FROM THE DARKNESS

From the beginning to the end of life, disrupting the established order will result in the anticipated apocalypse arriving sooner than expected.

-Kosfesyus[1]-

-Harbingers of the Apocalypse[2]-

It had been five days since we departed from Misty Harbor, and according to the maps, we still had a long journey ahead. That’s what Captain Berck, the captain of the ship The Weeping Mermaid[3], had said. He was the first person in three hundred years to venture into the misty regions[4] and return. Born a land-dweller, he hadn’t laid eyes on the sea until he was thirty. As the youngest and most adventurous son of a wealthy family, he hailed from the Far Lands[5], the inland region of the Adder Continent.

This barren yet prosperous land, known for livestock and mining, was the richest yet driest part of the kingdom. The steppes of this region accounted for half of the kingdom’s economy. People from here rarely left their homeland, and when they did, it was usually due to war or exile. The Erelissyur[6] family, one of the five wealthiest families in the region, controlled most of the silver mines and owned eighty thousand cattle, making them one of the three largest livestock producers. Though the origins of the family in this land were unknown, they traced their lineage back to Tuzan Jjarva Maalseran[7].

Captain Berck, now in his mid-forties, was a stout man of considerable height, with reddish-brown hair. When the legends reached my ears, I meticulously investigated and came across the name Captain Berck for the first time. My research yielded very little about him personally, apart from his family background. However, a common saying about him stood out:

“Captain Berck will take you anywhere you wish to go, and even if he dies, he will return you to the port you departed from, safe and sound.”

Getting permission from the Institute[8] had been so challenging that I was on the verge of giving up. If it weren’t for Professor Duncevir[9]’s assistance, I would never have received the budget and approval from the Institute Senate[10]. The discoveries at Heart’s Edge[11] had drawn the attention of many researchers and academics toward the misty lands[12]. The translations of the Newborn[13] tablets, known to be the oldest known inscriptions, had ignited a desire to delve into the ancestors and uncover their secrets. Perhaps these ancient and lost times held a treasure map for the origins of life and the mysteries of early creation.

In the tablet, it was written:

“IN THE WAR WITH THE DEVIL, BLOOD WAS SHED IN THE FORBIDDEN PLACE; AS A RESULT OF THE BLOODSHED, WE WERE EXILED FROM PARADISE.”

And:

“IN THE NEW WORLD, THE FIRST DEATH FOUND US, AND NOT LONG AFTER, WE WERE FORCED TO LEAVE THE PLACE WHERE WE HAD SMELLED THE FRAGRANCE OF PARADISE.”

The phrases “first death” and “New World” sparked intense interest once their first transcription and translation were completed. Hundreds of people began conducting research. These terms contradicted the history we had been told and the religious doctrines we had learned. After all, we were taught—or led to believe—that humanity originated, was created, and multiplied on this very world.

But the tablets told a different story. They suggested that we were born—or created—elsewhere and only much later came to these lands. Perhaps these inscriptions would shake the foundations of our known history and beliefs, revealing that everything we thought we knew was a lie.

When I explained this to the Professor, he warned me, saying, “Do not share these words with anyone else. These words summon your killer.” But, as always, I couldn’t keep my mouth shut. Thanks to the Professor, I avoided being expelled from the Institute every time. Yet, in this instance, my loose tongue might have worked to my advantage; I had managed to plant the seed of curiosity in the minds of a few scholars.

Through the reports and analyses I submitted to the Institute, combined with the Professor’s support, I secured permission and funding for my research. However, the timeframe was limited. The Department of Ancient Writings had granted me only forty days, and the journey itself would take about a month. This left me with just ten days—a period that could feel both agonizingly short and endlessly long to find what I was looking for.

Thankfully, my rare ability to read these ancient inscriptions was my greatest advantage. When I arrived, I wouldn’t have to rely on analyzing photographs; I could see, touch, and read the inscriptions in person.

