Last of the Legends manuscript

Written Ca. 2000-2001

Note: Edited mainly for syntax and flow of ideas. The manuscript was 99% as-is, excepting my terrible grammar back then. There were also some oddities when I pasted this text in from Word, so please bear with on that point.

Prologue | The Lion 

Once, long ago, a boy wished to seek the answers to his questions. He “wished to know the truth,” and unfortunately, he found that which he sought. 

"Why in the world did I have to be blessed with children?" asked Reyna jokingly. 

"Well, if you really want to know my opinion, it's your guyses’ fault. If you know what I mean," commented Jeta. 

“Who asked you? And it's not guyses, it's just guys. But if you want my humble opinion, I think you should go outside before you get yourself into trouble," said Seta. 

Jeta hurried up to his room, and a few minutes later rushed out the door of their coastal hut. 

Their small family lived in a tiny coastal village, but unlike most of the settlements in the Barran District, the people there were not fishermen for the most part. This was not always the case though. At one time, the people of Ren were the most skilled Nauticas to ever grace the sea, but that of course was before the Long War or, as it is called now, the War of the Seven Islands. Times were hard, but the people of Ren had become incredibly skilled farmers. To young Jeta that way of life held no value. He wanted to travel and see the world, because he thought fairy tales could come true, and that all questions could be answered. 

It was a beautiful morning. The sun had just risen, and a soft ocean wind was blowing. Ren was slowly coming to life. The sun’s illuminating rays were permeating every dark corner of the small village, which was comprised of nine huts grouped closely together in a small circle. No two huts in the village were exactly alike, because the people who lived in them built them to their own tastes. In the exact center of the village, there was a well, and it was here that Jeta met Lanin, his best friend, every day. Though they did not look or act like it, the people of Ren were the last remnants of a once bustling port town, but now there were only a few men in Ren who knew how to navigate a boat, and some were even afraid of the water. 

This was the Ren of Jeta's childhood and, even though he loved it, he knew he would one day leave his home. 

*** 

 I wonder what I should do to him this morning. Jeta thought of mischief as he exited his hut. Slowly and quietly, he walked up behind Lanin, who was sitting on the edge of the well with his back towards Jeta. Maybe I'll push him in the well. He drew even closer to Lanin. 

"Just a few more steps," Jeta whispered to himself. He was almost directly behind Lanin now. 

"Hey, Lanin!" screamed Jeta. Lanin, who was still half asleep, was so startled that he almost fell in the well. "What ya tryin' to do, kill me?" yelped Lanin. “You almost made me fall in the well." 

Jeta looked mockingly at his short, fat, dark-haired friend. "Well, what do you think I was tryin' to do?” 

Lanin got up and took a run at Jeta. "I'm gonna make you pay, just for trying that," he said furiously. 

Jeta, jumping out of the way just in time, hopped back to where he had been standing in front of the well, “You're too slow to even come close to hitting me, so you might as well give up.” 

“Oh yeah? We'll see who's slow," huffed Lanin, already tired, as he ran at Jeta again. Just as Lanin was about to hit Jeta, he jumped out of the way, and Lanin fell in the well. 

“Heh heh," laughed Jeta. "I told you, didn't I? You're just too slow." He reached down into the pool-like well, and helped Lanin climb out. “And very heavy too." 

"I've gotta go change, Jeta. I'll be back out in a few minutes," said Lanin as he walked to his house. “But don't think for a minute that I won't get you back. Maybe not today, but-" 

"Will you shut up and go change!" 

Lanin walked into his hut muttering to himself. 

"Jeta! Jeta, come here for a minute," Jeta heard his mother calling. 

He ran up to his front door and walked in very slowly. “What'd ya want?" he asked. 

"Have you been teasing poor Lanin again?" questioned Reyna, looking directly at Jeta. 

"No, of course not. You know I'd never do that to Lanin, don't you?” 

Reyna shook her head disapprovingly. “Go outside, and behave yourself this time." 

Many days were spent this way, and Jeta loved every moment of it because he enjoyed making Lanin angry. He thought it was funny. Although they usually fought, they both found that they liked listening to stories about the past. About things that had shaped the world they lived in now. Stories about The War of the Seven Islands, and of the hero, known as the Lion. 

As the days drew to a close, Lanin and Jeta would go to the village elder's house to listen to stories. Lanin, who was fond of legends and myths, and especially of poetry, enjoyed it much more than his mischievous friend. Although Jeta did not enjoy poetry there was one poem he remembered his entire life: 

Eyes that shimmer, eyes that gleam / eyes more beautiful than the sun / eyes that very often seem / to pierce your heart and soul / eyes that captivate the mind / eyes so fierce and yet so kind / eyes of sadness / eyes of fear / eyes that seem make death draw near / eyes that place you into trance / even from a moment's glance / eyes of experience / eyes of pain / eyes of one who has been crying / eyes of one so strong, now sick and dying / the eyes of a hero these are you see / the sad eyes of The Lion say, “remember me, remember me.” 

Of course. Jeta thought it was all entirely true as it was written. The Lion was a great hero, and his legacy’s influence on Jeta would lead the boy down a path in life that only he would trod. He would walk it very much alone... 

Chapter 1 | Run 

The sky was dark, the stars did not shine, and the sea was restless. 

"What's happening, Kilk?" asked Seta. 

“I have a very bad feeling, Seta. The same feeling I had then," answered Kilk, the village elder. 

