O Saga: Part One: Book of Origins
Chapter Eighteen: Escape

Malaika counted six Sorors. All six held a unique-looking staff that appeared tailored to each style. The red hoods covered their faces.

The wind was changing, as were threads of fate. The Great Spider was always hungry for victims. It weaved the stars together so they didn’t fall from the night sky. It weaved the very journey of time and space.

Today, the Great Spider has found many corpses to wrap up in its web. It was the keeper of the dead. When a fallen soul ascends to the heavens, some get caught in the webs between the stars. They will never reach the heavenly paradise as the Great Spiders’ many children feast upon them.

That was but a Qamata myth story. Malaika didn’t fear death. Whatever her journey, in life or death, she would face it as a warrior. She was the daughter of a great Chief, a descendant of the Owethu people, and created by Father and Mother Earth. If a couple of Witches want a fight, bring it.

——

Tsar Miro sat high in his saddle, pulling the reigns to lift Buca’s head. Miro was positioned in the hills so he could oversee the battlefield. It was time for him to join the fight. If the opposition got behind his force, Miro would be vulnerable to rear charges. He would stay closer to his troops and Field Marshall Ramsey.

The Sorors were revealed to the enemy. Miro wanted to see if they could live up to the hype. The city will only last for a while if they do.

Sorors Cadorim and Lunetia took the Eastern Gate, with the Black Legion General Antigonus leading the Calvary. Sorors Pellenore and Agravein were assigned to the Western Gate with the support of Black Legion General Seleucus.

Sorors Modron and Sfiso would be the main driving force on the Southern Gate. Soror Sfiso would lead the fight into the city; few would survive her. Sfiso is the most capable of the Coven in battle, except for the Mother Superior, who was not here.

Miro was not worried if the Shadow Coven leveled the city to the ground and killed everything inside. Miro only needed it for a prison and labor camp. It could just as quickly be built in the aftermath. The port was still accessible to bring trade in and out.

This is the last time the fighting has paused. Tsar Miro gave the signal to unleash the full might of the Shadow Coven.

—-

Elisapie recognized that she and Gaia were outmatched. They would have to contend with four Sorors. She was already feeling exhausted from the overuse of channeling.

“Gaia, I leave the two Witches at the Southern Gate for you to deal with. I will have to deal with the two at the Eastern Gate.” Elisapie shouted.

“What about Rovan and his Apprentice? Can’t they deal with them?” Gaia questioned.

“They are dealing with a fleet of warships. They have enough on their plate.” Elisapie said. She yelled to the archers below. “Send a herald to the Chiefs in the citadel; we need two of them to the Eastern Gate immediately,” Elisapie commanded. Turning to Gaia, “I will last as long as possible until the Chiefs relieve me. I will come back to help you. I wish you luck.”

“We’ll need it,” Gaia said with his usual charm.

Gaia and Elisapie were Ijani Knights. It was against their code to ever leave a battlefield. They either died, got captured, or were victorious. The outcome of this battle was very much in the balance.

Elisapie ran to the Eastern Gate along the Battlements. She signaled for some archers below to follow her. She came just in time as the two Sorors sent a blast of energy from their staffs at the gate, causing irreparable damage.

Elisapie fired back at the Witches, forcing them to form energy shields from their staff. The Witches block her blasts. Eilsapie signals the archers to fire upon them. She hopes to move the two Sorors to look for protection. It works as the red-robed women run back to the soldiers for cover.

Elispaie hopes the others are holding out. Elisapie quickly assesses Malaika and Chaska, who seem to be holding their ground against their new foe. Rovan and Olafur have managed to destroy three Seventeen ships in the harbor. It looks like an impossible task for Rovan, but he is the strongest among them.

Gaia, on the other hand, looks to be struggling at the Southern Gate. The Chiefs need to relieve her soon.

The Black Legion soldiers move forward to provide arrow fodder for the Witches. The soldiers have only swords and shields. The two Sorors begin firing at the gate as they step just before the advancing soldiers. Elisapie is forced to target her blast and try to redirect them from hitting the gate as each wave from the Sorors weakens it.

Arrows force Elisapie to take cover as the Calvary sends a volley into the city. The Calvary is positioned behind the marching troops. There is too much to deal with at once.

Chief Yachay and Ipiri appear on the battlement and signal Elisapie to return to the Southern Gate. She runs as fast as she can down the battlement. She ducks to where Gaia is crouched.

“Thank God, Elisapie,” Gaia says, exasperated.

“You know, you’re rather useless without me.” Elisapie joked.

“If my mouth weren’t so dry right now, I’d spit in your face. So, it’s like a metaphoric spit in your face.” Gaia retorts.

“How about we metaphorically kill these bitches.” Elispaie

“Let’s.”

