The First Five Days: of the Lionean Saga

by John O.

  In addition to relief, Stev was visibly excited for an opportunity to show off what he considered to be his life’s work.

  “Please come with me,” He replied, “I’m sure you will not be disappointed.”

  As he led the three men into the hall, a sudden shadow of doubt came upon him, for there was a chance that the danger had not passed. If Yosi intended to question his Studes on their whereabouts of the previous evening, it could provide damning evidence that would seal his fate.

  “Do me a favor, Lector. Do not disclose my identity to your Studes, lest they put up an air that belies their true skills at the arts. When the time is right, I will introduce myself.”

  “Your command,” he replied dutifully.

  Upon reaching the observation platform, Yosi began to watch the Studes as they practiced their art. Archery was the theme and the Studes took turns with their arrows to hit a defined target. Each had ten tries, with five tries in two rounds each. Among the Studes were, Joff and Jeff Even, sons of Leade Marc Even. They had already hit the target three times out of five in the first round, and were about to take their turns for the first time in the second round.

  At the far side of the line was a dark skinned Stude who stood poised to take his shot. What intrigued Yosi about the boy was the manner in which he positioned his arrow. Tilted half an arc upwards, the boy pulled the arrow against the string and released. Three times he repeated this and three times he hit the exact same mark, although the mark was a few meters off the actual target.

  “Has Rensy Set always shot his arrows in that manner?” Yosi asked of Stev.

  Stev was astonished that the HN knew the Stude’s name. “Yes. I have long concluded that there must be something wrong with him. He never follows instructions. At some point he used to, but for the past few years, he has remained incorrigible. I only keep him on due to the fact that he lost his father not long ago. Perhaps he hasn’t fully recovered from the trauma.”

  As the Stude poised to take his fourth attempt, Yosi Sint’s voice echoed throughout the hall. “Rensy Set!”

  The hall fell silent as Yosi made his way towards the Stude. “The target is right in front of you. Why then do you insist on shooting higher up the wall?”

  The Stude looked to the ground without saying a word.

  “I guess you have been trying to emulate what someone very close to you once did,” Yosi concluded “Are you the son of Ringin Set?”

  The Stude’s doleful mood transformed into one of excitement as he answered, “Yes! He was my father. Did you know him?”

  “I fought alongside him during the war. He was our best archer at the time. If he is indeed the one you are trying to emulate, then you did not observe his technique very closely. Perhaps you focused too much on the way he moved his body or you watched from a place where you couldn’t see the mark properly. You have probably been trying to understand why your father shot his arrow that way. You believe it to be a mystery, I reckon.”

  “Yes!” replied the expectant Stude who listened attentively along with his contemporaries.

  “How far from your father do you think the target was?”

  “Just as far as this one is from me,” the Stude replied.

  “I see. Tell me of a time you observed him shoot.”

  “Actually, he always shot his arrows in the exact manner in which I shoot mine. I used to watch him from the study while he aimed his arrows, though I never could see the target. The interesting thing was, after shooting, he never went to confirm if he had or had not hit his target.”

  “So, if I understand you correctly, you believe the arrows followed a curved path until they hit the target?”

  “Yes,” Rensy replied.

  “Interesting,” Yosi said as he smiled. “Logic should tell you that if the target is too close, the arrow’s trajectory would not be fully developed before it hit true. Your father didn’t have to confirm if he hit his target or not because he must have been absolutely sure of his aim, having mastered the art of trajectories.”

  “But I do not understand, if my father’s angle of aim depended on his distance from the target, why on earth did the exact same angle hit true every single time?”

  Lector Stev Even secretly smiled for he thought that the HN was being put in his place. The man simply acted as though he knew it all and it was gratifying to find a not-so-bright Stude put him in a tough position.

  “That’s because you have made an erroneous assumption, Rensy,” Yosi replied. “You’ve assumed that the target was always stationary. However, have you considered that the target may have been in motion, with your father timing his shot such that the target’s position would be right where he wanted it for his aim to hit true? This, of course, is no easy feat, but recall that he was our best archer.”