"Please don't say that, Kilk. Are you sure?" Seta leaned forward anxiously in his chair. 

 "The air has the same stagnant feeling, the earth cries out in agony, the sea screams with fear. It has to be."  

At that very moment, out of the sky came a crimson light, and with it came terror. The wind blew with an intense heat, and the earth began to shake. The clouds covering the sky were enveloped in red, and all at once the entire world seemed to scream out in terror and pain. 

“Kilk, we must go. Our comrades need us now more than ever!" 

"Yes, but you have a family, what will you do?" 

"My friend, I only wish I knew. But now is not the time to think. We must act quickly, or he will never be stopped." 

"At least say goodbye to them, Seta." 

"Yes, I must get my Blade and tell my wife to get out of here with Jeta." Seta exited Kilk's hut and ran to his own home, where his wife and son were waiting for him. "It has happened, Reyna. I must leave you. This time likely forever." 

"I have feared this day. Has he escaped?" 

"Yes. Now I must speak to Jeta." 

Jeta ran to his father. "What's going on? Where are you going? I'm afraid. Why won't you be coming back?" Jeta began to sob. 

"I'm goin' to fight the bad guys, just like in the stories. I can't tell you any more than what I already have. Always remember to do what your heart tells you is right. Never live or fight for anyone but yourself, because if you do, you'll end up dead." 

Jeta hugged his father and then sprinted to his parents’ room. When he returned, he held a sword. It was shining with a majestic, yet terrifying blue light. "Here you go, Dad. Promise me I'll see you later, okay?" 

"Jeta, I promise I'll always be with you. I swear it on my sword, Azurlite." 

Being a young boy, Jeta did not know what his father meant when he had said: ''I'll be with you always. " Seta knew he would never return and so did Reyna. The reason he left I cannot yet tell, but someday Jeta would know the answers to the questions he had asked his father. He did not know, however, that this day would mark the beginning of an entire life of loneliness, and the rest of the world did not know how much it would suffer because of that life. In the blink of an eye Jeta's fate had been sealed, forever... 

"We must leave this place, Jeta. We will never return here together. You and I must get away from here now." 

"But why?" cried Jeta. "I thought dad and Kilk were going to save us." 

"Yes, they are, but they can only hold the enemy back for a short time." 

"Why is it important for us to get away? I mean… I mean what about everyone else?" 

"You, my son, are the only one who matters now. Remember what your father said?" Reyna asked harshly. 

"Aren't you being a little cold hearted?" screamed Jeta fiercely. 

''Now that he's free, he'll come after you. And, if he finds you-" Reyna was interrupted by a loud noise. 

"He has come. We must move quickly!" whispered Reyna. Just as the words had left Reyna's lips, there came the sound of large claws pounding the earth with tremendous weight. "Do not fear my son, it is only a Jerystal. A being that is one of his many servants." Reyna spoke confidently. "He does not stand a chance against us. You always wished to be a hero, Jeta. Now's your chance. Here. Take this sword. You don't need a shield. Let's go!" 

The two ran towards the place where they had heard the noise. They came upon the foul creature in almost an instant. Jeta was amazed at its incredible size. Its body was like that of a scorpion and its head like that of a snake. "Are you sure we can beat this thing, Mom?'' asked Jeta. He was trembling with fear. 

"Of course. It was created almost perfectly, but it does have one flaw," explained Reyna. “If you can manage to sneak underneath it and pierce his abdomen, he will die within seconds. Got it, Jeta?" 

Before Jeta could respond, Reyna jumped in front of the creature and unsheathed a small rapier. "Jeta, get underneath him. I will try my best to get his attention. Once you’re beneath him, do as I’ve told you." Reyna spoke in a commanding voice Jeta had never heard before. 

As the creature reared up to sting, Jeta ran underneath it and thrusted his sword with all of his might into the belly of the servant of evil. The creature began to fall, caught unaware by the sudden attack. Jeta dove away from the falling beast just in time. Getting up, he turned his back on the Jerystal and saw his mother lying on the ground, motionless. 

"Mom! Mom, wake up. Come on, we've got to get out of here now," Jeta screamed frantically. 

"Jeta, my son, has it been defeated?" 

"Of course. You think I'd actually let myself get beaten?" 

''No time for self-praise now, Jeta. Soon, there will be more just like this one. Let’s go." 

They slowly began to walk, but Reyna soon fell behind Jeta. 

"Are you all right, Mom?" They walked a little further. 

"Yes, I'm fine. Just very fatigued," answered Reyna in a feeble voice. "There is no time to waste. We should leave this place as soon as possible." With great effort, Reyna struggled to the entrance of the village. As they were about to leave Ren, they heard four more noises of the same nature as the first one made by the Jerystal. "Jeta, I will hold them back. You must run, Jeta. Run! Run away! Run away and never look back!" 

"But…” Jeta began to cry but wiped his tears away. “Goodbye, Mom. I'll wait for you in Hapsel." Jeta turned and ran as fast as he could, already longing for the home he had desired so much to leave. 

He left his home that day, but under much different circumstances than he had expected. He had lost his father and mother in the same day. He would wait in Hapsel for his mother as he promised. A foolish mistake on his part. But you cannot blame him. He was young and naive. Whether it was fate or just misfortune, Jeta's journey had begun… 

Chapter 2 | Malank 

The road from Ren to Hapsel was long, and it was nearing nightfall... 

Weary and exhausted, Jeta sat down in the grass next to an old and wind-beaten palm tree. "I can finally relax," Jeta said with a sigh of relief. 