Gaia and Elisapie stand up to target the Sorors. Gaia purposely sets the grass on fire before the Southern Gate as Elisapie sends a blast of wind to knock the Witches back.

If you send energy blasts, the Sorors can make energy shields to counter. Sending a blast of wind won’t kill like the high energy, but it can knock someone off their feet, even one forming an energy field. The higher the energy you create, the more it becomes like a lightning bolt. Gaia used this method to cause the fire, but it comes at a cost. It takes more out of you each time you summon it. There are stories of powerful channelers who made their thunder from the amount of energy they channeled.

The fire lasts only momentarily as one of the Sorors sends a blast of wind to smother the flames. Elisapie can feel she is getting weaker and doesn’t know how long she can keep this up.

One of the Sorors approaches the Southern Gate by herself. She has her staff ready, and she is pointing it at Elisapie and Gaia.

“Together, fire on her now,” Gaia shouts to her. They both stand up and shoot rapidly at the Witch. The red-robed figure deflects and handles their attack with relative ease.

The Witch gestures with her staff, and suddenly, Elisapie can’t move. She can’t even make a noise. Elisapie struggles to breathe. Gaia targets the Witch and forces her to dodge out of the way of his attack. Elisapie can breathe again and quickly hides behind the battlement.

Gaia was about to signal the archers to fire a volley, but the whole city shook with tremendous force. The Southern Gate had exploded, and the city had been breached.

—-

Olafur and his crew had developed a rhythm of firing the catapult from the bastion. They could have been better at hitting the ships as it was nearly impossible to be accurate. Rovan was doing most of the damage to the enemy ships. He had taken out three of them by himself. Unfortunately, there were fourteen more.

The three Rovan had destroyed made it difficult for the reserve ships to enter the harbor. They were only able to get five in a close position. Two rows of six sat in behind as reserves.

Three of the five were on fire, preventing any ship from taking its position. The reserve ship could only try to fire from behind the wrecks.

Olafur almost was knocked over as a violent tremor shook through the city. Olafur saw in horror as the Southern Gate had been exploded apart. He knew enemy soldiers would soon be flooding through the entrance.

A signal was given to the ships in the harbor to cease fire. It meant that the city was about to be overrun with soldiers.

“Get your sword and shield out. Stay next to me.” Rovan said, knowing the fight would turn to hand-to-hand combat. Rovan would only use energy on a Witch, not waste it on soldiers. It also let him recoup a little. That’s what Olafur assumed.

The black armored soldiers were now piling in the city like insects protecting a hive. Olafur hasn’t seen any of the red robes yet. Archers were firing desperately from the battlements to keep the enemy out.

“Olafur, tell your men if all looks lost in the city. I will signal us to dive off this wall to the sea. We will swim for an enemy ship and try to take her to escape. That is our backup plan.” Rovan instructed him. Olafur quickly passed it on to his crew.

The city’s center, beneath the citadel tower, was now flooded with enemy soldiers. The Qamatan warriors had their swords out and fought for their lives and city. The black armored soldiers were better trained and were overrunning the fight.

The other Knights were still exchanging fire with what Olafur presumed to be Witches as he could see light flashes.

“Olafur, a slight change in plan. I can’t watch these people being butchered. I’m going to help them. The backup plan remains. You and the crew must hold your positions.”

Olafur watched Rovan jump from the battlement to the city center below. He gracefully landed and began to engage in clashing swords with the enemy. Rovan was a one-man Army, even without using the power to connect.

Rovan slashed, stabbed, blocked, and parried with the speed of a pouncing tiger. Black armored soldiers’ arms and heads flew as Rovan’s blade moved with fury. Olafur had never seen his Master move with such precision in their sparring matches, and he was glad for it.

Rovan was killing in all directions, taking on all comers. He’d block to the left, spin his body in a flash, and move into a killing overhead stroke in the blink of an eye. Rovan’s blade knew no mercy or defeat, but the enemy had endless fodder supplies for him.

Olafur was so mesmerized by watching his Master that he almost didn’t notice black armored soldiers moving on him. Alerted by one of his crew members, Olafur turned instinctively to block an attack from his right. Olafur was not as skilled as his Master and locked in a clash of swords. Olafur and his foe blocked each other’s counterstrikes and moves, but he was pushing his opponent back. There were stairs leading down to the city center where Olafur was leading his adversary.

Olafur targeted a weak point in the armor to slice through the arm by the elbow. His opponent was at his mercy, and Olafur had to finish him with a reverse thrust. Olafur’s sword entered under the armpit to pierce the heart of his victim.

Olafur wasn’t as good as his Master, but he was a skillful swordsman.

