Chapter 32 – The Path to Power
Kasım sat cross-legged in the cabin, his back straight, eyes tightly shut. Sweat rolled down from his temples in heavy drops, trailing along his cheeks. His breathing was heavy but rhythmic. His body was still, but inside, his mind wrestled with storms. Just as Balibey had taught him, he tried to see the blue motes of energy and gather them into a single focus.
Yes... now he could bring a few together. What had once seemed impossible was now slowly falling into place. But whenever he brought two motes together and reached for a third, the others would slip away like sand through his fingers. Each failure bred a rising tension in his chest.
Suddenly, Kasım opened his eyes. He took a deep breath, wiped the sweat from his brow, adjusted his vest, and stormed to the door. But the moment he stepped out of the cabin, he found Sultan Murad standing right before him.
Murad's brow rose slightly. His voice was calm:
"Where are you headed, Kasım?"
Kasım paused. His breathing was still uneven.
"I just wanted to get some fresh air on the deck, my Sultan. I was going to return to training afterward."
Murad examined his expression carefully.
"You're struggling, aren't you?" he asked plainly.
Kasım met his eyes and answered honestly.
"Yes, my Sultan. Truth be told... I'm failing at combining the motes."
A faint smile appeared on Murad's lips.
"Come. Let's get some air together. Perhaps I can share a few tricks."
The ship glided over the calm yet deep blue waters of the Mediterranean. The sky was clear, the breeze cool and refreshing. Venice was only half a day away. The two men walked to the ship's stern. The sound of waves lapping against the hull was soft and soothing.
Murad stopped and turned to Kasım.
"Kasım... I, too, failed many times to combine those motes," he said.
"But then I discovered a trick. In fact, three key principles."
Kasım listened intently. His eyes glimmered with respect and focused curiosity.
"I'm listening, my Sultan."
Murad stood tall with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing out at the sea. His voice was serious, yet sincere and instructive.
"First rule: Be resolute. Never give up, no matter what.
Second: Believe in yourself. Doubt disrupts the energy.
Third: Know why you're using this power."
He paused, then looked directly into Kasım's eyes.
"But most importantly… you must be fully committed to this path."
Kasım bowed his head. These weren't mere lessons — they felt like an oath.
Murad gently placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled warmly.
"Trust yourself, Kasım, as much as we trust you."
The wind tossed their hair slightly. Kasım stood silent for a moment, struck by the gravity of the words. His purpose was clear. Not glory. Not power. He wanted to protect his Sultan — that was his flame, the fire of his loyalty.
"I believe I understand, my Sultan," he said with renewed determination. "If I may, I'd like to return to my training."
Murad smiled with satisfaction and nodded. Kasım turned and quickly returned to his cabin. He knelt again, settling into the lotus position. Just before closing his eyes, he whispered to himself, "You can do this, Kasım."
He took a deep breath.
He closed his eyes.
The energy began to flow through his body. The blue motes that Balibey had shown him emerged one by one. He focused on the first, reached out with a thread of thought — and caught it. Then the second. That, too, was held. Then a third… a fourth… the motes no longer scattered.
Kasım saw their harmony now.
And at last, the motes fused — forming a single orb of glowing light. It pulsed gently, like a heartbeat.
He focused his mind to pull the orb into himself. Like drawing water with a ladle — gently, patiently...
And he succeeded.
The blue orb spread through his body like a current of energy, flowing into his heart, veins, and soul. For a moment, he felt like a leaf floating in the sky — light, balanced, and undeniably stronger.
His eyes snapped open. His body was drenched in sweat, but he didn't care. He had done it.
He rose to his feet without delay. Without bothering to change, he exited the cabin. The scent of the sea was stronger now. He saw deckhands hauling ropes, sailors moving quickly across the ship.
The harbor was near.
Venice was in sight.
He scanned the deck for Balibey. A few steps away, Balibey stood by the rail, gazing at the distant skyline. Kasım rushed to him, unable to hide his excitement.
"I did it, Balibey! I completed the first step!"
Balibey turned, surprised. His success in such a short time was extraordinary. For most, this took weeks. Even Balibey had needed a month to complete his first awakening. But Kasım…
In just a day and a half...
A brief look of astonishment passed over Balibey's face before it settled into a proud smile.
"Incredible. Truly. Some are born closer to power," he said.
Kasım bowed his head humbly. But the gleam in his eyes now spoke of something new — confidence.
Venice lay just ahead.
And this time, Kasım was ready.