Journey to the Grassland and Sea

by Robert Matsunaga

  He made a motion with his hand that he was fine, so A-amar hefted him and ran for the canoe. Everyone else rapidly followed. They hoped it would not rain again.

  Time had passed, and they were far out to sea as the morning light was beginning to rise. The rains resumed, even more intense than before.

  Marhidium enthusiastically pointed to the horizon, where structures could be seen on an approaching island. There was no mistake. It was Isedium.

  The light in the sky changed so rapidly that suddenly it became extremely dark compared to the previous day. It was difficult to tell if it actually was morning. Only bits of light came through from the sky. They had to get to the island soon, or they might end up sinking with the canoe.

  A-amar and Una-sei, even with their great strength, had an extremely difficult time getting the canoe to go toward the beach. The canoe was slowing its pace, and the waves were pushing them out to sea with greater effort than before. It seemed it would be a long time before they made it to Isedium.

  The canoe began to slowly sink, even as it got closer to the island. However, everyone pulled together and paddled. Even Tenashar made efforts, despite being sick.

  Large boats started coming toward the canoe far in the distance. They waved at the boats, but there was no recognition. In the sky, Knode made out some flying ships. The flying ships never saw the canoe. Effort was made to signal them—but nothing. They were all discouraged, and then the canoe started going down. They had to grab onto what belongings they could, most of which were already floating around.

  They were stranded in rough waters for a long while, waiting for rescue. Marhidium, Jarviashar, and Siytai kept hold of Tenashar to prevent him from drowning. They all held onto one another, but that became almost impossible as the waves got worse, and the rains came down with ferocious vengeance.

  After long hours of effort and pain, a large boat finally spotted them in the distance. The crew of the boat signaled to them that they were found. Other ships and small boats came along. Tenashar was hauled into the boat first, shoved by A-amar. Jarviashar went next, and after that, Knode and Marhidium were pulled in together.

  A-amar and Una-sei got into the boat last, and the boat quickly made for the shore. The other ships slowly brought up the rear as a precaution. Some of the flying ships swooped down close to the boat, and Knode waved at them with tears in his eyes.

  Tenashar was too tired. He just eagerly watched the shore’s approach. The boat came to a stop at a large pier, and they were hurriedly escorted onto the pier through the pelting rains.

  It was coming down so hard that Tenashar felt as if hornets were stinging him. Quickly they were led down a tunnel at the end of the pier. After a while, it gave way to an underground beach with sand and water and walled structures that resembled the insides of bones, with interlacing branches that twisted and turned in all directions. Bright sunlight seemed to be emanating from every conceivable direction as if the sand, water, and walls were giving off their own light. It reminded Tenashar of Nainashari’s underground cave.

  After a long walk, they came to their destination—a large, oval structure made of glass or an unknown transparent material. There was no door or opening, yet they passed through a wall unobstructed. Once inside the structure, there was nothing—just an empty room.

  They sat on the floor, as they were instructed, and some of their saved belongings were brought in, including Tenashar’s bag.

  “This is strange that they brought us here. Are we prisoners?” said Tenashar.

  Knode made an apology to Tenashar and Jarviashar. Even Marhidium and Siytai were bewildered why their own people treated them in such a manner. They didn’t even seem to be welcomed by the crews of the boats that had rescued them.

  Knode said, “I never mentioned this to you, Tenashar, or you, Jarviashar, but these underground places, like the one we are in, are for people who have an illness. This is a place of quarantine—and also where the authorities keep prisoners. I apologize again.”

  Everyone was soaked through except A-amar and Una-sei, because water just beaded and rolled off of them like from a window after a rainstorm. However, the torches kept them warm and dried their clothes.

  “Knode, I’m perplexed why don’t you protest to the authorities that you’re an aeronaut,” said Tenashar.

  Knode said, “I also find it strange how we are being treated. I made no protest, because I was trained as commander to bear physical and mental discomfort. But I can’t understand why this is happening.”

