O Saga: Part One: Book of Origins
Chapter Fifteen: Torture

Malum and company have been dodging black armored soldiers since they crossed into Qamatan territory. The four rode two horses while a pack mule ambled behind.

Thea and Kai rode together on her bay Hackney filly named Morgan. Morgan had long been a target of favoritism by Thea at the farm.

Malum and Flaero rode a gray Lusitano colt named Pertinax because of his stubborn nature. Malum liked to call him “Nax,” but it didn’t make the horse more cordial towards him.

Malum didn’t choose Nax because of developed kinship; it was just practicality. Nax was a robust and sturdy fellow who could handle a long journey. The other horses they left behind at the farm they gave over to Herm before leaving.

Nax was more than fit to handle the two of them. The group would sometimes elect to walk beside the horses as they made their way up more rugged trails. It was only to lessen the burden on the horses.

No one rode the pack mule they brought along, as it was already full of gear. For reasons Thea can’t remember, its name was Stully, but the mule rarely made a fuss.

Until now, they had managed to be patient and skilled enough to avoid the soldiers. They saw many regular Ishavaran soldiers but were surprised at how many black-armored soldiers there were. None of them had ever seen these black-armored soldiers before.

They would be, on occasion, accompanied by women in strange red robes. They all sensed it would be best not to replace out who these new folk were. They just wanted to get where they were going as quickly as possible.

They had set up camp on the backside of a hill, allowing them to monitor potential threats. They had brought two tents but had mainly been sleeping on bedrolls. A tent might make it easier for people to spot them at a distance.

Thea and Kai managed to fall asleep while Malum kept watch. Flaero joined him because of restless thoughts. Looking at the stars, they sat on the cold grass, passing the time.

“I moved all over the place as a kid, but one of the most important persons in my life had the power to connect like you and Thea,” Flaero said.

“But you don’t have it yourself?” Malum inquired.

“I wish. My teacher, as I liked to think of her, taught me everyone had a connection. It came from the creator, and we all have the divine spark.”

“That’s what my Master taught me as well. I honestly don’t know if I know enough to say just yet. I was in the middle of my training. Not sure I’ll ever be fully trained.”

“Kiron was the name of your Master, right?”

“Yes. What was yours?”

“Pepelo,” Flaero said, looking away toward the moon.

“If you don’t mind my asking, how’d you meet?”

“Chance, I guess. I think she was lonely and needed a friend at that time. She was very old already when I met her. I was young and needed a friend as well. I wasn’t allowed to have friends. I grew up in orphanages, and they kept transferring me from place to place. One day, I escaped to a nearby beach as I just wanted to see the water. I ran into Pepelo there, and we just hit it off. Eventually, I just never went back to the orphanage.”

“I can relate to that. Why did Pepelo teach you about the O element and connecting if you don’t have it?”

“I just pestered her all day about it, and I think she enjoyed showing me things. Even dark things.”

“What do you mean dark things?”

“I don’t mean she did bad things or hurt anyone. She would show me she could use her power to control the mind of a stray mouse running in the house or zap a bug. Then she’d tell me how she wasn’t supposed to do that.”

“My Master had a dark side, too. I can’t tell you about the details, but it was there. He would quickly get control over himself. What was boiling underneath popped up here and there.”

“See, perfectly innocent. I think you make it worse if you don’t acknowledge the darkness in all of us. Like your Master, you must learn how to control it.”

“I struggled with dark thoughts many times,” Malum said with a look of shame.

“As your brother Kai told me, you were getting bullied; that’s normal to get mad.”

Malum and Flaero kept to themselves for a while, losing themselves in memories. Their eyes would scan the distances in search of irregular shapes and movements. Thea and Kai didn’t seem to have any trouble resting.

Flaero asked, “Are you still not that interested in the revolution?” Malum was brought back to the moment.

“I can’t say I feel strongly about either side.”

“That’s fair. Until then, you go where Thea goes?”

“Always.”

“Can I ask you?” Flaero Started.

“If Thea and I are together romantically? I’m trying to figure that out right now myself. We’ve drifted apart a little since her Father’s death.” Rovan explained.

“I can advise you on many matters; women are not one of them. I think she needs time. Be patient, and she’ll come around.”

