Revolutions

81 - Teqosa

My mind is swimming in a dizzying array lines, curves, and shapes. Since returning to Upachu's home, I've been inundated with glyphs, trying my best to retain as many as my memory will hold. He's been a patient teacher, uncomplaining of my frequent interruptions and requests to review everything he explained just moments earlier. The process is laborious, requiring numerous breaks so that I have an opportunity to catch my breath. It makes me long for the unrelenting and physically punishing training sessions of the Maqanuiache.

Despite my continued struggles in attempting to comprehend the symbols, I can see the progress. Looking at the papyrus, the swirls and shapes are starting to become clearer to me. While I may not be able to read complete lines yet, I'm understanding the general message being conveyed by the glyphs. It's allowed me to discuss the concepts and context of what's being mentioned in these sheets of papyrus with Upachu. While I've tried to temper my expectations, I've grown confident and proud in my studiousness. I've been unable to resist comparing this experience to the higher education obtained by those at the Great Library.

What I've discovered, and what has been debated and deliberated by Upachu and myself, has been enlightening. Not only have we been able to decipher what dramatic turn occurred between the members of the Eleven (or Twelve, as Upachu insists they be called), but we have determined who is the mark maker of the papyrus: Sualset.

Utilizing clues within the two batches of papyrus, we determined she was the most likely culprit. This revelation made the context of everything marked on the sheets become increasingly clearer to us. How there was a power struggle between her and this unnamed twelfth person. How there was a seeming conflict of ideologies between the two, debating the use of their capabilities. From what we've been able to ascertain, the two fought over protecting the people of Pachil—namely, who they should prioritize over others. I become deeply concerned that these so called 'protectors' potentially developed a hierarchy regarding who should seek their aid. It makes me reflect on the Mahuincha, the unfortunate faction who became extinct at the hand of the Timuaq. Was this a part of their deliberations? Or the result?

With the night creeping into Upachu's home, our tired eyes can no longer distinguish the markings in the torchlight. As such, we reluctantly call it a day. So much progress has been made, yet there is still so much to go. I surprise myself with how interested and consumed I've become in learning this new manner of language. This doesn't involve planning strategy or tactics for use in combat, yet I am captivated by the concept—that a few lines and shapes can have a meaning and spread a message. That someone can craft such a thing to convey ideas without diagrams or speech fascinates me, and I wonder how much else Sualset and the Atima created before it was destroyed by the envious Timuaq.

Upachu returns from feeding the llama and wishing it a good night, a new practice he's undertaken since my return with his beloved animal. Meanwhile, I've bound straw around each clay pot, reapplying their disguises as being bales of hay for our travels, in case any wandering eyes drift to our cart. We've stockpiled enough food to get us to Iaqutaq, with the plan of me occasionally hunting to supplement our rations, as well as restocking at each port city before traveling into the Auilqa jungles. Although there's a chill in the Hilaqta air, the rainforest will be hot and humid, meaning we will require lighter clothing for our journey south. Upachu's plan of purchasing garments in Achope elicits an eye roll from me, but he is especially keen on the idea. Considering all he possesses are white robes, I relent my criticism and allow him his enthusiasm—"I can wear something involving color for the first time in ages," as he excitedly puts it.

My thoughts wander, mentally preparing for all that we're likely to face—and the challenges lurking in our mind's shadows. The enchanted, shifting forest was difficult, but there's something nagging inside me, telling me this will be far more complicated and strenuous. In fact, who knows how long it will be before we return to Hilaqta, to Qantua. In addition, dealing with the Auilqa is not something I look forward to, and I fear Upachu's well-meaning diplomacy being taken the wrong way. All I can hope for is the best outcome while preparing for the worst, and I force myself to clear my head and sleep, so that I may be refreshed for the start of our lengthy journey.