Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 32: Until The End

You cant be serious! This is highway robbery, Maiya exclaimed. Ten coppers for these vegetables? You understand whatll happen if my father finds out about this, yes? Eight is the highest I will go. Not one copper more!

The flustered grocer bowed repeatedly, apologizing, but standing his ground. Young ser, I assure you that these are the freshest produce youll find in the city. If I sold these any lower, I wouldnt turn a profit. Please, I have to put food on the table for my children. Please understand!

Then I suppose I shall have to do business elsewhere, Maiya said, stowing her coin sack and turning her back to the man.

Vir quickly followed. This doesn't sit right. We can afford those vegetables, cant we? It isnt right to take advantage of people like that.

Its all just an act, she replied quietly. Watch.

Young ser, I have reconsidered! The grocer said as they began walking away. Please, I accept your offer.

Maiya spun on her heel, smiling at the grocer. We have a deal.

Vir watched in horror as his friend haggled with vendor after vendor, buying far more than what he thought possible with the amount of money they had on hand.

They took a quick break to head to the citys post office. It was a tall wooden structure that was alive with people continuously entering and exiting. In fact, this was the busiest place theyd seen in the city so far.

So? Why are we here? Vir asked once theyd arrived. He didnt mind exploring, but Maiya was insistent they come here.

Maiya bit her lip. Riyan wont let us go back to Brij, but I can at least let my parents know Im safe, right? Its been eating me this whole time. They must be worried sick.

Wait. You want to send a letter to them? I don't think that's a great idea. What if they trace it back to us?

Don't worry, Vir. I'm not a chal. I'm planning on saying a Sawai family in Kin'jal took us in, and that we've sent this message via a merchant bound for Hiranya. That way, even if they do trace the letter back to Saran, they won't have any reason to believe we're anywhere close.

That... could actually work, Vir replied, thinking it over. If Hiranya believes we're in Kin'jal, this could have them looking in entirely the wrong place.

Exactly!

Maybe it was less risky not to send the letter at all, but the idea of thwarting Hiranya spoke to something deep within Vir. It wasn't just the knights who were responsible for Rudvik's death. It was the entire chain of command, going all the way up to the head priest. As he saw it, Hiranya had made him their enemy. Making them waste time searching for him in the wrong part of the world not only gave him security, it wasted their resources. It may only have been a single leaf in the forest, but it was something.

Do it.

Maiya splurged on some actual paper to write her note. She used her best handwriting possible, as would befit Sawai. Another trick to give the deception authenticity.

She sealed the envelope with some wax and paid the clerk five coppers for delivery. It seemed the cost of delivery varied depending on whether the delivery was domestic or international, with more estranged countries costing more to deliver to. Some, like Matali and the Pagan Order, were outright undeliverable. Brij was only a short hop away for a courier, so the fee was low.

After their visit to the post office, they returned to the merchant district to buy more supplies.

So? Whatdya think? Maiya said, smirking at Vir after bargaining another grocer down by 40%.

I still think this is wrong of you, Vir said honestly. What are you going to do with all this money? Spend it on some knick knack?

She threw him a scowl, but he wasnt done. These people make their living off of their sales. Im sure theyre marking up their wares, expecting to be haggled down, but I feel youre going too far. I know what its like, being poor.

His friend sighed. Its not like that, Vir. Theyre marking up their wares because were Sawai. They know we have the coin. Theyre all sharks, Vir. If you dont play hardball with them, theyll rip you to shreds.

How would you know? Not like youve been outside the village.

Riyans drilled all of this stuff into me. Weve even had mock exchanges where he pretends to be a greedy shopkeeper and I have to haggle him down. Compared to Riyan, these guys are pushovers.

Vir thought over her words and realized she had a point. After all, what did he know about city dwellers? The shopkeepers in Brij all expected to be haggled down, but they were always friendly to fellow villagers. Some of them even treated Vir politely, giving him discounts Though many just ignored him as if he didnt exist.

The hours dragged on, and their rucksacks grew heavier and heavier from the weight of the supplies they bought, forcing the two to return to the inn to transfer their loads onto Bumpy. Most of it was grains, rice, flour, and other nonperishables. Theyd bought comparatively few fruits and fresh vegetables, since those would go bad in a matter of weeks.

Alright, that should be good for now. We can grab the rest of the groceries when we buy the cleaning supplies, like baking soda and stuff. Lets do that tomorrow, Maiya said, holding up the bag of coins. Look at how much we still have left!