“I keep saying that to myself. I honestly don’t know what my life would be like without her.” Malum said, looking toward Thea sleeping.

——-

They packed up camp early in the morning and rode out, hoping to get out before the sun was fully out. They hoped soldiers wouldn’t be active at that time. They were about to cross the main trail when Thea held Morgan up.

“What’s the matter?” Flaero asked.

“Something is not right. The animals are acting strange around here.” Thea said.

“What do you mean?” Kai asked in concern.

“They’re acting almost like a predator is around,” Thea said.

They all looked around and listened for any out-of-place noises.

“Get off the horses,” Thea demanded.

“Why?” Kai asked.

“We’re surrounded, and I don’t want them to get injured in a fight,” Thea said.

The others were surprised by her words but quickly did as she asked. They led the horses behind some bushes. Thea and Malum took out their swords.

“Stay behind us,” Thea advised.

Thea led as she came up on some pines to peek around. Malum was right behind her, while Flaero and Kai stood back.

“You two, get between us, and if we say run, you run. Got it?” Thea was in complete control of the situation. Everyone took her orders like good soldiers. All four walked out from behind the pine trees and didn’t see anything yet.

“Are you sure there is anybody here?” Kai asked. Nobody bothered to answer him.

Their foe answered the question as they revealed themselves behind trees to their sides, blocking their path forward. Ten or so black armored soldiers stepped forward, and three women in red robes were placed just behind them.

Thea didn’t hesitate and sent energy blasts at a group of soldiers. The soldiers were knocked off their feet and injured badly. The three red-robed women sprang forward and pointed staffs at Thea, lifting her off her feet. Thea struggled to move her arms.

In a rage, Malum charged toward the women attacking Thea. He wasn’t confident or skilled enough to shoot big blasts of energy. He was still trying to move stones when Kiron died. He was a capable swordsman, though.

One of the women turned their attention to Malum and knocked him over with a blast of wind. It hit Malum like a giant hammer. Malum struggled to catch his breath. Before he could react, soldiers had grabbed him.

——

Malum, Thea, Flaero, and Malum’s brother Kai had their hands tied behind them and were in the back of a wagon with soldiers. The soldiers had Malum and Thea’s swords, and Malum saw the three red-robed women riding horses directly behind them.

Malum wasn’t sure how long they had been on the road when they reached a walled city by the sea. Malum didn’t know what city it was; he had never been to a town this size anywhere. It was strange to see a bigger city but arrive as a prisoner.

Malum had escaped Jyoti after being accused of murder; he thought that this might be karma catching up with him. They were going to hang him in Jyoti; he expected no less here.

The city sat by a river and along the sea coast. Malum had never seen such high walls. They entered through the main city gate, and Malum was hit with a stench he had not even experienced in the worst animal pens. Most of the people he saw as they were being escorted through the town were of a race he wasn’t familiar with.

There was a desperateness to every action in this city. Despair and hopelessness were saturated in every corner. Malum recognized the look of agony and defeat in the eyes of the people. He saw it in the eyes of his Father and the townspeople he grew up with. They looked like people in want of food and rest. He understood this city was being used as a prison and labor camp.

Malum saw stations for making arrows and all manner of weapons. Women and children vastly outnumbered the men. The men that he saw didn’t look like warriors or soldiers. They looked old and frail.

Malum and his band were brought before what he assumed to be the leader in this city—another of these red-robed women.

She pulled her hood down to reveal a surprisingly pleasing face. It was covered in strange makeup, but it was a human face. Malum had in his mind that Witches were creatures or demons. She could have been a demon; he didn’t know what they looked like either.

“I am Soror Dominus. I shall be your keeper and Master.” She greeted them.

One of the soldiers handed over some leaflets to her, and she examined them. The soldiers shoved Kai forward to her.

“I am told these are yours. Do you deny them?” Soror Dominus asked in an accent foreign to Malum. Kai didn’t answer. “I don’t care about the revolution that this parchment speaks of, but unfortunately, my Master has allied with someone who does. The Tsar has asked for the leader to be captured and brought to him. Are you the leader?” Again, Kai said nothing.

