The Lotus Saga Read online

  The LOTUS SAGA

  Nimai Agarwal

  The Lotus Saga is published by Lotus Publications under the guidance of Dr. Carolivia Herron

  All rights reserved under International and

  Pan-American Copyright Conventions.

  Published in the United States by Lotus Publications

  Text copyright © 2017 by Nimai Agarwal

  Author Website: http://nimai-agarwal.com

  Email: [email protected]

  Cover design by Purely Designed, LLC

  http://purelydesignedllc.com

  Summary: The Lotus Saga is a Young Adult quest fantasy in which the young scribe, Rook, leaves his home village and goes on a journey with the enchanted Lotus Sword to find the Water of Life. After the death of his mentor, Rook seeks this mythical substance in order to defeat Amaranth, a malevolent personification of time. In the process Rook travels through murderous forests, endless deserts, and bends air in order to descend an unscalable cliff. He must find out who his real allies are, and uncover the motivations of a being who lives within him.

  Paper ISBN: 978-0-9982055-1-9

  Ebook ISBN: 978-0-9982055-2-6

  Library of Congress Control Number: 2017908022

  Exclusively sold and distributed worldwide by Midpoint Trade Books (midpointtrade.com)

  Dedicated to my parents

  Lalit & Vanita Agarwal

  Special thanks to

  Dr. Carolivia Herron for guiding me

  throughout the writing of this novel

  Reviews

  Kirkus Reviews

  “In this YA fantasy, a young scribe learns that he’s part of an ancient order and fated to battle a force that nine warriors before him failed to destroy.

  Eight years ago, Rook was a starving orphan in the town of The Guardians, and the Head Scribe took him in as an apprentice. Rook came to love reading, and his favorite book is The Legends of the Blue. One day, the Scribe tells the young man that he must begin his training with the enchanted Lotus Sword, created by the legendary mystic Parthian (the hero of The Legends of the Blue), as it’s the only thing that can destroy Amaranth, a malevolent agent of Time. The fact that Rook can even lift the weapon indicates that he’s the Tenth person chosen for the Order, a lineage of warriors who’ve unsuccessfully challenged Amaranth in the past. Later, after an enjoyable day with his friends Feihhan and Slad, Rook finds the Scribe dead. Then the Lotus Sword begins speaking to him, explaining that he must journey to the Waters of Life, which will give him and the weapon more strength and vitality.

  Debut author Agarwal merges elements of classic fantasy (such as The Sword in the Stone) with modern epics (such as Avatar: The Last Airbender) in a dark, elegant adventure. Various sequences involving an end-less forest, a vast desert, and a ruined town full of eternally thirsty peasants are familiar yet cleverly crafted.

  Agarwal’s prose is sleek, frequently offering moments of surreal beauty, as when the Queen of Sorts, a forest spirit, “melted into the tree, like a drowning woman sinking beneath water.”

  The theme of water as a potent force, both literally and magically, runs deep through the narrative, which also features a compelling hero/villain dynamic. Refreshingly, the author keeps his animal characters on equal footing with his humans; when the large, hairy creatures called Druugh carry the heroes, “they’re returning an old favor,” not acting as pack mules. Though occasionally violent, this is an all-ages tale that soars in its second half.

  A superb, textured debut. “

  * * *

  Midwest Book Review, D. Donovan

  “Rook is a young scribe who leads a quiet life in a small village until he’s charged by his mentor with leaving the comfort of familiar surroundings to journey to another teacher, there to learn swordsmanship and survival skills. Chafing at a task that would change his world and place in him unfamiliar territory, Rook resists the task. He now lives a good life as a scribe and student, compared to his old one as a starving beggar on the streets; and he doesn’t wish to change anything.

  When Rook encounters the magical Lotus Sword, he begins to understand the powers he could wield even as his old mentor comes to realize that this orphan boy may hold the key to the Order’s future by fulfilling a prophecy that will keep alive not just the Order, but the world.

