Part 1
In the far east, as the first to be greeted by the morning sun, lies Momba City. The shining jewel of Vutenia and the home of the royal family.
The first thing visitors see when they enter this city is the grand statue of Vutenia's founder in the distant horizon.
His noble form wielding his divine spear is a sight to behold for any who visit radiant Momba.
Within the confines of this great city, lies the grand shrine and headquarters of the Ministry of Land. A splendid structure whose majesty is only outdone by that of the Royal Palace.
In the grand halls of this shrine, a curious sound could be heard echoing through them.
"You can't do this to me!!" a passionate cry rang out the hall from an understandably furious elder gentleman.
"I actually can do this to you. I am doing it right now. See?" A young shaman non-chalantly replied to the frustrated elder while stamping a document sealing his fate.
He had been accused of encroaching into another family's farms and adamantly denied it.
The two parties engaged in a constant back and forth of appeals and reappeals as their case went nowhere.
The documented evidence mysteriously disappearing before the case could be judged and reappearing later during further investigations had also made things take much longer than needed.
Eventually, a verdict had finally been made but the elder noble then chose to appeal to an even higher court.
This is where Oraki came into things much to his annoyance.
The main goal of the senseless appeal may have been to buy more time to reap as much benefit from the land as possible.
Unfortunately for him, Oraki had taken this into account when judging the case.
In an attempt to lessen his fine and punishment, he tried to plea for his own ignorance on the matter.
Such a blatant lie could never work on a shaman of Gesa, Chief God of the Land and Sea.
High Priest Oraki gave out his judgement and the man was escorted out of the room unceremoniously.
He was heartfully thanked for his efforts by the family whose lands he had protected.
This was the usual work of Gesa's most proficient shaman. Not only would he judge major land issues if the courts beneath him were unable to resolve them but he was in in charge of nearly all matters relating to land administration.
"Honestly, what a troublesome task. In hindsight, perhaps making the fees for appeals cheap enough for even a common peddler to pay was less than a good idea."
Exhausted by the tedious task of handing out divine justice, his mind wanders to a simpler time as he remembers the silly, youthful dreams of glory and valor that he once hoped to accomplish.
However, that was not the plan the gods had for him. No, to them it seemed that his strength was better served in matters of management.
He was the youngest in recent memory to take this position and thus was both admired and secretly looked down on in equal measure.
He doesn't regret it; duty is duty after all.
"Is this really enough." That was the real worry that plagued his mind.
He remembers the day that his father told him what his newfound power was. He remembers the words of wisdom he gave on that clear night.
He remembers his unwavering smile.
"Great Mekari. That man was always cheerful about something." Oraki thought with a soft smile.
He remembers the legacy he left behind both in Vutenia and its neighbors.
He was a great general who would always be remembered. He was also gone before any of his loved ones could have a say about it.
He died protecting his subordinates from a hoard of demonic beasts in the neighboring lands of Chyulu.
Vutenia had been good allies with its people and would often aid each other when necessary.
It was meant to be a simple mission but the beasts had been exceptionally viscous and more powerful than usual.
Great Mekari took on more of them than anyone else and saved countless lives. There was no greater honor to be had for a man such as him.
"To this day my father's words on that verandah are still etched in me. It's already been more than a decade and I still can't help but wonder if I've truly lived up to the honor that he described."
He grabbed onto his staff as he continued to think.
"I suppose I'll never know but I'll at least try to make the best decisions I can." Oraki thought in reassurance that the work must go on.
Before he could sink further into soliloquy, his assistant, Hamisi, brought forth the next set of business; a new bill to be passed on land reclamation.
"I see the Nine Houses and their Acolytes in the Council managed to finally agree on an important policy in good time for once," said Oraki as he received the document. "It would seem so," Hamisi replied in a calm business-like tone.
"They took so long to amend the regulations on pest controls that I thought they would never get this particular bill done within the year. Who knew weevils could be that difficult to deal with?" Oraki said as he nonchalantly began opening the bill.
