The battle didn't take long to restart, and the circumstances remained the same. The Masters were more potent and could ward off the superior numbers of the six fronts going against them.
The rain had stopped, but the mud remained. It became difficult for the soldiers and Masters to move through the battlefield. A cold wind blew, and the sky remained hazy gray.
Oren was soaked, wet, and cold. He knew everyone else was enduring the same conditions, so he didn't complain. He did his best to focus his mind and think warm thoughts.
Oren knew that the energy of the Masters couldn't sustain this forever. Something had to change, and he wanted to be the one to effect the change. He searched his brain for an idea of what he could do.
An idea began to form. The only thing keeping Oren from using the full force of his powers was that the Imperata had his friends from the caravan. They were being tortured somewhere in the capitol. Oren only needed someone to liberate them.
Oren remembered his training and knew he could communicate mind-to-mind with someone. He couldn't sustain a long conversation, but he could tell one of the Masters to free his friends so that he could join the fight.
The first thing he had to do was locate his friends. Oren closed his eyes and focused. He searched the city for a feeling or an instinct to tell him what he needed. And there it was; Oren felt the pain of Na'ura. He knew she was in pain, but now he had the means to send someone to her. Hold on, Na'ura Oren thought.
Now, he thought of which Master to send to her and the rest of the caravan. Master Nokomis was the one. He was the bravest and most likely to complete the mission. Master Hiawatha could, but he was protecting Master Orono.
Oren focused his mind but was interrupted by Imperata Lakoma.
"Oren, what are you doing?"
"I am praying. Is that alright?" Oren defended.
"What are you praying for?" Lakoma prodded.
"I am praying that my friends survive and no one is hurt. Is that alright with you?"
"I guess."
Oren refocused his mind. He sunk into the deepest parts of his soul and found the mind of Master Nokomis. He could tell the Nokomis was initially shocked by the invasion of his thoughts. Soon, they communicated, and Oren told him what to do and where to go. All that was left was to wait.
Oren then hatched an escape plan that would be stage two but hinged on the success of Nokomis. For this part, he would need Master Orono. Oren repeated what he had done to communicate with Nokomis. It was easier to find Orono as he was already deep into meditation. Orono and Oren exchanged ideas quickly, and now hope was on the horizon. He knew what Orono was planning, and now The others knew what Oren would do. Imperata Lakoma would remain in the dark.
Imperata Lakoma's forces were starting to pin the Masters in and overwhelm them with sheer numbers. But a loud rumbling interrupted them, quickly catching the attention of everyone on the battlefield.
Lakoma had a look of fear in his eye as he didn't know what made the noise. Oren knew what it was but didn't feel like sharing with the Imperata. The noise wasn't thunder, where it would rumble and then dissipate. It was a low, constant rumble. It grew louder and louder. Dust clouds could be seen on the distant hills. It was like the front of a storm, sending large plumes into the sky. Oren knew that this was what Orono had planned.
Master Orono was the Master who had the most substantial connection with nature. He had a way of talking with animals that few had perfected. Many could communicate with animals; even entire Orders were dedicated to it. Master Orono exceeded even those. He was always more comfortable with creatures than he was with humans. A mighty gift that comes in handy in spots like this.
A stampede of creatures was seen to be the cause of the disturbance. Hooved creatures of all varieties could be found there: Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Hippos, Giraffes, Okapi, Kudu, Hartebeest, Eland, Oryx, Impala, Gerenuk, and even Ostriches. However, no predators were summoned as that might create a conflict of interest and priorities.
They all had hooves and could maneuver easily in muddy conditions. The animals were swift into action and didn't show fear of joining a battle.
The stampede made way for the heart of the battle. Orono mainly used them to break up the fight and give the Masters an escape route. The creatures with horns had attacked some of the soldiers but only wounded them. The fight was still in the hands of the Masters.
Master Orono was now free to join the fight and help. With Orono no longer needing to be protected while he concentrated, Master Hiawatha was unleashed to go on the attack and push the soldiers back towards the defensive walls.
Master Shakopee caught Oren's attention as he was fighting two Tribunes. Lutiant and Ayamis had teamed up to engage the great Master. The Tribunes were using their swords and Shakopee's staff, but they weren't using their power to connect. Shakopee was parrying their strikes. Because Shakopee is a healer, it may not be in his nature to go on the offensive. He should have, as he was losing the fight.
The two Tribunes were too skilled at fighting, and Shakopee had little answer to their attacks. In an act of desperation, Master Shakopee started using his powers to send energy blasts at them, but they were able to block.
It kept the Tribunes from being on the back foot for a while, and Oren thought it might work in Shakopee's favor. The two tribunes hatched a plan and made quick feigns. They coordinated their movements, and to Oren's horror, Tribune Ayamis delivered a fatal blow. Master Shakopee fell to the muddy ground, and the life left him quickly. Oren didn't realize he had shouted out loud when it happened.
