Oren was still feeling disillusioned by recent events. He had advocated giving thanks and help to the local villagers who were mainly supplying. He had healed the sick and even rescued a girl from death. But it had freaked people out more than the intended good.
Oren rarely went with the monks when they traveled into the villages. He felt more and more isolated when he wanted to expand his worldview. Oren questioned the monk's teachings more and more.
Oren had made up his mind to run away. He loved living at the Monastery, but he wanted to go where he could escape the burden of his powers. He knew the monks meant well, but Oren needed to be convinced that he'd be able to make an impactful change in the lives of others.
Oren had saved a girl's life, and it didn't seem to have the positive reaction he had expected. There was nothing to say that this wouldn't be the typical reaction to his powers.
As long as he was at the Monastery, they'd expect him to become this influential figure, something he wasn't sure he wanted to become. If he left, he could be a normal kid, and life in the world would proceed normally, as it had for thousands of years before him.
Oren was starting to see the dangers in belief. He saw how it could inspire people to be the best they could be, but it also blinded them into being the worst as well. The fact that people often couldn't tell the difference concerned Oren. He thought he might be better off alone to make up his own mind.
Oren still went about his usual routines of classes at the various temples. He was sitting with Master Anoka, practicing calligraphy. Oren found it very soothing as it can be very rhythmic.
The art and subject of calligraphy can be very simplistic, but it is in the deliberate strokes of the brush that one finds comfort. You must relax, focus your mind, and allow the brush to dictate the stroke.
Master Anoka wore purple robes, and his head was shaven aside from his chin, from which he grew a long patch of gray hair. He was older now, but Master Anoka's hand was still steady as he stroked the brush skillfully on the canvas.
Calligraphy practice was usually just a warm-up to watercolor paintings. Anoka would have Oren paint plants and landscapes over and over again. He said it helped Oren to understand every leaf, stem, root, and branch of the world around him because Oren had to consider each detail in his stroke. It trained the eye and mind in patience and awareness and to take pride in one's work.
"You seem distracted of late." Master Anoka said out of nowhere.
"What makes you say that?" Oren tried to change the subject.
"I have taught you to notice even the smallest details in life. That includes you and your moods."
"I'm not in a mood, just tired."
"If you say so."
Oren was almost finished with his first watercolor of the day. He usually had to do three, but they only took ten to fifteen minutes each.
"Delicate is the paper we stroke. Our mistakes cannot be hidden on the canvas. Sometimes, we have to start from the beginning. Isn't it better to start from zero again than to continue down a path that won't work?" Master Anoka mainly said to himself.
"Did I make a mistake? Should I start over?" Oren asked.
"No, not on the canvas, but in your heart."
"In my heart, Master?"
"Yes. Your mind is wounded, and your heart is heavy. The mistake is that you are not letting others help you with the wound. Everyone here only wishes to help and heal you. We cannot if you create walls and barriers between us. I will not force you to talk, but consider finding someone you trust to share this burden you put on yourself."
"Yes, Master," Oren said, feeling guilty. Master Anoka was right. Oren wasn't sharing his feelings, but he worried they'd try to talk him out of leaving if he did.
After Oren's studies with Master Anoka, it was lunchtime. In the Monastery, the three meals are the height of the social hour. The monks are expected to show moderation and self-discipline in all aspects of life, but Master Hiawatha lets up on restrictions during meals.
To encourage personal relationships among the monks and keep life from being oppressive. Everyone is expected to help prepare meals and clean up afterward. But once the prayer is given before the meal and a moment's silence, the hall erupts in conversation and laughter. It is the one place where there is no hierarchy. Even Master Hiawatha has to help with the duties.
Everyone constantly rotates tables to keep the monks from falling into routines and groups. Each meal can last long as the monks are not hurrying to return to their other duties.
The food is always fantastic; at least, Oren thought so. They are vegetarian, and fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains are always available. They don't waste any food that is made, so they are encouraged to keep eating until it is all gone. Oren never had an issue with that rule.
Oren only saw people eating meat when they went to villages, which was strange. He wasn't sure how others could eat the flesh of a living thing. He didn't blame those who did.