  Rensy’s face brightened with a half measure of understanding. It was all beginning to make sense; yet he needed physical demonstration to drive the point home. “Please show me how.”

  Yosi Sint took the bow and arrow from the Stude. He aimed at the target and released. True to his word, the arrow struck its mark accurately, with the arrow penetrating halfway into the target. Even the Lector could not hide his surprise at the precision of the shot. Looking at the Stude, Yosi held out the bow and said, “Now, you try.”

  Rensy took the bow as another Stude hurriedly removed Yosi’s arrow from the target. Emulating Yosi’s exact stance and angle, he was about to shoot when Yosi stopped him with a light tap on his shoulder.

  “If you must copy me, Rensy Set, you will need to take into account the difference between my height and yours and the distance between us. But of course, doing that will not be easy, which is why you’re better off focusing on the target as you take aim.”

  Rensy attempted, but could not get himself to let go of his father’s stance. To his dismay, the arrow hit the spot where his previous three arrows had struck; off the mark.

  The hall erupted in laughter at Rensy’s apparent ineptitude. Dejected, the Stude lamented, “I’m just not good for anything.”

  Yosi Sint calmly replied, “You are correct. Except that you have it all upside down. You’re not just good, you are exceptional! Of all your contemporaries in this hall, only you have struck the same spot four times in succession.”

  The hall was silent at the realization. Until now, it had not occurred to the other Studes how Rensy demonstrated repeated precision in his shots, despite the fact they were off the mark. Rensy himself was shocked, with a feeling of self-confidence slowly returning.

  “All you need do,” Yosi continued, “is control your thoughts. Your father is no longer here. What’s more, you are your own man. Rather than emulating his exact actions, emulate what was behind them: courage, self-belief, humility and a burning desire to protect those he loved.”

  “Thank you...” Rensy was at a loss of what title to address the man before him. Yosi simply nodded in return and beckoned the Studes to gather around him.

  “Listen carefully to this riddle,” he began, “Six comely ladies….”

  Yosi Sint recited the riddle his predecessor had tasked him with all those years ago. To his surprise, immediately after he was through, a voice from the crowd answered

  “The king chose the light blonde haired lady who wore a blue gown.”

  Yosi Sint and his Leades were visibly astonished at the speed with which the riddle was solved. No other person, not even Yosi himself, had solved it that fast. With a voice filled with awe, Yosi replied, “That is correct!”

  Yet again, everyone in the room turned to gaze at the dark boy, Rensy Set. Somewhat embarrassed, Rensy stared downwards, wishing the moment to pass quickly.

  Yosi inquired of him, “Rensy, have you by any means heard this puzzle before?”

  “No… My father trained my sister and me in puzzles. But none were ever half as long as this one.”

  “Can you explain how you arrived at your answer?”

  “Not really. I just listened as you spoke
, and by the time you finished, the answer was clear to me.”

  Impressed, Yosi realized just how much he did not know about the world. Satisfied that he had found who he came for, he announced, “Today marks the end of your life in this province, and the beginning of a new one in the Helesp. Say your goodbyes quickly. Take particular care in informing your mother, for she will miss you terribly.”

  “Umm…” Rensy didn’t understand what he had just heard. Who was this man anyway?

  Realizing his confusion, Yosi put it plainly, “Rensy Set, I am making you a Leade.”

  The gasps in the room betrayed the shock and wonder that the Studes were feeling. Stev Even, who was still discomfited by the fact that he was still struggling to solve a puzzle that was solved by a mere Stude in a matter of seconds, stared at his nephews with widened eyes.

  “But Sire,” came the voice of Joff Even, “My brother and I are by far the best among the Studes.”

  Just like his father, Yosi Sint thought as Rensy Set muttered, “He’s right, lord HN. I am not worthy of this honor. I’m just a mere average Stude.”

  “On the contrary, Rensy, when I look at you, I see a first-rate archer with a mind so quick, it rivals all who have borne the title of HN.”