"Better not be too sure 'bout that," said a faint but clear voice. 

Quickly rising from his resting place, Jeta turned and looked around. 

"I'm over here, kid." This time, the voice was louder. 

"Where are you?" bellowed Jeta in a hoarse voice. 

"I'm right behind ya." 

Jeta whirled around and saw a man clad in armor. 

"The name's Malank. Seta told me ta find ya." 

"I don't believe you. You’re probably another one of those Jerstalim things.” 

"Ya don't hafta worry 'bout that. I definitely ain't a Jerystal,” said Malank, as he tried to ease the tension. 

"How can I trust anyone that just suddenly appears out of nowhere?" 

"I don't think ya have any choice but ta trust me. At least 'till we get outta here and yer safe in Hapsel. Is that alright with ya, Jeta?" 

Surprised the stranger knew his name, Jeta decided Malank was telling the truth. "I guess I can trust you," Jeta uttered hesitantly. "But only until we get to Hapsel. Then I've got to wait for my mom." 

With a sorrowful expression on his face, Malank solemnly answered, "Sure, kid." 

"We should keep movin'. I think we kin make Hapsel by sundown tomorrow. Ya think ya kin go on?" asked Malank, still trying to earn Jeta's trust. 

"Alright, I think I can," answered Jeta as he stood up. They begin to walk down the road. Neither one of them sure what to say next. 

Jeta was contemplating whether to trust Malank. Wondering how he knew his name and if he really knew his father. Malank walked along as if deep in thought, a pained look on his face. Everything was silent. Not one living creature stirred. There wasn't even the usual light sea breeze moving through the trees. The only noise was the sound of the two travelers’ feet quietly hitting the sandy road. 

Jeta broke the speechless moment with a single word: "Why?” 

"Why what?" 

"Why did all of this happen to me? Why was I saved and everyone else in my village left to be destroyed? Why did my dad have to go away? I have so many unanswered questions." 

"Everyone is like that. We all have unanswered questions. That's jest how it is, Jeta." 

"Kilk and Dad both said the same thing. They also said there were those who searched for the answers to their questions and-“ 

Malank interrupted Jeta, "And there are those who live their lives without ever knowing or ever desiring to know. Usually, these people live insecure, unhappy lives." 

"How did you do that? You repeated what my father said word for word. Are you a mind reader or something?" asked Jeta, baffled. 

"Definitely not a mind reader. I told ya before that I knew Seta." 

"What do you mean you knew him?" 

"I jest haven't seen him for a while, that's all." 

"But you also said that he sent you to find me." 

"Geez, yer a smart kid. I'll tell you the truth, but first you have to promise to forgive me. Because what I tell you won't be easy to accept at first." 

"I promise, Malank. I promise." 

"Okay, well… you see, Seta died today. I was by his side. I want you to know that." 

Jeta started to cry bitterly. "But l... he said he'd be with me forever." 

"Jeta, he will be with you forever in your-" Malank tried to console Jeta, whose face was twisted in rage. 

"I know what you're going to say! He'll be with me forever, in my heart! Right?! That isn't good enough for me, Malank! I'll never accept it! He promised!" His mind clouded over with anger and grief, Jeta could do nothing but sit and cry. 

“It's all right, Jeta, everything will be fine in time," said Malank, still trying to comfort him. 

''No, it won't! Nothing will ever be the same." 

"Yer right, Jeta. Nothin' will ever be the same. Just make sure ya learn from what happened today." 

Jeta's tears slowly stopped falling, and his anger began to subside. He was gradually overwhelmed by a great feeling of remorse for the things he had said. "Sorry, Malank. I shouldn't have let go of myself like that. I'll be fine." 

"It's alright." 

"I'm really tired," yawned Jeta. 

"So am I," said Malank, sitting down next to Jeta. Malank took off his cape and gave it to him. "It ain't much, but if ya roll it up ya can use it fer a pillow." 

Jeta lay down, and after a few minutes, his heavy eyelids closed as he fell into a deep sleep. 

That night, Jeta learned an important lesson. He discovered that life is hard and that often things aren't what they seem. The next day, he would reach Hapsel, but where he would go after that he had no idea. In the coming days, he would often remember the conversation he had with Malank. He would never forget the night he learned of Seta's death. There was, however, one part missing from Malank's story. He had not told Jeta of Reyna's death. He thought it would be easier for Jeta to handle his mother's death if he could first accept his father's passing. Malank was wrong… 

Chapter 3 | The Journey to Hapsel 

Hapsel, the City of Eternal Light... 

When Jeta awakened, he was stiff and sore, and the flaming red sun was beating down upon him. It was a beautiful morning, there was a light ocean breeze, and the faint sound of small breakers lapping the beach was intoxicating. 

"Sure is hot," murmured Jeta in a raspy voice. "Hey, Malank." Sitting up, he looked around, but Malank was nowhere in sight. Rising from his resting place in the sand, Jeta called out for him. "Where are you? Come on. I thought-" He paused, listening carefully. 

Detecting whispers coming from the small grove of palm trees not far from the road, he almost immediately concluded it was Malank. "Malank, is that you in there?'' No answer came. "Alright, I'll see for myself." 

Taking off his boots, he quietly paced toward the trees, trying to hear what was being spoken. Still incapable of hearing, he became frustrated. Moving ever nearer to the thicket and becoming more reckless with each step, he crouched next to some small shrubs near the trees. Peering through them, he saw two people. Neither of them was Malank. 