Olafur stayed by the stairs, preventing anyone from reaching the battlements. He suppressed the attackers one by one.

———

The Shadow Coven was more than Tsar Miro could have hoped for. They had been the difference in the siege. Soror Sfiso had singlehandedly destroyed the Southern Gate. Victory was inevitable now.

The sun would be high in the sky any minute as the battle had lasted through the night. Yesterday, the sun shone on Qamatan land; today, it would rise on the new territory of Ishvara.

The Ishvaran troops and Sorors only needed to keep anyone from escaping. That’s why it surprised Miro when Soror Sfiso entered the city. As much as Miro admired the ease of victory, he was OK if he lost some of the Sorors. He didn’t care for them.

——

Malum and Flaero had ridden through the night on their way to Teodor. The trails had been torn up by horses, soldiers’ footprints, and wagons. It was apparent they were following in the wake of an Army.

It still didn’t prepare them for the carnage they were witnessing. They were looking upon Teodor, but a large Army surrounded it. They say the same red-robed women who had captured them joined the attack. The city Gates are locked to be destroyed, and the city is overrun with Black Legion soldiers.

“Looks like this is where we will have to take leave of the horses,” Flaero said.

“These belong to Thea; we can’t just leave them here.” Malum protested.

“Would you rather we got them killed in battle?”

“We’re going to battle? I think we’re outnumbered.” Malum said, disbelieving.

“We’re joining the war. This is the revolution. The Tsar is literally on that horse over there.” Flaero said with his finger extended.

“The Tsar? I just want to kill those red-robed monsters who killed my brother and tortured the only person I truly loved.”

“Well, they’re right there. Go kill them.” Flaero said a bit mockingly.

“I didn’t expect I’d have to go to war to join the revolution.”

“Did you expect it would be settled over tea?”

“I don’t know what I expected.”

“It doesn’t matter either. A revolution often requires sacrifice and compromise. You’ve already sacrificed a lot; you’ll have to give more.” Flaero said.

“What’s the plan then?”

“You’re going to use your power, and we’re going to fight our way into the city.”

“Are you serious? I told you I can’t control my power yet. Certainly, it’s not enough to take on an army.”

”From what you told me about your training, you are ready. You need to believe.”

“I’ve only moved little rocks.”

“Pepelu told men that people like you can channel immense amounts of energy often when the emotions are high, and they just come out naturally. You need to replace the emotion to unlock your power.” Flaero counseled. “Let’s get our gear off the horses and set them free.”

Malum dismounted and said his goodbyes to Morgan, Nax, and Stully. He hoped Thea’s horses would return to the farm alone, but he didn’t have high hopes.

Malum and Flaero snuck their way to the local fishing boats flipped over East of the city. They paddled them as far as they could toward the Eastern Gate. It looked to have the fewest troops and direct access inside the city.

Flaero told Malum that the people in Teodor were the people they needed to help rescue Thea. Right now, they need some help. This was their chance to win favor for the revolution. If they could help them escape, they’d have quick allies.

They left the fishing boats to float in the harbor near the North Coastal wall. Malum and Flaero swam a shore. They approached the Eastern Gate.

“Mal, I need you to focus on the Sorors. We need to target them if we are to get inside the city. You need to channel your power at them.” Flaero told him.

“How?”

“Like I said, emotions. Get angry. Think of what they did to Thea and Kai. Think of the bullies who took advantage of you, how your Father treated you your whole life. Whatever it takes.”

Malum thought about his life and every injustice. He saw images of his Father and Lalit. Malum could feel a swell forming in him. He thought of Kiron dying and how Thea pulled away. The swell grew bigger. He thought of the Soror killing Kai in front of him. The swell was becoming a tempest. He could hear Thea screaming in pain as she was being tortured. Malum yelled madly and charged at the Witches with Kiron’s sword in hand.

The Witches turned towards him and seemed caught off guard. They shot energy blasts at him, and to his surprise, he blocked it with an energy shield. Flaero was right. Malum sunk into his rage and aimed his sword at them. He channeled a forceful wind at them, knocking the red robes off their feet.

Flaero had already run for the gate, Thea’s sword in hand. He didn’t have the power to connect, but as Malum saw, he didn’t need it. Flaero was a natural swordsman.

Malum followed Flaero inside the gate and remembered his training. He slashed and stabbed at the armored soldiers in the back. Flaero and Malum quickly battled up some stairs to the city center.

Malum saw a large man from Anahiti destroying everything in his path. Blood and body parts lay strewn all around. Flaero seemed to be making his way to the big man. Malum remembered that Flaero and Kai had been trying to meet a man in Kwento from Anahiti. Could this be the guy?

“Flaero. Is that him?” Malum shouted and pointed. Flaero didn’t seem to hear him or was too busy fighting.