Uh, huh, Vir said. And what are you going to do with all that money you swindled from your bargaining?

She grabbed his left hand and put the money box in his palm, closing his fingers around it. Keep it safe. Well need the money for when we run away from Riyan, wont we? She said with a wink.

Vir immediately regretted everything hed said about his friends questionable business practices.

That's... amazing. He was prepared to argue at length to convince Maiya to save this money for the future, but hed misread her intentions; shed wanted the same all along.

You can say that again! Maiya said, beaming with smug satisfaction.

Speaking of Have you decided? Vir said, broaching the topic. Are we gonna make a run for it? We have some money left over, and a whole load of supplies.

Maiya looked away, fidgeting with her arms crossed. Then she looked Vir in the eyes, her face set with a grim expression.

Im not going, Vir. Not yet. This is my golden opportunity to learn magic, and even with ten silvers, we cant afford to hire a mejai to teach me. I cant leave yet.

Vir let out a breath. To be honest, Im glad you feel that way. Im the same. Feels like I still have a lot more to learn. Actually, if youd left I wouldnt have joined you.

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Maiya bonked his head. Silly, you think Id ever leave you alone with that man? Id never have gone my own way without you. Besides, there's no way you've had just left Neel behind!

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Vir smiled. He shouldve guessed shed say that.

Still, he said, I think we oughta reevaluate our situation regularly. When we leave, it should be on our terms, not his.

His friend nodded. Totally agree.

Vir felt as though a great weight lifted off of his shoulders.

Lets go do some exploring! I want to check out those docks! He said, squeezing Maiyas arm and pulling her along.

Heck yeah!

They hadnt even taken ten paces toward the harbor before fate tore their plan to shreds.

Guards rushed out onto the street from all directions. Traffic ground to a halt, trapping Vir and Maiya in an encirclement along with a dozen others.

What is the meaning of this? Maiya shouted, but her cries went unanswered.

Vir instinctively reached for his hood But came away empty. He wasnt wearing a hoodbad habit.

So he ducked behind Maiya instead, but she pushed him away.

Remember what Riyan taught us? Suspicious people act suspiciously, she whispered. Trust our disguise. Act casual.

Vir nodded, doing his best to come across as a bored rich kid. At least he didnt need to be discreet about looking at the guardseveryone was gawking at them already.

Theyre looking for someone, Maiya said.

I noticed. Theyre headed straight for us!

There was little either of them could do. With the cordon, there wasnt anywhere to run, nor could they hide. The guards were searching everyone.

Weve done nothing wrong, Maiya said to Vir. Ill handle this.

A guard dressed in gray gambeson armor strode up to them. Papers, please.

Maiya pulled her rich kid card, the same as shed done when theyd arrived at the gates. Im a son of the Suvir family. You dare ask for my papers?

Papers. Now, the guard said, holding an outstretched hand. Maiya clearly wasnt expecting this reaction. She paused, taken aback.

Itheyre at my inn.

Uh, huh. Nice try, boy.

Another guard approached. Thats them, alright. Two teens. Sons of a noble, he said, addressing Maiya. Your actions bring shame to your entire family. I hope you understand the gravity of your situation.

What is the meaning of this? Maiya fired back. Weve committed no crimes! We arrived just yesterday!

And this morning, no less than four shops were robbed by a pair of black-haired aristocrat teens.

Vir hadnt approved of Maiyas aggressive bargaining, but shed done nothing illegal. This had to be something else. Right?

We didnt do it! Maiya said. Someones framing us!

Its the word of two boys against four reputable shopkeepers. Who do ya think were gonna trust, boy?

Two sons of the Suvir family, Maiya retorted.

Aye, and if you are who you claim to be and youre found innocent, we shall make appropriate reparations. In the meantime, youre coming with us.

A quick glance of their surroundings painted a bleak picture. A half dozen guards in gambeson armor had encircled them, and their noose tightened with every passing moment, further limiting Virs options. It was plainly obvious that the two of them stood little chance of winning a confrontation.

Not to mention the crowdinnocent bystanders would likely get caught up in the action, and he was sure that all the blame would fall upon him and Maiya.

But Vir didnt need to win. Their disguises meant they could flee, then simply wipe off their makeup, and no one would ever find them. The vast benefits of the art of subterfuge were dawning on him.

