The Mythical Emblems of Gragodon – Volume 2

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Chapter 1

The Spirit of the Sea

What a dream I had! Irah exclaimed. We were all in the ancient underwater world of Gragodon … and… and the lord and lady of that strange realm gave us much-needed counsel for our forward path against the Black Bangle.

The other two gaped, their mouths wide open, unable to believe the words of their sleepy-eyed comrade.

Did the dream include a three-day stay as well… with Lord Thrijond escorting us all over the place? Daasarpias asked, his face revealing none of the emotion he had felt earlier.

It was Irah’s turn to stare like a goldfish, his lips opening and closing of their own free will.

We all had the same dream then, Anamarias said with finality. Yet our extraordinary experience fits in neatly with where we have wandered over this wide ocean. Something tells me we truly experienced the deadly whirlpool and the amazing encounter with the Oceaneoples. Whether it was a dream or otherwise does not matter, for we now know the path to take.

The words were no sooner out of his lips when their vessel suffered a jolt. The three men lost their balance and fell, one over the other, the top two cushioned by the third lying at the bottom of the human heap, each momentarily dazed by the sudden impact. As the comrades picked themselves from above the groaning Daasarpias, a pale-looking arm revealed itself gripping the sides of their boat. Instinctively the companions became alert. They had just been through the strangest of journeys and were not going to fall for another trick on their already weary imaginations. There was a time to lend a helping hand and also a time to test the waters, so to speak. This was not one of those times to appear gallant. Well… not yet, anyway.

Another strong arm came into view, pulling the burden of its owner onto the vessel. A face, covered in green weeds, appeared from the dark waters, eyes sparkling with mirth. As the full form revealed itself, the comrades stared spellbound, astonished to behold a female person clad in tight fitting apparel, as tall as any of them. When she faced them, it became apparent to the watching men that a sword was strapped to her back.

Like a sight for sore eyes, the three men gazed at the apparition before them, not sure whether to challenge her presence or continue to drink in the lovely sight to their hearts’ content. The warrior, quick with her reflexes, took in the sights of the boat and its occupants. When satisfied with her judgment of the view fronting her gaze, she strode towards her hosts, an arrogant swagger on her frame and arms on her hips. A challenge issued forth from tight lips.

Who dares disturb the waters of my domain?

When no response was forthcoming, she continued with another tirade of words, her pride clear for all to see.

Are you made of rock and stone, or have strong-looking men suddenly lost their nerve at the sight of a warrior of the ocean? In one fluid movement she slid out a sword of shining steel from the scabbard at her back and adopted the stance of an attacker.

The magic of the moment evaporated from Anamarias’ vision when he realized the nature of the threat facing them. Setting aside his staff because his adversary was a woman, Anamarias stepped forward, a shimmer of a smile on his face.

My comrades and I are bound for the kingdom of Regnadea. We do not seek to trouble the creatures of the sea, least of all one who is quick to pick a fight. To behold your presence is not as fearful as you would like us to believe and neither do I need a weapon to defend myself against one from the fairer race, whomsoever she may claim to be. If it is a fight you want, let us see whether you are able to use your sword as well as you hold it... or is a sharp tongue the only armour given to womankind to wield?

It was the turn of the warrior maiden to bristle with anger at the insolent words of the tall human who had responded to her threat. With swift strides, she charged at her challenger. Anamarias was ready and waiting as she neared him. He would handle the situation delicately. He liked what he beheld of the advancing warrior. She was possessed of a strong frame, aggressive in an admirable way and carried herself well in a tight situation. Above all, she had the nerve to take on three sturdy men with nothing more than her skill with the sword, qualities he admired in any person, more so if she appeared as stunning as she looked.

A sudden upward thrust of his arms and Anamarias gripped the hand holding the sword. A shove with his palm would do the trick, he surmised, and Anamarias prepared to do just that. Yet, in the wink of an eye, Anamarias realized how wrong he was to have underestimated his adversary, for she was stronger than any he had ever encountered before. She exuded a power which he tried hard to overcome. Unfazed by the turn of events, Anamarias strained to hold on to her sturdy grip, his face unintentionally coming close towards hers. The certainty of self-confidence lasted just a moment longer and before his very eyes, changed to an unbecoming helplessness. Unable to resist further, Anamarias felt his feet leave the wooden boards and, within a trice, he was thrown overboard, head first into the waters of the ocean.

