Ozia When the Sky Tore

By Emma P. Shan

The sky shall open once more.

In an obscure realm, the Kingdom of Ozia lies. Few realize a secret that lurks within, and fewer speak about it openly.

Eager for an adventure, Kaia Boken stumbles upon Ozia, unwittingly embroils in an ancient curse that will forever haunt her daughter, and all the daughters in every generation that follows.

From Lavinia, who cannot deny her passion for a forbidden man, to Isabel, who binds her loyalty to the people, and Petra, who confronts the truth of her existence, each woman faces a journey that cuts deep into her soul.

When the curse's threat to destroy the kingdom looms, they must abandon their heart's desire to save the land they call home. But will they?

OZIA WHEN THE SKY TORE is an epic tale of family, forgiveness, and the power of love that transcends fate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emma P. Shan
• Release date: Oct 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9781738989010

Book preview

PROLOGUE

My dearest,

It pains me to pen these words, but how can I bind myself to ignorance and watch placidly my home vanish?

Please, I beg you, do not be swayed by those who intend to injure me. They are nought but fools. I am a scholar of conscience. It is not heresy that I seek, but truth alone.

There shall be an answer.

Forgive me for what you have endured brought on by my obduracy, and for what I must carry on.

In sadness and regret, I fare you well. May all that is good come your way. Know that you are in my thoughts, always.

Your most faithful husband,

N.

a PART I b

NASCENCE

ONE

We all have choices to make and duties to carry, don’t we?

—Matilda, owner of Matilda’s Inn

The sea had calmed at last.

A cloaked young man emerged from the cabin of a merchant ship. It was another wretched sight on the main deck. Exhausted seamen lay everywhere, moaning and snoring into the night sky. There was a stench of inebriation in the air. The traveller pulled his hood lower and wound his way to the bow. As he stood, dim lights from a wharf came into view. The moon smiled, shining on a sly grin that he could no longer conceal. He held tighter a folded letter in his hand.

My dear cousin,

I trust your journey has been pleasing. Your travel tales are indeed the highlight of my day. This place I recommended in my last letter is a small kingdom called Ozia. I am thrilled that you have taken my suggestion. This realm, I can assure you, is unlike anything you have ever known.

Under the current circumstances, sea-route is your best option. You must dress appropriately to not arouse suspicions. I shall attempt to arrange for your lodging. Simply present this letter to the owner of Matilda’s Inn, and she will attend to all your needs. It is the only place for such travellers as yourself to stay in the kingdom. You will have no trouble locating it.

Your loyal relation,

Bennett Fitzpatrick.

More travellers came to the main deck when the clinker-built single-masted cog reached Ozia’s main wharf. Rain fell, cooling the autumn night further, though it didn’t dampen anyone’s mood. All were relieved that they survived the storm, and that the sea voyage was finally over. The cog’s captain shoved his way through the crowd, shouting at everyone he passed by.

The young man jumped off the cog while the seamen were still mooring the vessel. As he leaped over the gap between the ship and the quay, the traveller jostled against the sea captain, causing something that resembled a hairpiece to fall to the ship's deck. Once landed ashore, he looked back and sneered at the livid captain. Uncertain of his whereabouts, he stood to find his bearings.

A peddler approached. The man wore a wide-brimmed straw hat and a homespun straw sleeveless cape. His legs were bare from the knee down. Fancy ye kickshaw, traveller?

No, no, thank you.

No? Whither ye go?

Matilda’s Inn. Which turn do I take?

The peddler pointed his dirt-lined forefinger toward a laneway of a market square nearby. The young man gave a silver coin and hurried his way. He soon came to a wood-trimmed stone establishment. There was a small stable in the courtyard that one must walk past before arriving at the inn. The front entrance opened into a dining hall that also served as a tavern. In the open kitchen stood a woman in her early forties, blithely sweeping the stone floor and humming to herself. She wore a faded but clean blue kirtle over her buxom figure. Her grizzled hair was knotted into a bun and was covered under a linen kerchief.

Pardon me. My name is Kaia Boken. I have a prior arrangement at the inn, said the young man.

He unfastened the gold-coloured ties to remove the sodden cloak, revealing a silk coif on his head. Underneath the woollen cloak was a dull green long-sleeved tunic on which he girded a leather belt around his slender waist. There was also a leather bag hung over his right shoulder. He laid his letter on the bench.