W-what evidence do you have? Maiya shouted, her panic clear.

Vir took stock of his inventory. He had a single chakram draped around his neck, and a half dozen chakris worn as bracelets. Plus his katar, currently concealed inside his waistband.

Evidence? Boy, four shopkeepers have all lodged complaints of grand theft against you. Seems you stole a great number of goods from them all. Give up and come quietly. If you are who you say you are, Im sure yer father will have you out after a night or two in the prison.

Vir sidled up to Maiya and discreetly whispered into her ear. On my mark, well make a break for it. See that road over there?

Maiya nodded subtly, eying the street that intersected the principal thoroughfare they were on. Were gonna run there. Make the guards think were giving up.

His friend looked down dejectedly, acting frustrated. Fine. It seems that my brother doesnt want to make a scene, she said. We shall cooperate.

Good. Saran may be nowhere near where youre from, but we take our security very seriously.

Yes, yes. Get on with it, then, Maiya said, feigning irritation.

The guards sidled up around them and led them away from the rest of the crowd, shooing onlookers away.

Thats one obstacle cleared, Vir thought. No need to worry about hurting bystanders anymore.

They shuffled closer to the street Vir wanted to take. Maiya gave him a furtive glance, and he nodded back.

In one smooth motion, he retrieved the chakram from his neck and hurled it at the guard in front of them. Virs hands never stopped moving, lobbing chakris from his forearm in every direction.

With how close the guards were, it was hard to miss. Most bounced harmlessly off the guards gambeson, but some bit into exposed hands and necks.

Maiya was his perfect partner, shoving guards that began to react to Vir, and swiping at others with her katar to distract them.

They bolted for the street the instant an opening presented itself, running as hard as they could.

After them! Capture them!

Vir couldnt believe how quickly the guards reacted, pursuing them into the alley.

They were probably anticipating wed try and pull something Vir thought, scanning the street for any alleys they could take. Behind him, he heard someone blow a whistle, whose sound echoed through the whole alley.

Left! Turn left!

She complied, leading them into a back alley. Vir followed on her heels, leaping over sacks of garbage and Ashva dung. Maiya was less dextrousthe terrain slowed her considerably.

Vir took the lead, hoping to scout the other end of the alley while Maiya caught up.

As he neared the end of the narrow passage, two guards entered, cutting off his escape. Both wielded round metal dhal shields and spears, their deadly tips pointed straight at Vir, daring him to take them on.

Vir wasnt an idiot. He had no intention of fighting battles he couldnt win.

Back! Double back! He shouted, running to his friend. Then he saw the other end of the alleywhere theyd enteredand despaired.

Two guards occupied the entrance, pincering them in the alley. On both ends, their enemies moved in slowly, corralling them.

Think! What can we do?

Vir looked up. He saw balconies and poles jutting out horizontally into the alley. It took only half a second for him to chart a route up to the rooftops. Escape was possible For him.

Can you jump?

She looked up and blanched. I-Im sorry. I dont think I can, she said, shaking her head. Listen to me. I want you to save yourself. Escape on your own. Okay?

Vir seized up. Only seconds remained before the guards were upon them. With a sigh, he retrieved his katar. It was an old, rusted thing, sharpened by his amateur skills on Riyans grinding wheel.

What are you doing?

He held up his weapon for the guards to see. Then he threw it on the ground. He removed his remaining two chakris and threw them down as well, clasping his hands behind his head.

Weve lost, Maiya. We need to cooperate.

His friend stared at him blankly for a moment before biting her lip.

Gods, this is frustrating, she said. If only youd

Vir stared into her eyes, suddenly realizing what hed known all along, deep down. Come on, I'm not gonna abandon you.

She held his gaze for a long second, and nodded. She threw her own katar down as well.

Vir now understood how foolish hed been, thinking hed part ways with her if she wanted to leave Riyan. He couldnt. He wouldnt.

Even when the entire realm turns against you, Ill be there by your side. Fighting until the end. So dont tell me to leave you behind.

Vir! Maiya whispered.

Alright brat, said a guard, pointing his spear at them. We coulda done this the easy way. But nope. Youve gone and chosen the hard road. You chose pain. And it is pain that ye shall receive.

Vir moved in front of Maiya, shielding her. He took a deep breath and prepared himself for the worst.

Bring it.

Next time: 33 - The Culprit