Irah and Daasarpias had seated themselves comfortably in the boat when Anamarias took up the challenge of the brash female warrior. Overly smug looks soon changed to unbelievable stares. Mollified by the defeat of their companion, the men rushed to rise to their feet. By the time they faced the lone woman again, she was already waiting for their next move.

Who dares challenge the bearers of the Gragodonian Emblems? Irah heard the words come out from his lips. Like the tales of great warriors before them who had met with unexpected defeat, he realized they had also mistakenly assumed an easy challenge against the maiden warrior.

Speak, woman! Speak before the creatures of the sea make a tasty meal of your bewitching form, Daasarpias challenged.

Look again, human! she shot back at him. Your comrade strains to swim against the strong currents of the sea. He has met defeat at the hands of a mere woman. You will also suffer the same fate if you persist in this futile challenge. Lay down your arms or be prepared to meet your maker!

Before the companions could frame a reply, Anamarias managed to pull himself up into the vessel.

Hold it, my friends! Anamarias raised his voice to make himself heard. I am not defeated yet. Let us see whether this creature is really as strong as she looks, or is she a demon from the depths come to dash our hopes and dreams?

The next moment Anamarias summoned his staff to his hand. With the emblem in hand, he looked a changed person, possessed of strength and power. Unmindful of the changed appearance of her adversary, the woman sheathed her sword and rushed straight towards him. With a speed reminiscent of his enhanced powers, Anamarias swung his staff at the oncoming warrior. Again, awe was reflected on his face. Rather than check her advance, as he had expected, the warrior took hold of the staff even as he held the same.

What in blazes! Anamarias managed to exclaim just as he felt himself being pulled towards his opponent. Again their faces came together. Two large eyes stared at him. Anamarias beheld the clear green of her pupils as she peered into the depths of his being. A smile started to form on her lips. When the smile was fully formed, the warrior maiden gave a shove and Anamarias found himself falling backwards and into the water again.

With disbelief in their eyes, the friends watched as their comrade fell overboard one more time, defeated again by the same maiden. Not long after, Anamarias pulled himself once again onto the vessel. He had beheld a serene countenance when the lady warrior smiled at him. Before his companions could stop him, Anamarias laid aside his staff and strode towards the strange maiden.

You defeated me in fair duel, my lady. Your strength surpasses anything I have beheld thus far. You cannot be just any ordinary warrior. Pray tell, who honours us with her invincible presence in our humble craft?

Laughter rang out from the maiden’s lips at the welcome words. Her mirth came out, gentle as the chirping of birds on the trees, sweeter than even the motherly voice of Gwendyma of the Oceaneoples. The defeat Anamarias had suffered was nothing compared to the enchanting sight and voice of the warrior maiden from the sea.

You had been forewarned to expect my arrival. I am Sareena, Spirit of the Sea. One amongst you thought he could not be surprised by any maiden. And who would that stubborn-headed warrior be? she asked, looking from one abashed monarch to the other.

Anamarias felt his face go red while Daasarpias’ laughter rang out loud. He knew whatever Daasarpias said next would not be flattering to the sufferer of the moment.

He is the same one you threw overboard the second time, Sareena, Daasarpias revealed, his face looking more handsome by the minute. You must not associate with his type, Sareena. I would have given you a better fight if you had just asked. Yet, I have always thought well of the fairer race.

Stand aside, young warrior, she countered, eyeing him like a hawk. He whom you speak of is not the weak one you make him out to be. On the contrary, I felt his strong spirit even before he took the staff in his hands. His is the strength of a reckless heart… just like mine.

It was Daasarpias’ turn to look hurt in feigned distress, while Irah tried hard to suppress his laughter.

So, you put on an act just now… about wanting to fight us? Irah asked, as the realization sank home. They had been deceived once again by this vibrant maiden of the sea.

It looks like you have finally met your match in the form of a maiden, Marias! Daasarpias said. What a tale this is going to make when we get back to Lamiras.