  Tenashar, despite his sickness, asked about Knode’s home and family and suggested that such friends might help them.

  Knode admitted that he was a loner. He made few friends, and his family was unavailable—his parents were long dead, his brother lived far away in Cordonihalum, and his sister, an aeronaut herself, had disappeared with her flying ship. His only family was the crew of the flying ship that went down. Tenashar understood that Knode kept the loss of Naydiacar in the back of his mind like a dam that was ready to burst.

  Tenashar could see that Jarviashar also felt a bit embarrassed to hear this story. Marhidium comforted her.

  “A-amar and Una-sei have powers and could break us out of here. Knode, what do you want to do?” asked Tenashar.

  “I want to make this clear. We shouldn’t try to escape. We should try to find out what is going on. If the Honazal representatives are in Himoicum, why won’t the Isedium authorities say anything about them? They should know that we came from Honazal by way of Sovazal. Why is everything so secret? This is strange protocol perhaps you already have found what you needed to do,” said Marhidium.

  “And what is that?” replied Tenashar.

  “You say you want to bring together the many councils to solve a problem about those Orbs,” said Marhidium.

  Tenashar asked, “Are you saying that I already found the answer to the problem of the Orbs? It’s possible I have found one of the answers.”

  Marhidium argued with Tenashar. “Then explain the true reason.”

  “Perhaps I don’t have a reason,” said Tenashar.

  There was a reason for Tenashar to journey so far; it was to find answers.

  chapter 21

  Detained Against Their Will in a Tunnel

  They heard voices in the distance, from the direction of the tunnel entry. Footsteps became louder. Suddenly, before them was a group of twelve women and one man, bringing food and other items to make their stay comfortable.

  Two of the women were dressed just like the aeronauts, the others in common clothing of Isedium. This clothing seemed to consist of tight leggings or trousers similar to what the aeronauts wore. Everything they wore was black with bright, multicolored stripes in all types of styles that ran across their tunics, trousers, and leggings. Most also wore a black beret with an extended frontal sun visor, also covered in the same colorful stripes.

  One good thing—most of these people were smiling.

  Tenashar watched with interest as the aeronauts stepped forward and spoke, “Welcome, Knode, Marhidium, and Siytai. Here are things you will need.”

  Tenashar and Jarviashar were given whatever they needed.

  Tenashar said, “I am not feeling well. I need help. What’s going to happen to us?”

  One of the aeronauts answered, “Some of the coastal buildings and homes have been destroyed by the high waves. As a result, many people are missing. That is the reason the ships came for you. Otherwise, no one would know you were out there.”

  Tenashar thought, these aeronauts are keeping something back, but what is it?

  They said, “This glass structure is your home, not a prison—the walls are not barriers. All you have to do is walk through any wall, and you’ll find whatever you need.”

  Days passed before the travelers heard any news, but they did not remain idle. Jarviashar and Marhidium explored the tunnel, but the entrance where they came in was now blocked. Suspicion began to grow in Tenashar’s mind. Why didn’t th
e Isedium authorities ask questions concerning the aeronauts’ experience and crash on the continent?

  They explored the other end of the tunnel. Parts of it led deep into the mountains. Tenashar expected that this was a way to get out of the tunnel. But they soon found the landside entrance was also blocked—this one by impenetrable glass.

  Their temporary home—or prison—had a staircase that led up to a tower, but any exit that way was also blocked. All they saw from this high vantage point was a daytime sky darkened like night with a continued stream of rain. Finally, they gave up trying to find a way out and went back to the place they were staying.

  Several days passed in idleness and frustration. The difference between days and nights began to evaporate. It was as if each day stretched on for eternity. Their life in the glass home was not unpleasant. They had warmth, food, and water—enough to fill their needs.

  Certain areas on the wall just needed to be touched, and a faucet of water would pour out. Food of every type was stored in spherical receptacles. Foliage grew all over the tunnel to make them feel comfortable. In the ceilings of the tunnel were windows that let in sunlight, although the sky was always overcast.

