Journey to the Grassland and Sea

by Robert Matsunaga

  “I think there is a lot of mischief going on in the council!” Jarviashar, who had been staring out the window for most of the morning, said. “They want nothing to do with anything. What concerns them is only what happens right here. Outsiders are unimportant.”

  Tenashar asked if there was anything they could do to persuade the council to help them. The reply was no.

  “Then we will just have to travel overland.” Tenashar looked to Knode and Marhidium.

  “Yes. We don’t need help from the council. Let’s just go.” Siytai’s remark was abrupt.

  “Remember, we have to consider the winter that is coming.” Marhidium’s arms were crossed, making her appear angry—or worried. “It’s starting to snow up in the north.”

  A-amar and Una-sei remained silent, as normal—they were there to serve. Besides, Tenashar wasn’t concerned about the council anymore.

  Seveaha was alone this time as she entered the room, a bit of a smile on her face. Jarviashar interpreted this as good news.

  And it was.

  “After many votes, it was unanimously stated that the council members were in favor of the Sahaynaiviums. Leineha, Jarviashar’s father, said that the council will find every way to help the Sahaynaiviums get home.” Jarviashar could barely keep her excitement under control. “He stressed that it would reflect on them as a gesture of friendship to the island leaders. A ship will take you most of the way toward Sahaynaivium. This means the ship will instead sail all the way to the northern part of the continent. Once there, you will be given a boat to sail to the most northern part of the Sahaynaivium islands. Another ship will relay a message to the fishing villages up north to help you if you run across problems. But you shouldn’t anticipate too many problems, if you follow the advice of the council, because the Honazal sailing ships are very seaworthy. Still, most of the fishermen never take unnecessary risks in the winter, for the sake of their families.”

  It had become clear to the council that the world was changing. Leineha convinced them, and they didn’t wish to offend the Sahaynaiviums by not sending the aeronauts back.

  The departure was set for less than a week. What surprised Tenashar was that Jarviashar was given permission to go with them on the voyage. Seveaha granted that favor to Jarviashar particularly since, despite her tender years, the girl was an experienced navigator. She had been learning about the sea and navigation since early childhood.

  Jarviashar understood that it wouldn’t take long for the ship to travel north. The ships from Honazal were very fast, using either sails or their powerful engines that could propel the ships at high speeds. These engines brought water in, creating high pressure, giving the ship a lot of push. Some of the sails doubled as solar panels, soaking up the sun’s energy to create power. If they wanted to get someplace fast, the ships of Honazal were the ships to do the job.

  The council was already making preparations for the supplies needed for the voyage.

  As a ship was being prepared, Tenashar and rest of his friends spent most of their time in the tower, resting for the long journey north. They slept peacefully and anticipated what they would see. Tenashar was excited about finding new sights.

  The nights passed in peace, the visitors knowing that they were being taken care of by the council.

  chapter 15

  Advice from a Wise Council Member of Honazal

  Seveaha led them all to the council building to meet Leineha to thank him for his support. Leineha was curious about the visitors, so he was honored by their presence as well.

  In the middle of the council room, a tall, broad-shouldered man with an athletic appearance smiled and welcomed them. Leineha was a man advancing in age but not bent by the years. He had white hair, worn plain and long without any elaborate braids, and his skin was tanned, contrasting nicely with his hair. Leineha’s piercing eyes spoke of years of wisdom, hardship, and compassion. Such experience was the main requirement for being a member of the council, for the Honazal believed this was what made a strong person.

  Unlike most of the Honazal people, who wore many bright colors, Leineha wore a black tunic that on one side reached to his hips, and on the other to his knees, over a red long- sleeved robe—the typical garb of a council member.

  Leineha extended his hands, palms upward, toward Tenashar and his friends—a gesture of welcome in Honazal. Seveaha whispered to Tenashar that he was to be the first to greet him. She told him it was proper to touch Leineha’s fingers and make a slight bow. Jarviashar pushed Tenashar as encouragement. This childish gesture made it easy for him to overcome his nervousness. After his bow, he looked into Leineha’s face and saw one of the kindest men; he knew at once why the council agreed to allow them to take the ship.

  Marhidium went up next. She was a bit clumsy. She almost stumbled and could have brought Leineha down with her, but he grabbed her and held her in his strong arms. She laughed at her clumsiness.

  Knode was also nervous but kept his composure and looked extremely stiff. This time it was Leineha’s turn to laugh. There was so much delight in his eyes that Knode didn’t mind.

  Strangely Siytai was the most graceful, which amazed Tenashar and made everyone smile—even A-amar and Una-sei.

  The two Sharzeen stepped forward together, and each touched a hand of the wise man. This mystified Tenashar, because Leineha’s smile for them was one of great respect.

  “Your presence has given the people of Honazal much to be proud of. I apologize that the council is unable to meet with all of you. They have bestowed upon me the privilege of honoring you. So let us go to a more comfortable room—the council chamber is too austere for conversation.” Leineha led them into a small but simple and elegant room, with cushioned walls and designs of the sea.

  They welcomed the comfortable chairs. Seveaha and Jarviashar served a drink called Houczi, putting it down on a table near Leineha.