“I am the leader,” Flaero said, stepping closer. Dominus turned her attention in his direction.

“Tsar Miro wants the leader, the followers he cares not,” Dominus stated, devoid of emotion.

Dominus grabbed one of the swords from a soldier and moved next to Kai. Malum watched in horror as Dominus sliced the sword across Kai’s neck, and his head fell hard to the floor. The rest of Kai’s body slumped forward and fell aimlessly.

Malum loved his brother in his way and immediately felt the pain of loss. He also found anger, a raging fire he had never tasted, smolder in his belly. Malum tried to lurch forward and strike at the woman but was held back by a couple of soldiers. He had wanted to shout, but the shock of it stole his words.

Malum’s anger caught Dominus’s attention. “Was this wretched soul someone to you?”

“You just killed an innocent man in cold blood. I want to return the favor to you.” Malum spat his anger at her like a flame. The soldiers knocked him to his knees and took turns hitting him with their metal gauntlets.

“I believe you would. I’m glad he was innocent and loved. Then you know I will not hesitate to hurt those you care for. We might get quicker answers.” Dominus said to Malum as she changed her attention to Flaero. “And what of you, Leader?” Dominus said mockingly.

Malum could see Flaero giving her an intense stare but not responding to her taunts. “Guards, take this leader away and give him a softening. May it loosen his tongue.” The black armored soldiers obeyed. Malum watched helplessly as Flaero was taken away. Thea and Malum remained.

Kai’s decapitated head and body still lay before Malum. He felt nauseous at its sight. He had only just found his brother again. They had finally reconciled their past and entered a new closeness and bond. He didn’t even get to say goodbye to Kai or that he loved him.

“About the symbols on these swords, I recognize them.” Dominus had turned her focus on Thea now. “I was told they belong to you two.” Dominus circled Thea and inspected her closely. Dominus examined Malum next.

“Your face resembles this severed head on the floor. He was your brother, wasn’t he?”

“He’s the reason I will gladly sever your head,” is all Malum would give her.

“One of these swords is yours, but it was given to you. So that tells me that the original owner trained you and that you have the power to connect. The darkness in you has been revealed, and it is powerful. I can sense it.” Dominus said, looking at Malum.

“You know nothing about me,” Malum shouted.

“I know all I need to.” Dominus turned her attention to Thea. “Mother Superior will be pleased that we found this one.”

Soldiers moved Thea to the center of the room and attached ropes to her four limbs. They tightened the ropes, lifted Thea off the ground, and stretched her limbs. Thea screamed in pain.

“Leave her alone.” Malum pleaded. “I swear to you, Witch, that you will…”

“That you will kill me, yes, I know. Your threats grow tiresome.” Dominus ran a finger with long nails painted black down Thea’s arm.

“The other sword belongs to you.” Dominus accused Thea. “The more I look at your face, young one, the more I see the resemblance. I knew Decima. I knew your mother.” This caught Thea’s attention. “I also know your Father Korin, whom I presume is the one who trained you two. It is your mother’s symbol on these swords.” Dominus looked for a reaction.

“Then you were there the night they killed her.” Thea finally spoke out.

“I was there. I didn’t want to see your mother burned alive. I really didn’t. But we have rules, and she broke them.”

“You burned her alive?” Thea said in disbelief.

“You didn’t know? Interesting.”

“I knew enough.”

“Your mother died braver than most. She didn’t plea for her life, even as she was burning in the flames. It could have been avoided.”

“She and my Father fell in love. You could have just let them go.”

“If we did, it would have encouraged others to do so. We keep to our vows. You will see that when you reach The Isle of Wicca and the Covenant.”

“You seek to convert me?”

“I seek to let Mother Superior decide your fate. Decima and Korin were powerful; you carry their power within. You might have a place with us.”

“I will never join you.” Thea protested.

“We’ll see,” Dominus said. “Take him to a cell. I will try to persuade her some more.”

As Malum was being taken away, he could hear Thea screaming. It became harder for him to listen as they took him further away, and soon, he could not hear her at all.

——

Flaero was already in the cell when Malum arrived. The cell door slammed shut. Flaero looked like he had been roughed up a bit.

“Where’s Thea?” Flaero asked concerned.