I wasn’t trying to prove my theories or expose hidden truths or lies. What I wanted to prove was myself. I longed to bury the ancient, oppressive belief systems and the exploitative historical narratives perpetuated by powerful families into the dusty archives of history.

As a woman and an orphan, I wanted to end my marginalization in the scientific community and shout to the world, “Here I am! I have accomplished what you couldn’t, and I am better than you!” I believe I have the strength and intellect to achieve that.

“Life is like these ocean waves, madam. You can never predict when it will be calm and when it will be turbulent. I hope all these thoughts are not a sign of upcoming turbulence.”

“Sir.” I was surprised; it was the first time he had initiated a conversation with me of his own accord. Despite all my efforts, I had always hit a wall in every attempt to connect.

“Oh! No, not at all. I was just thinking about where this journey will take us and how it will affect our lives.” The captain smiled slightly and continued:

“Every journey into the unknown is like walking in the dark. No matter what you do, you can never fully escape that darkness. People search for even the smallest light to escape the dark, and when they think they’ve found it, they run toward it. What they fail to realize, however, is that the darkness only pulls them deeper. The more you fear the dark, the more it draws you in, like quicksand. To avoid being lost in the dark, we should try to adjust our eyes to it and find our way. Perhaps then, we can discover that light for ourselves in the right way. So, don’t overthink it and let yourself adjust to this journey. You’ll find it much easier that way.

Looks like we’ve found the light we were searching for. There they are: the Soulless Cliffs[14]. Once we pass these cliffs, there will be no turning back. Are you sure you want to proceed?”

“I’m sure. My team and I didn’t come all this way to turn back now, Ser Berck. Let’s move forward and see if your dark path will swallow us like quicksand or guide us toward the light.”

“Very well. After we pass the Soulless Cliffs, we’ll continue the old-fashioned way. Due to the magnetism in this area, all our electronic devices and engines will cease functioning. I hope your equipment is prepared for this. My advice is to ready your team and gear accordingly.

By the way, madam, this darkness will take you to both the past and the future. I hope you are prepared for everything.”

After these words, the captain slowly turned around and walked away from me with quick, deliberate steps.

“Don’t take his words too seriously, ma’am. He can ramble at times. He’s a bit of an arrogant fool. After the troubles he had with the High Navy[15] last year, he’s become even more unhinged.”

I turned slightly to see that the speaker was Engineer Hemerst. “What happened last year?” I asked.

“While hunting in the Pearl Square[16] region north of here, the High Navy showed up and took everything we had. They claimed we didn’t have permission to be in the area, but Miss Cryar had handled everything. She’d secured all the necessary permits, and the area wasn’t even under the High Navy’s jurisdiction.

They said all our permits were invalid and that our documents were forged. The captain argued that we were in international waters, beyond their authority, and that jurisdiction lay with the Geva Senate. A scuffle broke out between the ship’s crew and the Navy soldiers. During the commotion, Captain Berck was roughed up a bit by Captain Bregar.

Can you believe it? Captain Bregar and Captain Berck are cousins, yet they acted like mortal enemies.”

“What?!”

“After Captain Berck started breathing again, his sister was by his side in the hospital. But according to the story, when he woke up, he’d lost his entire family.”

“How?!”

“When he opened his eyes, it was during the Great Steppe Earthquake. No one from his family in that region survived. His sister disappeared the same night and was never found again. Of the Tuzon lineage, only the captain and Captain Bregar are still alive.

Captain Bregar was also married to Captain Berck’s sister, and rumor has it she was pregnant. Captain Bregar never accepted Captain Berck and blamed him for everything that happened.”

“How can a man who escaped death be blamed for such a thing? How could a High Navy officer like Captain Bregar believe that?”

“The people of the Steppe still believe in the Highlands[17] Curse, ma’am. It’s an absurd and foolish superstition.”

“How did the captain survive?”

“He was kept in a dungeon for a week before being released as if nothing had happened. According to the rumors, he was freed through the intervention of the temple priest, Fergjur.

