by John O.
The First
Five Days
In what will come to be known as the Lionean Saga
By
John O. & Archie A.
Copyright © 2016 John O. & Archie A.
All rights reserved. No portion of the book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any other information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the authors.
For John, Cordelia, Chinwendu & Magdalen
Message from the Authors
Hey there! Get ready to be launched headlong into a series of captivating and yet puzzling events that will leave you asking questions. Be rest assured that the answers will come eventually as you read along but the fun way to go, is to try to figure things out for yourself! The key word here is ‘try’, although we’re pretty sure your efforts will be futile.
To start off on the right note, do well to read the preface first. You’re also advised to read until the very last page. And for those who have a knack for riddles, we’ve included a bonus riddle at the end of the book. The answer to the riddle has already been provided within the story; hence your main task is to figure out how to arrive at the answer. When you do, please get in touch via Facebook and Twitter (@lioneansaga) for a pat on the back.
Have fun and good luck!!
Preface
Several centuries ago in a distant world, Hinary Rosento, a man of great wealth and valor, gathered a dauntless crew and departed on an ambitious quest from his home country, Gale. He had long harbored a dream of founding a nation of his own, and in order to do this, he hoped to discover uninhabited land on which to settle with carefully selected men and women. After sailing for a near eternity, Hinary realized it was next to impossible to find such uninhabited land. He thus decided to settle for a lush but sparsely populated island with primitive inhabitants who were known for dark magic. It was his thinking that the fear of dark magic would enable him build his nation with minimal interference; for it was indeed the very reason why the Island had been overlooked in the expansionist agenda of its neighboring empire. Satisfied with his choice, he sailed back to Gale, and began the trying process of persuading his ideal candidates to join him in his cause. It took seven years before he gathered the critical mass of followers, and with the famine in the nearby nation of Moulin, he ended up having more volunteers than he had originally bargained for.
When the time was right, Hinary and his followers, many of which were warriors in their own right, made their way towards the new Island in great ships to begin the conquest. Not one for futile bloodshed, Hinary did his best to negotiate with the Island’s local tribes who referred to themselves as the Icasa. In the end, those who aligned with Hinary were spared while those who skewed the opposite were annihilated by Hinary’s warriors, led by his third son. In time, the fickle resistance the natives put up crumbled altogether, leading to the birth of the nation called Lionea. Assuming the role of the Island’s supreme leader, Hinary bestowed upon himself the title of Ishe and built himself a palace located within the central district of the Island, named Hinary Rock. As the years passed, he went on to divide the Island into ten provinces, each to be ruled respectively by his sons upon whom he bestowed the title of Aishes.
To ensure stability within the Nation, he stipulated that the role of Ishe should be rotated amongst his sons upon his passing, such that a son should rule as Ishe for six years before transferring the mantle to his immediate younger brother. When the last son has ruled his six year period, the title should then return to the oldest living son such that the cycle is repeated. Until all his sons were dead and gone, no grandson could rule as Ishe; this was Hinary’s way of ensuring generational elder superiority was maintained in Lionea. To ensure that the nation could defend itself and maintain law and order, he bestowed upon his third son, the title of HN as the Island’s military leader and built for him an operational headquarters on Hinary Rock known as the Helesp. As for the warriors, he gave the HN leave to split them into organized focus groups such as the general soldiers, the intelligence service, the province guards, the trainers and the personal guards of the Ishe and Aishes.
Satisfied with the system he created, he went on to guide Lionea to becoming a prosperous industrialized nation that dealt in exporting crafts, weapons and farm produce to neighboring nations. Before long, the empire to its north began to feel threatened by Lionea’s success and in time, the situation degenerated into a full scale war from which Lionea emerged victorious. Despite the victory, no Lionean was under the illusion that their troubles were over; for it was clear to everyone that the aggressors were sure to launch another war effort with even more ferocity
However, what wasn’t immediately obvious was that there was a far greater threat brewing within the very shores of the Island, and it was only when Hinary and the first HN died mysteriously and in quick succession that it slowly began to come to light…
Current Status of Hinary and Sons
Structure of the Lionean Military as Instituted by the First HN
The Maps of Lionea and The Known World
“Life is a gift with thorns. In moments of seemingly meaningless evil and suffering, think not only of the thorns, but meditate also on the wonders and beauty of this gift, and be grateful for the brief experience.”
- HN Sen Rosento
DAY 1
1
The large room, exquisitely designed in a manner befitting a lord or king, was enveloped in dark silence as the leaders of the various Lionean military arms awaited the word of the HN. By itself, a gathering of the leaders in response to the HN’s call was not abnormal. However, Ruki Sen, who had served as the HN for just over a decade, was a man full of twists and turns. “The cunning viper!,” as he was often called, was hardly a viper these days. However it was not beyond him to drive a final wedge in the fragile stability of the nation as he lay on his deathbed. It was true that he would never intentionally jeopardize Lionea, but the time had come to name his successor, and the choice he was sure to make would go a long way in determining the immediate fate of the Island.