Oren had been raised to believe in reincarnation, so animals, insects, and everything else could be a relative or you in a future life. Oren was happy enough with the many rice dishes and soups.
Master Wabasha was one of the monks sharing a table with Oren. She was in blue robes and was eating with slow, deliberate bites. Only Hiawatha was more revered in the Monastery. She was the Abess and second in charge.
Master Wabasha had a round face, high cheekbones, and bright brown eyes. She had a shaved head with heavily wrinkled skin. Her hands showed the wear of a life dedicated to hard work. She was closing her eyes after every bite she took.
The monks were encouraged to contemplate thankfulness and connect the mind, spirit, and body while eating. People thought of the outside world and how they relate to it but seldom slowed down to think of the inside world of their bodies. It didn't have to be every day but now and again.
The Masters taught Oren that what goes into the body determines everything in life. If his body was full of nutrients, the mind would follow. When the body is sick or low on nutrients, depression, and distraction can set in.
The Masters would teach that If the plant is healthy from root to top, it will bear the most beautiful flower. If sickness enters or is deficient anywhere in the plant, only rot and wilt will fester.
Master Wabasha snapped out of her solemn lunch to engage with the others at the table.
"How are you today, Oren? I hear you haven't been as joyous lately." Wabasha said in her delicate, sweet voice.
"Must be the weather," Oren said, trying to avoid the subject.
"Oh right, it has been gloomy." She paused and sensed Oren was uncomfortable, so she moved on.
Oren's instincts told him he should prepare to leave the Monastery, even against all logic. Oren loved his life here. He sometimes felt like a bird in a cage, but there were few things to complain about. So, Oren needed to learn how to talk about the matter. Oren was told to trust his instincts, and he did.
"What was that you were saying, Master Shakopee?" Master Wabasha asked.
"I was just saying that we as people can't resist our urge to judge others. It is one of the hardest things to do. It is the divine who can look past the flaws of others and forgive." Master Shapopee explained.
"Oh, too, right." Master Wabasha agreed. "What made you bring up the subject?"
"Just my own inner thoughts at times. I don't always understand where my thoughts come from." Shakopee elaborated.
Master Shakopee had a harsh face. He had the gaze of a demanding father. His face was heavily lined from all the squinting he did. It was as though his eyes were constantly scrutinizing the world around him. It could be that because he wore white robes, he was always looking for people who might accidentally make a mess of his pristine clothing.
As the Master who taught medicine, it made sense that he was always at war with cleanliness. He could seem stern sometimes, but he was as gentle as it came.
"If not judging people and forgiveness is divine, I guess I'm not in danger of becoming a God," Oren said without thinking.
"I wouldn't worry about it, my young friend. All of us fall short of that. I was working on forgiving whoever got the last of the bread. Then I remembered that I had already had four slices. I just found it silly that it even entered my brain. Such a little thing could flash jealousy in my mind so easily and without rationality. But the fact that my mind also caught the flaw makes it feel like there are multiple at war inside my head sometimes. Does that sound a bit crazy?" Shakopee asked for reassurance.
"No, Master, then we'd all be guilty of being crazy." Master Wabasha comforted.
"They say that the hardest person to forgive is yourself, but I find that is only partially true. I've known many arrogant people who have a clear conscience despite their countless foul deeds." Shakopee said.
"Yes, like we always say, there is balance in all things and opposite sides to everything." Wabasha reasoned. "There are many layers to the mind. Our primal mind tends to be the first to speak up, but it tends to speak out of fear." She asserted.
"Fear because the primal mind's first job is to keep us alive." Shakopee finished her thought.
"Too right," Wabasha said.
"What are the other minds, Master?" Oren asked, now intrigued.
"I wouldn't say I know the answer; I'm only making polite conversation. But it seems there is also an observer part of the mind. I've often felt as if I was distant from a situation, observing from afar. I often feel this way in dreams. Things are happening around me, but I'm only watching." She explained.
"Yes, I see what you mean," Oren said.
"It only goes to show how much we try to control ourselves and the world around, but how little we often succeed in the endeavor," Wabasha said.