Anamarias turned to look at the maiden again. She too turned in his direction. There was something in her person which he wanted to reach out to. At the spur of the moment, Anamarias held out his hand to touch hers but, all of a sudden, Sareena found that she could not bring herself to accept his touch even as her sight perceived the wholesomeness of the warrior whom she had bested. Her tensions eased away as Sareena gazed at Anamarias but her cheeks turned a helpless pink.

Well, why did you not just come up nicely enough and announce who you were in the first place? countered Daasarpias. Now Marias will never be able to hold his head as high as he would have hoped to.

Turning towards Anamarias, he sniggered, What a shame, to have been bested by a mere woman?

My companions do not mean what they say most of the time, Sareena, Anamarias said, glaring away at the other two. Yet, I am glad you defeated me. It is a victory worthy of one strong and yet beautiful at the same time. I could not have asked to be bested by a warrior of finer virtues.

Sareena averted her eyes from Anamarias’ steady gaze. Something about his mannerisms struck a chord in her heart and she was suddenly feeling ill at ease whenever their gazes met.

I heard of the visit by the three lords from the outside world, Sareena disclosed. I wanted to see for myself the mettle of the heroes who had undertaken a most dangerous venture. If victorious in your ordained task, the outcome of your courageous deeds would change the future course of the world. This is just my way of getting to know the stalwarts of the human race who have set aside everything for the greater good of all the realms of living beings. I like what I see.

After the companions had regaled her with the tales of their adventures, it was time for Sareena to give out her own story.

Though a woman, I have taught myself to harness the potent energies of the sea. The only child of Girondar and Gwendyma has seen the oceans and lands of the world as many times as there are hairs on your head. She has the unique quality to assume the form of a raging current of water, a talent my astonished parents found out about many an age ago.

There was a silence now as the friends listened intently, mesmerized by this strange tale from the lips of a water goddess.

I have always been fascinated by the ocean, Sareena continued. I longed to get out of the dome covering our world… and be one with the fishes, moving freely throughout the vast expanse of the ocean. Of course, I was aware of the dangers existing outside of the dome. I have beheld the great sharks pursue and devour their prey from a corner of the dome where I just sat and watched the comings and goings of the sea creatures. Like the sharks, other creatures also fed on the smaller ones. Some just wanted to be left alone to themselves in the quieter and deeper parts. I longed to see what went on in the deepest chasms of the ocean floor, how the creatures there survived and to discover for myself the beauty of this wonderful ocean. My parents tried hard to restrain my longing to leave the protective haven of the dome but my resolve was firm. By and by, they relented.

Why do you look just like one of us whilst the folk in the dome appear overly small? Irah asked.

Perhaps it is because of my long wanderings in the ocean. I have beheld the sun and walked the realm of the humans many a time, whereas the people in the dome have not.

Are there others like you in your world, Sareena? Daasarpias asked, smoothing his dark hair to look more presentable.

My uncles and aunts have offspring, children who live in other parts of our hidden world. Most are happily settled with families of their own to cherish and love. They look even prettier but are all short folk. None would want a giant for a husband if such is your intention.

Daasarpias was already feeling dejected by this time and hung his face in mock embarrassment.

What do you seek for in the realm of the Oceaneoples then? Anamarias asked.

I do not pretend to know the answer to your question, Marias, because there is so much in the world to experience. I cannot tie myself down to a home and let the chance of exploring the oceans pass me by. Yet Girondar and Gwendyma do rather have a special feeling for me, for I am their only child.

The floodgates to Sareena’s long held secrets were released then and she let out a sigh of relief, for she had never revealed to another person the yearnings of her lonesome heart. These humans were not like any she had met before. They were a jolly lot and it warmed her heart to be in their company.

"I had a deep longing… to be of help to the helpless sea creatures which could not defend themselves against the ravenous hunger of their bigger relatives. My father did not want to lose me to the outside world. He could not bear the thought of finding me gone, a victim to some vile sea creature or, worse, a human from the surface world. Yet, he finally gave in to my desire to explore the waters outside the dome, with the express condition that I would never leave the waters to stay on the surface of the Earth. To ensure my safety from the outside elements, Girondar inducted me into the secrets of the ancient lore of the sorcerers. I plunged headlong into the knowledge of the healing arts and the incantations to protect oneself against much of the dark sorcery pervading the outside world. Happy were the days when I beheld strange powers coming to rest on my person. Before long, I realized many years had already passed me by.