They were both wearing armor colored crimson and pitch black. They had shields made of gold with the icon of an eagle engraved upon them. Their swords were sheathed, but from the shape of the scabbards, Jeta could easily discern that they were broadswords. These soldiers were most definitely not from the small district of Barran. 

"Hey, Lakas, what do you suppose that ol' hag is doin'?" 

"Ziran, I really couldn't tell ya, but I don' think we'll ever hafta worry 'bout that if we don't get ourselves outta this hellhole." 

"Yeah. If that stupid idiot of a captain woulda known where he was goin' we wouldn't be here right now." 

"Well, I suppose we should follow the road… see where it's gonna take us." 

"I sure hope the people here are friendly. If there is anyone on earth that could stand to live in a place like this. It's way too hot fer me." 

Jeta slowly backed away until he was far enough away not to be seen or heard. He breathed deeply and let his guard down. 

"Doncha worry 'bout them, Jeta. They're just two lost knights wanderin' around a place they never seen before." 

Startled, Jeta spun around and without looking drew his sword, slashing at the voice’s source. Malank dodged easily, a smirk on his face. 

"Why are you always sneaking up on me like that? You scared me half to death!" 

"Sorry. I guess it's jest a bad habit o' mine,” replied Malank calmly. "I didn' expect ya ta start hackin' and slashin' with that sword though." 

Grabbing the small rapier from Jeta’s hand, Malank held it up against the dazzling sunlight. "A nice weapon fer a kid. Light, tough. It was yer dad's once." After studying it for a few moments, he gave it back to Jeta. "But fightin' isn't the best way ta live yer life. 'Specially when yer young." 

Malank stopped talking for a moment, thinking about their desperate situation. "When we git ta Hapsel, then ya might need ta pretect yerself. Jest ta make sure ya don't git hurt, I'll teach ya a few tricks with that sword." 

Thrilled by being able to show off his swordsmanship, Jeta was immediately ready to do battle. Sword in hand, he leapt at Malank, slashing at his ribcage. 

"Good, Jeta. Real good. Lucky I got this breastplate on, otherwise I'd be hurtin' right now." 

Encouraged by these words of praise, Jeta became even more aggressive, swinging his weapon vigorously and often failing to hit his target. Malank patiently waited for the perfect moment to strike. He knew just how to handle the reckless child. 

"Come on, Jeta. Ya aren't tired yet, are ya? If ya really want ta be a hero, then ya gotta hack away with everything ya got. Ya just hafta hit the mark sometime, right?'' 

Already tired but determined to prove himself a warrior, Jeta simplemindedly followed Malank's advice. Erupting in an abrupt, rapid onslaught of attacks, Jeta quickly exhausted himself. Weary and fatigued, he carelessly lowered his guard, trying to catch his breath. 

"Can we rest a bit?" 

Malank moved closer to Jeta slowly and cautiously, the gleam of battle in his eyes. 

''No. Ya can't be takin' breaks in the middle of a battle, Jeta. Ta fight ya hafta think like a warrior. Show no mercy. Don't let yer emotions blind ya from the struggle." 

Overcome with fear, Jeta began to tremble. "Why are you being so serious?" 

Seemingly aggravated by the naivete of the question, Malank replied in a cold, cruel, and menacing tone. "Serious! Don't ask me why I'm bein' serious! Ya think wars are jest fer fun? Ya think people fight 'em for the amusement of later generations! So they kin sit around an' tell stories to their kids and turn 'em into a bunch 'o dreamers like you?!” He spat. 

“Fightin' isn't something ta be taken lightly! If ya think it's jest a big joke, you'll die, Jeta! You will die!!" 

Taken aback by the unexpected and unforeseen change in Malank's normally calm and dignified personality, Jeta was not only confused but also terrified. "W..w..w..what did I do? If l did something wrong, I'm sorry." 

Regaining his composure, Malank let out a long sigh. "Ya didn't do anything wrong, kid. I was jest testing ya ta see how much ya could take." 

Jeta was still frightened and very tired but now filled with a sense of pride. "So, what do you think, are we safe to go to Hapsel?" 

''Nope. Ya wouldn't last five minutes in that place by yerself. Before we go anywhere, I'm gonna teach ya a little trick. Come here." 

Without asking a single question, Jeta did as he was told. 

"Watch very carefully, Jeta, 'cause yer gonna do this next. Hand me yer sword. 

"Don't you have one, Malank?" asked Jeta as he handed him the rapier. 

"O' course I do, but I don't like showin' it off a lot. My sword only leaves its sheath when there ain't no avoidin' a fight. Ya understand what I'm sayin'?" 

There was absolute silence while Jeta pondered the question. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure I know what you mean." 

Malank nodded his head. "Good. Now that ya understand what I'm sayin', I'll teach ya that trick I was talkin' about. Are ya ready?" 

Weak from fatigue, Jeta forced himself to continue. "Of course. I can't quit just because I'm tired. Besides, if l were to stop now, I'd probably be asleep before I closed my eyes.” 

Impressed by the boy's iron will, Malank smiled with satisfaction. "Hahaha. Well, I don't see any reason to push ya too hard today. Just take it easy. We'll continue our little lesson later. For now, ya kin rest a bit." 

The day seemed to last forever. The sun was directly above them and with each passing hour its intensity increased. The heat was stifling. Jeta felt lucky when he found a spot completely sheltered from its searching rays. Overjoyed by his discovery, he decided to take immediate and full advantage of it. He lay down slowly and with great pain, for his fatigue had subsided and soreness had set in. He had no sooner than lay his head down when his eyelids began to close. He did not even make an effort to resist it and was sleeping within moments. 

