There was quiet as Cezar thought about the information his father had just given him about the abyss but his father wasn’t finished.
‘And so it was that the gods continued to watch over the earth and the abyss. They ruled as they had done since creation, punishing those who erred and rewarding as they saw fit.
Then one fine day, our goddess Zedia decided to leave the upper plane and instead of residing with the gods in the heavens, she chose to create her own land on earth and live with humans.’
‘Really? Asked Cezar
‘Yes my son, Oscar replied. But this decision had very serious consequences. You see, it meant that Zedia could never again return to the heavens and live with the other gods.
‘What about the balance of the force of the gods,’ Cezar asked.
‘Patience my son, I was coming to that. Zedia decision also meant a replacement had to be found to bring about balance in the power of the gods. The gods were not happy with Zedia’s decision and they asked her to reconsider, but she remained adamant that she wanted to create her own land that would be filled with peace, joy and love. Finally, the gods agreed that she could leave the heavens and Nadya, the goddess of hope was chosen to take Zedia’s place in balancing the force of the gods in the heavens.’
‘Did that work? Cezar asked. Was Nadya able to balance the force of the gods?’
‘No one knows for sure, but it is rumoured that since Zedia left the heaven nothing has been the same there.’
Cezar sat pensively thinking about what Oscar had said.
‘The first thing Zedia did when she came to live on earth was to create her own land which she named Ocracidia,’ Oscar continued.
‘That’s us!’ Cezar said excitedly.
Oscar raised a hand to quieten Cezar. ‘In this land, Zedia put every beautiful thing that ever existed in both the heavens and the earth. From Precious stones that dazzled night and day; beautiful winged spirits that sang like cherubs; fairies that danced all day long, brightly coloured dragonflies, dazzling butterflies, to every beautiful thing that anyone could ever think of.
She created blue green sands to separate Ocracidia from the rest of earth, then she formed a temple for herself upon the shores of Ocracidia which stood tall, high, erect and pleasing to the eyes.
Zedia decorated Ocracidia with the most beautiful flowers that had ever been created. She planted trees that bore the tastiest, juicy and mouth-watering fruits and then she set up a magical fountain to water the trees. The fountain was stationed right in the centre of Ocracidia; it ran into all the nooks and corners of the land. It watered the fields, filled the lake, rivers and seas and brought joy and happiness to everything that drank from it. The fountain flourished the land of Ocracidia with life.
Zedia handpicked the most beautiful, gorgeous and breath-taking animals from all over the earth and put them to inhabit the land of Ocracidia.
Finally, she filled Ocracidia with the kindest and most beautiful people in all the world but not before she breath into them, a special kind of spirit; the Spirit of love, peace and joy that came from her own heart and soul.
Thus, Ocracidia became the most sacred, blessed and beautiful land in the whole of the earth; and every living thing that was in the land of Ocracidia, flourished.’
Oscar got up and poured himself some Ocracidia juice. Cezar watched his father’s every move until his father sat back down beside him.
‘Now where was I?’ Oscar asked.
‘you said everything in Ocracidia flourished under Zedia.’
‘Yes! The land of Ocracidia was full of tantalizing life under the blessing and spirit of Zedia. But the gods were unhappy that Zedia had deserted the heavens and come to live with humans; some were unhappy that she had created a land different to the rest of the earth and had given the people of Ocracidia love and peace and joy which was a god’s characteristic; other were upset because she had been allowed to leave the heavens.
The most bitter of the gods was Diagus, the god of war. He had fallen in love with Zedia, since he first set eyes on her and he wanted her hand in marriage. So, when Zedia left the heavens; Diagus swore that he would destroy Ocracidia because in his heart he felt that the people of Ocracidia had stolen the love of his life.
But Diagus was not in a rush to punish Zedia; he waited patiently until the opportunity came to unleash his evil plan of destruction upon the land of Ocracidia.’