It is not necessary, sir, said Matilda, wiping her hands with the apron that was tied in the back. She glanced at the trail of boot prints left behind by her young patron and frowned. We have been waiting for you. I shall send for someone to take you to your chamber. Would you care for a hot repast?

Yes, said he, curving up his lips.

There is a letter for you. The messenger said it was urgent. She nodded toward a table near the fireplace. The fire will serve you well.

Why on earth would Bennett send another letter so urgently? he murmured.

The simple fireplace was partially built into the stone wall. A large iron cauldron hung over the hearth. Kaia stretched his neck to peek and jutted his lips when he realized it was only water boiling inside. He put up his palms and placed them close to the fire. His fingers tingled. Father always takes the seat by the fire. He cast down his eyes.

My finest creation, sir, said Matilda, coming to Kaia’s table. Mutton buknade with five kinds of earthy goodness.

His eyes twinkled. He wiped the corners of his lips and swallowed the slaver in his mouth. She smiled. The sea journey must have been dreadful, sir. My patrons always said you need a stomach of iron to digest the food onboard.

The young man tittered and devoured his meal. It was late into the night and the tavern was quiet. There was one other patron, a man with rusty blonde hair. He wore an unassuming outfit but emitted an air of aristocracy that did not match his attire. The man peered at Kaia and chuckled, a laugh so soft it resembled that of a mischievous child who had discovered a secret.

The sleeping quarters were on the second floor. After the young man finished the meal, he followed Matilda’s daughter to his chamber. She wore a blue kirtle and a linen apron similar to her mother’s. There was a simple floral wreath made with calendulas on her head. The yellow petals waved along her plentiful dark brown hair as she walked. Along the narrow passageway lined six common rooms. Each was crammed with eight single beds. At the two ends, there were four private chambers where the boarder could lock the door from the inside.

The maiden held a candelabrum in one hand and a metal candlestick in the other. The wavering candlelight illuminated their passage. Kaia exhaled quietly as they went past every common sleeping chamber, all of which filled with the sound of snoring and teeth-grinding, without stopping. 

How could ten rooms possibly accommodate all the transience? he asked while peeking through every open door. This is the only lodging option in the kingdom. Is it not so?

Yes, sir. Our beds are often filled. It was very prudent of you to have secured a chamber before you came.

In what manner are the lodgers?

Mostly travelling merchants and pilgrims from neighbouring kingdoms. Visitants are not at all common.

Why so?

She shrugged and opened the door of a private chamber. Is there anything else you need, sir?

No, thank you. That would be all. He sat on a chair. Ah, what is your name?

Anna, sir.

Hannah?

No. Anna, sir.

How old are you, Anna?

I am fifteen.

Very well. You may go.

The maiden left the candlestick on a small desk, made a quick curtsy, and bid the young man good night. Kaia scrunched up his nose at the acrid odour of the tallow candle. He opened the letter that he received from Matilda.

Dear cousin,

My hands cannot help but tremble with anger as I write. Indeed, I wonder how you will greet these words. You must be surprised, perhaps annoyed, to receive yet another letter from your old friend, for I have promised not to disturb until you settle in Ozia.

Your father recently discovered our correspondence and has been incessant to learn of your whereabouts. You would not believe his indignation and threats. He shouted at me in front of my poor parents, accused me of encouraging your rebellious behaviour, and demanded that I arrange for your return immediately. I am uncertain about your current intent. As you must recall, you have promised him a return date of nine months, and it has been a year since we last saw you.

I do not believe he knows your locality as yet, and I have the slightest inclination to oblige him. But, as you know, your father is quite resourceful. Please be careful. I shall refrain from writing to you for a while to lessen his chance of tracing you. Should I be of use, I am at your service. As always,

Your devoted friend,

Bennett Fitzpatrick.

Kaia blew his lips and crawled under the coverlet. He closed his eyes, musing on the fetid straws that he slept on for days during the sea voyage. As he faded off to sleep, the stench of vomit in his hair dissipated, and the bulkheads of the windowless cabin in his head melted away. He giggled. I shall never leave this bed.

ab

A shaft of sunlight insisted on kissing his cheeks, no matter which way he turned. The young man pulled the linen sheet to cover his head. He groaned when the growling sound of his stomach became too frequent to ignore. The light was coming through a small opening. He was fortunate, as only the private chambers at the two ends of the passageway had windows.

Bennett must have paid a handsome amount to secure this room.