*** 

Jeta's sleep was disturbed. But it was not a noise that awakened him. Instead, it was the unusual lack of nature’s sounds that he had grown so used to hearing which caused him to feel uneasy. Lying on his back, he gazed up at the sky and the setting sun. It seemed to him as if many colors began to pour out from vaults of the heavens before his eyes. The sky looked as though it was bursting, unable to restrain the splendor it had attempted so arduously to conceal. The beauty was breathtaking. Even though he had grown up on this island, he had never seen anything as gorgeous as what he was witnessing now. The sun seemed to try holding onto the edge of the earth as long as it could before it vanished from sight completely and passed into the eternal abyss. 

Remembering what had happened earlier that day, he decided the first thing he was going to do was find Malank. Getting up very listlessly and with much discomfort, he tried rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Scanning the area quickly, he took brief glances at any place Malank could be. He finally spotted him reclining against an old tree. 

“It seems even the venerable Malank sleeps once in a while," Jeta remarked to himself while he moved slowly towards the sleeping warrior. "Malank. Hey, Malank! Wake up." 

"What's wrong? Can't ya sleep anymore?'' asked Malank. 

"I thought it seemed sort of quiet. I mean, we're out in the open and all. It just seems to me that there would be a few animals around. I thought I'd wake ya up and see what you thought." Jeta explained himself, not trying to hide the fact that he had become completely dependent upon Malank. 

"Listen ta me, kid. Ya better git yer head down an' shut yer mouth," Malank suddenly commanded in an almost whisper. "I'm sorry I didn't come an' git ya, but I thought maybe ya might need the rest. This stillness jest ain't normal." 

Not questioning the abrupt order, the young boy knelt down, hidden by the trees and undergrowth. "What happened. Did you hear something?" 

Malank shook his head. "No, I didn't hear anything at all. It's jest that this silence likes ta follow us around. Remember last night before I told ya about Seta. Remember how quiet it was. I don't know about you, but I'm gonna leave this little place and git ta Hapsel as quick as I kin." 

Jeta was astonished and at the same time very alarmed. He had not once seen Malank show any signs of fear, nor had he expected him to. He thought that the warrior was immortal. "Are you afraid? I thought that you were supposed to have fought along with my father and Kilk." 

"Boy, if only ya knew what it's like ta fight against that guy. With every moment he gets closer to us. Yet he never fights anyone directly. I guess he has no need to. But if his servants don't find ya soon, then he might come and look fer ya personally. I know I can fight off his followers, every single one of 'em. But if it came down ta a fight between me an' him-" 

Jeta interrupted the distraught fighter mid-sentence, "Who is he? That guy everyone is afraid of… What happened? Did he kill Dad?" 

Leaping up from his spot under the tree, Malank turned to face Jeta. "I'll explain all that when we git to Hapsel, but right now isn't the time. Get up now! We're gonna git there tonight no matter what it takes." 

Quickly, Jeta rose and started walking down the road, striding away from Malank. "Come on! I thought you wanted to get out of this place as fast as you could." Jeta turned toward Malank, who had not moved. "What's wrong with you? You said not even a minute ago that we were going to make Hapsel before dawn tomorrow. Why are you so afraid?" 

"Doncha be so careless! And I told ya once this isn't the time or the place ta be talkin' about it!" Malank was almost shouting now. "How many times do I hafta tell ya that? How dense can ya be, Jeta?" 

"You know, Malank, you really confuse me sometimes. One minute you're scared to death of something, and the next thing you're yelling at me. Come on! Let's go right now! I promise I won't ask you about it again. At least until we're safe in Hapsel and are able to talk. If you don't start walking now, whatever you're afraid of will find us before we get there!" Jeta was close to losing his temper. 

Malank nodded. "Yer right, kid. I'm bein' a fool. This whole thing has me spooked. Let's get movin' 'right now." 

Before he had even finished speaking, he was running. He ran with such speed that Jeta could barely keep up. Soon the boy's lungs were burning, and it became hard for him to breathe. His whole body ached. The pain grew with every stride. He would not stop, though. Even when the pain became almost unbearable, he did not give up. This seemed to continue for hours, and he was not certain now if he could keep going on and still live. He was about to give up when Malank stopped. Then, he saw the reason why. Towering above them was a huge city, which had gone unnoticed by Jeta until the sudden halt. 

"Malank, is that Hapsel?" Jeta stammered as he gazed in awe upon what was known to many of the people who dwelled there as The City of Eternal Light. 

Malank even found himself somewhat awe stricken. "Sure is, kid. I didn't remember Light’s Lady bein’ this immense. She musta grown since the last time I saw her. Ha!" Then he turned towards Jeta who was now standing next to him. "I know you're tired, but I want ya ta be really careful. Don't trust anyone, not me or even yerself." 

"What do you mean by ‘don't even trust yourself’?" 

"You'll see. Before we leave this place, you'll know exactly what I mean. This place…" Malank sighed. "This place is called the City of Eternal Light, but the hearts of the people have become as black as coal." 

"I see. Malank, why is it called the City of Eternal Light?" 

