Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 126: Pagan Summons

And then he said, Im not dead? Vason said, doing his best Vir impersonation.

Haymi giggled, while Tia burst out laughing, spitting her mead all across the table in a very unladylike moment.

But all four of them were laughing too hard to reprimand herVir included.

I wasnt that shocked, he said with flushed cheeks. Besides, if I remember right, you cried like a baby.

Did not, Vason retorted, clearing his throat.

Oh yes, you did! Haymi replied, outing him immediately. Your eyes were all red and puffy when Apramor finally came to.

Haymi! Times like these, you gotta back me up!

But instead of sympathy, all he received was Haymis cold smile.

Vason sighed. Sadists, the lot of you. I'm warning you, Apramor. Stick around long enough and the women of this party will trample all over you.

Oh? Tia asked, cocking a brow. Is that right, Vason? Tell me more, why wont you?

Id best not, milady-who-spits-mead-over-her-table. Dont worry, Ill not breathe a word of this to your brother.

Good. You wont, if you value your head, Tia said, leveling a death glare at Vason.

All joviality evaporated in an instant, and Vir worried a fight might actually break out.

Then they both burst into laughter and clapped their mugs together, spilling yet more mead on the table.

That was good! I thought I had you!

That's my line, you blonde brute!

Vir gave the waiter passing by an apologetic look.

Itd taken Vir two full days to wake after his ordeal in the forest. While his crushed leg had been mended by Grade A healing orbs, he still bore a slight limp. He could fight if he absolutely had to, but itd take another week for him to mend fully. At least, without his efforts to cycle blood and prana through his injured leg. The blood there simply refused to circulate as well, so hed been aiding it with his own prana manipulation efforts.

At this rate, he expected hed be good as new in just a couple more days. The only problem was...

Vir caught Haymi glancing at him, but she broke her gaze the moment their eyes met.

She knows, doesn't she?

The mejai hadn't breathed a word of it, and based on Tia's behavior, Vir suspected she didn't know, either.

I'm gonna have to confront her about this at some point.

The thought sucked all the merriness out of him.

To celebrate, Tia had taken them to one of the finest eateries in Avi. Not the fanciest, but according to her, the most delicious. Sadly for his four-legged friend, Bandies werent allowed in, so Neel sat waiting at home.

They occupied an entire long table, upon which a bevy of food was arranged. From delectable desserts to mounds of the freshest fruit, rice dishes, stir-fries, barbeque skewers, and more; the dizzying array was almost as impressive as the banquet the mining company had hosted for them.

But where the variety and quantity mightve paled to the banquets food, the taste was incomparable. Vir had never experienced such a vast range of tastes and textures in his life. Flavors compounded upon one another, and just when he thought it couldnt get any better, the dishes synergized with each other in a way Vir never knew was possible. This wasnt merely sustenancethis was art. Taken to its limit, and perfectly executed by master chefs.

Why so glum, Apra? Tia said. Ever since the Brood Matron battle, shed taken to shortening his name as a nickname, and the others had followed suit soon after.

Just thinking that Im never gonna enjoy regular food like I used to. I mean, after tasting this stuff. Its unfair. Now Im gonna have to splurge on expensive food.

Vason burst out laughing again. Welcome to our life, friend. Our Tia over there loves herself a good meal. Brought up on only the finest food, ysee? She wont even touch standard fare.

Well, sorry. Not my fault my parents spoiled me silly, the freckled blonde replied, pouting as she stuck a fork into a kebab.

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Vir had to admit, the Matron fight was one of the most exciting battles hed ever fought, and it wasnt just because of the danger. Fighting in a party was something new to him, and if he was honest with himself, he enjoyed it. Far more than he thought possible.

Wonder how good itd be if I told them who I really am Vir idly thought. Of course, he wasnt nave. He wasnt about to take that risk, knowing how much Tia hated demons. While he desperately wanted to prove her wrong, he understood where her feelings came from.

Vir hated the Hiranyan Knights for what they did to Rudvik, Apramor, and Aliscia. Given a chance, hed gladly end their lives. Then again, he knew they werent evil. Hed heard the tales of their great deedsof lives saved, and famine-stricken towns receiving their aid. If hed been one of those people, maybe he wouldve felt the opposite. Maybe hed have admired the knights.

One thing was for sure, though. People didnt change. Not easily. Convincing Tia of the benevolence of demons was likely to be a doomed endeavor.

And how did Vir know that demons were good in the first place? His only experience with them was on old man Bakuras slaving ship. The demons there hadnt seemed evil, though hed spent little time with them.