With the sunlight, Kaia inspected his surroundings. The room was compact. It had a laver, a writing desk and chair, a wooden chest for storage, and a small bed with a thick wool quilt on top of a linen coverlet. He dipped a finger into the laver.

This is cold. Why would they not offer warm water on such a wintry day? I must speak to the innkeeper.

He leaned over but his hands stopped at the edge of the laver. A wiggly reflection stared from the ripple. Kaia brushed one side of his face with his fingertips. The two hollow eyes in the water closed. He shook his head. No, I shall not yield.

Without the head covering, his long locks dangled past his shoulder. He put on the coif to conceal his hair. Feeling excited about his new adventure in Ozia, Kaia pranced his way down the stairs. The dining hall was noisy, with patrons eating and drinking everywhere. It was a spacious room that held a dozen round tables and an assemblage of mismatched sitting stools. There was also a set of wooden stairs by the kitchen that opened to an underground vault.

Someone must have found it troublesome to part with the bed, said Matilda.

Good morrow to you too, Madame Innkeeper. Would you be so kind as to prepare a morning meal for me before I take my leave?

Morning? The sun is about to set. I shall fix your dinner instead.

His face flushed. He looked around and the redness drained away. There was that same man, sitting at the same table, and peering at the newcomer with the same grin.

Is he my father’s man? Kaia sat as far away as he could. Oh dear! He’s getting to his feet. He’s so pale. Why is he coming my way? He walks with a slight limp. Surely, I can outrun him.

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Percival Guillaume. It will be my pleasure to make your acquaintance during your stay at the inn.

Boken, Kaia Boken. His face burned. He lowered his head and pulled the strings of his coif to tighten it. Likewise.

There isn’t a need for disguise here, Percival whispered. It is a beguiling kingdom.

How do you mean? Kaia lifted his head, but Percival had already left the inn. You don’t frighten me. I am here and I am here to stay. Suit you or not, I shall ramble through the kingdom as I please. Neither you nor Father can stop me.

ab

Kaia sat on the edge of the bed in his sleeping chamber. He moved his right hand back and forth to smooth the wrinkles out of the coverlet. His left hand held the crumpled letter from his cousin. Having stayed in the kingdom for two months, Kaia had seen everything he wanted to. It was raining anyway. Oh dear! Your boots are covered in mud. Are you determined to vex your father? A faint smile grew on his face. The door opened and Matilda walked in with a bucket of fresh water.

Good morrow, sir. Anna is on her way to tidy your bed.

Thank you.

This day is your last with us. You are to leave on the morrow?

Yes.

Where to next?

Where to next?

We all have choices to make and duties to carry, don’t we? Matilda emptied the laver through the window and glanced at him. How do you like Ozia?

His glum face brightened. I like it very much, Madame Innkeeper. I can’t quite say the reason, but I like the kingdom very much.

It’s the manner of our living, young sir.

I reckon you are right. Everyone, young and old, man or woman. They all seem so joyful and free.

Will you not stay a while longer? asked Anna, walking in with a stock of linen sheets in her hands. You are the most charming lodger we ever had, and I’m not the only one to have said so. Last night, he told me—

Matilda frowned at her daughter.

It is true, Mama.

Kaia chortled. I shall never forget you, Anna. But it was never my intention to stay for long. I cannot bear to idle and to fritter my time away in one place. Ever since I was little, I have always yearned for adventure and the excitement only strange places can bring.

Then you must venture into our hunas.

Fie, Anna! Those ghastly haunts. Only the foolish and the reckless would go.

An escapade for the impetuous. He curved up one side of his lips. What a tempting proposition. I must have a taste of this…

"Hunas. Such a gaudy name. They are nothing but a jumble of reeking caves." 

And enchanted forests, Mama, said Anna, turning her head to Kaia. Oh yes. You must go. These secret places are everywhere at the fringe of the kingdom. All of them are full of spirits and wild beasts, but they are also littered with treasure.

Well then, to the mountains I go.

Not the mountains. Take to the forest near Pindar’s Garden, said Matilda, if you must.

Where is this garden? Is it far from here?

No, not at all. The meadow is on the east side of the kingdom. It is beautiful even at this time of year.

Matilda sighed. I shall hire a carriage for you. The forest is no place for a young la—lad to wander alone. Be sure to return before evenfall.

Yes, madame.