"During the War of the Seven Islands, the hero called The Lion placed a jewel at the top of a colossal tower named The Pillar on Which the Sun Rests. Whether he had seized this jewel from one of the many kingdoms he conquered or if he had ordered it to be made by an unknown artisan is still not known to this day. Anyway, during the war, Hapsel became a refuge for many different people from numerous places. Because it’s close to the ocean and sailing here was easy, sure. But also because it was the home of the Lion's lover, Nina of Cleff.” 

“The entire time Nina lived here, it was always well guarded from enemy attack—and from traitors and spies within the city's walls as well. The more people there were, the stronger the city became. Many of the refugees from Tillan were blacksmiths or carpenters. If ya know anything about ancient Tillan craftsmanship, then ya kin see how important this was. The soldier's weapons were improved, and the city walls became virtually impenetrable. The war kept dragging on and soon the populace began improving the city.” 

“In the year 2037, they built a tower as a symbol of freedom, and so the Tower of Light, as it was later called, had been completed. As a ceremonial mark of their great achievement, they had Nina and the Lion place the glowin’ gem at the very highest section of the tower. It wore the jewel as if it were its crown, and it is said by many Nauticas that the brilliant light it emitted could be seen glowin’ at any time from far out at sea. It was as if the light was eternal. But something happened that made it stop shining, and no one living today knows the reason. Maybe out of hope, the folks livin’ here kept callin’ it the City of Eternal Light.” 

Now that he could breathe normally again, Jeta had become drowsy and wanted nothing more than a place to lay down and rest. "That was a good story and thanks for answering my question, but can we find a place to sleep?" Jeta yawned. 

Malank turned and looked towards the city. "I sure hope so, Jeta. The last time I was here I stayed at Essib's Inn. I wonder if he's still alive." Then he walked off toward the city gates pursued by Jeta, whose legs barely allowed him to move at all. 

The beginning had ended. Although it did not seem possible to Jeta that things could get any worse, Malank knew better. He had yet to make known to Jeta the death of his mother, and he could still think of no easy way to tell him. Jeta, on the other hand, was anxious to have his questions answered and to see his mother again. Perhaps, they each thought, Hapsel would be the best place for both of them, warrior and dreamer alike, to find what they craved more than anything. The one thing that could answer all of their questions and clarify all of their answers. The truth. 

Chapter 4 | A New Enemy 

Hapsel would prove dangerous for Jeta, in more than one way. While still a place of refuge that continued to thrive long after the war ended, its government had become corrupt and many of its people wicked. 

Hapsel’s front gate was the only way in, save for the very large port for which it was famous. The gate was very elaborate and heavily adorned with jewels and murals. It had been constructed during the war to keep out all invaders, but after the conflict was over, it was decorated with the city's finest treasures. For years it had served as a symbol of peace and prosperity. 

They were near the gates now and their hopes rose when they saw that they were open. "lf Essib's still living, then we'll at least have a place ta sleep fer tonight," said Malank. "But if he's not, then I really don't know what we're gonna do. I never did like cities, jest too many people." 

Then they walked into Hapsel together, both anxious to find shelter. 

Once they were inside the walls of the city, Jeta realized how enormous it was in proportion to Ren. There were buildings everywhere. The roads were made of flagstone that was as smooth as glass and sparkled like diamonds. Two of the paths circled around the city and met on the other side, near the harbor. The third led to an expansive flight of stairs which ascended to the base of the Tower of Light. 

Up until the moment Jeta had seen the tower, the story Malank had told him meant nothing. Now, he stared open mouthed. The foundation on which the tower had been constructed was made of the greenest of emeralds. It was, to him, unbelievably tall, and this stunned him more than anything he had ever seen before. 

"How'd they make it so big? It looks like you could touch the moon from the top,” Jeta inquired, his eyes locked on the tower. 

"That thing up there was built during Hapsel's golden age. All of the techniques used then have long been forgotten," said Malank to an awestricken Jeta. "A truly flawless masterpiece." Then he turned on his heels and walked slowly down the left-hand road. Every now and then, he would turn his head from side to side as if he were searching for something. 

"Hey, Malank. What kind of place does this Essib guy live in anyway?" 

But Malank kept on walking, taking no notice of the boy, who soon grew impatient. "Malank, do you even know where you're going?" 

Malank spoke quietly but with anger in his voice. "As a matter of fact, no. I don't have a clue where I am, but let me tell ya one thing 'bout this place. It ain't real pleasant here during the day, but at night things are a whole lot safer if yer real quiet. Jest listen fer any strange noises or people, and quit askin' so many questions!" 

To Jeta, this seemed to go on for hours, but Malank eventually found what he was looking for. It was nothing like Jeta had expected it to be. There was a very large sign in front of the inn which was lit by three wax candles. The inn had two floors and from the outside it looked to be a very comfy place. 

While Jeta stood looking at the inn, Malank silently slipped inside. He slammed the door shut, chuckling to himself as it closed with a crash. As if awakened from a dream, suddenly Jeta realized what had just taken place and quickly ran to the door, jerking it open with all of his strength. 

"I thought that you were gonna leave me out there, Malank!" 

Malank was talking with the proprietor, who was dressed in a white apron made of linen. He was shorter than Malank and he had a much more slender build. His hair was grey, and his skin was so loose on his body that every bone in his arms and his face was clearly visible. When Jeta burst into the room, both of them gazed upon him, but neither of them spoke. 

The old man turned to look at Malank. "Is this the boy you told me about?" 

"Yep, sure is. So, whaddya think?" asked Malank. 

The man hobbled from behind the counter and stood upright with Malank's help. He croaked, "You're name is Jeta, I presume?'' 