  It should be evident by this point that in some ways Lotus Sword is a magical Sword in the Stone re-enactment; but with several differences. Even though the Sword has apparently chosen Rook, there are other forces at play in his life and world. These include some truths about the legends surrounding swords and heroes, mystic elements that influence choices and experiences, the idea that such mystic powers can’t be taught but should be discovered through experience, and a mental link between boy and Sword that goes beyond mysticism and becomes an intrinsic part of growth and discovery.

  As an Indiana Jones-type plot evolves, replete with confrontations between forces of good and evil, young adult to adult readers receive a fantasy that includes many satisfying philosophical moments:

  “Every candle is a life. Throughout its existence, the candle burns away – some slowly, and some in a flash. And then the cycle starts anew, and a fresh candle is born from the melted wax of its predecessor.” A startling thought struck Rook. Somewhere in the midst of those millions of candles, was his candle. And Len’s. And the Twins’. Everyone Rook knew, was but one insignificant candle, and could be easily snuffed out. The whole order could be snuffed out in a moment.”

  What beings are monsters, and which are beneficial? Will the missing puzzle pieces reveal new truths that place all of Rook’s beliefs in a new light? And should Rook resist the visions that could guide him?

  Strong characterization leads readers to care about Rook’s world and his place in it while strong action contributes to an adventure story that weaves Rook into familiar and unfamiliar worlds. As the truth about a horrible plot emerges, Rook finds that every-thing he’s known is called into question, injecting a satisfying evolution of moral and ethical conflicts into the story line.

  Multi-faceted and wonderfully crafted, it’s amazing to note that the Lotus Saga was written by a young home-schooled author who has been working on it since the age of 12. Now 17, Nimai Agarwal’s work has come to fruition to provide fantasy readers in grades 9 and older with a strongly-written saga that deserves its place alongside the genre’s classic works.”

  * * *

  Blue Ink Review

  “Nimai Agarwal is clearly familiar with the basic tropes of the fantasy genre. The teen author’s debut novel, The Lotus Saga, follows the adventures of Rook, a young orphan- turned-scribe who shares similarities with the best-known protagonists of the fantasy world. His hero’s journey—an epic struggle with monumental consequences—echoes the travails of Bilbo Baggins; and his quest through a mystical world full of magic, monsters and mysticism hearkens back to literary examples set by C.S. Lewis and others.

  But his story is more than a paean to the genre. To his credit, Agarwal finds new elements to weave into the familiar tale.

  Rook learns from his master—a scribe who adopted him as a young orphan—that he must face an ancient and powerful villain named Amaranth. As he sets out with the Lotus sword, an ancient and sentient armament that offers advice and counsel, this hero’s struggle feels different. The author, who started writing the book at the age of 12, has a clear connection to his young protagonist, and Rook pops off the page with an immediacy that’s rare in most boilerplate fantasy novels.

  Agarwal spells out Rook’s subsequent adventures and battles with a unique perspective that stems largely from elements borrowed from Eastern religions. The author, who has spoken in interviews about his Hindu faith, incorporates
elements of reincarnation and mysticism into the mythology of his imagined world. What’s more, the villain Amaranth is more than a mere baddie; the character is a personification of time and decay. As a consequence, Rook’s fight seems to call up a struggle that’s much more epic than other, simpler fantasy plots.

  For all its refreshing elements, the book still feels a bit derivative. But readers will easily overlook this and enjoy Agarwal’s impressive premiere. With a straight-forward, easy-to- follow prose style, the teenage author delivers an admirable, engaging and compelling debut.”

  * * *

  Self Publishing Review

  “When a lowly scribe is sent on a journey on behalf of his mentor, events are set in motion far greater than anyone could have predicted. Armed with the semi-fabled Lotus Sword, the young Rook swears himself to find the Water of Life in order to fulfill his mentor’s wishes post-humously and defeat the time-thief Amaranth.