Instruct the coachman to wait for you at the forest’s entrance. And you mustn’t—

I shall take heed of your every advice.

ab

By the time Kaia arrived at Pindar’s Garden, it was already well into the afternoon. The rain had stopped, but the mist lingered in the air. A thick fog enveloped the greenwood’s entrance. He took a step on a well-trodden path. His heart pounded. He scanned the surroundings, imagining what treasure he might find along the way. Birds were chirping, leaves were rustling, and water was burbling from afar.

He jutted his lips. The innkeeper must think me credulous. This is nothing more than a mundane forest.

A horned beast the size of a wild boar jumped out and stood in front of him. It snarled while streaks of foul-smelling spittle dripped from its mouth. The young man pulled out a dagger from its leather sheath that was tied to his belt. The jewelled pommel glittered in the light, perturbing the predator further. He pointed the steel dagger at the beast with his trembling hands.

No, you don’t—he drew in a shaky breath—frighten me.

The animal’s growl deepened. It crouched its head and lunged forward. Kaia twisted his body to avoid the strike, but the beast’s horn gored deep into his torso on the right side. Streams of blood ran down his leg. The predator licked its mouth. It struck again. The young man took small steps in quick succession backward, slogging to maintain his balance. The muddy path was still slippery from the rain earlier. He could not see what was behind him until it was too late. The path came to a sudden drop in elevation.

He fell to the ground and lost his grip on the dagger. The hood of his cloak came off his head. He could not stand. His left leg had no strength. The beast was bearing down on him with its mouth wide open. A sudden thought occurred to him. Would the animal’s stomach be large enough to swallow him whole? He put up his arms to protect himself. The beast gave out a yelp. Someone had jumped in and struck the animal, scaring it to run away.

It’s, said Kaia, you!

TWO

Pretence is such an exhausting deed.

—Kaia Boken

You are the man from the tavern, said Kaia. Percival Gil…

Guillaume. Percival Guillaume.

Why? Why are you following me? Did my father send you?

Forgive me for disobliging you, but I have never met your father.

Kaia touched his head. There was no coif. He had removed it before leaving the inn. The hand dropped. His shoulders slumped. Without the cover of a hood, the long hair lay on his back for the world to see. Fiddling with the unruly locks, Kaia said, Now you know, I’m actually—

Do you truly believe your concealment can fool anyone, mademoiselle? You have flattered yourself. I have known—he tapped on his temple—your rascality the first moment I saw you.

Rascal. She scoffed.

He grinned, vexing her even more. Percival flooded her wound with the water he’d brought with him. Once it was cleansed to his satisfaction, he smeared a heap of honey on it and wrapped her torso with strips of linen cloth.

You are well prepared, said she.

So we are. Wild beasts lurk in our hunas, and they often attack when you least expect it.

Kaia blenched. Must you bind so tightly?

It must be, or the bleeding will not stop. Peeking at her while tying the ends of the strips to secure the binding, he chuckled.

What’s so amusing?

Even in a man’s braccae, you are too delicate to be a chap. Did I not say there need not for such a masquerade? You are in Ozia.

I had a facial disguise, but it was lost when I went ashore at the wharf. That vile sea captain knocked it off my face.

He knocked it off your face?

He did!

And your coif?

It’s hot today, and it makes my head itchy.

Is that so? You have found the weather too warm to be agreeable on a winter day.

Yes, I do.

Percival stretched his arm to pick up the dagger on the ground. Is this yours? Even our children have more dangerous ones. He smirked. It is pretty. I must admit.

She snatched the blade out of his hand and looked away. Her pique delighted him.

Let us hasten our way. We must sew the wound without delay. Can you get on your feet?

I’m afraid not. The left side has no strength.

You might have broken your leg when you fell. Anywise, you will surmount. For a young lass, I say you shall be mended in a trice.

Her face flushed. I am not young. I’m almost one and twenty.

"Oh. Pardonnez moi, Madame Vieille. I must now retract my diagnosis. I’m afraid I have something rather unfavourable to tell. It is going to take a great deal of time to recover, owing to the admission of your advanced age. Mayhap you can never leave Ozia."

You, sir, must only be a few years older than me.

Nine years. And I daresay nine years amounts to a lifetime of wisdom for someone as shrewd as me.

He put one arm behind her back and placed the other under her legs. Percival sprang to his feet. The sudden movement caused Kaia to jerk her head backward. She rested her head against his chest, wondering why his heart was beating erratically. Kaia closed her eyes and dozed off. He let out a quiet breath and a slow smile grew on his face.