Jeta found it difficult to say anything. Just looking at the scrawny old man made him feel uneasy. "Yeah, I'm Jeta. You must be Essib. Pleased ta meet ya." 

The old man nodded his head and after a few moments of silence, he replied. "Yes, I'm Essib. I run this place with the help of my brother and his two sons." Then he staggered to the nearest barstool and leaned against it. "That's much better. Now we can talk. You're Seta's boy?" 

"Yes.” 

"Come here." Essib motioned for Jeta to come closer. Taking short, hesitant steps, Jeta eventually reached the end of the bar. Then he reluctantly sat down on the stool next to him. 

"What do you want?" mumbled Jeta, almost speaking to himself. 

Essib did not answer his question but stood staring at him, examining him. 

"Why are you looking at me like that?" 

Still, Essib did not speak and Jeta was very agitated. 

"Why aren't you saying anything?! Are you just going to stare at me all night long or do you want to talk?” 

"He is not like the knights. He doesn't even resemble him.” 

"Who is ‘him’? Why won't anyone say his name?” 

“Malank, why didn't you tell the boy about that?'' 

Malank took a step back, moving away from Essib. "Well, I thought you could tell him yerself. I mean, uh... I was thinkin’ ya probably haven't told any good stories in a long time. And besides, I've never been good at telling bedtime stories to infants." He shot Jeta a mischievous look. 

Essib shook his head. "You know, Malank, you haven't changed at all. You are one of the Six and you still are as irresponsible as ever. I thought that after one hundred and fifty-three years, you might have learned how to be tactful. I guess some people never change." 

"Will you stop lecturing me and explain what's happenin’ in the world, so that I can tell him what I need to tell him?" pressed Malank impatiently. 

Essib held up his left hand, signaling for Malank to hush. "Shut up and listen, both of you. I'm gonna explain why you're here in just a minute, Jeta. But first I need to let you know who 'he' is-" This time, instead of the boy, it was Malank who interrupted him. 

"While you were babblin' on, the kid fell asleep. Got a spare room he can use fer tonight?" 

"Yes, I've got a vacant room he can use," whispered Essib. "You'll have to carry him. Just follow me." And then he hobbled over to the stairs leading to the second floor. "I'm not as sure-footed as I once was, but I think I can make it up these stairs without too much trouble. The trip down is what I'm worried about." 

Up the stairs Essib went, as quietly as he could manage. Occasionally, he would stagger a little and catch himself on the rail, but he made it to the top. "Haven't been up here in a while." 

"Would you please hurry up? He's starting to get heavy. It’s hard enough work having to carry this dead weight up the stairs, but following a decrepit old man is even worse.” 

"Quit your complaining. I thought you were one of the venerable Naiju, not a whimpering little newborn." 

"What would an old geezer like you know about the Naiju?" 

Essib stood up straight and tall. "Put the boy in the room on my left, the one right here," he said, pointing to a door on the right-hand side of the hallway. "Watch your mouth, or you’ll find out what an aged cripple like me can do to a Naiju in his prime." 

Malank then stumbled into the room and tossed his heavy burden on the soft bed. Then he quietly left the room, walking soundlessly on the balls of his feet. Soon afterwards, he closed the door behind him without making even the smallest sound. 

*** 

Jeta was awakened by Malank early in the morning the next day. When he asked Malank why he had been jarred out of bed so soon, all Malank would say was, "Let Essib tell ya why.” So Jeta clumsily tottered down the stairway to the first floor of the inn, where he expected to find old man Essib. To Jeta's surprise, he wasn't there. 

"Well, Malank, since the old man's not here, I think I'll just sleep for a few more hours. Whaddya say?" 

Malank rolled his eyes. "At least you got to sleep. I had to stay up all night and listen to the old geezer lecture me. All he ever does is nag me about how irresponsible I am. I mean, come on, I'm 153 years old. You'd think after all that time that he'd start to respect me a little, but no." 

"Tell me, why should I respect someone like you? I don't care if you're a Naiju or not. You could be as good as he was, and I still wouldn't respect you anymore than I do now. Who cares if you’re 153 years old? I've been living now for almost 700 years. I've probably seen more than any of the Six Naiju put together." Essib spoke in the loudest voice he could muster. Slowly, he stood up from behind the counter, his old bones and tendons cracking and popping as he straightened his legs and arms. 

Hobbling as he went, Essib moved around the counter and sat on the same barstool he had the day before. "Well, as I was saying yesterday… Oh, you both might want to sit down so as you can make yourselves comfortable. It's a long story, the one I'm about to tell you." 

Jeta slumped down on a stool near where he had been standing, still tired and sore from fighting Malank and running the previous day. Malank remained standing and didn't seem tired at all from a distance, but if Jeta had gotten a little closer he would have seen the bags under the warrior's eyes and noticed his vain effort to hide the occasional yawn. 

"Alright, I'm ready to hear whatever it was you wanted to tell me,” said Jeta enthusiastically. 

With that, Essib began. "As you may already know, there was a hero who rose up out of the turmoil caused by the War of the Seven Islands. After he commanded his outnumbered troops to several victories, his courageous fighting and bravery became well known. At the Battle of Lintas, he rushed enemy lines alone, driving them back singlehandedly. One of his soldiers shouted out during the victory celebration: ‘Our commander fights like a lion!’ Thereafter, he was called the Lion by his men and by the people.” 

