Orona (Book 1)

Chapter 9 - Training

Chapter 9 - Training

The next day, Marin was feeling better, and was able to come with us down below to see the Turonk captives. In her talks with Drew, she'd told him that she taught applied linguistics and was a real history buff. Growing up in South Africa, she had learned much from her father, a well-known and respected historical author and scholar. We hoped she could tell us a little bit about where these mysterious men came from.

"Hueitepol Elden kala," one of them finally said, after Marin tried speaking to him in several different languages. He obviously didn't like it, and pulled on his hands that were locked in the stockades, spitting at her.

"I'm going to guess he just called me a big Elden whore," she laughed. "They seem to be speaking an ancient Mesoamerican dialect. The word Turonk could be translated to Maya. I mean, it's what some of them called themselves before the Spanish arrived," she said, looking them over anxiously. "Their appearance seems to match what I know of the Mayans. These men look like the jaguar warriors, a type of elite Mayan fighting force that specialized in capturing enemies. Their tattoos represent many known Mayan gods and characters."

"You're talking about the Mayans, like the actual Mayans?" Drew asked.

"Yeah. Makes me wonder if this could somehow be related to the mystery behind the Mayans. They went from being such a powerful and advanced culture, similar to the ancient Egyptians, and then one day, they were gone. Entire complex cities became ghost towns of the jungle."

"But they are from Earth?" said Cubby hopefully. "That's great! Maybe their king knows a faster way home... through some kind of portal or something, the same way we came here."

"I'm not sure if these guys are willing to help us. They don't seem too friendly," Marin said, jumping back as another one tried to bite her before spitting on her and mumbling something.

"I'm afraid she's right. The Turonks help no one," agreed Stevoden. He gently guided Marin away from the stockades as a messenger handed him a note. "These warriors are here for one reason only: to find more sacrifices for their so-called god-king, Acat. Now please follow me"

We followed him towards one of the main platforms as he read the note. "Where are we going?" asked Cubby, his voice thick with frustration. "I need to get home."

"The king has returned and would like to speak to you."

We rode the platform back up into the city, and followed Stevoden into the throne room where we'd first met the king. We then climbed up a grand staircase that went to additional rooms, high above. We walked through several long halls draped with detailed tapestries, passing through several sets of doors opened by Elden guards. Each passageway was lined with the Elden flag. The flag was black with the Elden coat of arms in the center, which featured a large bright blue eagle. The magnificent eagle's wings were pointed upward and it held a multi colored banner in its talons, which we learned represented all the different ancient Elden tribes. We eventually entered a small round room with a high, egg-shaped ceiling, and small paneled windows all around. The king stood at a large round table in the center of the room looking over some old parchment with many of his other high-ranking officials. When he saw us enter, he dismissed all but one of them.

"I'm sorry about my absence. As you now know, these are dark times on Orona," he said, looking back down at his papers. "Just when we think we are safe again, another attack takes place."

"We understand," Drew replied. "We're glad you returned safely and—" He was cut off by Cubby, who stepped forward, grabbing the king by the hand. He fell to his knees.