Previous Chapters:

Prologue

Chapter 1

Blood: Oaths and Offerings

Chapter 2

Sun Su 

Everything, and nothing. Unity, and independence. Energy and light. Clarity of conscience, knowledge of self and understanding of destiny. 

A deep, seeded connection to all things in nature. To the plants, the trees, the insects and the animals. To the rain, the rivers and the oceans. To the stars, both wandering and stationary. And to the people, those living and those that had come before.

These profound thoughts and feelings flowed through the mind and body of Sun, until her meditation session was cut short by the sound of footsteps approaching from over the ridge, fifty feet away. 

Sun hadn't the need to open her eyes in order to discern who was approaching. For three months out of every year since she was but twelve years old, she had executed the old Takatan discipline of blindsight.  This practice not only served to empower her senses of sound and scent, but she also learned to recognise most of her people based solely on the sound of them moving.

Jin, her brother, was one of the more easily recognised. He had a very distinctive walk. As his footsteps grew closer to Sun, the sound of his right leg trailing slightly behind the left became more and more evident. He had lacked the discipline necessary to ensure its full recovery, so the bone had set slightly out of place. In spite of it lacking the significance to be considered an impediment, it was certainly noticeable enough for Sun to make an identification using blindsight.

"Good morning, brother." Sun spoke with assurance, her eyes still closed.

"You call this morning?" Jin asked, unsurprised by her knowledge that it was him approaching. "The sun has yet to rise."

Sun could sense excitement in her brother's voice. She opened her eyes and looked at his face.

"It is morning when we mourn for the day that is lost to us." 

Sun's face, as per the norm, remained exanimate. Looking at her, one that did not know her would assume that she was lacking entirely in emotion. In truth, she possessed a great wealth of compassion, but neglected to show it. Her father had taught her never to give too much away.

"Emotion can be a shield for you, or a weapon for your enemies," he had told her. 

She missed his voice, and his wisdom.

"Are you in mourning, sister?" Jin smiled at his younger sister in an almost condescending manner.

Sun rose to her feet, both gracefully and silently.

"Always," she responded. "Now tell me, brother. Why are you here so early?"

It was a rare occasion for Jin to make the climb to Sun's tent, rarer still for him to be awake so early.

Jin held out a letter in his hand, "A rider in the night. It's from the King."

"He is not our King," Sun reminded him, taking the already opened letter from his hand.

On the front of the envelope read, "For the attention of the leader of Taka-Toh."

Sun withdrew the letter from the envelope and began to read.

"It says..." 

"-Shh." Sun raised one hand, gesturing for Jin to be silent while she examined the letter.

You are hereby invited to the Great Keep of Khyra one week from now, on the eve of the coming full moon. This invitation is delivered to you in urgency and we hope that you will honour us with your attendance.

"What makes you think that the King of Amanak sent this letter?" Sun looked up at her brother as she asked the question.

"Because.. The royal seal was on the envelope. Look!" Jin's words carried an enthusiastic certainty.

Sun inspected the envelope further to find a now broken wax seal. It depicted the symbol of the Aman religion; an evergreen tree, composed of ocean waves in such a way that it resembles the letter A. Below the Aman symbol was a crown, with the letter W engraved onto the centre. She recalled that the soldiers at Khyra had bore the pairing of these two symbols on their uniforms at the Great Games last year.

"All this tells us is that someone with access to the royal seal sent it." 

Sun did not make a habit of taking things for granted. She was sceptical of anything she did not witness for herself. All of her faith was reserved for God, with none left over to invest in that which she couldn't prove for certain.

"The Fortress is almost a mile long. How many do you think roam those walls and could have had the opportunity to get their hands on the seal? Perhaps the seal has been reproduced and the letter did not originate from the Fortress at all." 

"You are too paranoid sister!" Jin proclaimed. 

Sun ignored her brother and continued to examine the invitation.

For the attention of the leader of Taka-Toh.

Why did it not read, "For the attention of Sun Su?" Did the sender not know of her, or that she was the leader of Taka-Toh? Did Djio, the leader of Taka-Ti receive a letter also? What could be so urgent to initiate contact after so long?

Sun was beset with curiosities surrounding the origin of the letter.

"If you're too afraid to go, I will carry the burden." Jin asserted his words proudly. 

Sun looked up at him, but did not speak. She was having difficulty understanding her brother's enthusiasm. It was clear to her that he felt that he could benefit from this invitation in some way, but her imagination fell short of any ideas as to what that benefit that could be.

