The Asters of Ogaza

New Revelations

         Amare followed Zina down the paths of dry leaves, which used to hold footprints. He had bugged her, asking where they were headed. But Zina, she read the map and walked on. It was when he saw the old blocks and bricks he realized where they were going.

          “Old City Theater. You’re pretty smart, vulture.” He sneered as they ascended the curved stairs.

          They got to the top of the semi-circle theater, where the whole community used to gather for sports and some celebratory events before a bigger theatre was built. Zina watched the Obsidian, calling for her as it sat creepy and cold. She used to come here. Not just when Pa took her and Zo, but by herself. She didn’t know why her feet drew her to this place back then. But now, she knew more than knowledge itself. She could make Pa happy forever. She could tell Mama that she became an Aster. She could stroll around town with Dada. She could also create history and be the first person to cross the Obsidian— with Amare of course. But she didn’t care about that.

          “Did the mountain gods leave a hint for us?” Amare picked a dusty board off the floor. He moved to Zina and the two tried to decode it. The inscription, although sun beaten looked freshly written. Reading it was no bother.  “Light after dark.” He read in the old Ogazaian language. “This looks new.”

          “It does.” Zina agreed. “And odd too. Who would leave this here, and why?”

          “You think there’s more to it?” Amare leaned against a pillar.

          “Obviously.” She read the words aloud repeatedly, pacing a little. “That man.” She stopped abruptly in her tracks.

          “What man?”

          “The one who just got executed. He may have written that. ‘Light after dark’. Light means finding the people he lost after crossing the Obsidian, the dark. He may also have put a little faith in reuniting Ogaza, seeing he used the old language.”

          She makes sense, Amare thought.

          “Again, you’re pretty smart, vulture. I’m keeping the board.”

          “How are you going to get that into the Palace?” Zina scoffed.

          “Exactly like this,” Amare said and they fell silent. “We must go to the South. We may have an extra reason to keep trying now, right?”

          Zina heaved. If this man, who had caused an argument between Pa and her was really the one who wrote this, then she had to make sure that even in his death, they help him finish his mission. “Well standing around and chatting like this is a waste of time. Let’s get to work,” She said, taking a seat on one of the stairs and folding her legs. She took out her sketch pad, read the map once more and got to work.

          Amare crouched beside her and watched as her pencil shaded and drew lines— harsh and fine. “You . . .you draw?”

          “This isn’t drawing. As we can both see, I’m hunting for wild animals in the forest.” She didn’t look at him when she said that, and so she didn’t see him jokingly attempt to squeeze her neck from the back.

          “You said to get to work, but there’s nothing for me to do.” He relieved his legs off the crouched position and sprawled out. He glanced at Zina’s work again. She was done with one page and had flipped to another. She was carefully recreating all the paths that led from the Palace to the Obsidian, making sure to not miss out any detail. “Want to hear a story?”

          “No. If you’re bored, go watch the sun set.”

          Amare hissed, “I’d tell you anyway. It’s kind of like a story and a secret in one. My dad’s cousin was in love with a man. I wasn’t born then but I heard he was very handsome, short, he made her laugh all the time, and brought her fresh game from hunting and foods right out of the farm. But her father didn’t approve of him. It was always one silly excuse or the other, ‘oh, he’s too short, you’re going to have midgets for children. Oh, he’s not rich enough, I don’t want you to suffer. Oh, he’s too handsome, girls are going to come running after him and he could take another wife’. She didn’t care, he refused to give her his blessings, so they took ran off together and started living in Orca. Her father looked for her everywhere and didn’t find her. After a year, she came back with twin babies, and he was overjoyed. He eventually gave them his blessings. The end.”

          Zina put finishing touches to her work, and when she was satisfied with it, she gave attention to Amare. “So what?”

          “What do you mean ‘so what’?”

          “You just chose all of a sudden to tell me a story about two people falling in love and running away? A story with no morals?”

          “What, you think I told you this story because I want to fall in love with you and­—”

          “Eww.”

