Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 101: Aryan

Where are you? muttered a black-haired Mejai of Realms in an ornate robe. He stood hunched over a map of the region, his eyes furrowed in frustration.

The shelter they cloistered in could hardly be called a cabin; hastily constructed and later abandoned, it was one of the several hideouts Hiranya maintained for its intelligence operatives in other countries.

Today, it housed a half dozen mejai, the least of them a Greater Mejai of Ash, all of whom kept a close watch on the red-skinned four armed giant who stretched out on a nearby bench.

As much as it pleases me to watch you struggle, I tire of this boredom, the four-armed half-giantCirayusthundered. Come, sing for me. Tell me at least one of you can sing?

Watch your words, demon. Youll have your fight soon enough. He cannot hide from us for long, the Mejai of Realms replied.

Oho? What makes you say that? Hes hidden from you for a week now, has he not? Such superior mejai ought to be able to find one little gray demon, dont you think?

The Mejai of Realms ground his teeth. As much as he wanted to deny it, the demon was right. His men had spent every waking hour combing Parul, searching for any sign or rumor of anyone matching the assassins description. Despite knowing their preys most likely path, theyd found no trace of the boy.

You said he wears a disguise, did you not? Cirayus asked, idly plopping an entire branch of grapes into his mouth. He neglected to spit the branches back out.

Yes, but even so, there is a limit to what he can change. His frame and the Bandy that travels with him are not so easy to conceal.

Do struggle, human, Cirayus said, cracking his neck. I do not take kindly to failure.

Morning came late the next day. With the plateau facing west, and with the tall Legion Mountains towering above, light didnt hit the camp until well into the morning. Despite Avis temperate climate, the chill was cooler here on the mountain. To make matters worse, a morning breeze had kicked up, sweeping through the plateau and down the mountain.

Vir was already packed and ready when Tia came bumbling out of her camp, still in her sleepwear. She nearly ran right into Bumpy before Vir caught her.

So light, he thought. Somehow, hed expected the warrior to be heavier. She had such a confident, bold personality, it only felt right that shed be equally weighty.

Sowwy, Tia said, tottering, still half-asleep.

I see our leader is giving you trouble right from the get-go, Vason said, grasping her shoulder and coaxing her back.

Stoo early, Tia mumbled.

Its really not, Vir heard Vason say as they sauntered to their camp.

The girl reminded Vir of Maiya in more ways than one.

The caravan soon set out, and the going immediately became tough. Yesterday, the mountain road had turned into switchbacks, zigzagging its way up the mountain to reduce the grade. But as they went higher up the mountain, the switchbacks grew tighter and narrower, forcing the caravan to stop and negotiate tight turns.

What wouldve taken Vir thirty minutes took three hours, and there had been several close calls. The path was barely wide enough to allow a single wagon by, and an errant step could send a wagon careening off the mountain.

Through some quick acting by Vir and Spears Edges, theyd avoided such a disaster, but without them Vir didnt want to think how many would have died. As Vir was learning, mountains were treacherous even on a good day. He dared not imagine what dangers the mountain posed during bad weather, or in the dark.

The wind continued to mount as they approached the pass, forcing Neel to jump off Bumpy and follow alongside. Vir himself dismounted, leading the Ashva the final steps on foot.

Saddled between tall peaks that soared for thousands of feet above on either side, the pass acted like a channel for the wind rushing up the mountain. It howled and battered the rocks, and everything not strapped was sent flying. Fabric tore off the wagons, and Vir could barely keep himself upright.

Aryan motioned for them to continue throughhis voice was lost in the din.

And just like that, it was over. The moment they crossed the pass and rounded their first bend on the other side, the wind died off completely, leaving a warm sun and lush forest for as far as Virs eyes could see.

The scenery may have been somewhat greener on the western side, but here? It was like theyd stepped through a gate into another world. The forest canopy spread like a green mat far below them, and birds soared high above, chirping and swooping.

And in the distance, at the eastern edge of the forest, lay a small town. Eshanatheir destination.