Did you hire that curricle? he asked when they approached the forest’s entrance.

The curricle?

"Ça ne fait rien. He winked at her. The carriage is under my command now."

With the coachman on one side and Percival on the other, Kaia kept her head down throughout the ride. There were frequent urges to look at him. When he caught her stare, Percival only smiled back and remained silent. They arrived at the inn after the sun had set.

Anna, Anna! Percival rushed up the stairs with Kaia in his arms, leaving dabs of blood along the way.

Once they were inside her chamber, he placed her legs on the floor. She rested her arms on his shoulder for support. He untied her cloak and let it drop to the ground. Her tunic was stained with a mixture of dried blood and mud. He loosened her leather belt to separate the clothes that were sticking to her skin. Her stomach fluttered. He gulped and laid her on the bed. She stared at her reflection in his eyes. His gaze turned inward.

You must promise never to set foot in any forests without me.

Not without him? What is he talking about? Who is this man?

Percival noticed the laver. Sitting at the edge of the bed, he soused a linen cloth and cleaned the dirt off her face. Kaia flinched from the coldness of the water. He lingered his fingers on her lips. She felt a sense of heaviness and her eyelids lowered. He caressed her face and leaned forward.

Please forgive me, sir. I didn’t know where you were. I ran everywhere and looked from chamber to chamber, and this is the last one at the farthest end, Anna said as she entered, tripping over the cloak on the floor. Why is it full of blood? No—she covered her mouth—from the forest?

Anna. Percival stood up and cleared his throat. We need water. Fetch some water, he said and rushed out of the room. With his head down, he ploughed into a buxom figure at the top of the stairway. "Pardonnez moi, madame. She’s in her chamber. Kaia, in her chamber. She is in her bedchamber."

Fie! said Matilda, picking up the needles and threads that were knocked off her hands. Inside the room, Anna had removed the blood-soaked binding and was cleaning the stab wound with a linen cloth. Shivering in the cold, Kaia drifted in and out of consciousness. Matilda sighed, fed the inert woman a flagon of wine and began sewing the gash on the torso. Throughout the night, the matron sat by the bedside.

To what end, sir? You and your work, Matilda murmured. Nothing ever betides, and nothing shall. Can’t you see?

When the day broke, Kaia stirred. Matilda loosened her face and left the chamber. A few moments later, Anna brought in a bucket of fresh water and a bowl of warm barley pottage that was made with chicken broth and almond milk. The two maidens exchanged rueful smiles. Kaia closed her eyes and faded off to sleep again.

For the two days that followed, Kaia lay in her bed, slowly regaining her strength. On the third day, Anna came in to wash Kaia’s hair. Once cleansed, it revealed a lustrous mane of dark auburn colour. She braided the hair loosely and laid it to one side in the front. It was all my fault.

No. Why would you say such a thing?

You would not have gone to the forest if it wasn’t for me. Mama warned me. Have you forgotten what she said?

Those ghastly haunts, Kaia declared, imitating Matilda’s tone. Only the foolish and the reckless would go.

Anna covered her mouth to stifle her giggle. I still wish you hadn’t gone.

What’s done is done—she shrugged—and you are not permitted to feel remorseful for what happened. I forbid it.

The younger maiden bit her lower lip and nodded. Your hair is so soft, miss. I have never seen such a colour in Ozia before. We have brown, yellow, black and grey. Oh, and green. But only the royals have green hair.

Green hair?

Yes, they have green hair. No one could explain why. Not even the scholars. Oh, miss, your hair smells delightful.

It is only because of the rose water that you washed it with. Will you open the storage chest for me?

With Anna’s aid, Kaia changed into a dress she impulsively bought from a market a few days earlier. The garment was foreign to her, yet it gave her a sense of belonging. The embroidered kirtle had a colour of emerald, which she wore over a white long-sleeved chemise. There was also a matching surcoat.

You can’t hide under that grubby tunic anymore. Isn’t it much better to be yourself again, miss?

Oh, Anna. Not a shred of doubt. Pretence is such an exhausting deed. Her stomach growled, making them giggle at the sound. Shall we go to the dining hall?

Yes. Lean on me, said Anna. She rambled on as they walked arm in arm. "Oh, how I wish I had a sister like you. Do you have siblings, miss? How many do you