  He poured amber liquid into each cup and served them.

  In the background, Seveaha and Jarviashar smiled.

  “Tell me, my guests, what has happened to you.” Leineha sipped at his drink. “I have been so eager to know all about you since I received the message from Athtap.”

  In the comfortable room, Tenashar recounted the events that had taken place from the time he met Knode and his people up to their arrival in Honazal.

  Leineha smiled over at Seveaha and Jarviashar.

  “It makes a great difference that you are all friends of Athtap. We have great respect for him. He has done of a lot of good to keep his people safe from the harsh ocean—a problem that has also concerned our people.” Leineha looked to the window and continued.

  “I believe I heard there was a girl who was one of the main crew members and perished along with others? Did I hear correctly that her name was Naydiacar?”

  “You are well informed, Leineha,” said Tenashar. “She was originally from the Veazith village but was brought as a child to Sahaynaivium. Marhidium was very close to her.”

  He sensed the next question Leineha must ask and explained that the missing children were being educated by the Sahaynaiviums.

  Seveaha spoke. “Taking children away from their parents is not ethical. What was the Sahaynaiviums thinking?”

  “Seveaha, be calm. Tenashar said they thought they were doing a service—educating these children.” Leineha’s eyes and voice had a quieting effect on Seveaha.

  Tenashar knew well that this talk would make Knode, Marhidium, and Siytai uncomfortable. He pointed out that Siytai was once of these children and that he had no desire to go back to his original home because he considered himself a Sahaynaivium.

  Seveaha remained silent, though her face spoke of her disapproval.

  Leineha said, “Jarviashar is my eldest daughter. Her two younger sisters, Medayi and Woziar, are closer in age. They are hardly ever home because their education has taken them a few leagues to the north. My daughters are currently being educated in general knowledge and architecture. Please forgive m
e for bragging; it’s considered bad manners for a Honazalian to brag about his family in front of guests. My wife passed away from illness a long time ago. I will always cherish my memories of her. Because of the absence of my two daughters and wife, I take comfort in having Jarviashar with me. I think you have much in common with my two daughters who are studying in other lands. You have come from Sahaynaivium and Senetha to learn about the lands near the sea.”

  Leineha talked about a time, in his younger days, when he was a fisherman. He had stopped fishing and farming the sea when the so-called Orbs came, being one of the few to escape—when many of his friends and his brother disappeared.

  Tenashar took a sip from his cup and liked it at once. It rejuvenated his heart and wasn’t alcoholic. Even Siytai was surprised—it showed on his face, making Marhidium laugh. Knode took many sips, becoming oblivious to everything around him.

  “We call this drink Houczi,” Seveaha began. “It is made from flowers that bloom only in the full moonlight. I hope you enjoy its delicate flavor. I am pleased that you like it; this is one of the special drinks of Honazal.”

  Tenashar was deep in thought.

  Jarviashar asked Marhidium, Knode, and Siytai about their island homeland. “It’s difficult to talk about ourselves; it’s too embarrassing,” said Knode.

  They looked at one another, not knowing what to do. Tenashar noted that her questions seemed calculated to keep them occupied while Seveaha and Leineha talked quietly.

  Knode became suspicious. “Jarviashar, what are they talking about?”

  Jarviashar only replied that it wasn’t important.

  Tenashar tried to listen while pretending to ask Jarviashar questions.

  Seveaha kept her voice low and one eye on Tenashar. “Are you sure that a ship can be secured for them? They are not aware that the oceans are showing signs of drying up. The waters are going someplace, and it’s not underground.”

  “The council is still unhappy about sending a ship that far to the north. It would be better for one of their flying ships to take them home. Their council must be aware of the drying oceans.”

  Leineha confided that the council members were meeting at this very moment, making plans to meet with the Sahaynaivium council.

  “I am unable to understand why the Sahaynaiviums didn’t come to bring their people home,” said Seveaha.

  “They have been having trouble keeping the flying ships aloft. The air currents seem to be getting weak, as if they are ceasing to flow. Some say that the air is escaping into space, and if it doesn’t stop, then the Sahaynaivium scholars believe that our world will be as dead as the moon,” answered Leineha.

  This news shocked Seveaha. And for a time, she sat in her chair staring gravely at him.

  Tenashar could sense what they were saying; he could see that something was bothering them.

  Preparations were being made by the Honazal to fit one off their ships for a voyage north. This required a lot of planning because the winter was becoming deadlier.

  Ice was even now starting to form just a few leagues to the north. Something had to be done. As yet, no one had the answers.

  chapter 16

  A Sea Path to the North

  Leineha graciously excused himself and left because another gathering of the council was about to begin.

  Seveaha led them out into the evening air and then left them to return to the council chamber. Jarviashar brought them back to the tower where they passed a peaceful night, unaware of what might be happening around them.

  There was a sudden air of urgency in the early morning hours. The air was still dark and cold when Jarviashar woke Tenashar, telling him that they must depart at first light. She then went to rouse everybody else—she was already prepared.

  Seveaha arrived shortly and told them to gather everything.

  “Una-sei and A-amar, what do you think of the situation?” asked Tenashar.