First time through a mountain pass? Vason asked, drawing up alongside Bumpy once the road had widened. While the way up had been difficult for the animals heart, the way down was hard on his bones, so the caravans slow pace was a welcome respite for the injured Ashva.

Vir nodded. That was intense

And now it feels like were getting paid even less than we ought to, eh?

Virs face darkened. The low pay reminded him of the concerns hed had about the group since signing on.

Dont you think all of this is a bit suspicious? Vir asked. Why so many guards for a caravan in this area?

Vason shrugged. Some clients are rich and would rather have the sense of security. Others have good reason to be afraid. People with enemies, or those carrying valuable cargo.

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You think thats whats going on here? Vir asked.

Vason shrugged. No way to know, friend. If were attacked, we defend the caravan. Simple as that.

It was after theyd reached the bottom of the pass and had broken for a rest that they gained some clarity on the situation.

Aryan walked up to Vir and the Spears Edgewho were munching on sandwiches, with their Ashva huddled around them for privacyto discuss a proposition.

So, theres the matter of your payment, Aryan barked.

Oy oy, Vason said. Dont tell me youre about to decrease our pay? One silver is already bottom-barrel money for this kind of contract, you know?

So theyre getting the same rate I am, Vir reflected. It truly was a paltry amount, barely even enough to cover the supply cost accrued.

Actually, the opposite, Aryan said with a sly grin. I can double yer pay If yer willing to accept alternative methods of payment.

Payment in goods? Tia asked. Cant speak for our hooded friend here, but Spears Edge might be amenable. What are we talking about, and how much?

Vir supposed payment in foodstuffs or weapons might work. Those were easy enough to sell at any local town. The hassle might be worth it if it meant more coin.

Aryan tossed a small pouch to Tia, who unraveled the drawstring and peered inside, sniffing its contents. Her face hardened the moment she did.

I see, Tia said, tossing the bag back to Aryan. Mind giving us a few moments to discuss?

Take your time, the man said. You have until we arrive at Eshana, after all.

Vason cleared his throat. Dont tell me its

Its opium, Tia whispered. Weve been protecting opium smugglers.

Vason whistled while Haymi began pacing around.

I take it opiums illegal in Rani? Vir asked.

Quite, Tia replied. The Pagan Order grows it as medicine, but its quite a powerful drug. Black markets the world over are always looking to get their hands on the stuff. Its use is strictly prohibited in Rani, and well, lets just say none of us want to be caught anywhere near the stuff.

I cant believe the Brotherhood allowed a contract such as this. Theyll make no friends if this ever comes to light.

I suppose this is the real reason for the no penalty, Vir said. This caravans not even bound for Eshana, is it?

Haymi shook her head. They must have a rendezvous point outside the town somewhere. There isnt a chance theyll get past the gate guards. Not unless theyre carrying a tiny amount that could be cleverly hidden.

So? Vason asked. What do we do? I say we ditch this contract at all haste. If a Ranian patrol finds us and discovers whats going on Well, thatll be a bad day. Doubt even the Brotherhood could cover for us in that situation.

Agreed, Tia said. Well collect our paymentin coinand leave.

I doubt Aryan will take kindly to that, Haymi said quietly. We might have a fight on our hands.

Why dont we accompany the caravan until were in the woods? Vir said. Then we can accost Aryan together and demand our money without the rest of the caravan being the wiser. If hes smart, hell pay us our pittance, and well be on our way. If hes not well at least be in a good position to fight or flee.

And besides, were talking a silver a head here, Vason replied. Not like its life-changing money for any of us. If we can get our coin, great. If not, I dont know if its worth a fight. We could just bail.

Everyone nodded.

Tia turned to Vir. You sound well practiced at this kind of thing. Well let you determine when we ought to make our move.

Understood. Im guessing another hour should be ideal. Once were in the woods, itll be a lot harder for the caravan guards to surround us.

Trees soon enveloped the wagons, and unlike the Godshollow, this forest was quite dense with smaller trees and shrubs.

Vir nodded at Vason, who flagged down Haymi and Tia. Despite Aryan telling them to divide between the front and the rear of the caravan, theyd cloistered near the middle after the last rest break. Not so close that itd raise suspicion, but close enough to communicate via gestures and nods.

