1 Chapter One: Home

INTRO

In the beginning, there was darkness. That darkness was infinite and brutal upon the universe. Then, a light pierced through its flesh, ripping through the galaxy, and birthed hope. It sparked the eternal war between the heavenly twins, never to cease. Back and forth, they waged their violence, trying to get the upper hand on each other. The truth was that they balanced and needed each other, for how can we know the dark if there is no light? The knowledge of pain and suffering can only be understood if joy and happiness are also known. So long before there were such things as Knights and Witches, there was The Source of All Things.

Chapter One: Home

Rovan paced back and forth on the main deck with nervous energy. Captain Dantes was a capable seaman, and Rovan knew he would do all he could to get back to Anahiti as fast as possible. The entire crew of the Elysium had family that might be in danger, so Rovan wasn't alone in his worry.

The Elysium and its men had been honored by the people of Qamata and Ishvara for help in defeating the evil forces that tried to claim their lands. The Shadow Coven and the Black Legion had allied with Tsar Miro, but Miro was dead, and The Shadow Coven returned to their private island.

The newly elected Chancellor Flaero had given Rovan and his apprentice Olafur special recognition. Flaero had even asked them to join his new elite squad, The Ningal. Rovan and Olafur had other priorities.

Rovan and the crew of the Elysium discovered that the Sultan of Anahiti had deemed them all traitors. As the entire crew was from Anahiti and the subjects of Sultan Graeo'gi, their actions were unauthorized.

Olafur had talked Rovan into fighting the revolution, but Rovan only agreed so he could find his former Master, Akiva. When Rovan and Olafur joined Flaero and Malum to rescue their friend Thea from the Shadow Coven, it was revealed to Rovan that Akiva had been killed by the Sorors there.

Rovan had left behind his wife and two kids to join Olafur in this fight. It was a noble cause worthy of leaving his family, but Rovan had never dreamed it might have come at such a high cost.

Olafur's family was also in danger, but his Uncle Loean had money and influence. The Elysium was technically Loean's ship and crew. Many of the Elysium's crew had family who worked for Loean on his vast farming complex on the island of Zehra. Rovan's family was the only one from Tara.

They were sailing due South from the Bay of Altifir and into the open Nanook Ocean. They would have to sail wide of the Sultan's island of Gaffar to avoid capture. Then, they could swing West to Tara Island first, as it was on the way to Zehra.

Sultan Graeo'gi would know that they might come to rescue their families, and with many miles and islands to pass, they might have to fight their way home.

Sultan Graeo'gi had allied with Kittisek Khan of Nanook in the wake of Tsar Miro's death. Since Chancellor Flaero was elected, he had supported dissent against its leaders in Anahiti and Nanook. Revolutionary manifestos Flaero had passed out against Tsar Miro found their way into peasants' hands throughout every land. Kittisek Khan and Sultan Graeo'gi saw this as an act of war. Anyone who had previously helped Flaero was now seen as supporting the revolution, something the Royal leaders wouldn't stand for.

Rovan might agree with Flaero and did help fight against Miro and the Shadow Coven, but it wasn't because he thought of overthrowing his Sultan. It was too late to convince anyone of that. He could only hope to rescue his family and wait until the trouble passed.

To help alleviate the crew's nerves, they organized many games and competitions to distract them. One of the competitions was wrestling. They made a circle outline as the boundary. The rules were simple: the first to be pushed out of the circle or to touch the ground lost. Because so many crewmen were angry at the situation, plenty of competitors existed. It also helped to keep the crew in a fighting spirit if they did encounter trouble.

Rovan was focused on furthering Olafur's training in connecting to the O element. Olafur had made considerable progress since their original departure. Olafur had already been a capable fighter before Rovan met him, but his control with the O element was sharper and focused since Rovan's tutoring. The battles they fought against the Sorors and Black Legion had given Olafur real-world application.

Rovan and Olafur occasionally joined the rest of the crew in the wrestling competition, but Rovan was too good, so they rarely let him. The crew had wanted to test themselves against him but learned quickly that was pointless. Only Olafur could give Rovan any match that would last more than five seconds.

Rovan was too anxious about his family and wanted a challenge for the day, so he tried to convince ten men to take him on in the circle. Ten men very reluctantly accepted.

Usually, the competitors stand behind two lines and wait for a ref to say go, but Rovan stood in the middle on this occasion. When the word " go " was declared, Rovan already had three competitors out of the circle.