These thoughts filled Virs mind as they wrapped up at the eatery, as well as thoughts of Parai the Ancient. The man hadnt spoken a word, and yet Vir had learned so much from him. Perhaps as an older incarnation, his personality had washed away. Perhaps that was all he could do.

The prana cycling technique he learned had certainly saved his life in that situation, but what else could it do? Unless he suffered a grievous back wound again, as it was, the ability was useless.

But if he could adapt the cycling pattern and make it safe, hed have yet another defense mechanism. While Toughen helped, its effect was akin to light armor; it wasnt nearly as effective as magically enhanced armor. And while he could stop his wounds from bleeding, nothing he had accelerated his recovery rate.

Taken to an extreme, he might even close wounds during battle. Such an ability would be incredibly painful, but also incredibly effective. Itd allow him to take risks hed otherwise dare not consider.

Boosting his vitality wasnt the only benefit prana circulation could yield. From what hed seen of Parai, the demon might've used it to strengthen his attacks as well.

The issue was Vir, as always, lacked an instructor. Someone who could guide him safely through the steps to attain those abilities. And until someone like that came along, Vir hesitated to experiment, recalling what happened when he was learning Prana Vision.

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Before they left for the Brotherhood Sanctum, Vir packed some food for Neel; the bandy had helped so much in the forest, hed felt terrible for leaving his friend behind. The least he could do was bring him some treats.

Sure enough, Neel was there to greet them the moment they entered the room, wagging his tail and running circles around their legs with excitement.

Rejoice, Neel! Vason said, petting the Bandy. Your masters brought back some delicious food!

Are you sure he can eat that, though? Haymi asked. Wouldnt want him puking all over the floor, would we?

Dunno! Never given him food this fancy. Guess well find out? Vir replied sheepishly.

Well, he seems to like it, at least? Tia said with a yawn, smiling at the bandy who tore into the food the moment Vir laid it before him.

Filled and sleepy, the rest of the party retired to their beds, while Vir walked to the Executors booths with Neel in tow.

Enter. Balindam booth, an Executor said soon after Vir arrived in the waiting area.

He entered the booth and shut the door behind him and the Bandy. Neel obediently sat on his haunches in a corner, eyeing the veiled figure with suspicion.

Im here to redeem my karma for more information about the Pagan Order. And a means of transport to get there, if possible.

While he couldve ridden Bumpy, Vir was leery of taking the injured Ashva on long journeys.

Maybe now, with this money I have, I can heal the poor beast. Something to look into.

The Executor paused for a moment, then replied in a deep baritone. Your actions to date have been exemplary, Acolyte. In fact, your feats have been mentioned in Executor circles. You've certainly accrued enough karma for your promotion to Shadow. You need only complete more contracts to obtain it. Your current karma stands at 9,745. This is more than sufficient for the favors you seek.

Vir nodded. The Brood Matron subjugation had earned him a great deal of both karma and coin. With his earnings, his coin purse now held a seric coin, sixty-two silvers, and thirty coppers, and hed amassed nearly ten thousand karma. More wealth than hed ever owned in his entire life. Enough for a trip to the Pagan Order, and onward to the Ashen Realm by way of Matali. If that was his destination.

How much to charter an Acira? he asked.

Though the Executor wore a veil, he could swear the man grinned.

How very curious that you ask. Im afraid we will have to defer your request regarding the Pagan Order.

Vir cocked a brow. Defer? Why?

Because a contract has come in for you. Asking for you. By name. A most lucrative and rare contract, in fact.

Sorry, but Im not really looking to take on any more contracts right now. Just want my information on the Pagan Order.

Would you say the same, knowing that this contract comes directly from Lord Reth?

Reth? The ruler of the Pagan Order? Vir couldnt hide his surprisewhy would the Pagan Order, who had no relations with him until now, ask for him by name? How did they even know who he was?

Your surprise is understandable. So, too, were we surprised when the contract came in. The Tribunal does not lightly commission contracts. In fact, the last one was years ago.

What do they want me to do? Vir asked.

Assassination. But unfortunately, they will only divulge the details in person. This seems to be a highly sensitive manner. As an organization that values the importance of secrets, the Brotherhood obliged. Of course, you are free to decline this contract

Another assassination? Did they know of Virs previous exploits? But how could they, unless the Brotherhood blabbed, Vir thought. He doubted very much they had.

But Id incur a penalty, wont I? I wont be able to take on any new contracts for some time.

