Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 4: Those That Hunt. Those That Hide.

The villagers of Brij always enjoyed a spectacle, and for good reason. Drama was usually limited to gossip about this years crop yield, or at the very worst, someones husband looking the wrong way at someone elses wife. That could be called a rare event.

Something like the arrival of mounted soldiers? Now that was gossip material for years to come. Vir was sure many Brijers were looking forward to whatever was about to happen, despite their anxious expressions. Maiya was one of them.

Ugh! Cant hear a thing, Maiya said. We need to get closer.

Vir let Maiya lead him through the crowd that had gathered at the villages main plaza. She always took charge whenever she was worried. He didnt mind. In fact, he was glad to have such a reliable friend. Whenever she was around, he always got fewer looks from the villagers. And no one could push their way through a crowd like Maiya could.

As they got closer to the soldiers, Vir began hearing bits and pieces of the conversation.

I assure you, ser, weve nothing to hide! A familiar-sounding voice said.

Thats dad hes speaking to! Maiya whispered.

Then youve nothing to fear, head priest, the soldier said from atop his armored Ashva. Shining plate armor adorned the beastthe kind Vir had only heard of and never seen.

The soldier himself was no less adorned, clad head to toe in pristine steel with a cape dyed in the Hiranyan emerald-and-gold. His glistening breastplate looked like it spent more time getting polished than actually being used. On his back was a recurve shortbowdecorated in gold, of coursebut what caught Virs eye was the glimmering talwar at the soldiers hip.

His curved sword boasted too much gold for Virs liking, but the blade itself was mesmerizing, with a gorgeous two-tone pattern embedded in the steel. Vir stared at the blade for a long moment before he realized what it was. His eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

Impossible! He thought, his heartbeat quickening. Seric steel!?

It was the metal present in all the godly myths. The steel that was said to cut through regular steel like paper. He didnt know if those rumors were true, but he had heard that those blades could cost as much as a house

Vir appraised the other soldiers, but to his disappointment, none of them had any seric weapons. On the spot, he decided he would own one someday. He didnt know what hed do with it, and who knew how hed afford it, but none of that mattered; he wanted one anyway.

This is a routine inspection, nothing more, the soldier said through his full plate helm, his voice muffled and boomy.

Apramor frowned. This is the first time weve had soldiers inspect our village

Knights, priest. Knights, not soldiers. And I am the knighted captain of this detachment, Tejas Vastav. You would do well to remember that name.

So theyre not just soldiers theyre knights? Vir thought, panicking. That explained their opulent gear.

My apologies, Knight Captain Vastav, Apramor said with a bowed head. Surely honorable knights such as yourselves wouldnt waste your time with such a small village like ours?

Tisnt your place to question how we spend our time, priest, the knight said. Our orders come straight from the newly appointed royal priest. He is somewhat particular about these matters, you see. Your superior wishes to show our citizens that we are here, ready to serve and to protect. The winds are changing, Apramor. We need to maintain vigilance during these dark times.

The Knight Captains vague explanation did nothing to lessen the knot tightening in Virs stomach.

The Captain turned and addressed the crowd. Hear me, villagers of Brij. We, the third detachment of the Royal Hiranyan Knight Corps, have ridden hard from Daha. As citizens of our glorious kingdom, I expect your full cooperation during our inspections! Know that there is nothing to fear! We are protectors of the people. Our duty is to ensure your safety. However, our mission here may take some days. We require lodging. I hope we may impose upon you? He said, giving Apramor a sidelong glance.

Of course, Knight Captain! The villagers of Brij would be happy to host you, Apramor replied.

We are most appreciative, Captain Vastav said, with a small bow of his head. Vir wasnt expecting to see such politeness from someone like him. My knights will introduce themselves to each of you in turn. Until then, please disperse. All of you!

Lets go, Vir said, dragging Maiya away from the knights with his left hand before anyone could see him. Itd be bad if the knights got a glimpse of him. His right hand clutched his hood, desperately trying to hide as much of his face as possible.

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Fate wasnt so kind.