They had tried to rush him together, and that was the first mistake as Rovan used their momentum against them. A fourth had grabbed his arm from behind, trying to push Rovan out. Rovan bent down to his left to pull the hand off his elbow. Rovan turned to face the man, lifted him from under his armpits, and threw him out of the circle.

Fifth and Sixth competitors thought they could use Rovan's proximity to the circle's edge against him, but that also failed. Rovan shoved them back with each of his hands, then attacked and became an attacker as he grabbed one by the wrist and pulled him towards him; as he passed by Rovan, he freed his hand to shove him to the ground. He grabbed the other with both hands and flung him out of the circle.

Rovan grabbed the Seventh by the wrist, pulled it, and knocked him off his feet with a straight arm. The eighth and ninth Rovan used shoulder barges to crash out of the circle, and the tenth was thrown to the ground with two quick movements.

"Are my crew going to recover to fight enemies if we encounter them?" Captain Dantes half-jokingly asked Rovan.

"I hope I didn't hurt anyone too much," Rovan said, a little embarrassed about his aggressiveness.

"Do I get a turn with ten men or fight you?" Olafur asked brazenly.

"Careful, when you ask for the bull, you might get the horns," Rovan warned.

"And sometimes the bull gets outsmarted." Olafur teased in a cocky way.

"See, now you deserve a lesson, my young apprentice."

"Young is the key to that sentence."

"Just get in the circle."

Whenever Rovan and Olafur fought, the crowd would grow twice its size; this was no different. Rovan and Olafur bent over, their hands on their knees, facing each other. They both gave each other a severe stare-down. Olafur wasn't going to flinch in intimidation.

The ref said go, and Olafur got the inside grip on Rovan's arms; it was the perfect start. Olafur drove his shoulder into his Master's chest and pushed hard with his legs. He must have thought he would beat Rovan but realized he had made a mistake too late. Rovan side-shuffled his feet in the opposite direction of the pressure, grabbed Olafur under both armpits, lowered his chest, and threw Olafur out of the circle.

"Oh dear, is it the young one lying face down." Rovan cheekily mocked Olafur.

Olafur said nothing as Rovan offered a hand to get up. "And the lesson is never to disrespect your teacher."

"Yes, I keep failing to remember that one," Olafur admitted.

"So I shall keep teaching it."

The crowd enjoyed the show, but Captain Dantes had broken it up, so some work was done. The ship always had to be ready for a fight, which meant constant cleaning and tidying.

Rovan went back to his room to meditate. He instructed Olafur to do it after training to focus the mind and steady the heartbeat. Rovan didn't look forward to it, as it opened his mind to his fears about his family. He always saw them in pain, and it was difficult to bear even thousands of miles away from them.

Rovan's wife, Amaya, told him to leave on this trip. She thought it was the Source of everything that had called him in dreams. At the time, Rovan wasn't sure she was right, but Amaya was more observant than him, so he listened.

Rovan never thought this would be the nature of his return journey, but life rarely is what you think it will be. Rovan had no fears over encountering Sultan Graeo'gi's men; he feared for those he loved.

Amaya was intelligent and resourceful. Rovan knew she could handle difficulties, but worry was never rational.

Rovan was used to the smell of the salty air, eating various bean dishes every meal, feeling the rhythm of the bobbing ship in the surf, listening to the constant movements of the crew, and seeing the endless amounts of ocean ahead of him.

The sound of thunder brought Rovan out of his meditation. Throughout their journey, they encountered some small storms but nothing serious. The crew had experienced a bad storm in the North Seas, but Rovan and Olafur were on shore at the time. Rovan assumed it was just another tiny storm.

Rovan could feel the waves swell higher as the thunderclaps drew closer. He thought he should check in with Olafur and the Captain to ensure nothing was severe. Upon seeing the ocean and sky topside, it was apparent that they were in for it.

The crew split up during much of the battles against the Tsar. The leading crewman stayed onboard and helped ferry Qamatan citizens who could not fight. The crewmen, who were experienced soldiers, left the ship with Rovan and Olafur to battle. Olafur's Uncle Loean paid the whole crew, and they were all due some wages if they ever found his Uncle on return. It was the least of the crew's worries at this point.

The crew was experienced and knew how to prepare the ship for a storm. Plus, they were Anahitiian, the best sailors in any land. No storm would frighten them. The sea ran through their ancestral blood.

Rovan was asked to make sure every part of the ship was prepared. He went down the ladders to the lowest level, into the hold. Ensuring no water got in was essential, as all the extra supplies were down there. Three crewmen would remain in the hold until the storm ended, as they had to check for water. Rovan had to secure the hatch and essentially trap them in to keep the hold watertight.