"There are many things to consider in law making, my lord. It would also be a good idea to refrain from speaking ill of the Nine Houses so casually," Hamisi reprimanded her superior in her usual stoic grace.
She had good reason to, seeing as her family was a long-time beneficiary of one of the Nine Houses. Oraki replied offhandedly that he understood and would be more careful. Whenever a matter involving the Nine Houses rose up, this was his usual attitude.
He proceeded to work on the bill. From its thickness, it was obvious that it would be a lengthy piece of document to go over. However, he had barely skimmed it before a request summoning him to the royal palace was abruptly brought in via a messenger familiar.
It was rare for such requests to be made since the High King would usually send letters with instructions on whatever he wanted done. For him to summon Oraki directly to the palace must mean it was quite serious.
There was no time to delay for the son of Mekari. He got up and prepared to make his way to the palace.
Part 2
As he walks through the palace gate, he cannot help but marvel at its majesty. It stood over 20 meters tall and was just as wide.
The carvings on the walls told the ancient tale of Vutenia's founding. Their artistic brilliance was inspiring to behold. The way the light reflected on the paint, made it look like a shining jewel.
He had heard that the walls were made of a special blend of white stone and sacred oil. It was a kind of crude precursor to the Kokoto recipe used for constructing buildings in modern times.
White stone was considered to have divine properties and was seen as a symbol of endurance and purity. It made sense that the palace would have an abundance of it.
He walks into the king's halls and is greeted by the warm welcome of High King Ranga.
"Welcome, my friend. It has truly been some time since we saw each other face to face. You seem well."
The powerful yet kind presence of his voice somehow suited the king's stout physique and impressive headdress.
"As do you, my king. It fills me with joy to see you in good health as well. Long may you reign," Oraki bowed while responding to the king's greeting.
"No need for such formalities. We've known each other since our academy days. In fact, why not join me in a sparring session in the courtyard when things calm down for both of us. As a fellow Shaman of a Chief God, you're one of the few people that could give me a good match." Ranga's assessment was not terribly far off.
As a shaman of the Sky God Vurai, Chief God of the Heavens, the king was granted powers over the raging storms and howling winds. Very few shamans could actually keep up with the king's might. Oraki, being Gesa's most proficient Shaman, would be one of them.
The way the king said it made Oraki wonder if the high king had actually done this with other guests or even his own guard. The looks of terror on Ranga's nearby guards at the mere mention of sparring only seemed to confirm Oraki's suspicions.
"Surely, you jest my lord. My duties are for too innumerable for something like that. Not to mention, if shamans of our particular skill level were to spar with even half our abilities, then we might cause violent tremors far beyond the royal courtyard. It would disrupt the peace," said Oraki as he tried to skillfully turn down the offer.
The elders of the Nine houses already saw both of these shamans as young upstarts. The last thing either of them needed is accusations of unruly behaviour.
"Oh? Only half? Your idea of sparring is surprisingly tame. Very well. How about a simple martial contest instead of any flashy mysticism?" asked Ranga.
The looks of relief on Ranga's guard due to Oraki's rejection of the offer made him feel a little bad for them. He worried about what kind of over-the-top sparring the young king was subjecting them to.
"If time allows for it my lord," said Oraki with a wry smile. "By the way, what was the urgent business that you had called me for?" Oraki inquired hoping to put the previous conversation to rest.
In that moment, Ranga's tone switched to a more serious one as he proceeded to give his answer, "Ah that's right. I received a report that there was an odd attack at the North Western borders.
Mysterious beasts ambushed both the armies of the neighboring Chyulu border guard as well as our own forces stationed on the other side of the border. They seemed to have originated from farther within Chyulu's lands."
"Chyulu?", Oraki asked in disbelief. The king then further elaborated on the matter.
"Yes. At first, it seemed like they may have been a surprise invasion force by our long-time friendly neighbors. It was unlikely but not impossible. However, the subsequent dismemberment of a significant portion of their forces proved this to be otherwise.