The two walked along the dirt road for less than a minute before a multitude of barks, yips, and howls pierced the air. Four bandies rounded a corner, whipped by their owners into a frenzy.

With all the villagers cloistered at the central square, there was no one to stop the bullies.

Guess I shouldnt have pissed them off, Maiya said, shirking back.

Thats right, Maiya! Be scared, Akros son, Camas, taunted. You really thought we were just gonna let let that what are you doing!?

Vir bolted the instant he saw the bandies, making them chase after him instead of Maiya. He jumped upon a crate, leaped through the air, and grabbed a pole. But hed learned from his mistake in the alley that morning. This time, he forced enough power into his legs, leveraging his momentum to throw himself onto the flat roof of a single-story house.

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Yes! Not only had he found safety, hed figured out a way to overcome his earlier failure, and that felt good.

The bandies all rushed to the base of the wall he stood atop of, snarling at him. But thanks to Virs advantageous position, the beasts were all bark and no bite. Vir calmly lobbed one pebble after another at their vulnerable muzzles, though hitting moving targets was a more difficult proposition than hitting stones as hed always done. He timed his shots, predicting where the bandies might end up, but he missed more often than he connected. Luckily, he had plenty of pebbles. He kept attacking, honing his aim with every throw, growing slightly better as the encounter dragged on.

Vir was sure of it now; something was different from before. He missed a lot, but his aim had somehow improved. As if he intuitively understood where he ought to throw his pebbles for maximum damage. No, that wasnt quite correct. He aimed as normal. But then, those voices in his head whispered, nudging him to alter his target ever so slightly. The words were nonsense, but they seemed to carry information within them.

The bandies finally routed, tails between their legs.

Camas hurled insults the entire time, blaming him for the famine, calling him Harvest Scorned, Red Eyes, and all sorts of other things, but little did he know that hed just contributed to Vir growing his throwing skills. He almost couldnt keep the smile off of his face; that was some good practice.

Come up with something original next time, Vir taunted. Ive grown bored of your old ones. Havent you?

Losing no time, he jumped down and rejoined Maiya. Though Camas didnt pursue, they ran the rest of the way regardless. Bandies scared easily, but would eventually return.

Several times, Vir felt like he was about to black out from the exertion, but he pushed through, arriving heaving and panting at his home on the outskirts.

Secret entrance, Maiya whispered. In case theyre watching.

She wriggled through their secret entrance, and Vir followed right behind her. The moment he emerged through the hole into their room, he fell onto all fours, panting.

Maiya, he said between breaths, I think theyre here for me.

Huh? You may be a bit special, but I dont think the king would send out his knights just to find a boy in some backwater village.

You heard him talk about how theres a new religious advisor, didnt you? And you know what the religious texts say about Ashborn. And theres never been an inspection like this before! Your dad even said so.

Thats true, but

I dont know why everyones so scared of Ashborn, but I am different. They make that abundantly clear, Vir said, touching the eight-spoked geometric tattoo on his chest.

Maiya fell silent. I its not like I dont understand, but I still think youre overreacting. Lets just lie low for now. Why dont you stay inside your house until all of this blows over? I can bring you whatever you need, alrig!?

A series of loud, hard knocks startled them.

Open up in there! This is a knightly inspection. Nothing to fear. Open the door!

Hide! Ill answer the door, Maiya whispered.

No! He whispered back. Wont it be suspicious if they find the daughter of the head priest alone in my house?

Oh right. T-Then what should we do?

Just pretend were not here!

Oi! Anybody home? I said open up. I must warn you that the penalty for impeding a knightly investigation is dire!

The rapping stopped. Then came the sound of footsteps.

Who are you? Name yourself! the knight commanded.

Just a nobody, ser knight.

Vir cracked the curtain to find old man Akros outside.

Just wanted to say that this be Rudviks place. Hes off in the woods with his son today, ser.

Why him? Vir thought frantically. Why did it have to be Akros?

A pause.

Is that so? the knight said in a quieter, more respectful tone. Thank you, citizen. By the way, you wouldnt have heard about an Ashborn living in this village, would you?

