by John O.
“I believe you two are done now. Sly, let us not keep the Ishe waiting,” Yosi smiled as he beckoned the boy to follow him in.
The woman who was often referred to as the High Priestess of the Nukamchi Icasa was deep in thought as her council gathered before her. What she was about to tell them would further weaken her position as supreme ruler of the clan, especially in light of the Kawachi murders which she had committed the previous day. However, what other choice did she have? She had picked through the memories of the captured Spyinme girl and nothing she saw could be linked to the visions she had been having lately. The poor girl had tried to resist her and was almost successful too. But in the end, her resolve wasn’t strong enough. There was no use keeping her alive as the process rendered her brain-dead. For this reason, her body was now somewhere in the deep sea, never to be recovered again. If only the others were captured, I might have had something to go on, the woman regretted.
Her visions were now persistent, and if what it told her could be believed, the Great Cause would be meaningless in the face of what was to come. The very existence of Lionea was at stake and she had no clue about who or what was behind it. Although the plot that was progressively eliminating the Ishes was favorable to the Great Cause, she guessed that it had something to do with the imminent doom. With nothing to go on, she had come to one conclusion: suspend the Great Cause till further notice and perhaps run for dear life. It was unlikely that her council members would see reason; after all, they did not have the visions she was having. More so, it could be seen as a feeble attempt to hide from the Kawachi, deeming her unfit to lead the Icasa to their rightful position. What she hoped they would realize was that a ruler who had no subject to rule was as good as a subject himself. If the doom came to pass, that is exactly what the Icasa would become: inhabitants of a desolate land.
A member of the council cleared his throat loudly, jolting her from her reverie. Looking up, she realized it was time. Slowly, she began.
“Fellow members of the Cause, I welcome you to yet another council meeting. We have come a long way, and in due time, the wait will be over. However, there are some things you must know.”
“Like how you have incurred the wrath of the Kawachi?” a fat cantankerous man interjected.
“Silence, Minua. Let her finish,” replied another man who was known for his patience.
“As I was saying,” she continued, “events in recent years to date have suggested that another scheme is at play; a scheme which has inadvertently helped us eliminate our enemies one after the other. At our last council meeting, I clarified why it was important for us to understand the objective and who was behind it, in order to ensure that our plans would in no way be compromised when the time came for execution. What I did not tell you was that I have also had recent visions which suggest that our plans will indeed be affected by events which I do not yet understand. In fact, these visions suggest that not only will our plans be impossible to execute, but our very lives and those of the entire inhabitants of Lionea are at stake.”
“Visions? Do you think we are fools? You alone have brought whatever comes upon us. The Kawachi are not to be angered, and that is exactly what you’ve done!”
“Minua! Enough!” shouted another council member.
“This has nothing to do with the Kawachi, I believe. It is something more. Based on my visions, I have come to the conclusion that the Great Cause shall be suspended until the storm blows over,” she concluded.
“What exactly does ‘suspended’ mean?” the patient man asked.
“It means exactly what it means, Ishido. We are to disband and wait till the storm passes. If a battle for survival ensues, we may need to fight alongside our enemies to preserve our homeland. Or we may choose to sit and watch our enemies crumble. In any case, we must ensure that Lionea is preserved.”
“And what if your visions do not come to pass as you expect them to?”
“Then we find a way to settle with the Kawachi and pick up from where we left off.”
“How long, until we know if your vision will come to pass or not?”
“That, I cannot answer. But I guarantee this. It will come to pass. My interpretation of the outcome may be wrong, but I can assure you that when it begins, we’ll know.”
“Fellow council members, what do you make of this?” Ishido asked.
A woman known as Minazu replied, “Be it the Kawachi or not, I do not see what we lose if we wait. After all, we have been waiting all these years. Moreover, your visions have never failed us before, so I am inclined to agree that we wait.”
Others spoke in turn and, much to the High Priestess’ relief, a consensus was reached to do as she asked. They would convene later to decide what course of action to take if and when the doom began.
Yosi and Sly walked into the palace room to find Ishe Fiten and his wife, Juli, seated in anticipation. The Ishe frowned ever so slightly as he looked upon the new HN, a frown that was not lost on Yosi.
“Greetings Lord Ishe and Lady Juli. With me is Sly Zozan.” Yosi announced while Sly genuflected.
“Greetings,” they replied. Ishe Fiten was less than impressed by Yosi’s slim build. Our nation is doomed if the likes of him can now serve as HN, he judged.
Unable to conceal his thoughts, he blurted out, “You do not seem to me as one who is worthy of the office of HN. For one, you are definitely smaller than your predecessors!”
Yosi was taken aback at such a comment but was wise enough to maintain an unperturbed countenance. Sly on the other hand seemed poised to make a remark but he knew better than to speak out of turn.
“Size means nothing, husband. HN Ruki was no fool and if he thought him worthy, then he is indeed worthy. Besides, he is more handsome than his predecessors,” Juli ventured to break the awkward silence. “What shall we offer you?”
“That will not be necessary. I only came to introduce myself. If there is nothing else, I’ll be on my way.”