"What's the matter?" Lakoma asked.
Oren didn't want to give Lakoma the satisfaction, so Oren dealt with the pain of loss internally. Oren tried to fight the tears forming and quickly wiped them away. Oren made a silent prayer for Master Shakopee.
Oren was becoming impatient. He wanted to join the fight, but there was no sign of Nokomis yet. Oren had complete faith in him. Oren just had to be more patient.
The Consuls, like Imperata Lakoma, did not fight in battle. They were there to make military decisions. In a battle like this, with so many pieces and players, they primarily watched events unfold.
Lakoma's goal wasn't to crush the Masters but to defeat them so they would think twice about trying to free Oren. Lakoma would also accept their utter defeat.
The Masters attacked them. Lakoma had a right to protect the city and felt justified in his aims for Oren. He had no regrets.
Oren knew Master Shakopee wasn't the only Master or monk from Lusa Island to die in this battle. He could see the dead bodies lying there. From his position, Oren couldn't see the faces or make out their identities, but he would mourn each one in time. Oren thought there had to be a better way than war.
As both sides realized the fighting couldn't continue forever, it intensified. Master Hiawatha shot fire out of his staff so that Masters Mahkota and Wabasha could escape because they were overrun in their position.
Oren witnessed as the survivors, Masters, and monks formed a back-to-back circle. The animals that Orono had summoned were still on the edge of the fighting, awaiting further commands. Orono would wait for the right time to utilize them again. The opening the stampede had created was closing in again.
It tore Oren to pieces to see so many people he cared about in peril, yet he could do nothing. He sometimes considered joining the fight as Imperata Lakoma was already torturing his friends. But even the slightest chance that Lakoma might have them killed kept him in his place.
"What happens if things don't go the way you want? What if you lose today, and I manage to escape?" Oren asked hypothetically.
"If you left, where would you go? Back to the monastery on Lusa Island? Yes, I know about it now. I'd destroy the Kaya Monastery. Kill the farmers below who have helped you all these years defy me. Track you and the Masters down everywhere you go. You see how futile it would be. Isn't it easier for you to stay here?" Lakoma said, and Oren believed that the Imperata would make those threats a reality.
"So my whole life, you have sought me out, all so that you can gain more power? You are already powerful. You rule a continent. What can gaining more land and power do?" Oren said, baffled.
"I haven't been Imperata long. I have worked hard to be where I am. I started as a soldier and earned my way up the ranks. I earned respect. You usually have to come from the nobility to be a senator, but I moved from being a soldier to a politician. I was elected on merit and not bribes, as so many are. When there was a chance to become a Consul, I was the only one people could agree on because I was neutral. Left and right were too divided. As a Consul, I first learned of your story, Oren. It was then that I knew that I didn't just want to be another Imperata who came and left. I wanted to leave my mark on history. I knew you would allow me to do that. Viracocha and the land I ruled was there before I became Imperata. To become a great leader, I must expand the border like the great leaders of old. Bring new riches and renown to our great nation. Your name will be remembered for all time. Our names will be linked together for eternity." Lakoma said with vigor.
"You're insane." Oren retorted.
"The great always are. You have to think differently to get different results. History won't remember that. History loves people who do great things, even if they are often terrible things."
Lakoma was about to go on and on about his ambition and greatness when he was interrupted by a commotion behind them.
Lakoma and Oren saw riders coming fast from the city. A wagon full of people was also heading their way. Oren hoped that Master Orono knew what to do.
Orono had signaled the hooded creatures resting on the fringe of the battle to charge. Hooves beat down into the soft ground, and mud-splattered at the soldiers after the stampede.
The stampede cleared a way for Master Nokomis and Oren's friends from the caravan. Nokomis and the others came from the city on horseback and wagon. Nokomis had been successful, as Oren knew he would be.
Oren was waiting for Na'ura, Lotsee, and his friends to reach a safe place beyond the edge of the battlefield. Nokomis was at the front of the escape on horseback. He galloped into the opening that the stampede had created and quickly exited the battlefield. The caravan was right behind him. Oren felt it was safe to unleash the next part of his plan.
"Did you recognize who was in the wagon and the riders?" Oren asked Lakoma.
"I may not know them by sight, but I have a feeling about who they were." Oren could see defeat forming on the Import's face.
"The only reason I haven't fought you, destroyed you, and unleashed Hell on you is because you held my friends over me. That was them. I communicated with Master Orono to send the stampede to clear a path. I communicated to Master Nokomis to liberate my friends in the city. I could do so because of what The Masters of the Oracle taught me. I'm about to show you something that they never taught me. You made it possible." Oren said.
"I did, how?" Lakoma said, confused.
"In my suffering, I searched my soul. I found strength and insight. Do you want to see my strength?" Oren boasted.
