Ophir peered out her bedroom window into a deep forest of emerald and viridian. The forests of Alehl had captivated Ophir since her earliest memories. Eternally rolling hills covered in dense trees and vines could be seen from her third-story window, even covering the briefest glimpses available of the high summits nearby. Leaves and flowers of endless variety inspired awe and creativity as her mind once again traversed these near-mystical woods. Beneath the great canopy lay mosses and fungi of almost every shade and texture imaginable. As her remembrance drifted, embarking upon the rare clearings, her daydream journeyed through these great woods to discover vibrant fields of butterflies and groves of fruit trees. Springs throughout fed the lush greenery with watery nourishment. Chirping from the myriad of bird species and rustle of a deer vanishing into the deep woods provided the peaceful sounds familiar to Alehl. On a cool day the lowlands would fog while scents of mint and pine flourished in the air. Today was one of these days, yet Ophir remained far too distracted and conflicted to linger among such pleasant thoughts for any length of time.

She held onto her lance harp tightly as she turned away from the window, knowing she must leave her most important possession behind. As in times past, Ophir was comforted by the feel of the eight steel strings. For a moment, the world felt right again and a song came into her mind. Her fingers held a chord and she began to strum. Then she sang,

“Can you hear the legend – in this world of tales?

Can you hear the wisdom – when the story’s shared?

The ancient rhyme, the hidden gem-

In days past revealed, yet concealed from men.

Is now revealed through the war-torn cry-

Those born towards death with hope to rise.”

Ophir stopped. With hope to rise. This was why she must put down her instrument and leave her guarded world behind. A people who had once lost hope had now found it again. While Ophir’s instrument was one of peace and harmony, her time had come to embark on a journey to assist those whose instruments were crafted for war. Her allies had gained a foothold against their enemies and now had an opportunity for freedom. For these ones a silver lining had emerged from a devastating conflict which they had not asked to participate. Even so, they still required someone to step in and arbitrate peace. Ophir’s hour had come, for there was hardly a person throughout all of creation who would be willing to negotiate independence for the Achih people at an hour such as this.

Her escort had arrived. A chief elder of the Alehlian people, and a kindhearted man, Noah possessed almost as much influence among the Alehlians as Ophir herself. In one sense, having gained Ophir’s complete trust and confidence, his advice served as the true ruler of the land. Though Ophir held the highest office, Chief Priestess and Ruling Ambassador, the people understood Noah to be her confidant in most vital matters. Whereas the people of Alehl would follow Ophir unto death, Ophir would do the same for Noah. She considered his advice as equal to her late mother’s, and Ophir was more than confident to leave the priesthood and the country in his care while she traveled to the Achih resistance.

Throughout the morning they would travel west, leaving Temple Alehl for the capital, Lake City. After a day of briefing in Lake City with the congress, Ophir was set to lead their assembled team to their western port. From there, they would set sail for Academy City, which lay in the occupied territories of Benan far to the west. Noah intended to accompany Ophir’s team as far as the western port before leaving them to their mission. The ship’s journey would take about six days on the warm waters and shallow straits through the islands that almost connect Alehl to Benan in the north. As far as seafaring journeys went, this was about as comfortable as they came. A peaceful power, the Union Federation, controlled the northern waters. There was very little concern about weather, enemies, or pirates during the first stretch of their voyage.

After their arrival at Academy City, the journey would begin a severe turn toward the deadly. Beyond Academy City to the west existed Union Federation occupied lands on the northern rim of the war-torn territory, a hostile wasteland of raiders, militants, and mercenaries. Their first trial after traversing the war-torn territory would be to make safe passage through rural foothills into the Benan desert valley. Selecting the desert valley route had not been an easy decision, for the summer months suffered a deadly, oppressive heat rivaled by only a few places on the planet. The only reason to select this route was speed and lack of potential enemies. All reasonable passages into Achih would involve violating an international waterway agreement between two countries at war with each other. The final option would be traveling the whole length of the war-torn territory. Neither would be preferable.

Upon reaching Achih, the first goal was to arbitrate an agreement between the two Achih factions to form a unified resistance government against Benan. Once fully unified, the Achih people could finish the work of securing the borders of their provincial homeland. Though not yet aware, the largest governmental body in the world, the Union Federation, remained willing to not only accept and validate their independence, but had considered Achih admission into the Federation if they so chose. The Alehlian people were not part of the Federation, but they had a good relationship. An Alehlian ambassador arbitrating the agreement on behalf of the Federation would also go a long way toward communicating the international support behind the Achih people.

As the details flooded Ophir’s mind, her attention turned back to the melody she hummed while still strumming her harp. She had been on some dangerous missions, but this one by far carries the greatest risks she has ever taken. Would she ever return home to her priestly duties? Would she yet again pick up the harp and sing the songs of Alehl? Even the priestess herself had doubts about the meaning of the songs and oracles of her people now that war has broken out after such a long period of peace. Could the ones who were entrusted to preserve peace secure it again as her people’s oracles had foretold?

Noah, still standing on the other side of the door, remained silent. Ophir knew he had come to take her away. Noah need not knock. His friend would only take the moments she required and no more. In some ways, he felt responsible for her impending departure, though he was fully aware this was Ophir’s decision. Near the beginning of the war, Noah had reminded Ophir of the “unfulfilled oracle” on the very same day Achih had deserted the cause of Benan. It was an oracle of Ophir’s great grandfather, a song written in the temple while he performed his priestly duties before the people. In response, the people wept for three days to mourn the evil their descendants must one day overcome.

Ophir opened the door. Her noble and treacherous journey for peace had now begun.

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© 2025 Marek J. Scott

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