Vir went pale.

I, er. I wouldnt know anything about that, ser.

Are you sure?

Q-quite. If I can help your highness in any way, please do let me know.

Virs ears had to have failed him. Did Akros just stick up for me!?Why would he do that?

The soldier grumbled. Not your highness. Just a ser. And no. We need nothing further from you. Run along now.

Vir exchanged a tense glance with Maiya. Then there were more footsteps outside.

Well, what do you think? One soldier asked. Their voices hushed, making it hard to hear.

Vir desperately tried to still his raging heart. He couldve sworn it was so loud that the knights could hear every beat.

Yet another Brijer denying the Ashborns presence, one knight said.

Well, our spy already confirmed the Ashborns presence here, didnt he? What use is it asking the locals? Red eyed, pale skinned. Lumberjacks son. Couldnt possibly be anyone else.

Well, true, but tisnt bad to lend an ear to the locals now and then. They tend to know the ins and outs.

Maybe. But isnt all this very unusual? Who would protect an Ashborn?

Vir concurred. This was out of character for Akros. Or maybe the irate man wasnt as bad as Vir had thought? He found that somewhat hard to believe

The other knight chuckled. Well, you and I wouldnt understand it, but these villagers have a level of cohesion that is sometimes difficult to understand. Ive heard theyll even harbor criminals if theyre one of their own.

The sound of someone spitting. Backwater bumpkins Cant fathom how we got assigned to this miserable post. Oy! You two, come replace us. Guard the back door too, just in case.

Sounds of boots shuffling. Two more guards had taken their place at Virs home, and now they had guards at both doors.

The soldiers finally walked away, their voices dying out. But the pair that guarded his home remained. One in front, another at the back. These knights werent taking any chances.

Well, itll all be over soon One villager to talk justification locals on our side delicate situations.

... doesnt take long.

Shouldnt just villagers all.

Vir finally let out the breath hed been holding. He realized hed been shivering. When did it get so cold?

I dont believe this, Maiya whispered. You were right!? How? I mean, why? Whyd they come after you? Youre harmless. Ashborn are harmless!

They clearly dont think so!

What should we do?

Vir sat down and sank into thought, the ancient floorboards creaking under his weight.

The answer was obvious. Ill leave the village. I cant risk father and everyone else getting caught up in this.

Thats noble of you and all, but wont that raise even more suspicion? If you just up and disappeared, everyone will blame Rudvik, wont they?

She had a point.

I cant believe Akros didnt snitch on you, but I feel like its only a matter of time before someone does.

I dunno what he was thinking. Hes the most religious person in town, and everyone knows he hates my guts, Vir said. And then theres Apramor.

Dad would never betray you. Never! Maiya said, raising her voice, before putting her hands over her mouth. The two went silent, but luckily, the guards hadnt heard.

I like your dad too, but if the knights threaten you or your mum, what do you think hed do?

Hed, IArgh! his friend whispered, grabbing her long, flaming hair. What should we do? Think. Think! Maiya! Think!

Well, calm down, Vir whispered back, surprising himself. He felt like he was the one who needed to calm down, but seeing Maiya panic somehow made him less nervous.

He took a deep breath. Lets Lets just wait for my father to get back from the woods, okay?

Mmm yeah. Good idea. Yeah. Im uh. Ill go find dad. Hell know what to do. Stay here until I get back.

Right. Lets leave this to the adults. Lets not do anything rash, okay?

Maiya nodded vigorously, as if she was trying to convince herself. Right, she said, peeking outside. Okay. Theyre not looking anywhere near the tunnels exit.

She walked over and gave him a deep hug. Im sorry you have to deal with this. I just I wish

Smiling awkwardly, he broke her embrace. T-Thanks.

Maiya squeezed his shoulder, then crawled into the hole and slipped out.

All I have to do now is wait, I guess.

Vir had lost count of the number of times hed been alone in the house but today? Today, the prospect of spending several hours by himself chilled him to his very bones.

Cmon father. Hurry