          “­­— run away with you to Bales? Don’t flatter yourself, vulture. Their determination. If we stay determined, no matter what happens, we would get through to the South.” He took the sketch pad from her, comparing her work to the map’s. “Woah.” His jaw dropped. “It’s like the map came to life. You’re talented, vulture.”

          “­I know,” she said, “now that that’s done, we have seven main points to scale before the Obsidian. And I’m guessing they’re mostly surrounded by trees, which is good for hiding out in.”

          Amare studied the map. “Yes. We need to study the map individually tonight, so that by tomorrow, we can make our first real attempt.”

          They held each other’s gaze for a moment. It was real, they were actually doing this. Zina looked away first. “Can’t wait. Is there anything else we’d need, asides a camouflage?”

          “We’d need weapons too. Who knows what could be in those woods?”

          Zina nodded as the memory of the first day they met outside came back. “That’s why you had the dagger that day. I have a quill pen, if that counts.”

          Angel got up, taking the board and map with him and handing Zina her sketch book. “I’d get something for you, if you know how to use it.”

          She punched his arm, which didn’t have any hurting effect on him, and she remembered how Angel had said he was a scrawny little boy when they met. Right now, he was anything but scrawny. He had lean muscles that tensed when he worked during their swordfight. She had seen them through his sleeveless tunic, not like she ever paid any attention to it. There was a small drawing on his right arm, but she has never been close enough to make sense of it. His arms were rock hard and Zina’s fist hurt from her own punch. It was almost dark, so they returned to the Palace, their minds running wild with excitement, determination and a sprinkle of fear. Tomorrow, everything would be realer.

                                                                                 ****

          While Amare and Zina were taking steps forward and ready to work towards their goal, Angel and Marjani were having serious issues trying to settle on a way to lead the Asters.

          “Why are you making it sound like we’re Generals and the Asters are soldiers that we’re leading to war?” Angel asked, maintaining his usual calmness.

          “Because this is war, Angel. That’s why we’re here. To be trained for war. Besides, I’m a General’s daughter, so it is not out of place for me to want to lead like Generals do.” Marjani retorted.

          “Well, good for you. I’m happy for you, General’s daughter. But this is not a prep school for battle. You can’t ask 20 Asters to get up at 4 every morning, do 7 rounds of jogging around the Palace before we have breakfast, and another 7 after supper. We already have about 5 hours of physical training plus the extra training we do ourselves. We would burn out.” He reasoned but Marjani wasn’t having it.

          She folded her arms and scoffed, looking at Angel like a Mama would her rebellious child. “Laxity, Angel. Nobody ever gets to the top by passing up on opportunities to be the best. Training is never enough. We agreed to be Asters, and we would be leaders of North Ogaza for the rest of our lives. If deciding to take it seriously right now is such a big problem, then the future of North Ogaza is already doomed.”

          Angel watched her with a new knowing. There was no use arguing further. They had reached a dead end. She wasn’t going to budge. He smiled

and held her gaze. “You want to be Aster of the year, don’t you?”

          Her strong gaze flickered and she released her folded arms. But as if she was caught off guard, she folded them back immediately. “Don’t we all want to be Aster of the year? Is that not why we are here?”

          Angel nodded. “Fair point. Very fair point, Marjani. But. . . not everyone is here to be crowned Aster of the year. That is your dream. And whether or not we don’t get that crown is not the most important thing. Being here, learning to live as people North Ogaza can count on, being kind and strong people. That’s what is really important, Marjani.”

          “What do you suggest we do? Do you have any better ideas?” Marjani asked, reluctance in her tone.

          “I’m glad you asked.” Angel beamed and Marjani rolled her eyes. “Well, first, we can observe everybody, figure out our strengths and weaknesses, and then we’d fix a time every day, where the people who are strengthened in a particular area would teach those who are not as strong as them. That way, we can all grow together. Second,” he counted with his fingers. “We can also pick a day, and time, when we just sit down and . . . talk. Because before we’re Asters, we’re humans. Young people, there’s so much we can learn from each other’s experience. We can build camaraderie and become friends, not just people who come out everyday to train. What do you think?” Angel caught his breath when he was done and Marjani just stared at him in both disbelief and admiration. His motives were great, and pure.