"I am yet to decide if we will answer the call but, if we do, then you will remain here to watch over our people." 

In her tone, she hinted that he was the only one that she could entrust with the responsibility. In truth, she did not want to offend him by her lack of confidence in his ability to handle the situation accordingly should it turn out to be a deception. 

Her brother was a nightmare at times, seldom doing as instructed and often making reckless decisions that endangered himself and her people. He had a hard time concealing his jealousy. On his deathbed, their father had chosen Sun to lead the people rather than Jin, in spite of Jin being three years older. Her brother had a hard time accepting that.

"No, Sun!" Jin did not attempt to suppress his anger. "If there is to be honour or rewards, I shall have my fair share." 

Finally Sun understood. 

"Brother," Sun spoke softer, in an effort to appease her brother's ego. 

"There is no greater honour than to defend your people, and there is no reward a King can give you that is worth more than what you can give to yourself through time and discipline."

"Spare me your wisdom, Sun," Jin snapped. 

"I am Jin Su. It was not intended for me to be some nobody, hiding away in the  mountains."

Jin turned his back and walked away, muttering under his breath.

Sun began to wonder how different things would have been if her father had not chosen that name for his first born. Jin had been named after their alleged ancestor Jin Su, said to have lived almost five hundred years ago. 

The legend tells of how Jin Su had united the nine clans of Takata in rebellion against Jorjo Blak, more commonly known as the Greedy King. The tyrannical ruler of Amanak had imposed taxes on all major regions of the continent, an act unheard of before then, or since. The Takatan people had no way to pay as they lacked any type of currency. The people of Takata were not like most others in Amanak. They sought only spiritual wealth, and seen material wealth as an obstacle to obtaining it. For three long years, Jin Su lead the people in the defence of Takata, eventually prevailing against the Greedy King's forces.

Jin believed that because he was named after this great hero, he too must have a profound destiny in need of fulfilment. Perhaps he did, Sun considered. But if so, she was not about to let him face that destiny alone.

Sun looked up to see that Jin was still pacing back and forth in anger.

"Jin," she called.

He stopped and turned his head towards her, his face screwed up with an expression of contempt.

"Calm yourself, brother," she advised.

"We both know that you feel father should have chosen you to lead. This could be your opportunity to prove that you're capable."

Jin's expression morphed from one of contempt to one of aspiration.

"If something happens to me, then you-"

"Say no more, sister. I understand." Jin didn't give Sun the chance to complete her sentence.

The anger had left him. She hadn't expected his frustration to be subdued quite so easily but, all that she could recognise in him now was determination.

"It is a three day ride to Khyra, so I must make a decision quickly." 

Sun closed her eyes once again and slipped down to the floor, returning to her meditative position.

"But, first. I must think." 

Her words were meant as a invitation for her brother to leave, and Jin interpreted them correctly.

"Speak soon, sister." Jin's voice was still full of ambition, as he turned and made his way back down the mountain.

Sun began to seek clarity on the letter, and on the decision ahead of her. While considering the option of a parley with Djio to determine whether he had also received a letter, she began to question the likelihood that Djio himself was the sender.

Friction between the people of Taka-Toh and those of Taka-Ti was certainly at a height, but would Djio be brazen enough to attempt to take her out with a deception such as this? That would unquestionably provoke a war. Surely he would not be so reckless, she thought.

Sun always had a hard time understanding the animosity between the two neighbouring provinces. It was not too long ago that they had been one people, of one province, united under the name of Takata. Her father had told her many times of the reasons for the division, but why then, 150 years later, did the people still harbour such hatred for one another? 

Her efforts to convince her people to see their neighbours as equals had been far from successful. Every time she had felt that she was making progress with her persuasion, someone would end up on the wrong side of the river with their throat opened. It was only four days ago that this had last happened. 

In the morning, Sun had delivered a riveting speech to her people. She had spoken of her desire to have a meeting with Djio, and to discuss the abolishment of the border and the reunification of the Takatan people. The listeners had seemed interested in the idea, having lived with hate for far too long.

That night however, Alin, a husband and father of two, had been seen crossing the River Taka. He, like many of the others who had crossed in the past, had no reason for doing so. At least none that they had bothered to share with anyone else. 

Due to the treaty, which had been signed by Sun's father Ekho and Djio of Taka-Ti, when Alin ended up crossing swords with two men from across the river and was cut down, Sun was unable to do anything in retaliation. The treaty clearly states that to cross the River Taka is to encroach upon enemy territory, which can and will be interpreted as a forfeiture of life. 

