O Saga: Part Three: Book of War

Chapter One: Reveal

MALUM

War has a way of breaking people, but for Malum and Thea, it had done something unexpected—it brought them back together. Passion ignited like a wildfire, consuming them in a shared fervor that neither could nor wanted to resist. They indulged in each other, every moment charged with the unspoken need to reclaim the time they had lost.
Their days were filled with unshakable smiles, their bond a source of joy and solace that erased the pain of their separation. It felt as though no distance had ever existed between them.
During Malum's medical leave from the war, they ventured to the Ahdrid Region of Ishvara, a place renowned for its serene coastal towns. The Eastern coastline was a haven of relaxation, with ancient ruins crumbling in silent testimony to forgotten civilizations. Pebble-strewn beaches sparkled under the sun, the air heavy with the aroma of fresh seafood from family-run cafe's. The warm, languid climate was a balm to Malum's battered soul after the horrors of battle.
It was there, amidst the tranquil charm of Ahdrid, that they quietly became engaged. There would be no grand ceremony, not while the fighting raged on. But for now, their secret union was enough—a private joy they carried together.
Malum's injury had granted him this unexpected reprieve. Chancellor Flaero himself had approved his leave from the Ningal after Malum's arm was severed just below the elbow in a duel with the fearsome Ijani Knight, Adama Sardar. Though Malum had returned the blow, wounding Adama deeply, he imagined his adversary was enduring his own painful recovery.
Thea had been his savior, stemming the life-threatening bleeding on the battlefield. But it was to the surprise of Malum that Soror Modron, a wielder of arcane and shadowy powers, who had given him back his functionality. She had forged him a metal forearm and hand so masterfully crafted that it moved with uncanny precision. Where she had found such strange, otherworldly materials, or how she had shaped them into this perfect prosthetic, Malum didn't know. He suspected her deep knowledge of dark magic was at play. The cold, unyielding strength of his new limb was a constant reminder of the sacrifices they both endured—and of the resilience that had brought them back to each other.
Malum marveled at the precision of his metal hand. It moved with the same fluidity as his flesh once had, responding seamlessly to his thoughts. When he ran his fingers over Thea's skin, the cold touch of metal moved like his other hand, but it lacked the feeling. He had control over it, but it could never replace the feeling of flesh on flesh.
But beneath his calm exterior, conflicting emotions churned. Soror Dominus had slaughtered his brother Kai before his very eyes, a moment etched into Malum's memory with unrelenting clarity. Malum had avenged Kai by killing Dominus.
The Shadow Coven or Sorors of the Hagar Covenant, it didn't matter what name they chose to go by, Malum hated them for what they did to Kai. Not to mention the things Thea had told him about her parents, and how she blamed the Witches for their deaths.
Still, the irony was sharp: his very survival depended on their magic. Soror Modron's skill had saved him, crafting the metal hand that now served him so well. Chancellor Flaero had assured him that Dominus had acted alone, her betrayal unreflective of the others in her order. Malum had doubted this at first, but as time passed, the icy wall of his distrust began to crack.
Before setting out for the Ahdrid Region, Malum and Thea made a detour to the farm where their story began—Thea's family homestead. The place held bittersweet memories, not least because it was where her father, Kiron—Malum's mentor—was laid to rest.
Their visit wasn't just sentimental; it was practical. They were there to retire Malum's horse, Nox, and his faithful, if stubborn, donkey, Stully. Both animals had served him well, but the war-torn world was no place for them now. They delivered the pair to farmer Herm, Thea's old neighbor and the new owner of her family's land. Herm's pastures were vast and lush, an ideal sanctuary for the animals. There, Nox and Stully would join Thea's horse, Morgan, who had been left in Herm's care when Thea sold the farm.
Malum hesitated to part with them. He'd grown attached, even to Stully's obstinate nature. But he knew the dangers of the road ahead; one misstep could lead to their suffering. Reluctantly, he let them go, trusting Herm to give them a safer, simpler life.