The captain was already a tough and reserved man, but after that incident, he became even stranger.”

I was surprised. Faith ruled everything in this world, but for the Steppe people, family—even distant relations—was considered sacred. It seemed that even the strongest principles could be abandoned because of a superstition.

“Anyway, I suppose dinner is ready by now. I’ll head to the mess hall. Thank you for the information, Fer Hemerst. I hope we’ll have a chance to talk more at length later.”

“Likewise, Ger. Take care of yourself.”

“We sought refuge from shadows,

We fled, running from the darkness.

The dawn showed us

The path to the kingdom of heaven.

We walked narrow trails,

Descended misty mountains.

Fire became our breath,

Waves carried us to the peak.”

I had never heard this tune before. When I asked the cabin boy next to me, he said it was one of the hymns written for the Great Aecephus and attributed to Ozan Wandarband[18].

I’d never heard of this name before. Though literature was never my interest, I had a special fascination with poets. Yet none of my research had ever led me to this name.

“Who is he?” I asked. The cabin boy said he didn’t know either but suggested that Cook Yegodar might. He explained that every time food was served, the cook would sing this song, and the crew would join in.

I made my way to the table where my group was gathered.

“If we’re lucky, our excellent cook might have made something edible today,” said the elderly Raywond, causing smiles around the table.

“Lucky, huh? We’ve been waiting for that moment for five days, and it hasn’t come yet. By the gods, if we get a decent meal tonight, I’ll dance with the Birdears[19]!”

“Oh, sweet little Miss Frygalea, why don’t you grace us with your culinary skills so we can feast in delight? But please, not like last night. We couldn’t sleep all night from throwing up,” said Arnhold, sending the entire group into laughter—except Frygalea.

“Quiet! The cook is coming. If he hears us, we’ll go hungry tonight.”

“Oh, no worries, Per Raywond. I’m never offended when it comes to matters of taste. Anyone who doesn’t like my cooking is free to step into my kitchen and prepare a meal to suit their palate. But please, keep Miss Frygalea away from my kitchen. It looked like the Last Nations War took place in there. It took me half a day to hold a funeral for my wounded and dead vegetables.”

“Don’t pretend, Sler Yegodar. Do you think I didn’t see you devour the food I made?”

“Ah, dear Mer Frygalea, what you saw was a funeral ceremony. With just a few bites, I sped it up, and nearly everyone aboard was on the verge of meeting the Great Aecephus. But Heaven’s soldiers protected us, and today, I present you with the exquisite delight of fin soup[20].” Frygalea’s face turned crimson. “Enjoy your meal, everyone.”

“What is this, honorable Sler Yeogadar?”

“Can’t you see, Per Grynfiild?”

The moment Grynfiild scooped something fin-like into his mouth, he spat it out immediately. “This tastes like sewage water!” he exclaimed, shoving the bowl back.

“Ah! You landlubbers, we have a long journey ahead, and the only source of vitamins we’ll get for this voyage is seawater. Whether you like it or not, you must eat, Pers and Mers.” His tone was authoritative and stern.

“Sler Yeogadar, I’d like to ask you something.”

“At your command, Ger. Please, go ahead.”

“The tune you sang earlier—the song—I’ve never heard it before. Where did you learn it? Who is Ozan Wandarband? Can you tell me about it?”

“Ah, sweet Ger. Of course. You may not know, but I am a Khef. In Khefia, the name of the Ozan spreads by word of mouth. According to legend, he lived during the final Heretic Wars. They say he fought in the War of Weeping Mothers, the last battle with the Memmadis. He is said to have been one of the few surviving soldiers from an army of one hundred thousand.

There are tales of the Memmadis sparing his life out of pity or the divine intervention of Eacephed saving him. After his survival, it is believed he gathered songs, poems, and stories during his journey home. Although his written work is said to be lost, his words have survived through oral tradition to this day.”