  With such high praise, Rensy, despite his dark skin tone, colored visibly as he departed the room to do as he was bid. The envy that consumed the training hall was so palpable that Ron Riten thought to himself, If the HN intended to pacify the Even Province by this feat, he has instead made things worse.

  16

  “You’ll be surprised just about how much more I can do with the Rangelica.” Oracion was back within her body in the secret room she shared with the Aishe. She had not yet fully delved into the knowledge she had acquired from the vault, but she had taken a cursory survey which revealed to her just how much she didn’t know about herself.

  “Really? You’ve found out more? That’s interesting. However, we have more grave issues to attend to right now,” the Aishe replied.

  “Ah I see. And what can these issues be?” inquired Oracion.

  “Ishe Fiten has declared his wish for the goddess’ embrace. He must not live through the night!”

  Oracion had known that it was only a matter of time before this order came. With a passive tone, she asked. “When do you want him dead?”

  “About three hours before the Crow’s.”

  “That’s roughly two hours from now. Perhaps I must be on my way then.”

  “Indeed. However, there are things you should know about the palace in order to make your mission smoother. The palace is no longer as it was when you last visited. The Ishe’s personal room is on the first floor, and is constantly guarded by the Legator, who watches from the balcony. Do not make the mistake of engaging him, for he is one of our best. Not that you cannot defeat him, it’s just that I would rather not take chances. Besides, I will need his expertise when I become Ishe.”

  “The door that connects the balcony to the Ishe’s throne room will be closed at the Crow’s Hour when the Legator retires for the night. There is a window high up the wall to the east of the room. I believe that is your best bet in accessing and exiting the room with minimal resistance. Once in, go straight for the Ishe. Ignore the guards, lest you alert the Ishe who can retreat into an inner safe room which cannot be accessed from the outside once locked. If you can, kill the Ishe in one strike; silent, swift and lethal. That way, the guards will remain oblivious and, therefore, you will avoid having to face any of them in combat.”

  Oracion was silently amused by the way the Aishe always worried about her, despite having proved herself multiple times, “Yes father,” she replied in a sardonic manner.

  “Have something to eat right before you depart. You know how tired you get when you’re in that form”

  “I’ll be fine. Trust me,” countered Oracion

  As the Aishe watched her prepare to leave, he was overcome by a protective feeling over his daughter. He put her in far too much danger than a father normally would, he realized. Sadly, it couldn’t be helped; for she had exactly what he needed in order to pursue his ambitions. Be careful, he thought, almost calling after her.

  “I have a good mind to get rid of this HN right here, right now,” Joff Even whispered to his brother.

  “With your arrow I presume?”

  “Yes. He is wide open,” Joff replied.

  “Let’s say you are successful, how will you evade being tried for treason?”

  “Um, I haven’t given that much thought yet.”

  Jeff shook his head at his brother’s shallowness. Obviously, he hadn’t taken note of the Leade who stood to the right of the HN. “If you gave it any thought at all, you would have noticed that one of the Leades has been constantly looking towards our direction. He will intercept your arrow in time enough to save the HN. It’s a thoughtless plan, Joff.”

  Yosi Sint, who had just finished exchanging a few words with the Lector turned around and addressed the Studes.

  “I haven’t formally introduced myself. My name is Yosi Sint, son of Jorraine Sint. As you may already have guessed, I am the HN of this great Nation and I wish you all the best in your training.”

  At that moment, Rensy returned with a few belongings, indicating that he was ready to depart for the Helesp. On seeing him, Yosi commended the Lector for his good work with the Studes and informed him that they would be on their way. Stev managed a smile and thanked the HN for doing them the honor of selecting a Leade from their province. With that, he escorted the HN and his Leades out of the training hall.