  Through perilous forest, endless desert, and towering mountain, Rook must travel far and wide in his quest to accomplish his destiny, and to discover the secrets of his innermost self in The Lotus Saga by Nimai Agarwal.

  The novel is a heartfelt story of journey, adventure, power, and self-realization, with an out-standing antagonist to echo off our sincere and developing hero, built for greatness without really knowing how or why.

  It’s a simply-written little piece that doesn’t mince words too much or let itself linger, moving forward at a satisfying pace and doing plenty with what it has. It’s a story that really holds itself to a proper standard of interesting, recherché storytelling and keeps to it. The Lotus Saga is a rare, stand-out story sure to satisfy any fantasy reader.”

  * * *

  Clarion Forward Review

  “Mysticism and inventive world-building make this young adult fantasy a satisfying imaginative quest.

  In a new adventure by Nimai Agarwal, an or-phaned scribe, Rook, embarks on a quest to find the Water of Life. The Lotus Saga embraces traditions of the fantasy novel, adding its own brand of mysticism. Vibrant, atmospheric landscapes and a talent for plot add up to an impressive exploration of honoring duty for the greater good. Penned by a high-schooler for young adults, The Lotus Saga features depth of insight and a satisfying imaginative vision.”

  * * *

  LitPick Review

  “The Lotus Saga is a great book filled with action and adventure. I found it amazing that this book was written by Nimai Agarwal, a seventeen-year-old. It had the quality of a book written by a very experienced writer.

  The descriptions were especially praiseworthy. I couldn’t believe how well everything was described; it was very easy to picture yourself in the character’s place. At times the storyline was a little tough to follow, particularly when swapping between characters. Yet for the most part, it flowed pretty well. The action was gripping, and it was definitely a fun book to read. I would recommend this book to students ages 12 and up due to some language and fighting.”

  * * *

  Dr. Carolivia Herron, Nappy Hair, Always an Alicia

  “I love Nimai’s imagery, his geography of cliffs, water and desert through which his characters, Rook and Len, urge themselves toward stark discovery.”

  Clinton Parks, Broken Wonder

  “The Lotus Saga is a welcome addition to the epic quest: there are no elves, no dwarves, nor maidens in need of rescue. But instead of being a reaction to the standard medieval Europe fantasy, it is a fresh take on the genre with humanity and nuance.”

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  Contents

  Chapter 1: Learning

  Chapter 2: The Grand Fair

  Chapter 3: The Forest Spirits

  Chapter 4: The Edge

  Chapter 5: The Tribes

  Chapter 6: Departure

  Chapter 7: The Outcasts

  Chapter 8: The Water of Life

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Chapter 1: Learning

  “There is nothing more I can teach you . . .

  Rook snapped out of his reverie to find himself still on the porch, sunlight pouring from an afternoon sky and spreading a long shadow across the wooden planks. He looked up into his master’s familiar face, and anger swelled inside.

  “Why do I have to leave?” asked Rook sharply. His master sighed, making Rook remember how old he really was.

  “Time goes too quickly,” said the scribe bitterly, “It seems like four or five crescents ago that you arrived on my porch.”

  “I still have many parchments to learn. There are advanced forms of calligraphy, and you promised me that you would teach me how to make illuminated texts. Learning never ends – you said it yourself!”

  The scribe’s eyes focused on a spot above Rook’s head and then flickered.

  “You must not stay. I have reasons that I can’t explain, but you should trust me. There is a swords master of unparalleled skill in the distant town of Shantan. He will teach you survival; he will show you which plants are poisonous and you will walk with him by night as he tells you how to follow the stars and how to hold a sword. Take this, my money, my knowledge, and leave – this old man needs only bread and ink.”

  “This is my home too,” said Rook, “If you want me to leave, at least tell me why!” The scribe walked towards the door to go inside. “I don’t care about swords. Why would I ever need to know how to follow the stars?”

  The door shut and Rook was alone on the porch, he turned hesitantly and stepped further into the house, pondering.