These people are right to be disconcerted, thought Ruki Sen in derision. He was absolutely weary of the convoluted politics of Lionea. What he couldn’t do in life, he might as well do in death: select his successor based on merit alone. He was determined to no longer succumb to the pressures of the provinces and his only hope was that the lethal poison he had ingested would afford him enough time to finalize this act before the death goddess made her claim on him. Why isn’t he here yet? he thought impatiently.
At that moment, a red-haired man of slender but muscular build entered the room with a distant look. He seemed tired−nevertheless he walked with purpose. “Yosi, you have kept us all waiting for far too long. Where were you, if I may ask?” Ruki Sen bellowed.
Yosi hesitated before calmly replying, “For the past three days, I have labored in the East Forest, searching for the Astragalus as my father bade me do. I departed the forest as soon as you beckoned. Apologies for my tardiness.”
“Did you at least find the bloody plant?”
“Yes, my lord,” Yosi replied.
“Very well then… Come stand by my side.”
Questioning looks painted the faces of the majority in the room, as if to examine whom this man was and his role in the meeting. Many had not seen him before and indeed, he possessed an alien feel to his being. More so, the fact that Ruki had beckoned Yosi to his side left the onlookers with a terrible foreboding. It was a clear sign that their worst fears were materializing. The HN coughed and hesitated briefly as
he began his address.
“There is every chance that the death goddess will take me before the Crow’s Hour. The healers have done their best, they say, but even I am weary of their ineffective potions. Be that as it may, I reckon that some in this room will feel the death goddess’s embrace before I do, for the hour has come to name my successor. Like with all situations, the right choice will gladden few, irk some, and simply intrigue others. A few have come to think themselves worthy of this office, for reasons best known to them. Others think their blood lineage guarantees them the position. It is best that none from this lot will hold this office. For as tradition will have it, it is my choice to make and I have decided who takes my place.” Both Ruki Sen and Yosi surveyed the room, one man with a fraction of the confidence held by the other. “That person is before you, standing by my side. Yosi Sint, son of Jorraine Sint, I hereby name you the HN of the great Island of Lionea!”
The whisperings among the audience were now audible; an interfusion of surprise, anger and speculation.
“Silence!” the charismatic and authoritative voice of Ruki Sen rang out, quashing all side talk. “Yosi Sint, here is the sword that was given to me by my father, Sen Rosento, the first HN. He forged it himself in the fires of the foreign lands across the Endless Sea. It is the strongest sword I have ever seen, and represents the justice of Lionea. This sword is to be passed down to all who will be culled to undertake the responsibility of the HN. It is now yours. Take it and use it wisely.”
Before Yosi could speak his words of acceptance, Marc Even, an intractable Leade by all accounts, charged forward to confront the HN, “Who is this? How is it that we know not the existence of a living son of Jorraine Sint? That you will dare to endanger the Nation by entrusting it to this impostor is the height of your arrogance, Ruki!”
Ruki Sen, like many others in the room, was visibly shocked that a mere Leade would dare to publicly address him by his first name. But Marc wasn’t daunted by this. Instead, he continued, “Your folly will not be permitted this time around. This office is mine and mine alone! Even your son cannot challenge my claim in this. The law states that this office may also be won by a duel to the death between the incumbent and a champion of the Swordsman’s Glory. It shames me to even challenge this unknown son of some serving wench but I will do what must be done. Yosi Sint, I hereby challenge you to a death match for the title of HN. You will do well to stand down. To die at my hand because of the ranting of that sickly senile man will be your only legacy if you choose otherwise.”
By now, Ruki Sen had regained his composure and in a manner reminiscent of his former self, he burst out in mirth while others stood nonplussed at what they witnessed. After laughing in good measure, Ruki simply said, “Death goddess, I promised you some souls before the Crow’s Hour. May you accept them in good faith.” He smiled to himself and continued, “Well then, what are you waiting for, foolish one? Do as you wish!”
“Leade Marc,” began the sudden voice of a woman known as Maya, who stood a few feet away from the angry Leade. “It is you who must take heed. I know that man well; he is my brother and you stand no chance against him. He might not look it, but he is indeed the best swordsman around. To take him head-on will be to feed yourself willingly to the crows. Stand down, I beg you, for there are other ways to win this battle.”
“Foolish woman, there is no other way!” Marc shouted as he charged forward in a cunning attempt to take Yosi by surprise. As with the speed of an eagle in descent, Yosi simply sidestepped as he parried the attack, directing the battle away from Ruki Sen. The dexterity of this move was not lost on Marc. No regular swordsman could have achieved both in one swift move, and this was enough to cause Marc to proceed with caution. However, Marc’s anger was still firmly in control. With deadly determination, he launched three poison darts towards Yosi while circling him in a gesture characteristic of Leade battle-arts. Yosi was fully aware of the potency of the poison darts. To be struck by one meant a slow but inexorably painful death. It was Marc’s, and indeed everyone else’s, expectation that Yosi would attempt to dodge the darts, leaving him open on his left side which would surely be met by the sharp blade of Marc’s sword. Yet to the surprise of all except Ruki, Yosi circumvented them with a short sword that previously went unnoticed, all while executing a full arc swing with the long sword of the HN, severing Marc’s head from his flailing body.