Suddenly, a jolt shook the ship, and the lights went out. After the shockwave, the ship stabilized, and the cabin boys lit gas lamps, banishing the darkness. The cabin boy I’d spoken to earlier entered the mess hall.

“Greetings, Pers and Mers. We’ve entered the Misty Lands area. For approximately a week, no technological devices or communication tools will function in this region. Our journey will continue the old-fashioned way.”

“Excuse me, but who are you?”

“Ah! Apologies, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Hemerst Asrek Beennad, the ship’s second mate, Mer Maragette.”

“What is an unspecified doing here?”

“Calm down, Frygalea,” I said, but she kept going. Her words were so full of hatred that even I flinched.

“Oh! Don’t worry, Mer Maragette, many years have passed since the last war, and peace reigns in Geva now. Your racism on this journey doesn’t help any of us.” To change the subject, I asked, “If there’s an emergency, how will we communicate?”

“Ger, don’t worry. Even though technological devices won’t work in this area, we can still communicate the old-fashioned way. If an emergency arises, rest assured we can request help from the High Fleet, and help will come. The High Fleet sends a hidden officer aboard every ship entering this area, placing them among the crew or passengers.”

“What, you mean there’s a High Fleet officer among us?”

“Yes. And by the way, there’s no need to be afraid of me. I’ve been living among your community for a long time, and I’m used to these reactions.”

“Sorry, but I was never told that someone like you, a heretic, would be part of a religious mission like this.” Maragette had both a point and missed one. I only knew Captain Berck, and I made the agreement with him. Talking about the crew hadn’t crossed my mind. When I spoke with him, he hadn’t asked for any details about the mission either.

“Ger Maragette, I am the leader of this expedition, and your remarks are very frustrating. I ask that you stop.”

After a brief silence, Asrek spoke:

“I am Memmadi, and I await the dawn of the Savior, true. But remember, like you, I am human, and I have never harmed even an ant in my life. I am not a heretic, I simply do not adopt your beliefs. But you’ve forgotten that Memmadism is no longer considered heretical. It has been removed from the list of heretical beliefs by your institute.”

“Enough! You will not judge anyone aboard my ship, Ger; and you are not obliged to explain anything, Sler. If anyone dislikes it, I can arrange a boat and throw them into the sea immediately. They may return if they can, or pray to your gods for help and salvation.” There was a sudden silence. Captain Berck appeared out of nowhere and seemed to feel the need to assert his authority. The captain, who had been silent and reserved since the journey began, seemed to finally show his true face. “From now on, if you want to survive this journey, you will follow me and the rules of my ship. Each of you was given the necessary warnings before the journey. The rules of my ship and my crew will never be questioned, right, Ger?”

“Yes, sorry, Ser Berck. Ger Maragette was a bit rash. You know our history isn’t exactly pleasant.”

“Did you come here to write history? Or to become history? You need to decide quickly, or you won’t accomplish anything without trust. The responsibility for your group lies with you, Colonel Skyvvr. While Ger may be responsible for the research, you will be responsible for the group. I cannot trust someone without experience in security or other vital matters.”

“What do you mean, and who are you to question my competence?”

“I am the Water. I am the Air. I am the God. On this ship, I am everything, and you will obey me.”

“Alright, darling, let’s not make this worse. Maragette, if you open your mouth again, I’ll throw you into the sea and won’t give you a boat or a lifejacket. Keep your mouth shut from now on.” I said. Then, as I turned to leave, Skyvvr grabbed me and covered my mouth with his hand. But I’m sure a few curses slipped through before my mouth was fully shut, and those words probably reached that bastard’s ears.

Turning to Maragette, I said, “You’re exaggerating a bit, you need to calm down. I’ve already told the clergy about this, and if you’re the most tolerant among them, I don’t even want to think about the others. Keep that beak of yours shut until this journey is over and we’ve completed our research. After that, you can do whatever you want.”

