selection of utterances that has been passed down through my bloodline. Only my family, the females of which have always been the leaders of the Onda, may learn it and speak it. My mother taught it to me as I grew up. Although the rest of my kind may venerate Samuras with song, dance, or prayer, I am the only one who can address her in speech. I do so to give her thanks for safeguarding the ocean, and if necessary, to request her might. Whether she heeds me is her own decision. If she were here, now, I could ask her to drive away Garadev and his brothers, so that perhaps we Onda could help get you back to the mainland. However, it has been weeks since she was trapped within Waverock, and still she has not emerged. It seems that she never will.”

  “Is there still a way into the island called Waverock?” Tiroku questioned. There was a measure of conviction in his voice that hinted at a strategy on his part.

  Tsunari blinked, as if taken aback by his words. “According to my scouts, most of Waverock is still traversable, it is only the cavern which Samuras had been resting in that is entirely buried.”

  Tiroku’s aged eyes showed implacable resolve. “If you could show us the way, there might just be a chance that we could free your guardian.”

  Like most of the Onda who heard it, Alamor’s eyebrows perked with surprise and curiosity. What in the world does Tiroku have in mind? he wondered.

  “You truly believe that you can help Samuras escape from Waverock?” Tsunari asked, traces of disbelief still in her voice.

  Tiroku nodded confidently. “With the skills and magic in our possession, I think there could be a way.”

  Rawner stepped forward and joined Tiroku by his side. “If you’re going to put your trust in anyone, it’s this old fellow,” Rawner assured with a grin reaching across his face. He looked at Alamor and the Bachus, then. “And the rest of us, for that matter. We’ve gotten through some sticky situations before. We’re more than willing to chance another if it means lending you Onda a hand.”

  Tsunari appeared to be filled with doubts and questions in the face of the offer. When she had no answer for them, she instead turned her head to the side, her attention being driven elsewhere. “If you do in fact intend to aid us, now you can at least discuss it with your other friends.”

  They all looked in the same direction. Tridian and eight King’s Fangs entered the chamber through one of the long tunnels that ran into it. All of them were fully dressed in their armor or normal garb, and some even carried their weapons with them. Alamor recognized one as a veteran named Tagran, who he had seen while he trained years ago at Tordale Castle, and was now serving as Tridian’s right-hand man during this expedition.

  Tridian was steel-eyed as his group walked along the path carved into the chamber wall. Alamor silently prepared for another argument to spring up now that Tridian would join them. He had no doubt that the Prince would be defiant to the plan proposed by Tiroku. Tridian had threatened to halt their progress once before, and he would surely be slow to accept their ideas, again, now that their journey had gone so far off course.

  But as Alamor watched Tridian distrustfully, he eventually noticed something about the Prince’s company, or rather, someone that was missing.

  Raissa.

  Alamor’s heart pounded like a drum as Tridian’s eyes bounced across their group. It was as if the Prince looked for someone.

  “Where is Raissa?” Tridian immediately asked.

  Alamor felt his bones run cold.

  “She has not been with you?” Tiroku replied.

  “No, I assumed she was with the rest of you,” Tridian answered, worry rising to his features.

  They shared a long, uneasy stare before their faces snapped in Tsunari’s direction. “Was there anyone else that your scouts rescued?” Tiroku asked. “A young woman, no older than Alamor here?”

  Everyone looked to the Onda’s leader desperately, a silent prayer coming from the group that Tsunari would give them the answer they hoped for.

  But she merely shook her head. “Unfortunately, no. You were the only ones who were brought back to our island.”

  Alamor could not even begin to process his thoughts as he turned to Tiroku. “We have to go find her, now,” he gasped.

  Tiroku gently laid his hands on Alamor’s shoulders. “We need to calm ourselves, first,” the Champion of Light advised, clearly intent not to let panic run through the group.

  Tridian did not seem to agree. “Tiroku, I will not stand here and wait around while my sister is lost somewhere out there in the ocean or wherever else in the world!”

  “I understand both of your concerns very well,” Tiroku quickly replied, his voice rising. “But it will not help us to lose our composure and make any rash decisions out of fear and worry.”

  Alamor leapt away from Tiroku, throwing the Champion of Light’s hands off of him. “No, Tiroku, Tridian is right…we can’t abandon her!” Alamor stammered, his whole body shaking and his mind becoming warped by horror. “I-I can’t…I can’t…”

  He never finished his sentence. Alamor turn
ed and sped out of the chamber, not even hearing what his friends cried out behind him. He dashed back outside, hurrying across the island in a maddened sprint, nearly bowling over several Onda and passing by many more who watched him with baffled eyes. He finally stopped when he came to the beach that Sharq led him past earlier.

  This time, he did not see any of the majestic sight before him. He saw the blue ocean as an endless, indestructible monster that Raissa was lost to. Alamor’s panic-stricken mind worked in a frenzy, trying to think of something he could possibly do to find her. He wanted to call out to her as loud as his throat would let him, just to see if by some miracle she might hear him, even answer him. He even considered diving into the ocean to search for Raissa, searching until he either found her, or the ocean and his exhaustion defeated him.

  But then, the cold, unforgiving truth struck him like a sword stroke, and he realized how futile his ideas were. There was nothing he could do at that moment.

  Alamor fell to his knees, his trembling eyes staring helplessly out into the ocean.

  8

  It was a somber day across Onda Reef after it was discovered that Raissa, along with Joth and Dayneth, were still missing out in the ocean. The fear that enveloped the companions from Caldeya and Geldiar permeated throughout the Onda numbers; even though not one of the ocean-dwelling beings had ever laid eyes on Raissa, they sensed their guests’ distress. They empathized with it, given their own plight in recent times.

  Tiroku spent much of the day trying to keep the party at ease. It was a difficult task even for the wise Champion of Light to suppress their gloom, particularly with Tridian, who needed several hours to settle his emotions before he eventually listened to Tiroku’s counsel.