Sun had not been so eager to follow the rules of the treaty, having allowed trespassers, on two occasions, to make their way back across the Taka unharmed. Djio on the other hand, had been ruthless in his enforcement of the laws of the treaty. No Taka-Tozian which had found themselves in Taka-Tizian land had been spared, and their heads had often been displayed on spikes on the opposite river bed.

Though Sun may not respect the enforcement of the treaty to such an extent, she could not deny that no laws had been broken. This invitation however, if a deception by Djio, would certainly be considered an unlawful act. Sun remembered just how relentlessly Djio had pushed for the treaty, so did not want to believe that he would be willing to break it. 

She shifted her focus, thinking instead of what the King may want from Taka-Toh should the invitation be legitimate. 

Perhaps to reunify Takata-Toh with Amanak? But, if no efforts to reunite have been made since Jin Su declared Takata an independent province nearly 500 years ago, then why now?

Sun thought of how her people were renowned for two things. Their skills in artistry, and their skills in combat. She could think of no rational explanation as to why a letter of such urgency would be despatched in order to make a request for their artistry skills. If the letter was genuine then, it must have been the combat ability of their people that King was in need of.

She considered who the King would be expecting them to fight for him. There was certainly bad  blood between the loyalists and  Zabadon's people. Everyone at Khyra had spoken of how things had been slowly escalating since the massacre, but it was the King who had opted not to execute any of the accused Pavhasi soldiers. He wouldn't act without convincing evidence, and there was none to be found. Had he finally found some, after all this time?

Perhaps it was not the Pavhasi that he wanted her people to fight. Could it have been Amanak as a whole that was facing the invasion?

The thought came with a chill of a terror. If foreign invaders were to mount an attack on Amanak, her people would be in grave danger. The Amanaki King may have respected their right to independence, but those from overseas were unlikely to. Her people would be butchered or forced into slavery, just like the people of Kurukai had been.

For a split second, though it felt longer, Sun was haunted by a flashing mental image of what could be. Before the horrific picture of a dystopian future for her people had sunk into the blackness of her mind, her decision was made. She knew now that she would go to Khyra and uncover the truth of this letter. If what she feared was true, she would not have the people of Taka-Toh unprepared.

Sun rose to her feet swiftly and then opened her eyes. She turned and entered her tent, her mind still plagued with remnants of the disturbing image she had seen.

Sun's tent was a large one which she had erected herself. She had chosen a spot nearly half way up the tallest mountain in the range. so that she would be able to keep a watchful and protective eye on her people below. This choice of altitude meant that she would sometimes be subjected to harsh winds, which is why she had chosen to build her tent with three layers of thick canvas. On the inner layer of the canvas, Sun had painted a 360 degree depiction of her view of the Taka from atop the mountain of mourning, all from memory. It was an exquisite piece of art, immersing the viewer into the belief that they too are standing at the very peak of the mountain, looking down upon the river and the surrounding forests. 

Sun's eyes did not fall on the painting however, they focused only on the large weapon rack which lay beside her bed. As she mounted dual swords in sheathes over her back, she thought of whether war for Amanak could be the necessary conduit for which the people of Taka-Ti, and those of Taka-Toh could settle their differences. 

Whilst placing a knife firmly onto the grips of each one of her boots, and one onto her belt, Sun considered whether a reunification with Amanak would be best for her people. If Jin Su had declared Takata independent because of the taxes that the Greedy King had forced upon them, then why did he not reunite with Amanak once the Greedy King fell? Perhaps it was time.

As she placed twelve throwing darts into their designated slots on her belt, she thought of Joma, the Amanaki King. He had shied away after the Kapitan Massacre. Half the people of Khyra spoke of him hiding in the depths of the Great Fortress. The other half seemed certain that he had died many years ago, and that Viceroy Richman had usurped the power in Amanak. If he was alive, was he really the leader that the Amanaki people would need to defend them in a time of war?

At the same time as arming herself with four serrated throwing discs, two of which found a secret home on her outer thighs, and two that were concealed just above her hips, she thought of Pavhas. Joma and whomever else in the Wai family that was still alive, would need to reconcile with Zabadon and the people of Pavhas if there was to be any chance of Amanak's survival.

 Finally, as Sun threw her quiver, stocked full of arrows, over her shoulder, she thought of her father. She was grateful that God had given her the discipline necessary to achieve the visualisation skills that were now at her disposal. As a child, she could never hold an image in her mind for longer than a few seconds at best. Now, through frequent training and consistent meditation, she had refined her mind and body into a weapon of conscious obedience. Now she need only will it, and the image of her father's face would remain for as long as she desired.