The big Anahitiian heard him, though. “Flaero? Did you say Flaero?” The man shouted at Malum. Malum swung his sword and stabbed a soldier at the moment.

“Yes. He’s Flaero.” Malum pointed.

The big man quickly dispatched enemies and grabbed Flaero. “Follow me.”

The big man ran toward some stairs and quickly worked out anyone in his way. Flaero and Malum tried to keep up, but the occasional adversary popped up to slow them. They dealt with their foes and caught up.

At the top of the stairs was another large Anahitiian, but he was younger. “Olafur, this is Flaero. The guy you were going to meet in Kwento.”

They didn’t have time to converse as endless soldiers entered the city.

“We must get the people out of the city and retreat.” The older big man said.

“We have fishing boats in the harbor. We can use them to take one of their ships out of here.” Flaero suggested.

“I meant the whole city.”

Before they could finish their plan, the younger Anahitiian fell. “Olafur.” Yelled the older one. Malum turned and saw that one of the red robes had hit him with an energy blast. Malum tried to return a blast, but she quickly blocked it.

“We’re cut off from the rest. We must jump into the water.” Flaero screamed.

The older man gave an order to a group of Anahitiians, picked up the young man, and they all started to jump into the water. Malum thought to himself, not another escape to the water.

——

Malaika saw Olafur fall. A Soror, a powerful at that, hit him. She couldn’t tell if he was dead. She saw all the Anahitiians jump into the water. They were right to; with the aid of that Soror, they were about to be overrun.

Malaika and Chaska would soon be in the same position if they didn’t think of something.

“Master, we need to go. We need to get to your home. We need to get to Hanwi. Convincing King Ohdakota is Qamata’s only hope now.” Malaika shouted in between fighting. She kicked a couple of Black Legions off the Battlements and stabbed another.

“How do we escape?” Chaska yelled back as he killed a couple of soldiers himself.

“We call some friends.” Malaika hoped that he understood what she meant. He nodded in recognition.

Malaika and Chaska held out as long as possible, but more Sorrors entered the city, and the battle was lost.

They both ran to the Southern gate and tried to signal Elisapie and Gaia but couldn’t reach them. Malaika jumped off the wall to the ground and landed hard. She quickly picked herself up and ran to the West. Chaska was right behind her.

Black Legion troops moved to incept them. It looked like the Calvary was about to trap them when a wolf flew at one of the riders. It knocked the soldier off his horse and tore the flesh off the man.

More wolves arrived and were attacking. The soldiers fired arrows at the wolves and some hither marks. Malaika and Chaska fired at the soldiers, killing some. Malaika and Chaska took the horses from the fallen soldiers and rode furiously away from the city. The wolves followed behind. The soldiers gave chase for a short while but were ordered to let them go. The enemy had their victory.

——

Olafur opened his eyes and found he was in a fishing boat with most of the soldiers from the Elysium. They were maneuvering around the flaming wrecks that used to be enemy ships.

“What is happening?” Olafur asked.

“We found Flaero. Now we’re trying to replace a ride out of here. We’re going to take one of their ships.” Rovan said quietly.

“Did you say you found Flaero?”

“Yes,” Rovan said, pointing to a second boat filled with more of his soldiers and two strangers.

They paddled down the coast enough to one of the boats just outside the harbor. They came to the stern. There was enough wood and window to climb up the backside. Rovan went first, and the rest waited for a signal. It wasn’t long before he dumped someone overboard and gave the signal to climb.

Olafur’s shoulder was sore, but he was fine otherwise. It did make this ascent more challenging. The two strangers were handy in a fight, helping overtake the enemy’s crew quickly.

Olafur’s soldiers were also sailors, and it came in handy as they needed a mass of people to get this ship moving and escape to the South.

The other vessels in the fleet had taken notice and were scrambling to get their catapults and archers to target them. It was a race to turn the ship and move out of range of the catapults.

They sustained some damage but found enough wind to get momentum. They turned the ship and were moving away from the fleet. An enemy vessel was out of range but in pursuit.

It took a tremendous effort, but the enemy broke off pursuit. It wasn’t worth their time, Olafur thought.

“Where are we heading?” Olafur asked Rovan.

“No Idea. We should head to Bimnet and get to the Elysium. That city is the next to fall.”

“No, we need to head to the Isle of Wicca. We need to save my friend.” Malum said.

“You want us to take on the Witches’ island fortress to rescue one person?” Rovan questioned in disbelief.

“There are Witches in Kwento and Teodor, and they will probably soon be in Bimnet. Do you know where there are fewer right now?” Malum reasoned.

“The Isle of Wicca,” Olafur answered.

“She isn’t just one person. She’s everything to me.” Malum said.