Naturally, we sent in reinforcements to aid them but these beasts were significantly larger and more powerful than the norm. In fact, the descriptions in the report suggested that they were not normal at all.
A good portion of our forces from the nearby cities were heavily injured and…" Ranga lightly frowned before continuing, "I can tell from your expression that you already know what this might be about…"
Oraki realizing the king's implication inquired while barely able to hide the fear in his voice, "Nearby forces… that's… is she… My sister…Is Mekatili alright?"
"War Chief Mekatili suffered some significant injuries during the battle. However, she hasn't succumbed to them yet. In fact, hers was quite a strange case.
The beasts themselves weren't too much of a problem. Her combat skills are easily on par with a Vice General. She managed to deal with a considerable number and provided a window of retreat for her forces.
However, the wounds though not fatal seemed to have caused a delayed effect, she soon passed out and strange markings began appearing on her body.
She hasn't woken up but she also didn't seem to be in any immediate danger as her pulse was steady. Nevertheless, I thought it best to make you aware of it as none of the remedies on site seem to be working."
"Where is she right now?" Oraki inquired while barely able to contain his worry.
"She and the other 3000 afflicted are being taken to the nearby town of Tana. Their facilities should be able to analyze the issue better but…" Ranga looked down with a solemn face without going any further.
"Prepare for the worst." Oraki said confirming the king's intent.
"I figured I owed you and your family the courtesy of at least sending off one of your family members while they were still warm with life. We both know how neither one of us got the chance to do so last time." Ranga concluded his address to the young shaman of Gesa with those simple words.
Like Oraki, Ranga's own father had died abruptly and so he was forced to take the throne earlier than any of his predecessors. The grief and regret he felt for not even being able to say goodbye was something he would not wish on anyone.
Oraki could only imagine the pressure that his young king was facing with the kingdom on the verge of a possible war with an unknown force. The relative peace that Vutenia's endured since its founding at the end of the War of the Nine Tribes may very well be coming to an abrupt end.
"Is it possible to be given leave to investigate this, my lord," Oraki inquired with an obvious resolve in his words.
"I had a feeling you might say something like that. I don't mind you going there. Gesa's Revelation might allow you to see something that the team on site doesn't. Do you have some kind of plan if things don't go that way?"
"I have some form of one, my lord. At any rate, I won't know without going there."
"I see. Good luck then. You can go with the convoy of royal guardsmen leaving tomorrow to serve as reinforcements. Who will take care of your duties while you're gone?"
"I have very capable subordinates, my lord. They will pull through," Oraki responded while immediately thinking of Hamisi. In some ways, she was more capable than he was for such matters of administration.
However, he could already see her being upset that she'd be left behind to deal with such things. Her disapproving gaze always did hurt more than an arrow to the chest.
"Oh well. Can't be helped," Oraki thought as he proceeded to bid the king farewell.
He made his way out of the royal palace in an understandably hurried pace. There was an endless list of things he needed to do before going to Mekatili's aid. The most important was naturally to pass on the news to the rest of the family.
After clearing things with a mildly annoyed Hamisi, he made his way to the residential area in the outskirts of the city. It wasn't going to be easy breaking the news to his mother and youngest sister.
Part 3
As he approached the front door, he hesitated to knock. A thousand thoughts racing his mind on how best to break the news. He knew how easily excitable his mother was. She was getting up there in age as well. These thoughts were soon interrupted by the all too familiar sound of his mother's voice.
"Rembo. Why haven't you washed the remaining Sufurias?" Tsuma asked her young daughter flabbergasted at the discovery of unclean dishes. Rembo's reply only made it worse.
"I'll do it tomorrow. It's almost night time and I already washed what we need in order to cook for today."
"Why tomorrow? Why not today?"
"Because that's what tomorrow is for. To do stuff I don't want to do today."
"Lords above. This child is truly testing my patience today!"
The conversation made Oraki lose his sense of dread if only for a moment. He knocked on the door saving his sister from the unbridled wrath of the widow of Mekari.