She held the image of her father's face in her mind while she picked up her bow and exited the tent. 

"To be a leader, means to be ready to give your life for your people."

Her father's words, that he had said to her on the night of his death, echoed through her mind like a prophetic lullaby. Sun would give her life if it came to that, but she would fight till her last breath first.

The determined leader made her way to the ridge and slid herself rapidly down the rope onto the next part of the mountain. This level was home to Jin's tent, as well as Kyo's and Kya's. The twins were Sun's chosen lieutenants, having proven themselves to be masters of discipline and of compassion.  Their dedication to training was once again demonstrated to Sun by their morning meditation. 

In front of her tent, Kya stood balanced on one foot, with her eyes closed meditating. Her second foot was perpendicular to the first, pointing forward horizontally, perfectly aligned with her waist.  Her flexibility and durability brought a smile to Sun's face.

By the edge of the mountain, Kyo balanced upside down on his hands, with his eyes closed, also meditating. Unsurprisingly, Jin was nowhere to be seen, but Sun could hear her brother sleeping through the walls of his tent.

Although she was greatly impressed with Kyo's desire to push himself to the next level, she worried for his safety so close to the edge of the mountain. One unexpected gust of wind and she could be needing a new lieutenant. 

"Kyo.." Sun spoke gently so as not to startle him..

Kyo opened his eyes and looked at Sun. He propelled himself upwards with his arms, tucking his legs and landing on his feet. He glared at Sun once again, looking her up and down.

"Where are we going, Commander?" 

Kya opened her eyes and looked over, remaining in her pose. 

Also noticing the weaponry all over her leader's body, she called out, "Bad news in the letter, Commander?"

"It was a royal initiation to the Fortress of Khyra.."

Kya lowered her leg to the floor and started walking closer to Sun.

"Why?" 

Both Kya and Kyo looked confounded by the request.

"I don't know for sure, yet." Sun replied, hiding her suspicions.

"But, you are both coming with me." 

Kyo allowed a smile to escape his lips. "Shall I bring my toys?"

"We aren't due there for a week, but I want to get there a few days early to assess the area, see what we can find out. I know nothing of what lies ahead, so yes, Kyo, bring as many as you can carry."

Kyo nodded his head, satisfied with the response, and began making his way to his tent.

" You too, Kya." Sun added.

Kya smiled and nodded.

As Sun turned around to make her way down the mountain, Kya called out, "When do we leave?"

Sun continued walking and assertively replied, "Now."

The sound of Kya's feet running towards her tent could be heard as Sun made her way down to the next level of the mountain. This was the widest area of the mountain, with hundreds of tents and campfires all over. It was still dark, though the slightest hint of red could be seen on the horizon, indicative of a newly arriving sunrise. 

There was easily over a thousand Taka-Tozians on this part of the mountain, yet Sun could only see a minority of them out of their tents, meditating or practicing close-quarters combat with each other. It wasn't enough. Too many Jin's and not enough Kyo's and Kya's, she thought. 

Part of her wanted to go into each tent and wake every one of them up, telling them that war is coming and they'd better be prepared. She knew that that would only serve to create panic though, and she still didn't know for sure if her suspicions were correct.

Sun silently made her way across the edge of the mountain and down the path on to river side. This is where most of her people resided. Another two thousand or so resided in the neighbouring mountains, but the riverside was home to almost thirty thousand Taka-Tozians. Tents of canvas and linen, some decorated in elaborate patterns and designs, stretched out in numbers all the way unto the horizon. 

The sound of babies crying could be heard in between the clashing of wood against wood as young men and women refined their skills with long combat sticks.  

So many people, Sun thought. It often shocked her when she thought of just how many people were dependent on her for their safety and direction. The prospect of war seemed to multiply the weight of her responsibility tenfold. She forced a feeling of doubt out of her mind as quickly as it had entered, replacing it with a feeling of commitment and determination. 

As Kyo and Kya's harmonizing footsteps approached Sun from behind, she looked on at the  thousands of homes of her people. The sun had begun to rise now, and the roof of every tent in sight was illuminated with an orangey-red tint. For a second, it terrified her. The fiery glow on every tent reminded her of the peril that they may face if she were to fail them. 

"Beautiful," Kya reacted to the sunrise as she approached.

"The sun watches over them," Kyo added.

As the three of them stared in awe at the majestic sun rising ahead of them, Sun replayed Kyo's words again in her mind and smiled.

"Let's go."

All Artwork in this post is my own.

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