  This was very strange. Where was the sunlight coming from? Knode knew they weren’t electrical lights, but the actual sun. They never cared to solve this mystery. It was more important for them to get out of the tunnel. They might be more comfortable than the people living outside, but they still felt it was a prison, both physically and mentally.

  Many days passed before they finally saw a figure standing in half shadow and strong, angled light. The person came slowly toward them. As she got closer, they saw she was dressed in the uniform of an aeronaut.

  Tenashar recognized her as one of the visitors who had brought them food and supplies.

  She looked at everyone shyly and then asked how they were doing. At once, Siytai rushed forward, startling her. She pulled away, as if to run back into the darkness of the tunnel, but stopped when she recognized him.

  Siytai asked her anxiously, “Why didn’t you come forward before this?

  “At first I didn’t recognize you,” she replied. “Remember, I haven’t seen you in a long time.”

  Tenashar watched Siytai grab her hands.

  “Osinthaph! Why didn’t you tell me you were present?” he asked.

  She just bowed her head, looking at the ground as if ashamed. “When I saw you, I hid myself among the shadows. I realize that I shouldn’t have. I should have acknowledged you when we first arrived.”

  Still as statues, they stared at each other for a few moments that seemed like centuries.

  Jarviashar wished the same for herself, yet she continued to remain silent.

  Tenashar had realized that Siytai and Osinthaph had been together in the past, but the harmony between lovers had fallen to pieces long before he met either Knode or Marhidium.

  He learned how Siytai felt having no family. “I am an adopted Veazith. I had nothing to offer you, Osinthaph.”

  “You didn’t realize that none of this mattered to me. Your quiet hidden compassion made me feel secure and warm around you, despite your gruff exterior,” said Osinthaph.

  “But remember your family didn’t approve of me because I had no family. Family clans are very important to Sahaynaiviums,” said Siytai.

  Tenashar understood that none of these considerations stopped these two from caring for each other. Their stubbornness made them unwilling to conform to tradition.

  “Siytai, with you by my side, we could start a new clan and family,” said Osinthaph.

  Osinthaph explained to Knode, “They put you into this tunnel for protection. It was also a way to keep you from going to the council in Himoicum.”

  Tenashar noticed that she could not stop her eyes from sliding sideways to Siytai while she spoke to Knode and the rest of the group.

  “Can we talk with someone?” Tenashar said.

  Osinthaph didn’t answer his question; she just continued the conversation with Knode. She explained it was true that floods destroyed homes and many people perished, but a massive group of citizens were managing to clean up and rebuild. It sounded like she didn’t know anything vital—the authorities were keeping their silence.

  Tenashar was relieved that there was no apparent deception on Osinthaph’s part or that of any other visiting aeronauts.

  She finally looked at Tenashar and asked who he was. Knode introduced him as a member of the Senetha people who resided far to the west. She studied Tenashar from head to toe, smiled, and said she had heard of his people. “I’ve seen such people before and read about them. How interesting. So your people are called the Senetha. Like a drawing came to life from the very ancient books.” Sahaynaiviums used light tablets; much like those Tenashar had seen.

  Jarviashar asked, “You know about the Senetha?”

  “Long ago, our people journeyed to your continent at regular intervals, but that unfortunately was halted,” Osinthaph replied. “That didn’t stop an occasional Senetha from visiting us.” She went on to say that in recent times a member of the Senetha tribe came to the islands, braving the treacherous oceans.

  She concluded, “It was written with praise that a seeker of knowledge they called an Aura-Laei-i came to these islands, and that he brought joy to the people through his great wisdom. However, the authorities had only disdain for and fear of his presence.”

  Tenashar was embraced by wonder and awe.

  “So Tenashar is the second Senetha to come here?” said Jarviashar.