          “Good idea, I guess. But it’s soft. We still need to intensively train.”

          “I mentioned that, Marjani,” Angel said in a resigned voice.

          She shook her head defiantly. “No, you didn’t. I’m talking about waking up at 4 every morning. We’re slacking. There are still Asters who suck big time at sword fighting and archery. Even the ordinary fist fighting!”

          Angel knew he was one of those ‘Asters’. “We can’t impose that on them. It’s a little too tedious, don’t you think?”

          Her arms went back to their folded position. “Then I disagree with everything you just said.”

          “So, agree to disagree?” Someone chipped in. Angel stared at Marjani who stared back at him in bewilderment. None of them had said that, and they were alone. Who could have? Master Poja soon emerged with Princess Haile from one of the many trees. They had their backs to the trees, so they didn’t know when they approached.

          When Marjani spotted the Princess, her eyes lit up and she bowed swiftly. “Your Majesty.”

          Angel followed suite, regarding both mentors. “We didn’t know you were here.”

          “We have not been here for long. We were just taking a walk and heard some sort of argument. We decided to not interrupt, so we could see how you handle your dispute,” Master Poja said, his stern face a little relaxed, and his arms stiff at his sides as usual.

          “We had no idea that her Majesty was here. And . . . you too, sir,” Marjani said, her hopeful eyes constantly on Princess Haile. Maybe she could get the recognition from her that she’s always wanted.

          Princess Haile kept her expression grim, not taking cognizance of Marjani’s eyes on her. “When PJ said you both would be a good pair to lead the Asters, I was a little skeptical. About the girl.” Marjani’s face fell, the light in her eyes went dim. “Because I hadn’t seen her through a leader’s lens yet. But hearing you argue is satisfying. It’s a step in the right direction. So, argue all you want. But you better end up making the right decisions. Mess anything up and you would be given a free pass to visit Haile’s dungeon. It’s the most beautiful place you would ever be.” A sinister grin broke through her formerly grim face, and Angel took a few shy steps back in fear. Marjani’s eyes had now moved away from the Princess’s face and into the ground.

          Master Poja cleared his throat. “In less scary words, it’s okay to argue. Important, if I may say. But what is more important is coming to a reasonable conclusion. We would leave you now. Well done.” He gave them a small smile and started going away. They bobbed their heads.

          “You,” Princess Haile said to Angel. “You’re exceptional at being reasonable and calm. Keep that up, but don’t get stupid with it.” She resumed walking and then paused again facing Marjani this time. “Girl,” Marjani looked up expectant. “You are roommates with Anfari, right?”

          Marjani blinked back shock and swallowed anger. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

          “Good. Send my fond regards.” She smiled sweetly and finally went away. Marjani tasted blood in her mouth from biting the inner flesh of her cheeks with equal doses of anger, confusion and a sprinkle of jealousy. She couldn’t understand why the Princess didn’t see her but kept looking everywhere for Zina, like she was some lost treasure.

          Zina didn’t even care about her. She was already fed up with the Princess’s sudden attention and was even willing to trade it. So why didn’t Princess Haile see her? The one who craved her attention so badly? She didn’t even commend her like she did with Angel. She just asked after Zina and went away. What, just what did she have to do to get her attention?

          Angel tapped an already stunned Marjani, making her jump, which made him jump too. “Woah, calm down, Marjani. I just wanted to ask if you’re okay. You seem to have . . .spaced out, or something like that.” She nodded, still looking confused. “Is that how much you love the Princess? Does her presence leave this effect on you every time?”

          Angel meant this a joke, a very sincere one. He had expected her to giggle along with him and just brush it off. But when Marjani turned to face him, it was like she was morphing into a wild beast. The veins of her forehead looked like they would pop out any minute now, her eyes were red and somewhat glassy with tears and as she yelled at Angel, spittle flew out of her mouth like little arrows.

          “This is funny to you?  Just keep your mouth shut! You have no idea what it is like to not have anybody’s attention. To be ignored and walked through like you’re made of air and no one can see you. You probably have the attention of every North Ogazaian, maybe even from the South. So just be quiet, ‘cause you would never understand it!”