As they traveled, Malum noticed how Ishvara seemed to breathe easier now. The land, once parched under the reign of the Tsar, had been rejuvenated by heavy rains and improved weather. But it wasn't just nature that had changed—political stability under Chancellor Flaero had transformed the region.
Ishvara flourished like a garden in full bloom. The Chancellor's policies had revitalized agriculture and trade, ensuring an abundance of supplies even amid the ongoing war. Under his leadership, resources once hoarded by the aristocracy were redistributed, placing power and prosperity into the hands of commoners and government stewards. Mining and farming, the lifeblood of the region, now thrived with fair rewards for those who toiled.
The Republic's formation had further strengthened this newfound stability, empowering Flaero to unify Ishvara and its allies. Ishvara was no longer a fractured land of struggle and disparity; it had become the cornerstone of reconstruction for war-ravaged nations. As they journeyed, Malum felt a quiet pride in seeing his homeland rise, its resilience a reflection of his own.
The lands and resources of Ishvara's northern neighbor, Qamata, had once belonged almost exclusively to its tribes, safeguarded as part of their ancestral heritage. But with Qamata now part of the Republic, Chancellor Flaero had negotiated a pivotal agreement. Mining and farming would be expanded to include all citizens of the Republic, including the tribal lands. It has so far benefited both, in spite of the initial backlash.
The decision didn't come easily. The three main tribes of Qamata harbored deep reservations, fearing the toll such exploitation could take on their lands and the delicate balance of nature. The lush forests, sacred grounds, and abundant wildlife could suffer irrevocable harm. Yet, recognizing the dire need for resources in these trying times, they reluctantly consented. Their sacrifice was a testament to their unity with the Republic, a gesture of solidarity in a time of rebuilding.
Anahiti, a small and ancient land of islands, was among the most in need. Its capital lay in ruins, its once-proud naval fleet reduced to scattered remnants. Joining the Republic had brought hope, along with an agreement to harness its maritime expertise. With their shipbuilding skills and unparalleled knowledge of the seas, Anahiti's people were poised to bolster the Republic's naval forces, fortifying the strength of its expanding dominion.
Hanwi, however, had borne the brunt of the war. Its two largest cities had been razed to the ground, its King and Queen lost to the conflict. The military lay shattered, and its people were left to pick up the pieces of their broken nation. Joining the Republic had given Hanwi the lifeline it so desperately needed. With aid from their new allies, Hanwi began the arduous task of rebuilding.
Yet, Hanwi's struggles were far from over. Its long border with Nanook made it the frontline of the war, a constant threat looming from Kittisek Khan and his forces. Kittisek Khan's armies had been a relentless menace, his Ijani Knights a formidable foe for all. Recent victories, however, had forced them back into their own territory, providing a fragile reprieve. This opening allowed humanitarian groups like the Order of the Medicine Wheel to deliver much-needed aid to the devastated region. Thea was on leave from this Order of healers to be with Malum.
Far from the chaos and ruin, Malum and Thea found themselves in a world of tranquility. On a balcony overlooking the endless expanse of the sea, they held each other close as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting fiery hues across the water. The night air still carried the warmth of the day, soft and inviting. There were no echoes of battle here—only the gentle rhythm of waves lapping against the shore, the melody of songbirds, and the delicate perfume of flowers blooming in neatly arranged pots.
Here, amidst the beauty and stillness, the weight of the war seemed to fade. Their future, though uncertain, felt limitless. They made love under the open sky, savoring every moment before the dawn brought separation.
Morning would see Thea departing for Hanwi, returning to her mission with the Order of the Medicine Wheel. Malum, meanwhile, would journey to meet with Chancellor Flaero, healed and ready. Malum's next chapter of his path yet unwritten.
For now, though, they had this fleeting moment of peace, a brief oasis in the storm that awaited them.