A sense of mistrust began to grow in Tenashar’s heart. It seemed that his inner spirit started to wither. Could he trust the other Aura-Laei-i? He started to wonder if he could trust anyone, but he continued to think of Nainashari, wondering what his friend was doing so far away in his cave. He soon dropped these thoughts from his mind.
As the night fell, the opportunity was right for Tenashar and Jarviashar to slip into one of the ships from Honazal. They wouldn’t have to hide from the port authorities. A Senetha councilor was the leader of one of the delegations, so they reasoned that they could rely on his help to get on board one of the ships.
Yet no one could hide A-amar and Una-sei, for their large size would prevent this. Tenashar and Knode tried to think of a way to get them on board one of the ships. Soon they realized that there was no way to do this. They needed Obsiesa’s help.
It seemed there was so much for the council and delegates to do to solve the Orb problems. The gathering of the tribal and national councils in Himoicum had failed. There was so much disappointment that none of the various council members from across the seas reached any conclusion. Most departed to tell their respective peoples that they had failed and that they would have to survive the best way they could with the resources they had.
Once a central group of Aura-Laei-i was organized, a messenger would be sent to other nations to let them know about the sphere worlds—if they were not already familiar with them.
The Sahaynaivium councils had failed, but perhaps the gathering of peoples on the continent would succeed.
The activities on the continent were unknown to the Salseth. Tenashar would be the link between the Sahaynaiviums and Sanashei. Cleiadomph, Lothob, and the Salseth had a mental connection established with Tenashar, so they knew what Sanashei was planning.
They understood that he had to make his own plans with the Sahaynaivium council and make preparations for survival.
Tenashar wanted to know more about Cleiadomph. This man was interesting, and he bonded with him during their meditation, for the link they had would further their friendship in the coming seasons.
Knode asked where Obsiesa, Hedariad, and Feiadysium were. They were not around, but there was no time to find them. With a strong sense of friendship, both Tenashar and Jarviashar felt a strong emptiness—believing that they would never see their friends again, not in this life. Tears rolled down their cheeks, but nothing could bring back those days in Himoicum.
As Tenashar and Jarviashar passed the dark hours unobserved, they met with Leineha and Seveaha, whom they were very happy to see again. Tenashar wanted to tell Seveaha what they had learned and observed about the Orbs—but she silenced him, saying that Obsiesa had told her everything. She told Tenashar to board the ship, for time was running out. The Sharzeen, when they wished to be unseen, blended in the surrounding environment with a mirror like body. They could also walk quietly enough that they would not be heard.
Once Tenashar boarded the ship, together with Jarviashar, Seveaha, A-amar, and Una-sei, he thought that he would never see his Sahaynaivium friends again. Knode, Marhidium, and Siytai surprised Tenashar—because they were coming along.
“Hey, Tenashar, did you think we would leave a friend behind? Remember—we all want to visit the place where Naydiacar rests.” Marhidium’s words were soothing and gave heart to Tenashar.
In the comfort of the ship, Tenashar talked with Seveaha. She had learned that the scholars, in their pride, thought of themselves as infallible—creating the illusion that those who studied from the ancient texts would know everything about the Orbs and the world. But they were defeated by the greater powers of the ancient Aruazecia.
The scholars and scientists of Sahaynaiviums were humbled by events that were unleashed by their stupidity, and they were now unable to correct this error. Thus, the authorities of the islands were unable to handle the daily protests of the people. In truth, the people of Sahaynaivium didn’t trust the council, scientists, or the scholars.
Obsiesa and the Salseth would have to bring order once again to Sahaynaivium and lead the islanders into their own sphere worlds to survive. Like the Senetha, the people of Sahaynaivium had to prepare their new homes. The islanders had an advantage, though. They had more resources and technology to accomplish their goals.