  “It is recorded how other people from Senetha and the continent once came and went regularly from our islands, generations ago,” said Osinthaph. “This man I spoke of, that once came to Sahaynaivium, was considered the last Aura-Laei-i to visit us—until Tenashar arrived.”

  Tenashar felt the others eyeing him. They appeared surprised.

  “You have not been idle from your studies. I think it’s because I was away.” Siytai meant well, but his words sounded sarcastic.

  “Don’t be ignorant, Siytai! Remember it’s an aeronaut’s virtue to study. You have no idea what things are about,” said Marhidium.

  Siytai smiled and shook his head, and Tenashar laughed as Marhidium gritted her teeth and scowled.

  “Something is going on up above, something we aren’t supposed to know about,” said Osinthaph.

  “Clearly the flood is only an excuse to keep us here! Perhaps one of the councils—either Honazal or Himoicum—is determined to keep us from finding out what is happening. Why haven’t we been given a place in the Hall of Aeronauts? The accommodations there are so much better!” said Knode.

  When he quieted, Osinthaph said, “The Hall was partly flooded by the ocean the last time I saw it. There’s no sense in talking about the Hall. We can’t put you up there.”

  “If it is true that Isedium is having problems, we should depart for Himoicum right away. Does this sound reasonable to everyone?” said Knode.

  Tenashar asked a question no one else thought of. “Where is our canoe? Is it gone?”

  “If they can’t find the canoe, we can fly to Himoicum.” Marhidium looked at Jarviashar and smiled. “Wouldn’t you like that?”

  “Yes! Since I was a little girl, I’ve always had the desire to fly somewhere!” Jarviashar said.

  Knode asked Osinthaph if there was a way out of the tunnel. She pointed to a passage near the entrance. “There once was a hidden stair. I don’t know if it’s still there, but it goes all the way to the upper levels.”

  Osinthaph led the way. “Once we are clear, there should be a flying ship to take us to Himoicum. I arranged this ahead of time, knowing that some of the other aeronauts—aeronauts I can trust—are on my side.”

  As A-amar and Una-sei walked out of the shadows, Osinthaph was startled. She stepped back with wide eyes. They had kept in the darkness within the tunnel, bringing up the rear and keeping a watchful eye on everyone.

  “I assure you, they won’t
harm you,” Tenashar said.

  “I shouldn’t be surprised—once one old legend comes to life, why not another? Yet I am amazed,” replied Osinthaph. “I always thought the Sharzeens were no longer in this world. I’ve seen some on other islands in a sleeping state. But none of them were alive!” She brushed this aside. “I think we should hurry now; the authorities might know where we are.”

  Tenashar and all the others picked up their things.

  She assured them that the flying ship was well supplied with provisions. The only thing they needed to bring along was Tenashar’s bag holding his secret companions.

  Quickly they ran to the entrance she indicated, where a door was barely discernible. Siytai pushed at it, but it didn’t open. The different portals had security locks of all types. In some, a person had to put their right arm in upward, and in others they had to think certain thoughts. When Siytai used his hands extended, he couldn’t pass. He only passed through with hands at his side walking in a normal manner. Osinthaph told him to just pass through. He did and found himself on the other side. Once everyone was through, they climbed a few stairs and came into a large tunnel with carved patterns on its walls.

  The patterns were difficult to see, for the lighting was confusing—strong in one area and poor in the next. Each design was of a different color, because the light cast beautiful combinations with the colorful incised and relief patterns.

  The aeronauts understood the functions of the tunnels—they were a form of shelter from the elements and fury of nature.

  Osinthaph explained that they were homes that were no longer used. “Like where you were back at the tunnel. Who knows what’s in them now; they haven’t been open for years.”

  Tenashar said, “My heart is fluttering, and my skin shivering. And I’m imagining all kinds of monsters lurking around in the empty homes.”

  Marhidium assured him that with A-amar and Una-sei, there was nothing to fear.

  Another use for the tunnel was for aeronauts and sailors to get to their assigned vessels. So the seemingly strange patterns were instructions in Sahaynaivium.