One day, while sitting by a pond in the Dome, I invoked the incantations of protection. Deep in the meditative state, the visions I beheld were truly amazing. When I eventually became aware of my surroundings, my feet were lost to my sight. Yet, when I tried to move them, the ripples on the waters moved against my strides. I brought one arm to touch my feet, but all I could feel was the touch of soft water upon water. I realized at once my feet had turned into water. It took many moments for the strange powers to wear off and for me to get out of the shock. I was both happy yet fearful with the outcome of my experience. Never before had I invoked the incantations when part of my person was in touch with water. And like the curious person that I have always been, I experimented with the same incantations repeatedly after this unusual experience. Soon, more of my person changed to the clearer form of water. The fears gave way to a confidence I never thought I had. I persevered day and night until the morning dawned when I could easily change from the human to the fluid form and back again.

My parents were not as surprised as I thought they would be, perhaps because they foresaw what was in store for me. By and by, as I explored the deeper recesses of the ocean in the form of water, I learnt the skill of creating underwater storms and whirlpools. It was so much fun watching the larger predators fall into the whirlpools I had created. I feel safe now, both in and out of the dome. In my clear form, the other sea creatures can sense but cannot hurt me because I pass over them like the very waters in which they move."

Sareena finished her tale and watched, from the corners of her eyes, the effect of her revelations upon the three men. They were all ears. Nothing else seemed to move except the rhythmic waves of the sea. One of the three, more than anyone else, was thoroughly absorbed with her eyes. He had not blinked as often as the other two when she narrated her story. Sareena clapped her hands to dispel the magic of the moment.

What I have not learnt enough is how to use this sword of mine. I found it in the ocean depths on one of my escapades there many years ago, she said, looking straight into Anamarias’ eyes.

You do not need a sword, Sareena, Daasarpias responded, a glint in his eye. Your words are more than sharp enough to cut any adversary down to size.

Like a story cut short, Anamarias came out of his reverie. He had heard every word she said. But more than that, they both shared much in common. Not only were they free souls in their own ways, they also loved the spirit of adventure and explored unknown quarters without a shred of fear.

The sun had already moved up over their heads by the time Sareena finished her story. As they tucked into their afternoon meal, Anamarias found himself closeted together with his victor.

And why has the charming Sareena not sought the attentions of a gallant lord to share her life with? he asked, as if it was the most natural thing to say.

It is because, she replied squarely, I have yet to come upon the one person who likes doing the same things which interest me. If I should ever get to meet such a hero, it will be another dream come true because, together, we will explore the wilds and heights of this mysterious world all the days of our lives.

I have felt the same all these long years, Anamarias voiced his feelings. My parents tried ways and means for me to settle down and enjoy the comforts of wedded life. But I have put it off for some years now. I would not want to live my life with a woman who has just the chores of the household to concern herself with.

Anamarias looked towards the floor of the boat and a most unusual thought arose in his heart. The world seemed suddenly to have become such a wonderful place to be in.

And just as suddenly, he found Sareena’s voice turn cold and distant.

You have to take the path across the kingdom of Regnadea, as my father bid you do. Within the span of two days, you will come to her bright shores. For now, I have to return to my people. Though tall like the folk of the outside world, the climate of the realm outside our dome does not make for a prolonged lifespan. My unique ability to change to the clear form decreases the longer I stay out in the sun.

Anamarias looked bewildered by this turn of events. He could not understand the change in her tone of voice. As far as the promptings of his heart were concerned, there was a familiarity each had felt for the other.

Sareena found it easy to follow the thoughts of her admirer. She felt attracted towards this human, whom she had wrestled and defeated, like she had never felt for any other. The same thought had also occurred to her but now, more than ever, doubts started to creep into her mind.

Will you not be coming with us then? Anamarias asked. I think we will be the stronger… to face whatever is in store for us.

She stood staring at him, unable to voice her thoughts for the men could not be expected to understand the struggles going on within her heart. She had only come to know Anamarias over the past hours, though she had heard of the heroic qualities each of the trio possessed. It was not possible such strong feelings of emotion could have been aroused within such a short time of their being together.