  It was just past dinner time at the Helesp and the hall was filled with idle merriment, courtesy of the beating drum of Karl Izzy. Spyinme Lena Sten, who was referred to as the black beauty, moved her body synchronously to the rhythm of the drum while sitting on a chair. Enjoying herself immensely, her moves escalated into full blown dancing as she arose and twirled towards Karl. It was no news that Lena loved dancing and, as such, the others in the hall began to cheer her on as her moves intensified.

  Sly Zozan had never seen anything like it. The sensual movements of the dancer stirred up feelings within him that he didn’t know existed. To his delight, and perhaps to make matters worse, Rahel Ni, Mila Thorne and Riya Senet soon joined Lena on what was now a dance floor. This went on for almost thirty minutes before the door swung open to usher in Yosi Sint, Rosi Lite, Ron Riten and Rensy Set. The hall fell silent as none could tell how Yosi would react to such reveling. Ron’s countenance clearly displayed his disapproval and disappointment. Sly, who knew Yosi to be on the conservative side, was visibly scared that some scolding was sure to ensue.

  To everyone’s surprise however, Yosi simply said, “It appears you all are having some fun. Forgive me for interrupting but it can’t be helped if I’m to introduce the newest Leade who will now reside with us. He is Rensy Set of the Even Province.”

  To Rensy, he said, “These are your fellow Leades and a good number of our Spyinmes. They are all great people and you will do well to learn from them. Also, feel free to partake in their activities.”

  Succinct as always, Yosi nodded at Karl, signaling that the drumming may be resumed. With that, he made his way up the stairs that led to his room. Ron followed suit with an even more disappointed look, for he had hoped Yosi would put a final stop to a behavior he considered unworthy of military elite. Rensy, on seeing the beautiful women around the room, decided to remain in the hall and blend in with his new housemates.

  The tactile mind of Oracion materialized before the Ishe’s Palace, although none could see her. She regarded the twenty Sentors who guarded the front gate before proceeding to fly over them into the palace. The Legator, Henri Hart, was on the balcony as expected. Four guards each manned the entrance of the two stairways that led to the balcony, while twenty guards manned the palace gates from behind. Oracion nearly laughed in mockery at a defense strategy that was about to be breached. Constraining herself, she made her way towards the win
dow her father had told her about. Upon finding it, she peered in to find the Ishe discussing with his first wife in a happy mood. Laugh in good measure, Ishe, for it will be your last, she thought.

  As her father had predicted, the guards at the entrance of the room were firmly in place, with one looking towards the room and the other looking outwards. With care not to alert them, she entered the room and sat gently on a small platform just below the window. All she needed to do now was wait until the Legator departed his post for dinner.

  Prisca declared as she walked out of the Ispri’s room, “Holy Father, I think it is time I pay the HN a visit.”

  “Why?” the Ispri asked in surprise.

  “Well, he visited me yesterday and I promised to return the favor. Who knows when next I’ll have business that will bring me to these parts? It could be months and years. Now that I’m here, I might as well visit him.”

  With a raised eyebrow, the Ispri replied, “But it is already late. And wouldn’t you seem somewhat presumptuous to show up at such a late hour just to return a favor?”

  “Presumptuous? I fail to understand your meaning, Father.”

  “Well, to visit him only one day after he visited you would insinuate that you are too eager for his attention. He is the man and, as such, should do the courting; not the other way around. Besides, you are the Ispris. People will have ignoble notions about you visiting at the HN near bedtime. If you must see him so badly then you can stop by on your way back on the morrow.”

  He’s the one to do the courting? Prisca fixated her thoughts on that phrase as she recalled Yosi’s mother’s words to her a few years ago…

  “Some men do not hesitate upon finding a woman they admire, while other men never approach their women of interest under any circumstance, possibly due to anxiety, lack of confidence, fear of rejection and so on. However, there is a third group of men that are relatively rare. They are the academic loners. They may, in their lifetime, fall in love with one or even many women like everyone else, and may even be as bold as those in the first group. However, they quickly interpret their emotions as a preliminary aspect of mating behavior. Like they respond to every other want or desire whose fulfillment they are content to live without, they dismiss these romantic yearnings.”