Seveaha was already aware of Nainashari, because before the delegation left for Sahaynaivium, a messenger had been sent from Senetha, relating the whole story of the man who found ways of preserving the environment. The Honazalians knew the messenger was talking about Nainashari—and when they realized that this message came from Sanashei, it was received with the utmost respect.
Tenashar was mystified that Sanashei already knew about Nainashari. Athtap had said that Sanashei traveled around the continent during his youth. Was Sanashei aware of the growing problem of the Orbs so very long ago? Seveaha reminded Tenashar of the link that he had with other Aura-Laei-i.
Perhaps some of his own people, including his father, Sanashei, were able to link with other minds. Seveaha also reminded Tenashar of what he had forgotten—that Sanashei had once visited Honazal. Tenashar smiled at the reminder.
With all on board, the ship was out of port and gliding across the oceans at high speed, taking a secret route to keep it clear of the rough seas ahead.
Seveaha said that she had heard Geithelasa might lose her standing in the council. They were all surprised to find that Feiadysium, whom they had all trusted as an Aura-Laei-i, was Geithelasa’s second-in-command.
Tenashar let all the concerns of the Sahaynaiviums drop away from him, as if in a dream.
chapter 34
Meeting with Friends and the Arrival in Honazal
By afternoon of the next day, the ship had arrived in Honazal. Tenashar came across all the familiar smells and sounds that made him feel like he was home.
This feeling was oddly mutual with his three Sahaynaivium friends as well.
Knode said, “I feel that I have come home.”
“It’s strange to think of Honazal as a second home, but I do feel this way,” said Marhidium.
Siytai said, “Anyway, I have these feeling of returning because I’m one of the so-called adopted children of the Sahaynaiviums.”
The issue of abducted children never seemed to be solved. But the Salseth, Obsiesa, and the other council members finally did gather for the purpose of discussing the abducted children. Without much argument, the council banned the practice of abducting children for the purpose of educating them.
The council then limited the powers of the scholars, or so Leineha had been told. His report indicated that Geithelasa’s powers were eroding, which they hoped meant that the Orbs would have no power of their own. But it was too much to count on at present. The child thing still must be found, and preparations were being made for all the people, from Senetha to Sahaynaivium, to live elsewhere.
While in Honazal, Tenashar, Marhidium, Knode, and Siytai, along with A-amar and Una-sei, were invited by Leineha to stay at his home. This offer delighted Tenashar and his friends.
Leineha’s two younger daughters were at the door to welcome him home. They all jumped and ran to embrace each other. They were then introduced to Jarviashar’s new friends.
Woziar was a beautiful girl, tall and thin, with dark brown skin and large eyes. She wore a tunic with tight sleeves that hugged her body and tight trousers that outlined her beautiful legs. Medayi was of a similar height to Jarviashar, but she was a bit thinner and a shade lighter than Woziar. She wasn’t as stunningly beautiful as her taller sister, yet she had a lot of inner strength and determination that made her look like a future leader.
Medayi and Woziar served their guests and took an interest in A-amar and Una-sei. This was their first experience with a live Sharzeen. The two girls timidly approached to ask them questions. But they hardly made an answer.
Tenashar explained that Sharzeens rarely speak—only when they have something important to say. He said they were mor
e active around children. Laughingly, Woziar said they both wished they were still children and hoped that A-amar and Una-sei would come back when they were married with children—then they would see how active they could be.
It was a happy time to be living in Leineha’s home, before moving on. The oceans around Honazal had become so violent that the fishing expeditions had to be put off indefinitely.
The second day of rest at Leineha’s home had come to end, and he spoke words of parting to his guests. “The journey back to your people is a long one. I only wish that the land were made of water, and not solid land, so you could sail back in comfort. Tenashar, you know your way home. You have three friends with you and the two Sharzeens. It’s time to go.”
They would take a ship to Veazith. From there, they’d travel inland to Nainashari’s cave. So it was decided, and a tiny ship made its way across the extremely dangerous waters to Athtap’s village, where he was waiting with the other elders upon the huge wall that had only recently been built to keep the ocean from further inland incursions.