Chapter 4– Deception
‘A thousand years passed after Zedia had left the heavens to inhabit the earth and things in the heavens were returning to what they were before Zedia left. Everyone had come to accept that Zedia now lived with humans on earth that is everyone except Diagus who was now ready to put his plan of revenge into play.
He sent a message to Zedia; asking if he may visit Ocracidia to see the good things that she had accomplished on earth. Knowing that Zedia favourite flowers were purple and white Orchids, Diagus sent along with his message the most exotic, beautiful and heavenly purple and white Orchids there ever was.’
Cezar’s hand instinctively went to this pocket, he felt the Purple and white orchid he had picked up when he had met Zedia outside the temple a few days ago but he said nothing.
Oscar continued, Zedia was immediately won over and being the kind and peaceful soul that she was and welcomed Diagus into Ocracidia.
Diagus brought along with him the most evil and ferocious soldiers and upon setting foot on the shores of Ocracidia declared war on Zedia and her people. Zedia realised she had been deceived but it was much too late for her to fight Diagus.
Diagus took her captive and imprisoned her in the land of Goreloth; a dark, evil, land, formed deep within the abyss. He locked Zedia in the darkest dungeon and hid the key in the belly of the evil beast of Goreloth.
Diagus then set about destroying the land of Ocracidia and all that Zedia had built over the past thousand years, for he wished to ensure that there was not a trace of Ocracidia left on earth.
With thunder and lightning, he destroyed the magical fountain of Ocracidia which fed the land of Ocracidia and sent forth huge snakes and scorpions into every home. Hugh tall evil demons appeared as shadow spirits casting fear and destruction into the land and filling the people with sadness and gloom.
And for the past three years, the siege has continued, the land has grown dark and unfertile. Everything that was good and beautiful has perished, food is scarce, and starvation ravages the Land.’
Oscar turned to Cezar and placed a hand on his shoulder. ‘This is why, it is so important that you go on this quest and kill the beast of Goreloth for only with the power of good can the evil power of wickedness be totally defeated.’
Chapter 5 -Zedia's Ring
Two days later, Cezar prepared to leave Ocracidia. He knew Annabel did not want him to leave but she would not stop him.
His father, Oscar on the other hand took every opportunity to tell him how proud he was of him.
‘You must be brave and courageous to kill the beast and break the spell,' Oscar emphasised; ‘because only then can our goddess Zedia be free and our land be returned to the peaceful place it once was.’
Cezar listened; he sensed how important this quest was to Oscar and made up his mind to make his father proud by destroying the evil beast of Goreloth, and freeing Zedia.
Many villagers came to visit Cezar that day, they wished him well bringing him little knickknacks to take on his journey and offering advice that he promptly forgot the moment they turned their backs.
Cezar was only interested in what his father could tell him and he listened attentively to the instructions Oscar gave him.
Finally everyone departed to their homes and only his best Friend Nosa remained. Nosa was more like the twin Cezar never had. Having been born just hours apart, both Cezar and Nosa had grown up doing everything together and developing a tight bond and friendship. Cezar wanted Nosa to come on this quest with him but Nosa’s parents refused.
When it was ti
me to leave, Oscar said 'follow the south tunnel out of Ocracidia, it will lead you to the sea of Valour.’
Cezar's eyebrows furrowed because every child in Ocracidia is taught from a young age to avoid the Sea of valour which surrounds Ocracidia to the West.
‘But the sea of Valour is dangerous and treacherous,’ Cezar objected. ‘The route through the red forest to the east of Ocracidia is the fastest way to reach Goreloth.’
Oscar raised his right hand to ask Cezar to listen. ‘I know the route through the sea is a dangerous one,’ Oscar said; 'but it is the only way out of Ocracidia, which is not heavily guarded by Diagus’ evil demons. It will be your safest route my son.’