“Within five years of his mysterious appearance, the war had ended, and peace reigned. The Lion was lost in obscurity after the war. The rumors are that he was imprisoned for reasons unknown. He swore vengeance on those that had thrown him away like he was scum after the war was over. He had saved them all from seemingly inevitable disaster, but now that the battlefield was empty, he was useless to them. He was trash. According to the tales, he was imprisoned in Polthar.” 

Malank snorted and rolled his eyes. “Rumors, my hind end! It’s all true, and until a few days ago he remained a prisoner in Polthar. Now that he’s escaped and is after you, Jeta, we hafta-" 

Jeta exclaimed, "I've always looked up to the Lion! How can he be evil?" 

Essib glared at Malank warningly. “You just can’t help yourself, can you?” 

Then, turning to Jeta, he spoke somberly. "I don't know, I don't think he is truly evil. Maybe he simply desires recognition. Perhaps he felt that bringing an end to the war would make him beloved by all. It could be that all he ever wanted was acknowledgement and respect." As he spoke, Jeta saw in his eyes a flame from long ago that was being rekindled. But the light died out before it had a chance to grow. 

With shining eyes, Essib continued the story. "I'm sure you remember that red light that covered the sky a few days back, eh?" 

Jeta remembered it vividly. The sky painted crimson red, his fight with the Jerystal, the night he learned of his father's death, and how Malank had comforted him. He yearned to tell Essib everything that had happened, but the only word that left his lips was, "Yeah." 

Malank, who had moved close to Jeta without him noticing, patted him on the back. "You alright, kid?" 

Jeta was suddenly awakened from his daze, and for a few moments he could remember nothing. He started thinking of all that had happened over the course of the last three days, and when he did, another question came to mind. "Who are the Six?" 

Malank cleared his throat. "The Six Naiju, one from each district-" 

The word district brought another question to Jeta’s mind, and he blurted it out. "Why do we have Districts?" 

Essib, sensing Malank’s frustration, answered. ''Not even the most learned scholars know the answer to that question, Jeta. We have no way of knowing why, but we do know that they have been called districts for at least 1,400 years." 

"Will ya both please be quiet, because I really want ta explain ta the kid who the Naiju are and all that stuff." 

The boy and the old man both stopped talking and looked at Malank. 

“Thank ya,” Malank said after taking a deep breath. "The Six Naiju are warriors who are trained ta be the best swordsmen and wisest tacticians. Our order has survived for over two millenniums, mostly because we’re completely invisible ta the outside world. We don’t know who the first Naiju were or why they were trained. Today’s Naiju have several scrolls we think are at least 3,000 years old. We couldn’t read ‘em all, but there are three, more recently written than the others, that we’ve translated. They were written in the year 1174, so the information on ‘em is nearly 1,400 years old. They say there was a monarch who ruled the entire Land of Seven Islands. We don’t know how, but he divided our islands into seven military districts. We think he appointed a governor in each district. The Naiju might’ve been formed to lead a rebellion against this ruler, but we don’t know. That’s all I know, but I’m a terrible student, kid. Maybe the other Naiju know more than me.” 

Malank then rubbed his eyes and walked out of Essib’s Inn, saying, “I’m tired. Let’s talk more later.” 

The rest of the day, Malank spoke very little to anyone. Essib cautioned Jeta to be patient and not push the Naiju for more information, so he wiled away the time in his room. 

The Lion’s story bothered Jeta. He couldn't fathom the possibility of his hero being evil. Maybe Essib was correct in believing that fame, recognition, or simple acknowledgement was his only true motive for ending the war, but Jeta believed that there had to be more behind the hero than met the eye. He spent most of the day on his bed, thinking about the Lion and the Naiju. The one thing that escaped his mind was the true reason he had made the journey to Hapsel: his mother. 

*** 

It was nearing dusk when Malank finally worked up the courage to tell Jeta about Reyna's death. He searched the entire building for Jeta. He looked in the storage room, the room Jeta had slept in the night before, and even outside. When he asked Essib if he had seen Jeta all the old man would say was, "The last time I saw him he was sitting on the floor there." 

The other guests claimed not to have seen him, and Malank was getting very worried by his absence. He decided to try his luck and look around the city for him. He left the inn in a great hurry and almost ran to the city gate, but when he got there, he saw no sign of the boy. Then he ran through the city asking everyone he met if they had seen Jeta, but no one he asked knew where he was nor did they have the foggiest idea where he might be. The last place he looked was the Tower of Light, but he was greatly discouraged and miserable when he did not find Jeta. 

It was dark outside when he again returned to Essib's place. He walked in the door tired and sullen with a grievous expression on his face. "Essib, I couldn't find him, I looked everywhere and I still couldn't find him." 

Author’s Note: 

This is the end of the surviving manuscript to the best of the author’s knowledge. Since I wrote this almost 25 years ago, finding additional pages is unlikely. I hope you enjoyed it! In other versions, Jeta and Reyna escaped together to the town of Swiftwater, where they met the evil Rictas Mizer, a rich man obsessed with his appearance as reflected by a magical mirror. Caught in his own illusion, Mizer is convinced he is handsome and desirable, when in fact he is a fat, disgusting slob. In yet another version, after informing Jeta of Reyna’s death, Malank offers his life to the boy. In a fit of rage and grief, Jeta takes Malank’s life. In short, my twelve-year-old self had a vivid imagination and no real sense of where this plot was going. However, this story simmered in my brain until I finally wrote Light’s Shadow in 2023. As always, thank you for reading!