Any crew that wasn't needed up top was sent to the Orlop Deck just above the hold. They all gathered as close to the ship's middle as they could. The further you get from the center, the worse the rocking is. Being on the top deck made you vulnerable to waves sweeping you off the ship, even if it might help some with motion sickness. The galley and medical bay were also there, so the doctor was nearby if you became too ill. Hopefully, the Doc wasn't one of them getting sick.

Rovan closed the hatch to the Orlop Deck but didn't make it tight so the crew could come up or down as needed. Rovan and Olafur's rooms didn't take much to secure, while all of the gunports were sealed on the Gun Deck. Some crew would remain on the Gun Deck to push water out that would come splashing down. The Gun Deck was above the waterline, and couldn't fully seal it. Big waves would force water through even small cracks, and someone would push the water out of ports at the front.

Rovan and Olafur would have liked to remain in their private cabins during the storm, but being located at the very back would have made it rougher. Rovan informed Captain Dantes that all the Decks were ready.

The ship's rocking had intensified, but the storm had yet to reach them. The crew had already reefed the sails and put on a storm jib. Because of the high winds, you have to reduce the size of the sails, but you still need to maneuver for steering. The crew also deployed a sea anchor to help stabilize the ship.

Rovan and Olafur decided to help the crewman on the Gun Deck keep water out, as it would give them something to do. It would also keep them out of the way of the crew on the top deck.

There is excitement on the edge of a storm. You know that it can go wrong, and you may not even survive, but witnessing the power of nature is humbling. Even Rovan, for all his might, is rendered useless to the wind and wave power. Something primal stirs us inside, and we slightly fear the storm but also crave to see what devastation it can do. We want to get as close as possible to the flame, feel the heat, and turn away to tell the story.

The vessel starts to pitch harder as darkness envelops it, and the driving wind screams like a banshee. The sound and force of the wind become relentless. It can go on for hours and never changes volume or frequency. The gales drive the rain sideways, forcing water through every crevasse. Sea water splashes onto the Gun Deck from above endlessly.

Rovan and a few other crew take their mops and push the water quickly to the bow and a drain. It is impossible to keep your feet, and many fall trying to do even this simple exercise. They are one deck below and somewhat safe from the waves.

Rovan doesn't know what it looks like on the water but can imagine well enough. He tries to keep his mind occupied. He tries to keep a conversation going with Olafur.

"If you are healing someone with the power to connect, what is required?" Rovan asks Olafur.

"A lesson now?"

"Have something else going on?"

"I guess not."

"So the answer is?"

"You have to transfer a piece of you. It requires a sacrifice of sorts."

"That is correct."

"Do you regain that piece back at some point?"

"Yes. I mean, I don't know."

"You do, but it will vary for each person. Some things cut so deep they don't ever heal. It can even be an emotional wound. It's like all healing; it depends." Rovan said.

"Have you ever had to use it on someone?" Olafur asks.

"No," Rovan admits and pushes some more water.

"Can you bring someone back from the dead?"

"I honestly don't know. I've never heard of someone doing it. That doesn't always mean it's impossible; it just means no one has unlocked the ability." Rovan speculated.

"So, is there a limit to what powers an individual can have?"

"Only your mind can limit you, which is easy to do. We get distracted at the moment and forget even to attempt things. That is why I try to tell you to keep a clear mind. Only when your mind is quiet will you hear the words of the universe speaking to you. Always remember, it isn't you who has the power. You are just like this storm. The wind and water aren't the power. They surrender and become whatever is asked of them. That is true power, surrender. If they are asked to be calm, they are. If they are asked to destroy, they do. There is no question as to why."

"Isn't that a bad thing? To blindly obey." Olafur challenged.

"If the one you surrender to is true and pure, you won't be required to do wrong. That's why it is called faith; you can never know for sure. "

"Says the one who's lost his." Olafur reminded his Master.

"I've given up on systems and organizations, but not the whole works yet."

"So if I believe enough, I can heal people and be as powerful as this storm? I just surrender to the Source of All things?"

"You can be more powerful than even this storm; you only need to remove the obstacles in your mind that keep us from it," Rovan explained.

"It sounds good, but even you haven't achieved that power." Olafur points out.

"Who said I want power? Power fantasies are ultimately that, fantasy."

"Then why train?"