“But you didn’t mention that an unknown person would be on this journey. As scientific as this trip is for you, don’t forget that there are religious elements in it too, and you’re taking a heretic to places that could be considered sacred. I doubt the clergy knows about this.”

“For the love of the High Ones, I didn’t know either; it’s not like the captain and crew didn’t do their research. What did you find? With your intelligence and network, what couldn’t you have found out, or known, that I would?”

“Colonel, please! Let’s be more careful now.” My nerves were on edge. I didn’t want to lose the one thing I had wanted most in my life. After the tension built, I left the dining hall to return to the crew quarters. I went to the deck to calm down and clear my mind. As I breathed in my last natural oxygen and filled my lungs with fresh air, I also wanted to pollute that fresh air with my tobacco, punishing my lungs.

Taking a glass of honey wine, I stood on the deck watching the endless sea when Prof. Gammyr approached me. Gammyr was a short, frail man. He was two years ahead of me at the university. Though we didn’t talk much during our university days, we had shared a few spaces together. He said to me, “Ah! Maragette isn’t as narrow-minded as you think, but she wasn’t given full information. Actually, none of us were given full details about this trip. We only have rough information. In some situations, I think it’s our right to be surprised and to react.”

“Of course, it’s your right, but I don’t know everything either. We need to be measured in our reactions, because we’re already on our way. The Institute didn’t give me much information. What you know is all I know. It’s too late to turn back now, especially now that we’re so close.”

“What do you think awaits us?”

“Ah! Per Gammyr, I don’t know either. As someone else said, we are walking in the dark, trying to find the light.”

“True. I’ll talk to Maragette. She’s one of the best philologists in Geva. I apologize again on her behalf.”

“It’s okay, no problem. Please explain the situation to her again. Any little setback will not benefit us, and we’ll return empty-handed. It was so difficult to get permission that I don’t think we’ll be able to get it again. I don’t want this trip to be canceled over one mistake and have to go back.”

Turning slowly to Gammyr, I said, “I need to rest a little now. Goodnight, Per Gammyr,” and as I turned to leave, a sharp scream shattered the night’s silence. Trying to make sense of what was happening, we started walking quickly toward the direction of the sound. When we reached the aft of the ship, we came upon Maragette’s lifeless body. Everyone aboard the ship began slowly gathering around us. The stunned and frightened crowd didn’t know what to do, staring at the body of Maragette. As everyone tried to figure out what happened with their looks, Asrek came and told everyone to step away from the body. He checked her pulse and said he couldn’t find one. Finally, when he checked for breath, he said it was too late. When he turned to us to ask what had happened, everyone looked at each other, and I said:

“I was talking with Prof. Gammyr at the front of the ship. When we finished our conversation, we were about to return to our quarters when we heard the scream and came here. When we arrived, Mer Maragette was lying on the ground. There were two or three crew members with her, but I don’t know their names. Yes, those crew members.” Asrek turned to them and asked what happened. One of the crew members said:

“We heard a woman’s voice while we were cleaning the boards, she was arguing with someone. We saw it was an intense conversation. Among us, we made jokes about the help of the mighty Iannellia to the man she was talking to, and then we went back to our duties. At that point, we heard the sound of a door slamming shut. Then the sounds stopped, and we thought they must have gone back to their quarters. About four or five minutes later, we heard a scream and came here, and found this woman.”

Asrek requested that the ship’s doctor be called. In the meantime, he was asking us several questions, but no one had any idea of what had happened, and everyone was frightened. When Dr. Philpofov, the ship’s doctor, arrived, he began to examine the body. Although there were no signs of external injury, he couldn’t form any theory about how Maragette ended up in this state. Just as he was about to instruct the crew to move Maragette’s body to the infirmary, Asrek held his neck and suddenly collapsed to his knees, then fell to the ground. While we were still shocked by Maragette’s condition, a second shock occurred right before our eyes. Before we could understand what was happening, the place erupted into chaos with screams and shouts, turning the scene into a cacophony of noise. The middle-aged, thin-faced doctor became like a ghost, frozen in shock. When Colonel checked Asrek’s pulse and breath, he confirmed that he was still alive, though with a weak pulse, and ordered him to be urgently taken to the infirmary. The crew quickly grabbed Asrek by his arms and legs and rushed him to the infirmary. Other crew members covered Maragette’s body and brought it to the infirmary on a stretcher. Meanwhile, we were left on the aft deck, stunned and watching the events unfold in silence.