Without a word, all four brought their Ashvas up to the head of the convoy, where Aryan sat with a guard. One guard riding on his wagon, and two more mounted on Ashva nearby.

Vir pulled alongside the leader.

Weve made our decision, Vir said. We cant accept the alternative payment youd suggested. Wed like our payment in coin, and wed like half now, owing to the nature of what youre carrying.

Doesn't work that way. If you cant accept my payment, Im afraid youre out of luck. I got no coppers to give you.

That so? Vir said, facing forward.

There was no hesitation. One moment, he idled on his Ashva, and by the next, hed already jumped onto Aryans wagon, forcingthe guard beside him off with the impact of his Leap.

Tia and Vason immediately drew alongside the other two guards as Aryans guard went tumbling onto the road.

So, Vir said, his katar blade at Aryans throat. Do you feel like paying us now?

Aryan locked eyes with him for a long moment, his hands still on the reins. Then he sighed, retrieving his coin bag.

Vir fished out two silvers and fifty coppers for Spear's Edge, and fifty for himself.

Ive taken half for services rendered thus far. Youre on your own from now on.

Vir jumped back to Bumpy, then gave the sign to Spear's Edge. Most of the caravan guards still hadnt realized anything was wrong, but the situation wouldnt remain that way for long.

With a jerk of the reins, Bumpy split off into the woods, and Spears Edge followed. Another ten minutes of forest riding put them far ahead of the caravan, and Vir guided them back to the road, where they sped up. Aryan and his crew werent anywhere in sight.

Well, thats gotta be a first, Tia said as they trotted. Dont think weve ever completed a contract quite like that before. Yknow, they say theres a spirit that dwells in these forests, watching all that happens within it. Maybe the spirits blessing was with us today.

Vir glanced at the freckled blonde. There used to be a similar myth about the forest I grew up near. Rumors of a white ghost. Turned out to be a man, dressed in white. An imposing, impressive man, but a mortal nonetheless. Id take these myths with a grain of salt.

And ruin my sense of wonder? Tia said, bringing the back of her hand to her forehead. Dressed in her armor, the gesture left Vir unconvinced.

Shaking his head, he handed over Tias portion. Its such a small sum, but it didnt feel right getting the full value out of Aryan. I only took half of what we were owed.

Tia reached over from her mount to pat his shoulder. Honorable. I like that. Besides, half of nothing is still nothing. We picked this contract to make something along the road to Avi. Not like we were relying on the money, anyway. But you did really well back there. I was expecting a messy fight, but you got the money and got out before anyone ever knew what happened.

Thanks, Vir said. It was lucky Aryan didnt resist. Wouldve made things a lot harder if he had.

Really? With the skills you showed, I think itd have gone just swimmingly, Tia said, flashing a grin.

Several hours of riding put them at Eshana. Unlike practically every major town Vir had heard of, Eshana lacked a wall, with only a handful of guards along the forest road. Its idyllic feel and position next to the forest reminded Vir of Brij, but that was where all similarities ended.

Like Zorin, Eshana was a vibrant place, with wagons and Ashva moving over its well-manicured cobblestone roads and tile roofs dyed in every hue imaginable. It wasnt quite as bustling or crowded as Zorin, but it somehow avoided coming across as sleepy.

Once theyd flashed their Brotherhood plaques and entered the town, Tia glanced at Haymi and Vason, who gave her an exasperated look.

Say, Param. Why dont you accompany us to the Brotherhood building here? We can file our mission report and gain accommodations.

Vir nodded, oblivious to Tias trap. Right up until they all got a table at the tavern.

Dont worry, its on me, Tia said, gesturing to the meal and drink laid out before them. It was an impressive selection that tasted as delectable as it looked, with a myriad of fruit, vegetables, and even fried condensed soy milk. While it lacked taste on its own, when dipped into the various chutney sauces, the result was divine.

Tia looked at Vir with the eyes of predators while he gorged himself.

Whats going on? he asked, suddenly feeling like a cornered animal.

Tia cleared her throat. So the thing is, we want you to join our party.