"Oraki! It is good that you are home after so long, my son. Come help your mother with the Managu leaves."
"But I just got here."
"And you intend to eat do you not? I'll also need your help stoking the fire for your bath."
Oraki couldn't even get a word in before being saddled with minor chores. He was beginning to remember why his visits were so rare after moving out.
"Oraki! Did you bring me anything?" Rembo walked out of her room in anticipation.
"Bold of you to assume I would, little one. And don't I at least get a greeting first?"
"I'll give it after you show me what you brought. And don't call me little."
"I got that new volume of Tales of the Djinn that you seemed to like. I heard it only came out just yesterday. Good enough?"
"Yes!! I'd been meaning to get it. Welcome back Oraki!!" Rembo gladly embraced her brother. "Honestly, putting on airs when we both know you'd obviously bring me something," she said while treating his subservience to her as a matter of fact. Oraki was a little shocked at how predictable she seemed to think he was.
"Rembo, if you have time to bully your brother, go set the table so we can get ready to eat soon. Come Oraki, we finish this quickly," Tsuma instructed her children with her usual grace.
It felt just like any other day in the house of Wamedza. Before Oraki knew it he had been swept up by the mood of these two women and had almost forgotten about the somber news he had brought with him.
"There's something you need to know about Mekatili…" Oraki begun with these words as he finally got to explaining the situation as best as he could.
"Honestly, why did you take so long to tell us? We need to go there as soon as possible!!" Tsuma declared already making her way to her room. "You're going tomorrow morning, right? We'll come with you," said Rembo as she followed suit.
"Wait! Calm down a little. You guys aren't coming with me. The convoy can't take civilians with them. I'm only going due to royal decree and for investigation purposes. I arranged for the two of you to be taken there later on. Just be a little patient."
"Patient? Patient!? My baby is out there dying and you're telling me to be patient!? I can't believe this! I knew I should have stopped her from joining but she wouldn't listen."
Tsuma began darting around the room as she continued.
"Why are all my children so damn stubborn. Where do they get it from!? Oh, I just had to give in and be the supportive mother, didn't I?"
She held her head with a worried and regretful expression before switching to...
"Honestly, all of you will be the death of me!!!"
Tsuma was understandably hysterical. Oraki didn't really know what to tell her.
She looked at her eldest son and begged him in tears, "Please Oraki! Make sure she's safe. I couldn't stand losing another piece of me like that. I'd storm the Underworld and bring her back if I have to!"
"Mom…," Rembo gently guided her mother to her room as she begun losing herself in tears. Oraki had no doubt her mother would move the very heavens for her children.
She's stubborn enough that you'd need a squad of imperial soldiers to stop her in her tracks. For a strong-willed woman like her to beg so fervently. He could not fail.
He could hear her mother praying in her room. She was chanting all sorts of praises and quoting all kinds of tales. Rembo was with her following suit. The desperation was clear as day.
"Honestly, she doesn't need to perform a full-length official prayer while also quoting scripture just for the gods to hear her. She knows that, right? She could be there all night." Oraki said speaking to what seemed to be the void.
Suddenly a voice answered back, "It's an endearing gesture nonetheless. Your mother's faith in us has always been noteworthy. I can only hope we prove worthy of it."
"I see you're back from the summit, Lord Gesa. Have the gods any wisdom to share with their humble vessel." Oraki had begun conversing mentally with the mysterious voice that only he could hear.
"Yes. But all will be revealed in due time. I can't tell you all the details but I have decided to actively help you with this particular incident. You'll have access to my full capabilities at all times as the need arises."
"That means I could even perform a complete Final State union. Are things truly that dire?"
Oraki was understandably surprised. Shamans have access to varying amounts of their god's abilities. How effective they are is up to a shaman's skill but normally they can access abilities on two levels.
Passive State, which are basic shaman abilities that are always active to a certain degree.