Could it be the power of love? Sareena wondered, a pall of confusion overcoming her feelings.

Irah, who had stood close enough to hear every spoken word, shook his head in disappointment. He had seen Sareena’s face darken with doubt as she tried to reason out the emotions running within her heart. There were matters she had to resolve and overcome if she wanted to get to know Anamarias better. For the moment, she could not find the right words to convey her apprehensions to him. Neither had Anamarias the wits to decipher the anxieties clouding Sareena’s mind. He had much to learn in his relationship with the fairer gender before he could understand them better. Irah moved aside to tend to his steed. He would not interrupt their private conversation. Hopefully, Anamarias would do better the next time they came across the warrior maiden.

Sareena was in a quandary. Life seemed so unfair. She had, she believed, found the person of her dreams – a kind, strong and understanding man who did not strut his dominating mannerisms, common among most humans, but appreciated her the better for having defeated him in fair combat. And yet, she could not live with him in the outside world for long. She would break so many hearts by her careless actions. Her ability to live a carefree life in the ocean would be sorely restricted, what with all the other limitations she had to endure as the wife of a human despite his kingly status. She had to seek the counsel of Gwendyma and Girondar first. They would understand her better and definitely suggest a way out of her difficulties. She could not allow herself the liberty to open her heart to the valiant human when there were so many issues to be resolved.

As the night approached, Sareena exhibited more of her usual self, though, for those who had eyes to see, she appeared subdued.

I will be leaving soon, Sareena informed the men as they finished their evening meal. Just like you, I have a quest. A quest for answers to some disturbing questions which you will not be able to solve for me. Till we meet again, may the great powers guide and protect you in your honourable endeavours.

Anamarias felt he would have liked to know Sareena better but could not hold her back from her carefree adventures below the ocean. She had her own dealings to attend to, just as they had theirs. He would love to meet up with her again should their paths cross in the future. As with all things in life, the good parts were normally the ones to end sooner. With a sigh, he bade farewell as she dived into the waters of the ocean and out of sight, aided by the darkness of the approaching night.

To the three comrades, the night appeared blacker than the previous nights on the boat. The companionship of the warrior maiden had been a welcome change to their daily routine on the seemingly never-ending sea voyage.

As he peered into the overpowering darkness, Anamarias reflected on the unexpected encounter with their recent visitor. Life was indeed unfair. They were on a mission. They had to expect having the odd but welcome visitor at some times and the more unwelcome ones at others. Only this time, their visitor had made an indelible impression in his heart. Unlike Maia, who had bewitched him in the Land of Wons, Sareena had come to him of her own accord and left in the same way. There were no kisses exchanged this time but the feeling of being with a person he liked was evident for all to see. The short time he had spent with Sareena had made him see the colours of white, grey and black in their true nature. Perhaps some of the colourful ones were too bright for him to perceive the lovelier aspects of life.

Without further pondering, Anamarias closed his eyes, looking forward to the encounter with the strange snoildra folk of Regnadea. At the very least, his thoughts would not stray towards this enchanting maiden from the ocean.

Chapter 2

The Land of Regnadea

On the morning of the second day after their encounter with Sareena, the three monarchs beheld the first signs of approaching land. A shoal of dolphins was following their vessel, keeping pace with them at a comfortable distance. Screeching seagulls came to hover overhead, looking for bits and pieces of food crumbs on the boat. Unable to find any, they rose into the air and headed in the direction of the distant land, looking like a mass of grey clouds. Along their flight towards the shore, the seagulls dived into the calm waters every now and then and came up with fish thrashing wildly between their beaks.

For the men, a daily meal of fish was enough to sustain them during their sojourn across the ocean. The goat’s milk from Lady Jasmina’s kindness had sufficed till just about the time they left the shores of Orvidea. As their vessel neared the shoreline, they were able to make out the darker shade of trees standing tall against the slopes of the approaching hills. They were being led into a narrow inlet, with the surrounding land gradually ascending into hilly country. The waters around this stretch appeared calm and they had little difficulty navigating their large boat forward. The terrain on either side of their boat appeared flushed with the bounty of trees and green shrubs, interspersed with brightly coloured flowers of various hues. Butterflies and dragonflies fluttered here and there, poking their feelers into the welcome haven of open flowers. The exhilarating beauty of Nature’s charm, a welcome change from the dreary plainness of the open sea, accosted their view with wonder. Each and every sight exuded a warm welcome, filling their hearts with delight.