  “We don’t know what to make of all this rushing around,” replied Una-sei.

  After everything was gathered, they were hustled across town into one of the tubes, and finally into a large ship that was waiting, complete with a large crew.

  Marhidium, Knode, and Tenashar were trying to find out what was happening.

  Seveaha told them they would eat their morning meal on the ship, for time was running out for them to depart. They hoped Leineha would see them off, but he was still closeted with the council.

  Seveaha pulled Tenashar aside for a moment and spoke cryptically. “The earth is growing old, and a new planet must be reborn.”

  Those words mystified Tenashar and started him thinking about his own people, and Tansatei in particular, wondering what was happening to them. His half-awake mind skipped on to Nainashari and Etutsha as well.

  Once Jarviashar was on board, Seveaha ordered the crew to cast off. “I am urgently needed in the council; there are many important things to discuss. I must go now. I’m sorry I don’t have a chance to say any parting words. Now be on your way.”

  The ship slid smoothly down the tube and into the open waters. There was a humming vibration that sounded musical and grew louder—and then dampened into a low hum. The engines brought the ship slowly out of the harbor and then into the open water. Soon it picked up speed, and in a few minutes, the shore was left far behind.

  The swift rush to depart seemed kind of rude of the Honazalians. But Tenashar knew in his heart there were reasons for this. Something must be happening.

  The fan shaped sails opened automatically. They were inside a closed cabin, for, like most ships of the Honazal, there was no open deck. Being inside kept them protected from the cold. The crew’s duties weren’t that different from the functions within a Sahaynaivium flying ship. They busied themselves pressing buttons and pushing and pulling levers.

  In all the confusion of setting off, Tenashar and his companions were left standing in the middle of the ship. The crew ignored them as they busied themselves with their duties going here and there. Even Jarviashar bustled off to her own duties, opening a small door in the cabin and loosening one of the valves behind it. Steam hissed.

  Jarviashar stopped long enough to apologize for her lack of hospitality. But they all understood she had a job to do—particularly the aeronauts, who had once had similar duties on a flying ship.

  Once her duties were completed and the ship was well underway, Jarviashar showed them to their quarters, leading the men to one cabin and taking Marhidium to a comfortable cabin next door that they would share. A-amar and Una-sei would stay with Tenashar in the men’s cabin.

  The morning sped by because there was so much to do for the voyage ahead. The bright colors that the crew wore made the ocean voyage pleasant for Tenashar and Marhidium. The crewmembers were all basically fisher folk. The leader of the ship was an elderly fisherman who had years of experience and knew his way around the northern waters—the very reason he was chosen to sail this ship through the difficult waters.

  Jarviashar had already learned to pilot the ship with great skill. This gave her an edge over all the other crewmembers, despite her young age. The operations of the engines were art to a girl who had studied ship construction and mechanisms since she was very young. Her talents didn’t go unnoticed for long, and the leader of the ship had Jarviashar help him. The ship seemed in good hands.

  They quickly made headway and finally caught sight of the last northern Honazal village as the ship made its way across the icy sea, keeping in sight of the shore. Tenashar and Knode saw inhospitable shores, some already encased in ice. It was a hostile land with inaccessible obstacles—huge rocky outcrops and remnants of sharp volcanic rocks far worse than what they had crossed before.

  Tenashar realized that if they had been forced to walk north, these obstacles would have made them travel far inland. They were glad to be traveling on a ship. Honazal hospitality allowed them to travel in comfort, something Tenashar hadn’t often known before. He marveled at the ingenuity of the Honazal people.r />
  It was something he would remember for the rest of his life.

  chapter 17

  A Leaf Like a Boat Travels in the Current of a Stream

  While the ship carrying Tenashar was plying the rough northern oceans, Tansatei was trying to search for him with her thoughts—sending her spirit to find Tenashar because she had been worried about him. Her thoughts weren’t limited by time, distance, or place, so she could see Tenashar at that exact moment.

  Tansatei had chosen a spot beside a stream deep in the high mountains for her meditation. The Senetha had moved deeper into the mountains to escape even further from the Orbs. Tansatei looked into the reflections in the rushing water and sensed the violence of the oceans so far away. She saw a leaf float by in strong currents. This seemed to indicate a ship. She instinctively knew that Tenashar was on the ocean somewhere—someplace cold and forbidding.

  In the mountains, it was also growing cold. The Senetha had already firmly established their new village, and there was enough warmth to keep out the cold. Tansatei wasn’t entirely alone near the stream—a few children were playing nearby, and her mother was gathering cultivated berries. They had once called vast farmlands their home, but no longer. The mountains were now a safer place to live.

  Today, however, Tansatei wanted to be alone—she was in one of her quiet and introspective moods. She didn’t even visit Heitac, who was established closer to the main Senetha settlement than in past years. Tansatei began to give way to depression and melancholy. Perhaps it was something that stirred within her when Tenashar was lost in lands far away.

  From time to time, she was able to speak with Tenashar in her dreams. These dreams seemed so real that she felt she was actually visiting the places he was traveling through, but the visions always faded. Her eyes were beginning to see afar, and her talents were starting to awaken.