Artificer
1. Beginnings
Adaneus was a Guanche boy born on the island of El Hierro on the Canary Islands. Late in the year of 1064 he boarded an Arab trading vessel and headed to the mainland city of Safi. There as a non Muslim he as a mere 14 year old boy, learnt Arabic, the local Amazigh languages and Greek and generally attempted to blend in. The Almoravids had growing influence, and he slowly learnt about the world he dwelled in. He attempted to blend in, brown hair shaved bald, with green eyes he attempted to blend in with the local customs, not trying to stand out too much.
I want to see the world, I don’t want to be shackled in this dungheap, my island is one thing, but I don’t wish to live here forever. There is too much strife, and they won’t accept me for my religion that I am sure. For I am a kuffar, a disbeliever, and from what I hear, Christianity and Islam dominate this world, the Pagans are disorganised, and enslaved.
He was a devotee to the god of Magec, a silver bracelet on his arm could be taken off of it and make a lattice that could make crystals. These crystals granted him creation, with it, he made gold nuggets which he used to sell for Dinars which became the basis of his book collection. He could make things grow too, but he only got two crystals a day, so he was cautious and frugal and made sure no Muslim saw him, for surely they would kill him for sorcery.
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
At the age of 20, having collected a decent amount of coins, some 1000 Dinars, and a small surplus of crystals he had spent much of its fortune freeing a few African slaves he had taken pity on. He had 200 Dinars left, he bought a medium sized trading ship. Selling some more golden nuggets, he freed his African slaves giving them a chance to live their own lives, with 20 of them choosing to be employed by him.
“I am Kwame,” one of them said, “it is nice to meet you, there are not many like you.”
“Giving the slavers money is all I could do unfortunately, they have been rewarded for their villainy. It is the world unfortunately.”
“Quite,” the freed slave said, “it is nice to make your acquaintance.”
A man with knotted hair, but unfortunate marks on his body, Adaneus looked with pity.
“I am sorry for your pain, these Muslims,” he covered his mouth knowing he said something he shouldn’t have.
“Hush now,” the ex slave said, “you ought to be careful, so you’re not?” He asked with curiosity and also fear.
“It is a secret,” Adaneus said, “a polytheist from the west I guess you could say.”
“My real name is not Abdullah, I am Kwame, nice to meet you,” Kwame said.
“Adaneus, not Adi,” Adaneus mused, pressing his white hand with the black.
With 20 sailors they bought some food loaded it in their ship, and sailed out of the port. The world was very different on the high seas, and Adaneus really did feel that life had only just begun for him. His ex slave felt the same, an older man of nearly 40 he looked at the young captain with a degree of admiration. Significantly taller than Adaneus at almost two metres he saw a regal figure in the man, a larger presence than he was. Adaneus had a medium height, but his ambitions were not middling at all. His crew quietly wondered where they would all end up. Tightening the ropes, preparing some oars, they navigated the calm waters going northwards. Adaneus did not know where he would end up, as long as it was anywhere but there.