Cezar knew his father was right, he knew the route to the red forest was heavily guarded by Diagus’ army of spirit soldiers; but Cezar felt able to manoeuvre through the forest without being seen. Something he knew he couldn't do with the sea of Valour, which was rough and unpredictable.
But his father was always right and so Cezar resigned himself to travelling via the sea of Valour.
‘The south tunnels open to the coastland;' Oscar said. 'There is a boat already waiting for you there; cross the Sea of Valour into the land of Shells using this boat. From the Land of Shells, you should journey through to the flame mountain and into the land of Giants to reach Goreloth. Be extra careful in these foreign lands’ Oscar warned 'and always let your instincts guide you.’
'I will father,' Cezar replied.
He wondered if his father had journeyed to any of these lands but before he could ask, Oscar stroked his thin short beard and as if hearing Cezar’s thoughts, said. ‘I myself have not journeyed to any one of these distant lands so I do not speak from experience. However, I know that you have to be very cautious because Diagus has eyes everywhere.
Oscar sighed, he looked into Cezar’s eyes and continued; ‘Goreloth has only one beast. Find it, kill it and break the spell. But be watchful; there's a powerful Wizard named Viguli whose soul is tied to the beast. Viguli will feel, hear and see everything that the beast does. He will try to kill you before you can harm or kill the beast so you must be cunning and wise to achieve your goal.
Oscar held Cezar by his shoulders and said 'it will not be easy but you must succeed.’
Cezar knew this was going to be a very dangerous quest and he made up his mind to succeed at all costs.
Oscar walked Cezar to a table where a scroll lay open. A map of Ocracidia and its surrounding lands showed on the scroll. The map moved about each time Oscar touched it, as if it was alive and Cezar was astounded; he had never before seen a moving scroll.
‘This magical scroll will guide you with its map', Oscar said.
Cezar listened carefully.
‘The scroll transforms into a ring when rolled up; this is so it can be kept safe from evil eyes and so that the bearer will always have it close by. It changes back to a scroll when you take the ring off your finger;’
Oscar handed the open scroll to Cezar who immediately rolled it up.
The scroll changed into a stunning and beautiful emerald green ring the moment Cezar rolled it up and a huge smile spread across Cezar's face.
For many moments, Cezar admired the stunningly beautiful, emerald-green ring. He put the ring on the middle finger of his right hand, it was way too big for him; he twisted the ring around wondering how he was going to get the ring to say on his finger ; Suddenly the ring shrunk in size and fitted round Cezar’s thin, slim, finger perfectly.
Cezar grinned lopsidedly at Oscar; he was already loving being on a quest even without leaving Ocracidia. Cezar took the ring off, it immediately changed back into a scroll. Cezar laughed softly and so did Oscar.
‘Be careful,’ Oscar warned; ‘many would kill to have that ring. You must guard it at all times and be very careful when you use it.’
The ring has a godly history,' Oscar said. ‘It was made from a strand of Zedia’s hair and forged in the secret wells of the heavenly planes where the gods reside. Its power is such that it reveals and leads the wearer to where he or she can learn the secrets of creation which only the gods possess. But,' Oscar raised a finger; 'the power of the ring is only revealed to who the ring wants and chooses.'
'So though the ring is in my possession I don't have the power to the secret wells of the heavenly planes?' Cezar joked.
'No you don't;' Oscar laughed; ' but what you do have, is a map that will show and lead you to where you can destroy the beast of Goreloth and free Goddess Zedia. So guard it with your life and it will do the same for you.'
‘Yes father,’ Cezar replied.
‘One more thing! The ring is only visible to the one, who wears it this protects the ring from falling into the wrong hands.
Oscar hugged Cezar fiercely, ‘May Zedia’s wisdom and knowledge, always direct you.’
Cezar hugged him back. He looked into his father’s eyes and saw tears. Cezar knew that deep down his father was scared Oscar would not come back to him alive. It was the first time since he had volunteered that his father showed any emotion and Cezar knew his father didn’t want him to leave.
