Samuel Arden didn't fit in. He hadn't as a child, and he never found his place after he had grown to an adult. Samuel studied the religious texts of his world seeking an answer, a meaning for his existence. The Nephers believed in a life after death where the merits of their existence would determine their outcome. The Nephers sang of peace and joy and harmony with all living things.
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Samuel was confused, he embraced the philosophy but the Nephers had engaged in four major wars and had conquered eleven continents. Only Pasha on the southernmost continent remained free from Nepher rule. And that conquest was foiled more by the treacherous wind storms and mountain terrain than by the skills of the Pasha soldiers.
Samuel read of Gods of fire, of the storm and of wind. There were Gods that promised salvation through worship and some that demanded great sacrifice. Samuel Arden was lost on a spiritual sojourn where the words of holy men fall on deaf ears. He continued to learn, to grow while perusing the writings of Dama Kar who believed our purpose, our journey was simply to learn a truth that was in fact meaningless in itself. Our purpose is merely the journey, the road toward awareness and awareness the dirt that comprises that road, Dama Kar had written.
Samuel Arden quit his job, sold all that he owned and booked passage to the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />township of Kessku in the province of Thoth. He stood outside of the Wayfarers Inn in Kessku and stared at the mountains that rose a great distance away.
No army has ever conquered those slopes, nor has any traveler who was foolish enough to attempt that journey. Samuel spun to face the stranger who had spoken.
And what would give you cause to believe that Id dare such an adventure. Samuel gazed upon the weathered face, the tattered rags that adorned the old man.
Your eyes, my young friend, your eyes give you away. The old man laughed. In them I see a man longing to know the truth, the hidden meaning of life. The old man laughed a second time but then choked and fell heavily to the ground. Racing to his side, he helped the man back to his feet.
Let me buy you a meal, Samuel offered, I am Samuel Arden and what name do you go by?
Lares, they simply call me Lares. I accept your most generous offer. It has been awhile since I have eaten.
Samuel led the old man inside the Wayfarers Inn. Angry faces stared back from the many tables, some large men rising to block his passage. The Inn keeper tapped him on the shoulder.
We dont serve his kind in this establishment. The men surrounding him nodded in agreement.
Then I will take my gold elsewhere, Samuel juggled several coins in his hands, I am certain there will be an inn somewhere that accepts fresh minted gold coins. They were led to the Inn keepers finest table while many of his regular customers left.
Be off with you then, cant you see I have hungry customers to feed. How much gold did you say you had? The inn keepers eyes shone with greed as Samuel felt his hand on his shoulder.
I didnt say. Samuel retorted while standing and opening his coat to reveal the weapon by his side. You will be well compensated, now go and prepare a feast.
I will guide you to Pasha, Lares whispered between mouthfuls of food, but your weapon must remain behind, now eat well for our journey will not be an easy one.
***
Gentle hands brushed Samuels shoulders as he turned in a restless sleep. Startled awake, Samuel sat up and reached for his weapon in the same motion. His fingers clasped an empty holster and he leapt from the bed grabbing for the intruder. Strong hands seized him, shoving him back.
Samuel, wake up, its only me. Lares struck a match and lit the oil lantern that rested on a small wooden table near the only window. I have secured us passage but we must leave now before we are seen.
My weapon, provisions, a crew! Samuels eyes widened staring at the old man. How could you have done all that?
I have tended to the sick in Kessku and worked beside many throughout Thoth. There are a few who have not forgotten me. Now be quick and silent for the captain who awaits us is not a patient man.
***
Samuels hands clutched the rails as the ship lurched in the water. Three days of storms upon this infernal sea. Pasha can wait, we should tell the captain to turn the ship around.
Quests for enlightenment are seldom easy, my young friend. The Argasa will calm as all seas do. Lares stood at the rails, letting the rain pelt him in the face. Soon the rains eased and the sea stopped churning. Samuel, look eastward.
Samuel marveled at a double rainbow that seemed to embrace all of Pasha. Lares leaned on a walking stick, a slight smile crossing his weathered features. The captain ambled over, his stout body scarred from his many years at sea. Speaking quietly to Lares, he nodded several times at Samuel.
Our provisions are in the long boat, Lares said, We can reach Pasha easiest by using the cove and then journeying inland by foot.
***
Beaching the long boat by the breakers near the cove, they traveled in silence across the sands until finally entering an expanse of jungle. Samuel placed the packs he carried down heavily when they reached a clearing. This heat is maddening, do you mind if we rest for a moment?
Lares sat down, leaning his back against a tree. Samuel sat opposite him pressing his back up against a small rock formation. Several minutes passed by in silence until the peace was disturbed by the roar of a large beast. The creature rushed by Samuel and stopped by Lares who reached out and gently brushed its fur. The beast sat by his feet. Soon other creatures came and all did the same, gathered around Lares who embraced them all.
What sorcery is this that you can tame wild beasts? Samuels eyes were wide with fear, his voice stammering his words. Where are all the people, the great armies of Pasha that once turned back the Nepher? Lares laughed heartily, the bird that had rested on his shoulder took quickly to flight. I do not understand any of this! Samuel rose to his feet.
Sit, my young friend, you have much to learn. Lares petted one of the large cats that purred with contentment. Pasha is uninhabited by man, unsullied by mans touch. There is no army, no soldiers here, there is no need for such.
Why did you lead me to believe that I could find enlightenment here? What is the true meaning of life? Tears ran down Samuels face. Where are the gods of men?
Lares stood and leaning on his walking stick moved over by Samuelss side. He knelt by the young man and put a soothing hand on his shoulder.
There is but one god, Samuel, and I have always been by your side.
A sudden warmth flooded him, followed by a brilliant flash of light and Samuel Arden stood alone. He walked over to the large cat and sat by its side. Samuel placed his arm around the beasts neck and it purred with contentment.