Athtap’s great smile greeted them. They were nearly home.
Now the real plans for survival had to be made.
chapter 35
Old Memories Come Back
Athtap welcomed Tenashar and his friends with tears in his eyes. Memories began to flow into his heart. He had especially missed Tenashar.
Athtap told Tenashar that all the combined tribes of Ahenathinay were already building underground homes and sphere worlds. A few Aura-Laei-i who secretly possessed skills and knowledge were already in Veazith, assisting them in building their new homes.
Naiena-sa had traveled to his brother Nainashari’s cave, and it was in Veazith that Nainashari had learned the making of sphere worlds. This surprised Tenashar and Knode, because that had always thought that the Veazith had learned the technique from Nainashari. Athtap raised his eyebrows with obvious pride for his people. What further surprised them was that Naiena-sa was an Aura-Laei-i. That was the reason he took a special interest in Tenashar. Of course, it had already been known that the Veazith were descendants of the Sileizan.
In a graver tone, Athtap spoke of the child thing, as he heard of it from the Sahaynaivium and Senetha messengers. Soon Tenashar learned that his father was active in helping the tribes of the continent prepare for survival. Sanashei was giving Athtap advice so that he could help the tribes to understand that this child thing was the one influencing their world. He conveyed messages of instruction to most of the tribes in the north and those living along the seashores.
There was sympathy from Tenashar that entire peoples who lived by the sea had to relocate to new environments where perhaps their fishing skills wouldn’t be needed. This was difficult for many of the fishermen and their families to accept.
Tenashar learned that Sanashei had sent messengers to guide the engineers of both Honazal and Veazith to bring the oceans into an underground sea reservoir and to stockfish for breeding. At first, many of the fishermen objected to this, but soon Athtap convinced them that the reservoir would become an underground ocean. Athtap led them all, including the fishermen, into the underground caverns that were being dug.
Tenashar was amazed that the underground dwellings were being built and the underground forests being planted. Then the fishermen saw the great reservoirs. This made them happy to see such vast oceans of water. They were content. In time, these fishermen would become fish farmers in the underground oceans. This construction project reminded Tenashar of Nainashari’s caves. He understood that such vast projects would take many years to complete. The builders were making sure that all the structures were carefully and solidly built. This made Athtap proud of his people.
As the building activities continued day and night, Knode quietly went to the place where Naydiacar was buried. Tenashar also went along. The grave was no longer a mere dirt mound, for the farmer and his wife had put up an appropriate stone memorial, complete with a stone platform and a central stone pyramid with two stone spheres, one on either side, in the Veazith manner.
Elsewhere, the farmers had made preparations to grow and cultivate their crops in the underground world. But aboveground, most of their crops were safely situated in a small, narrow valley with a stream.
Many were already moving underground. There was one farmer that remained in his home. He was the farmer who buried Naydiacar. His farm was safe in the little secluded valley. Like this farmer, some other chose to stay on the surface.
Tenashar saw a farmer walking up to Knode, who sat by Naydiacar’s grave. Knode looked up and smiled at him. Knode, Marhidium, and Siytai all thanked the farmer for caring for Naydiacar’s grave. The old farmer spoke of all the events that came and went while they were gone in Sahaynaivium.
The farmer said he wasn’t afraid of what was happening to the world. He believed that life on the planet goes through many changes, and this was one of them—so he accepted everything. But he assured Knode and Marhidium that Naydiacar’s resting place would never be abandoned. Knode asked the farmer if, whatever happened, he could stay with the Veazith in the future. Siytai and Marhidium expressed the same desire—to become part of these people they felt so strongly for. The old farmer understood Knode’s feelings and gave him a green and blue rock, which, while it had no value of its own, symbolized acceptance and friendship.
Athtap came to say that it was time to go and make preparations. Knode and Siytai left with him. Marhidium decided to linger for a short time. This was a special place for her.