  The scribe’s words buzzed like hungry flies at the back of Rook’s mind for the next four stages of the sun, from the light of midheaven to the bright moment of heat. He buried his head in The Legends of the Blue, his favorite book. He had read it perhaps eleven times, maybe as many as seventeen times, but his eyes scanned the words without understanding. His mind was elsewhere. Rook didn’t see the old scribe for the rest of the day, not even at dinner which according to the scribe was one of the most important stages of the day.

  As Rook swallowed a bowl of cold soup, his fuming mind started to calm. The old man wanted him to learn fighting and survival. Why? Rook had no need for particular survival skills. Perhaps the scribe was the poorest of town officials, but Rook lived in relative comfort. Compared to his old life, he lived extravagantly. His old life. It had been so long since he’d thought about those miserable years.

  Rook had been on the verge of death. It was a cold winter day and Rook’s emaciated body was numb. Flakes of snow drifted down from the gray sky. Where would he go when the snow turned into ice? Ice. Rook shivered.

  He took out a slice of bread, old and stale from that day’s begging, and ate it quickly. After he finished, he scooped up a handful of snow and stuffed it in his mouth. He was very close to the town’s walls. The outskirts were always heavily guarded by soldiers. Rook wondered why. Everywhere he looked, all he could see was never-ending snow, a heavy white blanket dropped over the town of The Guardians.

  A long phalanx of soldiers stood straight and tall in the wall’s blurred shadow. A lightly armored man marched a few lengths from where Rook was sitting and continued to the ramparts. Rook weakly crawled behind the tree and sunk into a hole in the snow. The ramparts were old but imposing; the stone blocks that comprised them were boulders rather than bricks. In the middle of the rampart was a huge wooden door that dwarfed two dozing guards.

  The ramparts were covered in snow and icicles. Rook had made a miniature fort out of snow a few winters ago. The ramparts looked similar to the fort Rook had made except they were bigger. So much bigger. All Rook could see on the other side of the wall were web-like branches and mist. He hid behind the tree cautiously for he feared the guards. They were sadistic and liked playing cruel games with him.

  The late afternoon sun was blurred, almost erased in the dusky sky. How he longed for a warm fire and hot food. He gazed toward the mountainous horizon thinking about food, beds, and what he would do if he ever became rich.

  Ro
ok didn’t know where he had come from or who he was. The town was bursting with orphans. He was probably just some wealthy man’s bastard. Everyone was wealthy to Rook. Some orphans roamed around in gangs, picking pockets and thieving, but Rook kept his distance from them. He’d once joined a group, but he soon realized that they were too violent, and violence bore a heavy cost. It was best to work alone.

  Rook heard the faint sound of boots crunching through the snow. It was the only noise in the military silence. Somebody was coming in his direction. He tensed, ready for action. Slowly a small, middle-aged man walked up to Rook. His robes made it clear that he was important. They were emblazoned with tiny quills and splattered with ink. A scribe? Certainly not a regular scribe, they were far too poor to afford such nice clothes. The Head Scribe, it had to be. Rook looked at him suspiciously. What did the Head Scribe have to do with him? Was he going to arrest him for that fur jacket he’d stolen from the foreigners? Or maybe those planks of wood? Rook could still see the confused expression of the local carpenter when he returned home to see all his planks gone.

  “I’m not going to let you arrest me,” he said gruffly, startled for a moment at hearing his own voice after such a long silence.

  “Why would I arrest you?” exclaimed the man.

  Careful, Rook thought to himself. Anyone who was a “Head” had money. This was a fantastic opportunity.

  The child looked up at the scribe with big frightened eyes and put on his best “hungry orphan” look. This usually got him a few cents or even a copper coin.

  The man stared at Rook, his eyes seeming to penetrate him to the core. Rook shuffled his frozen feet awkwardly and dropped his act. The man’s gaze softened.

  “It’s late. Your parents will be waiting for you,” he said. “The outskirts are not safe for children. The guards, well, they can be strict.”