In spite of Yosi’s triumph, the altercation was far from over. For as Yosi stood before the lifeless body of Marc, another Leade, Jetsi Foté, who idolized Marc with unseemly passion, launched forward in an attempt to behead Yosi from behind. Without flinching, Yosi sidestepped the amateur attack and struck the Leade in the back as he lost his balance and fell towards the floor. No sound escaped his mouth as his life ceased seconds before he touched the ground.
Any other person interested in defying the HN? Yosi thought as he stared around the room, maintaining eye contact with every single spectator. In place of the surprise and anger that had permeated the room since Ruki Sen’s proclamation, fear and dread now reigned supreme on each and every countenance. The ensuing silence stretched on for what seemed more than thirty counts before Ruki Sen, whose eyes were lit up with mischief and excitement, began his farewell address.
“Isn’t it disturbing that despite my warnings, two dutifully trained men blindly let their sentiments lead them to their graves? This should serve as a lesson to you all. Far above the warning not to challenge your new HN is the message that unchecked pride can only lead to one thing…death. How is it that a Leade like Marc, despite years of punctilious training, would attack an enemy he knows naught about? Who can explain why he now lies headless? Pride is a demon that begets no one any good. For pride’s sake, mighty nations have fallen, kings and queens obliterated, nations torn apart in strife, suckling children bereft of their mothers−the list endures. If you did not hearken unto me in life, at least do so now that I’m bound for the goddess. Humility will spare you many troubles… underestimate no one. A slave may ascend to the throne, and the poor elevated to the company of the affluent. Submit yourselves in service to your new leader. I will say no more, for a word is wisdom enough.”
Turning towards Yosi, Ruki Sen proceeded, “Time to make your address.” With that, he reclined into his bed and shut his eyes with a peaceful expression. Little time remained as the potion he had taken earlier slowly sapped the very essence of life from his body. Leaving this god-forsaken world on my own terms, he thought cheekily as he awaited Yosi’s address.
Facing upward on an oversized bed, Oracion readied herself for the exhausting act of mind travel. Few of her kind remained on the Island and a further few knew of her capabilities. She was determined not to be left out of the happenings in the Helesp as storytellers were the most inaccurate bunch. If she wasn’t around to witness events herself, she’d be left only with embellished accounts with bits and pieces of the truth.
Firmly closing her eyes, she uttered the mandatory compelling words. Upon the sound of her voice, the shutters of the lone window in the room raged wildly as an implacable wind enveloped the space. With focus, she ejected herself from her body and propelled forward, the wind aiding her spirit as she flew towards the Helesp with great speed. In a matter of minutes, she was within the Helesp where she slowly moderated the winds as they forced open the doors of the HN’s room. She barely slid past a member of the audience who obliviously rushed to shut the door behind her. That was a success, she thought with self-appreciation as she rested herself, exhausted from the short but exasperating journey. As she looked forward to observe her surroundings, the headless body of a man dressed as a Leade took her aback.
I’m late!, she thought regretfully. She was, however, not too delayed to witness the red-haired man who stood before the great leaders in a manner as if poised to address them all.
Yosi Sint hesitated at the sudden burst of wind that forced the door open. After a brief pause, he began his address with a face of indiscernib
le emotion.
“I’d like to begin by expressing my gratitude to the Almighty Spirit and HN Ruki Sen for bestowing upon me the opportunity to serve the people of this Island.” He surreptitiously glanced at his sister before continuing, “My tenure has begun with bloodshed, and truth be told there will likely be more souls for the goddess in the days ahead. This gladdens me not, for all I want is the progress and continued existence of our nation. With that said, I’m sorry you had to witness this ugly scene. It was far from intended and should it be within my power, I will ensure that such unseemly acts are not repeated before you. I promise to carry out my responsibilities to the best of my ability and continue with the inclusive system operated by my predecessors. I implore you all to join me to sustain our collective progress.”
Yosi Sint switched his gaze to a tall blonde man in his early forties and continued, “Stev Even, you are to take Marc’s remains back with you. Please accept my condolences and extend them to your father.”
“Your command,” replied Stev.
Yosi watched him very closely as he proceeded to lift the bloodied corpse.
“Lend some help to this man!” Yosi ordered, propelling several Leades to leap forward in aid to the fallen Leade’s brother. While giving them time to evacuate Marc’s remains, Yosi studied Stev closely. Before him was a man of resolute hardness: behind his eyes was murderous intent so carefully concealed that Yosi was forced to conclude that Stev would attempt to avenge his brother in the near future. One more enemy to the long list, Yosi thought as he turned to address another man.
“Johatsu Foté, likewise, you shall take Jetsi’s remains back to your province. Please accept my condolences and extend them to your father as well.”