          Angel stood there with an opened mouth that suddenly couldn’t produce any words. What did I say wrong? He wondered. “Marjani,” he said, moving close enough to hold her, but she jerked away from his touch. “I’m sorry. I had. . . I had no idea that I went too far, struck a nerve. I didn’t mean to, and I sincerely apologize.”

          Marjani wiped tears off her face with the back of her palms while Angel stood, wondering what else to say to correct his wrongs.

          “Angel! We meet again, right where we left you!” Amare increased his pace and rested his arm on Angel’s shoulders. He noticed the tension between the leaders and his big smile faded. “What? What in the name of the Emperor is going on with you two?” he asked Angel.

          Zina had caught up now, and when she saw Angel, she heaved in slight frustration. She said she wasn’t leaving with Amare, but now, they had come back together. She shook the thoughts away, Angel was not one to spread such infectious, disgustingly infectious gossip. When her eyes met Marjani’s, she got scared for a minute. She looked from Marjani, to Angel, and then to Amare, who she knew would have no idea what’s going on.

          “Is . . .everything okay here?”

          Angel turned immediately he heard her voice. A small smile rested on his lips, his dimples forming shallow holes at his cheeks. “Zina, you’re back. Welcome.”

          “Hey! What gives? You didn’t welcome me when I came.” Amare took his arms off Angel in a pretend annoyance.

          “We should go,” Zina said to Amare and started leaving. Amare cast Angel a worried glance and gave him a you-owe-me-an explanation look before trailing after Zina.

          “Are you sure they’re not sleeping together?” Marjani spat and her words made Zina freeze in her track. She turned back to face Marjani whose eyes were glued on Angel. “I told Jael to stop with the conspiracy theories, but I think she’s right. They’re always showing up together.” From the corner of her eyes, she glared at Zina with disdain. “I mean, I would have been glad to defend my roommate, but I don’t even know what to believe or defend anymore.”

          “Marjani!” Angel warned.

          “What are you talking about?!” Zina walked up to her, aghast at the sudden bitterness in her roommate’s voice. “Marjani, what is the problem? Why are you suddenly talking about Amare and I?” She faced Angel. “Is this what you people were discussing before we came?” He shook his head in negation. She faced Marjani again, her eyes asking the question she had repeated over and over, what is going on?!

          “Look,” Amare said, walking back to meet them, his left hand buried in his khaki pocket, the right rubbing the back of his neck. “Whether or not vulture and I are always together, or sleeping together is none of your business. Okay? And her being your roommate is not even important right now. If you want live up to your title of being a leader, you should nip those silly talks in the bud. At least that’s what Angel would do.”

          He turned to Zina. “Are you really going to get worked up about this horse crap right now? Think of the day we’ve had and forget about them. I told you they’re always going to talk.”

          “The day you’ve had,” Marjani jeered, that bitterness prominent in her voice again. “I hope Princess Haile would be thrilled to hear all the unmentionable things her ‘precious Zina Anfari’ has been engaging in.” She stormed off, her long locs swinging behind her.

          “I have never liked that Marjani girl. What is her problem?” Amare asked Angel.

          “I’m not sure,” he answered. “I’m sorry she said those . . .horrible things.”

          “How’s vulture going to sleep in the same room as her tonight? Hey, do you want to sleep with me?” He grinned.

          “This is not the time to joke, Amare. Shut up. I hate how much of a deal they’ve turned this into.” She fumed.

          “Why did she have to bring up the Princess though? That is so unrelated,” Amare stated and Angel nodded in agreement.

          “I’m still not sure what’s wrong. We had an argument before you two came, and Master Poja and the Princess were here some moments before you came, and . . .” Angel’s eyes enlarged when he connected the dots. No way.

          “And?” Amare probed.

          He shook his head. “I’m not sure.  Forget about her, maybe she’s still upset about our argument. Let’s go,” He said, but he knew, even though he didn’t want to admit it. He knew that Marjani was upset, but it was not about their argument. That was currently the least of her worries.