This is the kind of place I would love to visit, Irah remarked. The denizens of Regnadea must be as warm and cheerful, if this abundance of colour is anything to go by.

No sooner were the words out of Irah’s lips than a sudden movement, not caused by the wind on the foliage of the land, caught Daasarpias’ eye. A brief shimmer of brown showed fleetingly against the green background and then it was no longer visible. Just as surely, the unexpected movement in the distance alerted him to the presence of more than just vegetation in their surroundings.

I think we are being watched, Daasarpias informed the other two. If I am not wrong, we can expect a welcome party within the hour… or as soon as we get ashore.

Let us be more vigilant then, Irah added. We would not want some pretty Regnadean beast to carry you off without our knowledge, would we? He could not help but take a swipe at his handsomely dressed comrade. For too long had he been at the receiving end of Daasarpias’ taunts.

Daasarpias forced a smile at the ridicule. He was the only one left of the three who had not found one of the fairer race to get attached to. Irah had already found his soul mate in the strong but simple maiden Arianne while Anamarias always ended up starry-eyed whenever mention was made of the maiden from the ocean. It was obvious from the start that Anamarias longed for another encounter with Sareena.

You may just be right, Irah, Daasarpias countered. It would look heavenly if a son of mine turns out having my looks and a long tail to match.

A lot better than his father, I think, chipped in Anamarias, an edge to his voice. He had noticed more movement from his scrutiny of the terrain they were approaching.

Keep your emblems within reach, my friends, Anamarias cautioned, as they beached their vessel among the reeds. The welcome party may be upon us sooner than you think.

An unnatural quiet had replaced the natural daytime sounds of the woodland terrain. It was like the calm before a rainstorm. Approaching an open area away from the shrubs and trees, the men moored their vessel and stepped onto the gleaming sand. The trio then mounted their horses and trod upon a wide sandy path which led inland, surrounded by a thicker growth of tall shrubs on both sides. As they crossed the narrowest stretch of greenery, a rush of feet followed by a fearsome roar heralded the approach of an army of ferocious creatures, half man and half snoil in appearance, blocking their path on either side of the clearing.

Like sheep being led into an enclosure, the comrades found themselves surrounded on all sides by more than a hundred stout Regnadean warriors. The Regnadean welcome party numbered more than they had anticipated. Amidst the disorder of the moment, the visitors took in the features of their hosts. Long brownish hair covered the sides of their faces whilst the rest of their bodies appeared human, except for the distinctive tails protruding from their lower backs. Their faces resembled snoil, with incisor-like fangs pointing downwards from the corners of their jaws. Feline eyes and ears cemented on high cheek bones and nostrils smudged in a dark shade of black completed the picture. In attire, each of the warriors was simply clad – a weathered skin-coloured loincloth covered their most private of parts. A quick glance over their muscular frames and hairy manes gave the visitors an impression of snoil running on just their hind legs.

The charge of the native warriors, led by a leader of arresting physique, was enough to send jitters down Anamarias’ spine. This was not just a group of snoildra welcoming them with open arms, but a war party intent on subduing strangers who dared violate the sanctity of the Regnadean terrain. They wielded conspicuous battle maces in their hands. The numbers of the Regnadean host would have frightened off the average trespasser, except that the humans were no ordinary warriors. The look of calm on the mounted horsemen’s faces did not escape the notice of the leader and it set him to ponder over the meaning of their unaffected countenance.

Calling a halt to the advance of his fellow snoildra, the warrior-lord stepped forward to face the visitors. Either the horsemen did not understand their plight or they had weapons in their possession strong enough to protect them against such an armed adversary. One way or the other, he would find out the reason for their presence in his land. His first deep-throated growl saw twenty snoildra step forward to line themselves in front of the strangers. Another growl and they charged forward, swinging their maces viciously,