“Forgive my rash comments, HN Yosi Sint,” the Ishe began in an attempt to pacify the HN. “There are matters at hand that must be discussed. I believe by now, you are well aware of the current challenges that plague this Nation. Foremost of all is Norwaland. I want to believe that you already have a plan on how to handle those land grabbers.”
“I am working on one.”
“You’re working on one. I see. Be advised that time is not on our side. So whatever the plan you are crafting, craft it with haste. Meanwhile, Founder’s Day is around the corner, seven days’ time I believe. Do not forget that you will be formally introduced to the people on that day, and as such, you will have to make a speech on our great history.”
“I am aware.”
Ishe Fiten realized that he must have made a bad impression on Yosi, for the man was clearly unwilling to enter into any conversation. Resigned, he decided to end the discussion. “Very well. I guess we’ll be seeing each other from time to time.”
“I’m sure we will.”
With that, they bid each other goodbye as Yosi made his way out of the room, Sly following closely behind.
When Juli was sure that they couldn’t be overhead, she said, “You don’t seem to like him. Why is that?”
“I’m not sure. Perhaps I am judging him only by his looks. I simply expected someone with a large enough physique to inspire fear and respect, as is required of that office.”
“And now, it seems he also does not like you. The last thing the Nation needs is for two prime rulers to be at loggerheads. When do you plan on briefing him on his benefits? I thought you were supposed to do that before he left?”
“Truth be told, I got carried away and forgot. However, there is no rush. Let us wait and see how he fares within the next few days.” the Ishe replied, his meaning lost on Juli.
12
Rahel Ni sat by her post, deep in thought about what had occurred with Zach Sen. It was true, that her intentions had ulterior motives, however she was starting to realize that her ex
hilaration was as a result of something more. Am I falling in love with this man? she wondered. Her mother had been very clear on the risks involved with love, especially for a Sejuit.
It was roughly five years since her mother’s passing, but the memory of her deathbed was still vivid: “Rahel, dear one. As has been said by many, your comeliness knows no bounds, and as time goes on, you will find yourself being increasingly courted by men. You will do yourself a disservice if you allow yourself be fooled by this. Men are as swine, interested only in the pleasure your body can offer. Like tattered clothing, they will cast you away once sated by your touch, and you will be left to pick up the pieces. I have told you this many times over, I realize. Yet again, I say them to you now as my parting words, that you may hold them to heart with much reverence.”
“You are and always will be a Sejuit. You must never forget this. Do whatever you must to facilitate the subjugation of this Island to the one true king in Norwaland. My sister and I, despite some success, could not bring the ultimate goal to fruition. Fortunately, we were able to bear children with Lioneans under the guise of Souecans, and raise them to be Sejuits so that they could fulfill the mission in our stead. That is my charge to you, Rahel. See to it that this Nation falls! Do not be fooled by the temporal victories of the Lioneans. Truth be told, they have won nothing, for all that was accomplished amounts only to a successful defense against the Norwans. In time, that will be but a short-lived dream. The inevitable will occur and you will play a vital role in seeing to this.”
“There is someone you must be wary of, other than HN Ruki Sen; his son, Zach. That boy is even more perspicacious than his father, truth be told. Should you become a Spyinme as I am sure you will, you will consistently be in close proximity with him and hence, the risk that he may find you out. As such, you must beguile him with your beauty. He must come to trust you, and even love you, such that his senses are perpetually blinded to your motives. If you can, you must frame him for a crime by any means necessary. That way, he will be discharged from the Helesp, giving you free reign to enact your plans as you see fit. If this proves too difficult, I believe you will figure out alternative effective ways to eliminate the threat he poses. Do you understand?”
“Yes mother,” Rahel replied meekly
“No child. There is not enough conviction in your words. What you need to understand is, irrespective of whether you heed my words or not, my people will conquer this nation, and when they do, should you be found on the wrong side, you will be persecuted as a traitor. To be exact, you will be flayed and hung in the open for all dissidents to see. Even the Lioneans will not suffer a fate as terrible as that, for to be a Sejuit who deserts is regarded as the greatest treachery of all. You, dear child, must be wise. Do not fail as I have.”
Pallid as ever, her mother began to cough profusely, signaling that her end was truly approaching. After good measure, the cough subsided, much to Rahel’s relief.
“Mother, it is unclear to me how you have failed. You raised me well and have remained true to Norwaland. What then do you mean?”
With a wistful smile, she replied in soft tones. “I fell in love with your father. Despite my mission, I could not bring myself to kill him. Unlike me, my sister murdered her husband once she was able to bear offspring. That way, she was able to better raise her children as Norwans. The reason why you never saw much of your cousins while growing up is because my failure to kill your father created a rift between my sister and I. With my loyalty already in question, it is imperative that yours be seen as steadfast.”
Rahel had done all she could to assure her mother, beholding with relief her peaceful countenance as she passed on to the goddess. Looking at Zach Sen as he painted, she feared that she may not have the strength to fulfill her promise to her mother. There was something about this man that made her feel… different.