“The Witch is torturing her; I must get back to her,” Malum said desperately.

“I’m sorry, my friend. There is nothing we can do for her right now.” Flaero consoled.

“It looks like they roughed you up as well.”

“I’ll manage.”

“Flaero, you’ve been trying to get me to join your revolution. If killing these Witches is a part of that, I want in.” Malum said.

“They said they have allied with Tsar Miro. That makes fighting him even more important. We must get to Teodor. There are people with powers like you and Thea; it is the only way to fight them.” Flaero reasoned.

“I don’t care what it takes. I have never wanted to hurt anyone, but now, I replace a burning desire to kill.”

“I’m sorry about Kai. I had only known him briefly, but he seemed a good man. He really believed he could help.”

“Kai wasn’t perfect, and we had our ups and downs, but he didn’t deserve that fate.”

“No one does. This is the evil I have been trying to rebel against. Why I started a revolt. Innocent people who have nothing have been murdered like Kai for centuries. The rich oppress the poor to fatten their pockets and then punish them when they try to advance past their meager station. Please help me so that no one has to suffer like Kai again. So no one has to be tortured like Thea.”

“I will join you, Flaero. First, I will help you escape this jail and get Thea.”

“I want to help everyone in this city escape, but we must seek help in Teodor first. Can you use your powers on the bars?” Asked Flaero.

“I need my sword,” Malum paused. Korin said, ” The sword is only a conductor. I will try without it.”

Malum sat before the cell door, crossed his legs, and meditated. He was focusing like he had never before, but it didn’t seem to affect the door.

“Psst.” Came a voice from somewhere. Malum and Flaero heard it again. “Who is there?” They asked.

“I’m in the cell across from you. I couldn’t help but hear you say you have the power to connect and need to get to Teodor to get an Army. I don’t care about most of that, but we can help each other.”

“Who are you?” Flaero asked.

“I’m just a thief. Jazzi is the name.”

“How can we help each other?” Malum asked.

“Like I said, I’m a thief. I can get the keys off the guard with your help. My problem was not getting killed by one of those Witches after I got out of the cell. You said you have the power to connect. You can fight them. We only need to reach the coastal wall and jump into the sea. We can part ways from there. I don’t care about revolution.”

“We have to get Thea first.”

“I don’t know who that is,” Jazzi said.

“She is where the swords are. We must get to them, or I can’t fight the Witches.”

“Fine,” Jazzi said.

“How soon can we do this?” Malum inquired.

“As soon as the right guard comes.”

——-

With Jazzi’s help, Malum and Flaero managed to escape their cells. They tried to remember how to get back to the room where Thea had been tortured.

They ran into some soldiers, but Malum witnessed how skilled a warrior Flaero was. He thought he was just a politician, but he disarmed and neutralized the soldiers like it was Child’s play. They used the soldier’s swords to fight their way into where Thea had been. Thea wasn’t in there; it was empty. They found Thea and Malum’s swords, though.

They went to the window and climbed out of the room. They managed to get to the outer wall and ran toward the sea. A boat heading out to a large ship in the harbor caught Malum’s attention. He saw Thea on it.

They fought with soldiers on the battlements and reached the coastal wall. They were about to jump into the sea.

“We have to go after Thea.” Malum pleaded.

“We won’t make it to her,” Flaero warned.

“I don’t care what you guys do. It was nice knowing you.” Jazzi jumped into the sea and swam away.

“I promise we will go after Thea. We must get help. We must go to Teodor.” Flaero tried to convince Malum desperately before more soldiers came.

They both jumped into the sea below and hit the water hard. They found their way to the shore and managed to avoid soldiers. They found a thicket of shrubs to hide in.

Malum couldn’t bear the thought of what was happening to Thea. He realized that Flaero was right. If he gets caught, he won’t be helpful to her.

They waited for nightfall to move again. They slowly made their way West of the city. It was there, and to their surprise, they found Morgan, Nax, and Sully.

Thea’s horses must have followed her scent until they lost it and drifted this way looking for her. It was hard to say if they found the horse or the horses found them. The Source of All Things works in funny ways sometimes. Malum and Flaero jumped on the horses and rode for Teodor.