'Don't worry father, I'll be back soon,’ he said and turned to leave before his own emotions could take control of him. But Annabel’s voice stopped him just as he was about to step out of the house.
‘Wait!’ she called, hurriedly running over to Cezar.
Annabel had said nothing since the elder’s meeting nor had she shown any emotions over Cezar volunteering but Cezar knew her heart was breaking over his decision to go on this quest; he had thus decided to leave without bidding her goodbye.
Annabel held Cezar at hands length and looked into his eyes before she hugged him. In his mother's eyes Cezar saw a reflection of himself. People had always said he inherited his mother’s light green eyes but that he had his father’s height and build; and though he looked a number of years older than his thirteen years of age, Cezar was still only a young boy who loved both his parents dearly.
Annabel took off a bright red amulet she always wore around her neck and put it round Cezar's neck.
‘This will protect you on your quest,' she said. 'It is a family heirloom which has been in our family for generations.’ She put a sleeveless dark brown buckskin tunic around Cezar; it fitted him as if he had measured for it.
‘Wow!’ He whispered silently.
‘This will protect you come rain or shine,' Annabel said gazing at him with tears in her eyes. ‘Do not take it off.’
‘Thank you mother,’ Cezar replied.
Annabel kissed Cezar’s forehead and bid him farewell, but Cezar held on to her tightly seeing his mother in tears broke his heart and silently he promised himself to come back to her safely.
This was the first time Cezar would ever leave his family and his stomach was already doing trampoline jumps at the prospect of not seeing either his father or mother for a long time.
With a dark satchel across his body, Cezar and Nosa, his best friend left his home and walked towards the Southern tunnels as his father had instructed. The Satchel contained a water flask and some bread; enough food for a couple of days at the most. It also contained a medium sized yellow Torch light for when it was dark and a small fairy statue made of blue green topaz stone which the fairies had given him before they left the land of Ocracidia.
Cezar and Nosa reached the entrance to the south tunnels and stood facing each other.
‘Don’t you get lost,’ Nosa chided Cezar.
‘Don’t grow old before I get back,’ Cezar replied smiling at Nosa.
They exchanged a hand shake which was a little code they had developed to mean farewell and when Cezar walked away to begin his quest, Nosa stood watching him disappear into the South tunnel and it was a long time before Nosa turned and returned back to the village.
Chapter 6- Leaving
The southern tunnel was pitch dark and Cezar got out his yellow torch to light up his path.
Cobwebs and green moss filled the corners. Cezar
had never known the tunnels to be this way, it had always been bright and sparkling, with magical silver bells tinkling as they hung in mid-air.
As a child; Cezar, Nosa and some of the other children had never been able to reach the tinkling magical bells no matter how hard they tried because the higher they jumped, the further away the bells rose. Reminiscing about the good times he had in the past made Cezar determined to break the spell.
Everything in Ocracidia had turned black or grey and every place was dark, cold and full of shadows. Even the trees and flowers had shrivelled and withered up.
Cezar remembered a time when the trees, bloomed with magical gold and blue flowers and large, rainbow coloured fruits. When brilliantly coloured butterflies, flew across the land and when magical waters ran from the centre of Ocracidia into all parts of the land, giving Ocracidia everything it could ever want.
He remembered a time when he grew so fond of the fairies that he saw them every day. Cezar absolutely missed the times he had before Diagus placed a spell on Ocracidia.
He sighed deeply wishing he could see the fairies one more time before he left on his quest; but Cezar knew that until Diagus’ spell was broken, the fairies would not return. He reached into his satchel, brought the blue green topaz fairy statue out and gazed at it. The wings on the statue slowly began to flutter and the statue illuminated but after a few moments the statue grew cold and lifeless. Cezar knew that Diagus’ Magic was too strong for that of the fairies; and he traced his finger over the statue before placing it deep into his pocket so he could have it near him.
The Sea of Valour -The Ocracidia Series 1 Page 2