Athtap pointed to the looming mountains of Ahenathinay, giving them directions so they could pass through in a different route and wouldn’t have to see Knode’s crashed flying ship. Tenashar gave Athtap a huge farewell hug.
Familiar sounds and smells came to Tenashar, and tears began to fall from his eyes as old memories came back to his heart. They all wished there was a faster way to reach their destination.
Tenashar noticed that A-amar continued to watch the sky for something. Tenashar thought that it was strange of him to do this. Sharzeens seemed to have no interest in the sky, except when they sensed something was up there. Tenashar’s first thought was that the Orbs were coming, but A-amar said it wasn’t the Orbs; it was a flying ship.
chapter 36
Friends from the Sky
“This is clearly not possible a flying ship from Sahaynaivium? Perhaps they’re looking for us to take us back. Geithelasa may have prevailed in the council,” said Tenashar.
It had been two days since they had left Athtap. They were trying to hide from the flying ship that A-amar had sensed was up in the sky. But somehow this ship was different. It wasn’t the same one that A-amar thought he sensed.
Marhidium and Siytai were hiding behind some bushes. A-amar and Una-sei were sitting motionless, pretending they were rocks—for they had the ability to disguise themselves.
Tenashar said, “I believe this ship is friendly. I don’t sense that it is a threat to us.”
It headed straight for them and landed right where they were trying to hide. The ship looked familiar, with the cone shape and cylindrical bowl.
Out stepped Osinthaph! “I’ve come to bring you to Nainashari, if Tenashar will show me the way. This way you won’t have to walk to your destination. I want you to know that Leineha, Seveaha, and Obsiesa ordered this ship.”
There was a sense of relief that they wouldn’t have to walk for many days. Instead, they could get there by twilight, because the speed of this special ship was faster than the one Knode originally used.
The ship flew over the vast grassy plains until it reached the familiar forests, where Tenashar tried to find the place where Nainashari and Etutsha lived. Tenashar’s excitement grew as he finally located the spot where his old friend was. Soon the ship landed.
Hoping to see Nainashari and Etutsha, Tenashar was the first to jump out of the ship, but he found nobody to greet him. For a moment, he thought he might be in the wrong place. Then he saw the fami
liar rocks that were set up as border markers.
Disappointed, he ran in the direction where he remembered the cave had been. He saw the familiar giant transparent containers and huge clay receptacles lying all over the place. He knew he was close. A few more paces, and he found the cave.
He realized that he was correct, which came as a relief. The others followed, running to catch up to Tenashar. He looked around frantically for Nainashari.
Marhidium also searched. “No one is around. It seems deserted. I don’t feel any human presence,” she said.
Tenashar nodded his head in agreement. He decided to descend into the cave, though a strange smell emanated from the depths within.
Osinthaph followed close behind Tenashar, thinking that the look of the cave and the smell seemed familiar.
Tenashar remembered suddenly that it was the fertilizer to make the plants grow better. Of course, that wasn’t the only smell. The smell of other chemicals was also present in the atmosphere of the cave. The pathway downward was lighted, as before.
Once inside the cave, Tenashar found all of Nainashari’s apparatuses shut down. Yet the natural functions of the cave remained working. Plants grew, leaves fell to the ground, streams, rivers, and lakes flowed, and the string lights did their duty.
Osinthaph was fascinated by the wonders in the cave. “All that you have described is true.” Her words encouraged Tenashar to introduce more of the wonders of the cave.
Tenashar called out to Nainashari and Etutsha, but only an echo answered back. They continued searching, but no one turned up. In Honazal, a messenger had come to Tenashar from Nainashari. So he reasoned that Nainashari should still be in his cave.
Marhidium said, “Perhaps Nainashari entered one of the sphere worlds and disappeared.”
Tenashar said, “Nainashari is a master. He created these worlds and could find his way back. He could never be lost.”
Journey to the Grassland and Sea Page 24