At this moment, Captain Berck arrived. After speaking briefly and quietly with the crew members standing near us, he turned to us and said:

“Everyone, my condolences. This has been an unfortunate and bad night for all of us. I am truly sorry for Maragette. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Dr. Der Phipofov will certainly figure out what happened to her. Rest assured. My crew and I will do everything we can to ensure that nothing like this happens again. I want you, Colonel, to conduct the investigation. After all, Ger Maragette was a member of your group. My crew will follow your advice and orders to the letter.” He turned to his crew and said:

“Until this matter is resolved, all of you will assist the Colonel. His word is my word.”

“Thank you, Captain, but this needs to be a security investigation, and I don’t have experience in this matter. We need to ask for help from people or units with experience.”

“I don’t think it’s necessary at the moment, Colonel. Ger Maragette and my assistant’s situation is still unclear. It would be better to wait for the doctor’s report.”

“Of course, but getting help as soon as possible is always better. Ger Maragette is dead, and we don’t know how she died. If we encounter a criminal event, the longer we wait, the faster we’ll lose evidence and clues. As you can imagine, no matter how vast the Aglayan Denizkızı is, it’s just a speck in the vast ocean, and if someone has done something wrong, it’s that much easier for them to destroy any evidence they leave behind.”

“Well, what do you suggest we do, Colonel?”

“Right now, since this incident occurred in the middle of the ocean, it’s very difficult to ask for help from the mainland. Any help would take at least a week or ten days to arrive. We could ask the High Fleet, which is the closest to us.”

“I don’t think the High Fleet can help us much, but if that’s your decision, we’ll follow it.”

“Until the High Fleet arrives, it would be best for everyone to return to their cabins. We need to make sure that no one leaves their cabin until the High Fleet arrives.”

“It will take about a day for the High Fleet to reach us, Colonel. If we keep everyone in their cabins until they arrive, we’ll also be starving the people. Do you have a solution for this?”

“Until the High Fleet arrives, trusted crew members can patrol. Except for the mess hall, the captain’s quarters, and the infirmary, everyone else should stay in their cabins. During meal times, the patrolling crew can distribute food to the cabins. After the High Fleet arrives and based on the doctor’s report, we’ll decide what to do next.”

“Alright, Colonel. As you wish.” After their conversation ended, one of the crew members whispered something in his ear and then walked away from us. Later, someone came out through the door leading to the aft deck and went to the captain. After speaking with him, he approached us and said:

“This is the ship’s communications officer, Frambaghur. Colonel, as you requested, we will turn the ship’s lights to red. Then, every hour, we will fire twelve signal flares, and this will continue until the High Fleet arrives.”

“Thank you, Captain. Now, it would be best for everyone, except for the assigned personnel, to return to their cabins.”

“Of course, Frambaghur, tell the rowers in the rowing deck to bring the oars aboard. The sailors should also pull in the sails. We will cease movement and anchor here until the High Fleet arrives. I hope there won’t be a storm during this time. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to give the necessary orders and instructions. I must return to the bridge.”

“Good night, Captain. Anyone not on duty, please return to your cabins.”

After the Colonel’s words, everyone dispersed. The only sounds breaking the silence in the narrow corridor leading to the cabins were the footsteps and conversations of the crew members. Suddenly, flares started being fired from different parts of the ship, and a light spectacle that turned the night sky into daylight began. In the sky, a face seemed to appear, watching us and mocking us, as if it were smiling...