The Executor nodded. I believe this contract aligns with your interests.

Vir gave it some thought. Traveling to the Pagan Order would be a great way to learn more about the organization. But the risk was correspondingly high.

Or was it?

Magic didnt function in the Voidlands, where the Pagan Order was located. But that only impacted mejai, not Talent users. Riyan himself said that Talents worked there, and that made sense to Vir. Ground prana seemed to exist everywhere. The concentration differed, but not nearly as much as air prana.

Which means Ill have the advantage. With his Talents, only other Talent wielders posed a threat, and with Dance, he could escape if need be.

Do you think this is a trap? Vir asked.

The Executor paused. I presume you possess little knowledge about the Pagan Order, based on your desire to learn about them. We have dealt with them many, many times. They have never betrayed us. Not once. As an organization, they are respectful and prompt with their payments. Only demons need fear them.

Gee, thanks. That really helps.

Vir mulled it over. The contract intrigued him, but what of Maiya? What of their reunion? He'd been leading her to him, giving her breadcrumbs to follow. She had to be close, but he kept moving. Always moving. Would he leave her behind again?

He could always just wait and go to the Order together with her. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Surely the Order could wait a few days?

Instead, this was a perfect opportunity to gain some information about them. He had an abundance of karma, after all. It was time to use it.

Ill have to think about this, but I have some questions in the meantime. Im willing to pay karma for it.

Very well. We shall answer to the best of our abilities, though keep in mind certain details cannot be bought. For any price. Also, you should be aware.

Aware of what?

The Pagan Order has already sent an Acira for you, awaiting your favorable reply. Had you not come to us, we would have sought you out. The trip to Balindam will take half a day; they would like you to board immediately.

Oh Huh. Wow.

This complicates things.

Hello, sister. Crown Prince Erhan Matali spoke with a cold frustration that tinted his every word. Enjoying gallivanting in the woods of Rani?

Oh, yknow, Tia spoke into the communications orb, rolling it around on her table as she spoke. Its a good time. Risking my life to fight fell Ash Beasts, keeping the world order. Just living the easy life. You should try it sometime.

Dont be coy with me, Tia, Prince Erhan snapped. Do you have any idea how hard I work to keep this country from falling apart? The least you could do is lend me a hand from time to time. Im not even asking for all of your time. Yet you refuse to come home.

Silence.

Id be no good to you, Han, even if I wasnt in hiding.

Hiding? You think thats what youre doing? You were supposed to keep a low profile, not create legends of your exploits!

Legends, huh? Really?

Yes, be proud, little sister. Be so proud of your little accomplishments while our relationship with Kinjal hangs by a thread. Your mere presence at some of our meetings would go so far.

What do you want? You couldn't have taken time from your busy schedule just to berate me, Tia replied. Her words were harsher than shed intended. She did feel for Erhans plight. The boy worked himself from dawn to well past dusk, barely even stopping for food. His hair had grayed and had already started to fall out, despite his young age.

She knew all these things. She wanted to help and yet, shed never been able to bring herself to assume that role. Shed turned her back on her people. Shed chosen a different path.

I need your help.

Im not coming back.

Look, its just one thing. I need this. Kinjal theyre putting pressure on me. They want Matali support at one of their garrisons. Dont ask me why, they didnt say, and Im in no position to demand answers from them. You know that. Anyway, its in southwest Kinjal, near where youre at.

You want me to play a guard at a Kinjal garrison.

Itll only be for a few days.

Sorry, not interested.

Tia

I have business in Avi.

She heard Erhan sigh. I didnt want to resort to this. I really didn't. If you dont go, Ill have to halt your allowance.

Tia snorted. I can provide for myself, thank you very much.

A pause.

I can have Rani restrain you and bring you back. Queen Akalpa would be only too happy to oblige.

She wouldnt dare.

Do you want to take that bet? Ill win.

Tia ground her teeth. He was right, and he knew that she knew.

Ill consider it.

Consider fast. I need you there in a few days. Princess Ira Kin'jal's right hand will be personally overseeing the operation. Do what she says, and be careful. Don't ask questions. You cannot mess this up.

Ira? That sickly girl? What's she doing, poking her head into our business? Have we fallen so low that an invalid is ordering our country around now?

Do you really want me to answer that? Look, I don't like this any more than you do, and believe me, you're the last person I want to send there, but she's insisting. At least, if you go, it'll get the Kin'jals off my back for a spell. Please?

I said Id think about it. And Han? I love you, but dont ever blackmail me again.

Tia cut the call.