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Ma'Chu the Prophet:
It was one age after the death of Shep'Hon, nearly four ages from the end of the Mal-Kala War. Mala's curse had already
taken hold of the Kala. They declined into a state of pleasure, no longer watching or waiting for Mala's return, except for
a few. The great temple at Agnista had been abandoned by all but one old priest. He's name was Ma'Chu, and it was to him
that Agni came.
Ma'chu was in the temple library, copying texts from old, decaying scripts to new parchment when he heard the call of Agni.
"Ma'Chu, last priest of the temple hear me. I am Agni your god." said a voice within the chamber.
"I hear you my lord," replied Ma'Chu,"what is it that you command of me, your humble servant."
"My people are waning. Bring them back before the curse of Mala is complete and it is too late for all of the world."
"What would you have me do my lord? I am an old man who needs a stick to walk."
"Go forth and proclaim what I shall tell you now." said Agni.
So Ma'Chu wrote down what Agni told him. The next morning, seeing that he had been visited by Agni and that it had not been
a dream, Ma'Chu set out for the town market. He dressed in his armor, which he had not worn since the days of the Gerbil
Wars, when the Kala were engaged by a large Gerbil hoard rampaging into Western Peranu. He then stood in the center of the
Mar-quet, the center of the market.
"Kala of Agnista," he shouted,"I have been visited by Agni, your god! He has sent me to reclaim you, His
falling race." No one paid of any attention to him. All the Kala of Agnista went on their ways, some even stopped looked
at him and moved on to a vendor, as if he reminded them of a product that they needed.
"People listen to me! You are falling, just as the Curse of Mala prophesied. We no longer patrol our northern boarder,
for we think that we need not fear it. The Great Watch Towers are being abandoned and are falling into decay. I am the Last
of the priest, my name is Ma'Chu. And I will save you people if you will help me." By this point he had gathered a
small crowd. Most of children and aged Kala.
"Why do you wear your armor old man?", asked a youth.
"I wear my armor in homage to Agni, for he is the god of war who created us. We owe him our lives, and yet we turn
away and say that we have risen to where we no longer need the gods. Already many have forsaken us. It is only by these
reforms that Agni has commanded can we survive through Mala's curse."
"What is it that Agni commands,old one?" asked the same youth.
"He commands that one week be set aside for him and those who fell during the Mal-Kala War. Also that one day be set
aside every week for him, and the teachings of the gods. During this one day and one week all Kala must wear their armor
in homage to Him, and pray for their ancestor's protection. But I am old and can not make to all the villages alone to spread
these commandments."
"I will join you in this quest," said the youth," I am yet young and strong. I shall buy you a horse to ride,
so that you can make it to all the villages. I shall accompany you so as to make sure no harm befalls of you in the villages
or on the way."
"You, my son, are truly what every Kala should be. What is your name?" asked Ma'Chu.
"I am Hon'Tha, and my life in your hands, Ma'Chu the Last Priest."
"Come Hon'Tha we have much to do before leaving. First we must polish our armor and secure our supplies that will be
needed on this long journey."
"How long of a journey?", asked an elder man.
"It is two moon journey to the the city of Destaņa. That is our first destination. From there we turn north towards
Perkuno, and the city of Northern Watch."
"My body may be old, but I will make the journey with you. For it has been long since I have left the homely confines
of this city."
"What is your name good sir?" asked Hon'Tha.
"My name is Ko'Wa, and I am a veteran of the Gerbil Wars. I grew rich in the looting and pillaging that took place
after the last battle on the plains of Rodes. I can provide you with all the supplies you will need."
"Excellent. It is settled then, we depart tomorrow morn. Meet at the temple of Agni." said Ma'Chu. So they departed
to say their goodbyes to families and loved ones, not knowing when or if they shall return. Each spent the night polishing
their armor and packing their most needed belongings. Hon'Tha brought with him a book made of paper, with ink and a quill,
so as to record the journey. Ko'Wa brought a wagon drawn by a horse, in the back of the wagon was all of the supplies that
they would need until reaching Northern Watch. Ma'Chu brought with him his staff, showing that he was the High-Priest of
Agni, to make sure of their welcome at all places. All wore newly polished armor, and carried their swords and shields of
both old and new.
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