"We don't train to be all-powerful. We train to be closer to the Source. To realize our best potential so we can serve others. Only people like those red-robed Witches and hypocrites use power like that."

"But you killed many of the Sorors in battle; was that not wrong? Was that not using your power?"

"It is a fine line. Ultimately, I saw us using our power to defeat the Shadow Coven so their cruelty wouldn't spread. It's the greater good argument." Rovan defended.

"It's not a great argument. Using power to defeat power sounds like what a bad guy would say," Olafur said, not accusingly.

"That is why it is essential to train with a proper Master. It would be best if you were taught so that you understand the choices. No one can always make the right ones. There is a cost to the power we have. I won't be around forever to guide you through your storms."

The very real storm rocked the ship to remind Rovan and Olafur they couldn't escape its grip either. The initial excitement of the storm quickly fades. The awe-inspiring power never changes for hours, and it wears thin. Soon, you want it to stop, but it doesn't. Rovan feels for the crew on the lower decks, who are paralyzed to do anything and become disoriented from the constant churning.

Hour after hour, the storm howled and tormented them; like a monster with an unsettled stomach, the storm suddenly ended as it spit them out the other side. The seas started to calm, and the wind subsided. The crew and ship had been judged by the sea Gods and Goddesses and were deemed worthy.

"Captain has given the all-clear." Was shouted down from above them.

Rovan threw down his mop, popped the hatch, and quickly ran down the ladders to the Orlop deck. He was met with foulness in the air as some of the men had been sick. He relayed the Captain's message. Rovan then unsealed the Hold hatch.

"Hey, boys, time to come out," Rovan yelled to the poor souls below.

Everyone poured out of every part of the ship, taking big breaths of the fresh sea air. Rovan went to his cabin to get some well-deserved sleep.

———-

The crew was on edge the closer they got to Anahitian waters. They wanted to reach their families but knew any vessel spotted meant a fight. Men had no interest in games to keep busy now; everyone had eyes on the horizon.

It wasn't long after entering Anahitiian waters that a ship was spotted. Alarms rang out through the ship, and battle stations quickly became ready. Rovan and Olafur took a position at the ship's bow, prepared to lead the attack if necessary.

"That's one of my Uncle's ships," Olafur said in surprise.

"Are you sure?" Rovan asked.

"Of course."

"Wait. We don't know if it's been captured and is being used to lure us. Don't say anything to the others just yet."

Rovan was waiting to give the signal. There wasn't any noise around the ship; the waves crashing into it were the only sound. Rovan could see the people on the incoming ship, which was now very close. They looked ready for battle as well.

"Uncle, Uncle Loean," Olafur shouted, but there was no way to hear each other. The ships sailed passed each other as both took good looks at each other's crew. Olafur said he had spotted his Uncle, so they put up a white flag.

The ships circled back and slowed. Olafur's Uncle was ferried over and brought on board.

"Bless my soul." Olafur's Uncle Loean greeted him. They gave each other a big hug. "I hear it was a successful mission I sent you on, too successful."

"Why too successful?" Olafur asked.

"My boy, we had to escape. On my ship, there is the family from much of your crew. We had some close calls to get this far. We had swung by Tara Island to see if you had come by. Luckily, I own fast ships. We escaped some of the Sultan's vessels."

"You were by Tara? Was it still safe?" Rovan frantically asked.

"No, I don't think it is. It could have been a coincidence that we ran into a ship, but I doubt it," Loean Said.

"Uncle, this is Rovan. The one I went searching for. He is my Master now." Olafur said.

"Glad to meet you; I hope you're teaching Olafur right."

"I try."

"With Olafur, it's all you can do." Loean joked.

"Where were you heading?" Olafur asked.

"Ishvara, I thought, now that Flaero is the leader. You met up with him as I asked." Loean said to Olafur,

"We did. I'm sure the crew and Captain Dantes will happily see you again. I want to catch up with you, but the crew wants to see their families. We don't really have time to waste. We have to get to Tara and see Rovan's family. I'm afraid we'll have to catch up in Ishavara." Olafur told his Uncle.

"I see. You're right, my boy." Loean said. He called Olafur his boy even though he was his Nephew. Olafur lost his parents when he was still young, and Loean acted like a surrogate father.

The crew was allowed a brief time to see their families, and then they painfully had to say goodbye. They wanted to help Rovan and reach Tara to rescue his family, even if it was a trap.

The winds had changed and were pushing them South, and before long, Tara was in view. No sign of ships, there was still a chance of saving Rovan's family.