Active State abilities, which involve invoking the presence and authorities of a god to use skills and attributes linked to said deity. In Gesa's case it would involve control of the Land and Sea among other abilities.
However, this ultimately gives a small portion of the god's myriad abilities.
The Final State union was a unique technique that allowed access to a close approximation of a god's full potential in the physical plane. It usually involved asking permission from said deity and, other than during training sessions, was reserved for only the direst situations.
In this state, a shaman is able to use a larger variety of abilities on a boosted level. This comes with the risk that the shaman's mind and spirit may experience considerable backlash the closer their level of power reaches that of a god.
In complete Final State union, Oraki would be almost invincible with all of Gesa's abilities. He would also risk madness or death if his mind isn't strong enough.
"My apologies. I cannot reveal everything but I can tell you that hope still remains for all in Vutenia. You understand. The mandates…"
"The mandates exist for a reason. The gods may help us and guide us but they do not give us everything all the time. Omniscience isn't a convenient tool for mankind's use. We have to earn it and blah blah blah. Vurai's strict as ever with his laws it seems…" Oraki said both understanding the logic and frustrated with its implications.
The mandates were rules that not only limited the abilities granted to a shaman but also kept the gods from knowing anything or doing anything outside whatever role and authority they took on.
For instance, a god of the land won't have knowledge on what the birds in the air may be thinking but will be able to reveal knowledge on what the birds may do to an unsuspecting mouse on the ground since it happens on the land.
They're ultimately there to limit the gods' power for the sake of order in the physical world.
Oraki honestly saw them as tedious technicalities that while necessary for a structured approach to governance just made things harder than they had to be.
Nevertheless, Oraki wasn't giving up before he even started. He was planning on finding a way out even with his limited knowledge on what the grand picture really was.
His mother and sister were still deep in prayer so he decided to leave a note with details on the transport he'd arranged for them so they could follow him later on.
He then made his way back to his own abode in the dead of the night. He had much to prepare for when he got back. He could not leave anything to chance and would be carrying all the necessary tools needed for the journey ahead.
Interlude
In the grand halls of the Afya Healing station, the soft cries of a battered soldier were muffled by the clattering traffic of the healers and aides darting in and out of the room.
They were swamped with new and newer arrivals from the distant battlefield and it was all they could do just to get them a simple resting place.
It was a grim time for all present, but this specific soldier was grieving over a particularly important person to them. Their esteemed War Chief, Mekatili the fierce.
She had been crucial to the survival of her men amidst the horrid chaos of the blood-stained battlefield.
The ground shaking tremors and terrible roars of the towering beasts hardly made her flinch.
The unnatural blitzing speed that they used to tear through half her infantry only served to enrage her as she blazed off to the front of the onslaught.
She took on a considerable number on her own as her soldiers retreated into the narrow pass.
In the chaos, one of her clumsier soldiers carelessly stumbled over a small boulder. He was freely advertising himself to one of the smaller more agile beasts that managed to slip by her.
She noticed the undignified screams of the soldier that had noticed the creature making its way to him with unbridled excitement.
In lightning-fast speed, she managed to reach in time to block the beast's fangs from reaching him. Sadly, she received the beast's attack in his place.
Her armor lessened it but her body still received considerable damage. Blood could be seen dripping from the wound.
The pain must have been unbearable and yet she would bear it.
She defeated it handily in the next instant but what's done was done. The soldier apologized fervently for her going out of her way to protect her.
"Shut up and get back into formation. More are coming. I don't have time for your whining soldier!" Mekatili's vicious words roused the soldier to his feet and he hurriedly made his way back to the group. This time he was more mindful of his step.
At the time, Mekatili seemed relatively unfazed by the wounds she had been afflicted with.
It was only later that she really begun showing signs of sluggishness much to the horror of her fellow warriors. The saved soldier in question was now sitting beside her worried beyond belief.
His guilt for causing her to be in this state was so great that he would cut open his belly if it meant she would be revived in exchange. Every now and then he would whisper a small prayer and beg, "Chief… Please… Don't die…"