"Yes, I often feel that even here. The more I think I understand the world, the more I realize how little I know." Shakopee said
"The wisest Master is the one who knows they know nothing. Or so Master Hiawatha told me." Oren offered. He thought about how he'd miss these pleasant conversations when he left.
——
After lunch, Oren thought everyone was acting strange but wasn't sure why. Whenever he'd walk by, groups of people would stop their conversations and turn away from him. Oren wondered if he had done something wrong and needed to remember it.
Oren hid behind a corner to try and hear some of the conversations, as he guessed no one would tell him.
"The rumors are true. Imperta Lakoma is heading this way with troops." Oren heard a voice say.
"How do we know this?" Said another.
"How close are they?" Said a third as a fury of voices, alarmed and unable to hold back.
"Apparently, after Oren visited the villages, word spread about his miracles, particularly how he raised the girl from the dead." Said the first voice.
"They're coming for him, aren't they? They're going to come here and kill all of us and take him, aren't they?"
Oren was shocked at how his actions may have endangered the Monastery. He now knew he was right for wanting to leave. If he left, the others wouldn't be in danger anymore.
"Does Oren know? What does Master Hiawatha say we should do?" Oren heard them continue.
"Master Hiawatha said not to panic. We are well fortified up here. We must pull all ropes and ladders up so no one can climb the pillars." Someone said.
"What about supplies? How will the villagers get them to us?"
"We'll have to make do for as long as we can. Imperative Lakoma isn't here yet."
"Is he on the island with troops?"
"No, not yet. The merchant that told us about this estimated two or three days."
"Then we have no time to lose. Does Oren know yet?"
"No. Hiawatha said we can wait to tell him. They fear he might do something irrational in response. We are to keep him safe."
Oren had heard enough. He ran back to his room and grabbed the bag he packed earlier. He had to get down the ropes before they brought them up. If he left, the people coming might leave the Monastery alone. Oren may never get back, but the others would be safe.
Oren didn't know who Imperata Lakoma was and needed to figure out where he would run to. Oren knew of nothing outside of Lusa Island. He barely knew much about the island, for that matter. He could only rely on his instincts to guide him.
Oren was sad he couldn't say goodbye to the others as they'd stop him from leaving. He knew that he would regret that, but he didn't think there was anything he could do about it just now.
Oren opened the door and to have a peak outside. It was clear. He opened it a little more and felt confident that he could exit. He continued to move slowly and look cautiously. He had to get across the bridge to get to the rope ladder.
Oren waited as he saw someone walking to the bridge. Oren hid behind some statues. The person did not see him as they kept going after crossing the bridge.
Oren suspected most people had returned to their rooms after hearing the news about Imperata Lakoma's coming. Possibly, some even went to pray in the temple. Oren hoped that was the case, as it would be enough distraction to let him slip away.
After waiting a bit, Oren decided that this was as good a time as any to try and get across the bridge linking his pillar to the main pillar. He started out slowly to look around and take baby steps. That way, if he had to hide again, cover was nearby. He didn't notice anything, so he sprinted across the bridge.
He had just reached the other side when he noticed someone had come around the corner and could clearly see him. It was Master Anoka.
"Where are you off to you, Oren?" Master Anoka inquired.
"Just out wandering around." Oren tried to deflect.
"With a backpack and things? Looks to me like you're going somewhere."
"Oh, I'm just going to watch the sunset and the stars tonight. Packed a blanket and things in case it gets cold." Oren tried to convince him.
"Isn't it rather cloudy to see anything?" Anoka looked unconvinced.
"Yes, but I'm hoping it clears."
"I don't think it's a good idea. Maybe you should go back to your room. Perhaps I'll go with you tomorrow and teach you some new constellations." Anoka tried to persuade him.
Oren knew that Master Anoka was only suggesting this because he knew Oren could be in danger in the coming days and didn't want to alarm him. Oren suspected Master Anoka might have also been onto his running away scheme.
"I'd like that, Master Anoka, but I'll try nonetheless. Even just to get some fresh air. My room feels stuffy." Oren said.
Master Anoka didn't look persuaded but seemed to have given up. It could be that Anoka wanted to see what Oren might be up to. Oren would have to be cautious that Master Anoka didn't follow him.