Lakoma said nothing. Lake put both arms forward and leaned on the tower wall. His head was lowered, and he seemed to be waiting.
Oren turned to the battlefield. He lifted both his hands above him. He sunk deep into a meditative mind and focus. Oren opened his hands and began raising his arms more. As he did this, everything on the battlefield was raised off the ground.
Every soldier was in the air being held there against their will. All of the Masters, as well. Even all the hooves creatures were floating in the air. All of them are held there by Oren's power.
Oren opened his eyes to see Lakoma's reaction. The Imperata stood in awe.
"You are doing this?" Lakoma asked, not believing his eyes. "You are powerful."
There was no fighting going on. Everyone was dangling and looking around helplessly.
"Now that you see some of the potential I can unleash. I will ask you, just once, to let us leave in peace. Promise that you will never pursue me, and I'll let you all live." Oren offered.
"Such power only makes me want to pursue this more. I don't believe you will commit a massacre. I don't think you have it in you." Lakoma called his bluff.
"You're right. I don't wish to kill all these men for following your orders." Oren admitted.
Another herd of creatures could be heard approaching.
"Are these more animals coming to push us around and do little to alter the battle like your hooves friends?" Lakoma mocked.
"Something like that," Oren said.
Oren everyone back to the ground, but the fighting didn't resume. Everyone was looking in anticipation to see what the new herd was. It was hard to miss the silhouette of an elephant stampede. The soldiers wanted nothing to do with that, and many scattered away from the Masters.
Master Orono ran to greet them and got on the back of an elephant. The other Master followed his lead and got on elephants. Oren used his powers to knock Lakoma off his feet, jumped down from the tower, and landed hard. The mud splattered up when he landed and got all over him. Oren didn't waste time worrying about it and ran to an elephant.
Imperata Lakoma was back on his feet and shouting at soldiers, but no one would tangle with Oren or a herd of elephants on the warpath.
Oren joined the other Masters and his friends from the caravan. They all made for the coast, including all of Master Orono's hooves friends. Oren was reunited, but he knew it wasn't the last he'd see of Imperata Lakoma. He didn't care. He was happy to see so many friends alive.
——-
Oren and the Masters had reached the coastal city of Awa. The Masters had left their ships in the harbor to await their return. Master Orono's friends, including the elephants, had all returned to wherever they came from.
Oren was taking turns thanking each Master for coming and giving each a hug.
"Do you know what happened to Master Anoka?" Oren asked the other Masters. They all shook their heads in confirmation.
"We shall honor him always." Master Wabasha said.
"I especially," Oren said.
"There will be a time for grief and honoring; we must think of the moment. Where are we going?" Master Nokomis said.
"Master Hiawatha, we must return to Lusa Island," Oren informed the leader.
"Why, they will look for us there," Hiawatha said.
"But Imperata Lakoma promised to destroy the monastery and kill all the farmers," Oren explained.
"We can discuss it on the ship. It is best that we don't linger in the city." Hiawatha said.
"Is there room on the ships for my friends?" Oren asked.
"I should think so." Hiawatha happily replied.
"Get everyone on the ships; I will tell them the good news."
The ship voyage would be long, and there would be plenty of time to catch up with all the Masters.
Oren came over to the caravan and spoke with Na'ura and Lotsee.
"I'm sorry that you were tortured because of me. I promise you I did everything I could to keep it from happening." Oren said with shame.
"We don't blame you. You helped rescue us. It's over now." Nature said, trying to comfort him.
"I wish it was. As long as Imperata Lakoma is alive and you are my friends, he will make you suffer for it. You should come with us, they said there is room on the boat. I can protect you." Oren said, hoping they'd accept.
"We'd love to come, but others are waiting for us—our families. We have to risk going back for them," Lotsee said.
"And if the Imperata gets to them first and kills them, then kills you?" Oren questioned.
"A risk we have to take."
"I'm sorry that you have lost everything to help me. I can only thank you and wish you luck returning to your loved ones." Oren said with tears in his eyes. Na'ura gave him a warm hug and kissed him on the cheek.
"This isn't a final goodbye. I know we will see each other again. I hope it will be under better circumstances." Lotsee said. "Next time we see each other, we will have the biggest party and celebrate."
"Sounds like a promise." Oren joked.
"It is," Lotsee said. The two shook hands, and Oren departed for the ship.
Oren climbed aboard the Master's vessel. He looked back to the city to catch a last glimpse of his friends from the caravan, but they had already left.
Oren didn't know the future and didn't want to think about it. He just wanted to be glad he was back with the people he belonged to. He regretted his choice to leave the monastery as it caused all this. Oren vowed to make up for it in any way he could.
Oren stared into the sunset and took hope in it. For every sun that sets, the sun will rise. For now, here comes the night.