Oracion made her way towards the vault which contained forbidden texts by the ancient inhabitants of Lionea. Before now, in the absence of competition, there was little or no motivation to learn more about her abilities. However, with the discovery of Prisca’s powers, she would be a fool not to discover ways to become stronger. She had heard that it was possible to be in one place, mind and body, while using the mind’s eye to navigate and spy through the vast lands of Lionea. With Prisca being able to fly without being visible, her own exhausting means of ejecting her mind from body would prove ineffective in the days ahead.
As expected, the door to the vault was firmly locked, the key nowhere in sight. She had prepared herself for this despite the toll it would take on her body. With resolve, she began the excruciating process of shrinking the mass occupied by her mind, such that it became so small that she was able to enter the vault through the keyhole. Victorious, she marveled at the convenience her current means afforded her, and wondered if it could be surpassed by whatever skills she was able to acquire from forbidden knowledge. The book she sought was one written by an ancient Icasa, one that not only documented the powers of one possessed by the Rangelica, but also instructed on how these powers may be realized.
“From a branch it comes, but grows not on trees. Yet from the one true tree, wherefore it comes.” The riddle had plagued her from the moment she decided to seek the book. Without a title, it was all she had to go on in a vault filled with over a thousand books. The riddle itself was now folklore among the present day Icasa, but those well-versed in the history knew that it was much more than that. This was why a man as wise as Hinary Rosento had the foresight to secure the book and ensure it was out of the reach of his subjects. Too bad he didn’t foresee one such as I, laughed Oracion in derision. Scanning the room, she was grateful that in mind form, she could see in the dark. For Hinary also ensured that this underground vault had not a fragment of light within it.
Determined, she set about to solving the puzzle and discovering the book. The Aishe would have to wait, for she was determined not to emerge empty-handed.
Yosi and Sly walked in to meet the Leades gathered in the hall in conversation. With no time for pleasantries, he addressed them, “Leades, meet the newest member of your rank, Sly Zozan. He will reside in the Helesp henceforth.”
If they were shocked by Sly’s age and size, they hid it well, for their replies were as though there was nothing absurd about the situation. Amiably, they introduced themselves and welcomed him to the Helesp. Rahel Ni, who was in the vicinity, also introduced herself much to Sly’s delight. Upon setting his eyes on her, he could not help but admire her beauty and, lacking the tact associated with maturity, he virtually gaped at her in open admiration.
“Rahel Ni, I wish to have words with you when your shift ends. Come see me in my room.” Yosi announced.
A cold feeling of fear slithered down her spine as she beheld him; her instincts blazing wildly at his possible involvement in her grandfather’s murder. “Your command,” she managed with a shaky voice.
To all present, it was evident that she was petrified, though once again, their countenances betrayed nothing. Yosi beckoned Zach to follow him as he left the room while the others silently watched until the two were out of sight.
Eager to dissipate the awkwardness, Karl Izzy regarded Sly with a smile and asked, “Sly Zozan. Welcome once again. Tell me, are you any good in swordsmanship?”
“To be honest, I am no Yosi Sint, but I believe I can manage myself well enough not to die within the first hour of battle,” he replied with an apologetic smile.
Impressed by his honesty or modesty, for he could not tell, Tido Riva ventured, “To be a good Leade, you need more than just your wits about you. You need to possess a sharp memory and think on your feet at all times. Can you repeat the names of everyone here at this very moment?”
“Of course, but not because I am a sage or anything. Everyone in the temple is well acquainted with information provided in the register and as such, I can easily recall your names.”
As the banter went on, Roy Ni listened intently, with a view to f
igure out why Yosi Sint had made a Leade out of the lad. If his words could be believed, then he possessed no extraordinary skills that made him a prodigy of some sort. Instead, he claimed to be at a level typical of any Stude his age. Perhaps the boy was there as an informant who would focus on rooting out disloyal officers such as himself? With no way to tell, Roy decided it was best to be wary of him, a warning he was sure to relay to his brother.
Across the table from Yosi Sint was his sister Maya as well as Leade Zach Sen. They were discussing the details of the foiled ambush of the previous day and Zach Sen had just finished recounting the details of how he came upon the ruse by the twins.
“I recommend that you bring Roy and Remy in for questioning. Lector Stev as well,” he concluded.
“In due time. For now, I believe we wait until we have a clear understanding of why the brothers are in league with Stev. It is not as though there has been any close historical alliance between their respective provinces. Not to mention the fact that I have done nothing so far to aggravate them. There is a bigger ploy here somewhere,” Yosi began.
“As for the Lector, one of the Spyinme’s report suggests that he and his Studes returned from the Foté province late last night on a supposed practice session. Of course it is unlikely that any inter-province session would run late into the night like they claim, but I am sure they would have figured out the perfect alibi if questioned. At this point, I reckon that any such inquisition would only prove futile, and as such, it pays us not to traverse that route. Besides, with the deaths of Marc and Jetsi, the Even and Foté provinces are incensed as it is. To prosecute and imprison the Lector would only result in heightened tensions and possible skirmishes that may escalate into civil war. My hands are tied, and I can do nothing else, other than to quietly pardon the Lector.”