Master Anoka walked across the bridge to wherever he was going. Oren kept walking past the rope ladders and pretended to be stepping further on just in case Master Anoka was watching. After Oren thinks he is out of sight, he spins around to see if Master Anoka is there.
Oren couldn't see him, but he still waited to be sure. Oren then bolted towards the rope ladder and descended as fast as possible. It was too late now for anyone to stop him.
Oren reached the bottom and the paths leading to the villages. He looked upward at the pillars, temples, and buildings at the top. Oren whispered, "See you, my friends. Goodbye." Then, he took one last look to ensure he had yet to be noticed.
It was getting dark now, and he hoped it would allow him to get to the coast unnoticed. The heavy cloud cover made it incredibly challenging to see. He didn't know the paths well, but he would trust his instincts to guide him.
It was probably taking him three times as long as it would in the daylight, but any little bit that allowed him to get a head start would help. Oren knew that his absence would be noticed by morning, if not sooner. He hoped that no one would even suspect that he left until morning prayers, but he wasn't counting on it.
Oren would look back regularly in the dark to see if any torches were following him. If the monks discovered his leaving, they wouldn't wait until morning. They would gather a search party with plenty of torches.
Oren would get tired and feel the effects of the long walk but would press on despite his exhaustion. He knew he couldn't risk stopping. His feet were aching, and he thought he might have some blisters forming; he'd have to check his feet when there was more light. He just had to put all the distractions on his mind.
Oren was focusing on his thoughts and letting them drift as a distraction. He had to be careful not to get too lost in his imagination, or he might drift asleep.
Occasionally, he'd remember to wet his hand with a water bladder and rub his face to reinvigorate him.
Oren was finally starting to see some sunlight on the horizon again. Oren wondered how many villages or houses he had passed by in the night. How many people were not even aware of his moves in the shadows?
As the sun came up, the light seared into his eyes. It took some time for his eyes to adjust to the brightness. Oren would pass by people on the trail getting the day started, and for the most part, they didn't seem interested. They gave him curious looks, as it was strange for a young child to be out this early. They minded their business and kept going.
Oren had finally reached the coast and a port where he might find someone to take him on a ship. He knew he might have to stow away onboard if he couldn't get a sympathetic Captain.
Oren didn't know how many people he talked to, trying to convince them to take him, but he needed help finding one taker. No one was interested in babysitting a kid or carrying a passenger without pay.
When he heard a familiar voice, Oren was sitting on a cargo crate, feeling dejected and trying to devise a plan to sneak aboard one of the ships.
The voice sent shivers through his body as he knew he had been caught.
"You seemed to have come a long way to look at the stars." Master Anoka said.
Oren looked up to see Master Anoka was alone, which surprised him. Oren bowed in defeat and accepted that he must return with Anoka.
"Where are you going for real?" Master Anoka asked.
"I heard the other monks talking about Imperata Lakoma coming. I thought that if I ran away, he'd leave the Monastery alone. I didn't want to be the reason others were harmed." Oren explained.
"And did you have a plan or destination? It doesn't seem like it."
"My plan was to find a ship; I didn't care where it took me."
"Well, you can't go on a ship alone. They'll take advantage of you or ransom you if they discover your powers. There are pirates in these parts."
"Oh, I didn't think of that."
"Yeah, I suspect there's a lot of things you didn't think about."
"Are you going to take me back?"
"I thought I was, but now that I think about it, it might have some value for you to disappear for a while. Imperata Lakoma might arrive and leave when he finds out you're gone. I wish we had time to discuss this with the other Masters. You should have just told us."
"I'm sorry, Master."
"It's alright. What is done is done. Luckily, I have some money. I might regret this, but I'm going with you. We'll go away for a month and return when it's safe. We have to leave a trail for the Imperata to follow. Give me a minute; I want to start some rumors in town that might help us."
Master Anoka had paid some local merchants to let them on board and take them with them after spreading his rumors. Oren wasn't sure what he had started or where it would lead but felt relieved that he may have saved the others from harm. Oren was glad that Master Anoka had found him. Oren realized he needed him for this journey.
To new places and horizons, adventure beckoned.