“Toa the ocean breeze is amazing! I never knew traveling by sea could be so great” Kama and Toa were on there way to the island of Loa. After Kama had recovered from his injuries he and Toa had began their preparations for the journey. It wouldn’t be a very long trip just a few days worth of traveling. But because Toa had planned to train Kama for a long duration on Loa it was appropriate to prepare beforehand.
“Shut up boy, and come here” yelled a bushy bearded man with arms the width of logs, and a stature so big he could be considered domineering. “If not for it being a request from Toa, I would never let someone so inexperienced on the open water. If you’re going to be on my vessel I want you working, and not daydreaming. Don’t think because you’re a boy that I don’t expect you to pull your own weight” Kama’s face turned sour as he looked at the large man, than turning to look at Toa who was toward the back of the vessel.
Getting to Loa from Polu was easier said than done, and having a boat wasn’t something anyone could just have. Only the chiefs of tribes and certain individuals were allowed to own one. Most people only dream of owning their own and some are lucky enough to crew them. The act of making a vessel takes overwhelming time and meticulous planning. For most races around the world boats are pieced together bit by bit forming a hull and a deck and what not.
But for these small islands in the middle of the ocean the processing of tree’s could be said to be ‘inferior’. These islands contain no metal ores like the mountains of giant continents. Instead they rely on super hardened rocks sharpened to a fine point to do there cutting necessities. Though the tools may be inferior, the materials used to make these boats could be considered the best in the world. The trees that grow in the forests of the cluster of islands are second to none. Called “Waoku” these trees grow to incredible feats. Bigger than most red wood trees, these Waoku trees span upwards to 400 feet, and span the width of about 80 feet. When one of these trees are felled in the forest, it could be felt around the whole of the island.
Carved from this one tree, hollowed with inferior tools by many people and imbued with mana and soul power from each person who constructed it. The boats that traverse these waters could be the pinnacle of seafaring. This is also the reason why Kama and Toa are sailing with great speed to Loa.
The boat they are on right now was a ship that was the length of 320 feet and the width of 100 feet. It was truly a sight to see, and Toa was the reason this vessel came to be. Not only was the tree that made this vessel huge, it was also heavily saturated with the soul of the land. Who else but Kama on this small island could find such a wondrous tree. The production of this boat was quite extensive. The tree being strengthened by the soul of the earth was extreme strong. The stone axes and adz used to chop these trees would break countless times.It wasn’t until Toa crafted tools made from stones with the same earth soul properties, that they finally made some headway. This ship was one of the sturdiest you would ever find, and being that the wood was infused with an earth soul, it’s strength was even more astounding.
“Lono, make sure to teach Kama well. I have a feeling you will be surprised at how fast he learns” Toa said to the bearded man. “I still feel that heading to Loa is too much for this young fellow… But if it’s a request from such a great man i will as you please Toa. He will learn as much as i can teach him on this voyage” Lono is indeed domineering, but it isn’t out of disdain towards others it is because he cares too much. He has boasted a crew that will sail through anything and not be harmed one bit. If he sees any weakness that could be the downfall of an individual he will not let them on his boat.
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“I will have no wasted lives on any of my voyages! You do your work diligently and listen to my words at all times, and you will traverse the world without fail.” Lono looked at Kama while speaking but the crew of men onboard gave a resounding “KU!” Kama looked around at the crew people all working lively to steer and check each rigging of the boat. Kama then looked back at Lono with a newfound respect. “Lono, why do the crewmen say ‘Ku!’ when they respond to you?” Lono looked at Kama with a smirk “Ku means to stand firm. To not only be vigilant, but to also take on any task undaunted by fear. On this small voyage it is my goal to teach you how to Ku”
Kama’s voyage consisted of shadowing Lono and everything he did. From checking the riggings of the boat, to checking on the conditions of the crew and even steering the ship. To Kama this whole voyage was a great experience and like a sponge he absorbed everything he was taught. He showed so much improvement and understanding that it even shocked Lono.
“Toa where did you find such a gem. He moves about the the ship as if he’d been a crewmember for years. It’s hard to think that we’ve only been at sea for 4 days.” Toa looked at Lono with pride “I’ve seen something in this boy, and I wish to lead him to greater and better things. This is only the beginning Lono, and I hope you will help me cultivate his strength later on as well” To those words Lono looked at Toa with curiosity “Interesting… o.k. Toa show me what this kid is made of, and if I deem him worthy I’ll personally guide him around the uncharted Punaola”
It was the 6th day of voyaging and Kama and Loa could finally see their destination. “Toa it’s huge! look at that island! So many mountain peaks… and what is that white i see on top?” Toa couldn’t help but chuckle at Kama’s amazement. “Don’t worry Kama, you’ll have enough time to explore that whole island. Just contain yourself and we’ll be there shortly”
Kama stared intently at Loa as it became bigger the closer they got to the island. “Toa this island is so amazing I can’t help but be excited. Look at those mountains and look at those clouds. I mean i have never seen red clouds befor…” When Kama was speaking, Toa was only half listening and was busy preparing his belongings for their departure. But when Kama said red clouds Toa’s expression changed to one of a foreboding look. When Kama noticed the change in the atmosphere of the boat he looked at both Lono and Toa who shared the same expression.
“Toa what’s the matter” both Lono and Toa looked at each other and began to chat amongst themselves. “Toa what’s going on? Why is everyone looking so anxious” As Kama said these words he could see the crewman grabbing spears and other fighting implements from around the ship. Kama was getting more and more worried, and decided to pull on Toa’s hand to get his attention. Toa looked away from Lono and stared at Kama with a stern face. “Kama we may need to delay our training for a bit, it seems the conditions on Loa are unacceptable for landing” Toa’s explanations was too vague for Kama and he wanted to know more. “But Toa we’re so close, why can’t we just land? I dont see any change in the weather and the currents are steady”
Toa looked at Kama and pointed to the island. “You see those red clouds Kama. Those arent clouds made by the gods, those are clouds made by man” These words confused Kama even more. How could men make red clouds? Toa looked at Kama knowing that the young boy still didn’t understand. “Kama, those are the clouds made by warriors marching on the dirt. Judging by how much red clouds i see, If we land we will be met by hundreds of warriors, if not thousands” Kama looked at Toa with a face of anxiety. The situation that Kama and the crew was in finally dawned on him.