Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 243: Surprise!

Still, Sanithe middle-aged mother whod welcomed Vir into her homesaid with a chuckle. Must say Im surprised. Warrior Callings arent usually so helpful with chores. Or at least, dont let others see you doing chores.

The woman had assumed Vir was of the Warrior Calling and had put Vir to work right away to earn his keep. Despite not wanting any part of this, Vir obliged. While he wanted to see what demons in the demon realm were like, after meeting her four children, he felt compelled to help out in any way he could. They certainly looked like they needed a hand.

Vir began by sweeping the small floor of their yurt and was now accompanying Sani, carrying her dirty laundry to the well. Laundry he was certain hadnt been washed in months.

Partially to distract himself from the stench, Vir pondered her words.

Cirayus had mentioned the demons Calling System, once. Long ago.

Listen, lad. The demons have a system you wont find anywhere in the Human Realm. At least, its not as codified there. I speak of the Calling System. Demonic society is based on roles. Laborers, Warriors, Rulers and Outcasts. You belong to one, and one alone. Laborers cannot fight. Warriors cant become merchants. Outcasts cant do much of anything other than beg. Been this way for as long as anyone can remember.

It was so long ago that Vir struggled to remember the systems many nuances. Cirayus had stressed the Callings were not equal, though the system was initially intended for them to be. Outcasts occupied the lowest rung, with the Rulers sitting at the top.

When Cirayus had described it, Vir expected it to be an unspoken thing, where people knew of each others Calling the same way they did their social class.

It wasnt. Hanging from Sanis neck was a burgundy painted wooden piece, etched with a symbol of a farmer with a pickaxe tilling a field.

Sani was a Laborer Calling. Specifically of the farming and agriculture Sub-Calling. Each Calling had numerous sub-callings, though shifting between those was far easier. If Sani wished to become a merchant, she might be able to, if she had the means.

Judging from the general poverty of the village, it was abundantly clear to Vir that these callings were in no way equal.

You alright, son? the woman said with a look of concern. Feeling unwell, by any chance?

Sorry, just lost in thought. A lots happened lately, Vir replied.

Sani was a red demon like most hed come across but was as thin as a twig. Itd been a long time since Vir had seen anyone as emaciated as her. If anyone was unwell, itd be her. Vir wasnt even sure he could get sick anymore, with how strengthened his body now was.

They arrived at the well a short way away. It was a wide well, about ten paces across, and open to the air to catch any rainwater. Based on how low the water was, however, Vir guessed the area received preciously little precipitation.

He operated the hand winch, lowering the bucket all the way, before hoisting it back up.

You do this yourself? Vir asked. He barely noticed the effort, but for a regular demon, itd be quite the workout. Let alone for someone as weak as Sani.

She flexed her nonexistent bicep. Dont underestimate what this woman can do, young man!

Ah, right. Demonic constitution. Even as weakened as she was, she was likely stronger than the average human.

So, what brings you around to these parts? she asked. Howre your kind these days? Havent heard much since your assault. Challish, that. Challish, but daring. Her eyes gleamed.

Vir had a whole Ashload of questions to ask Sani, many of which pertained to the rebellion. How many of them were there? Who was organizing them? How did they hide from the Chitran? What was the sentiment toward them?

Posing as a member of the rebellion had worked well for Vir, but it also prevented him from asking most of those questions, lest Sani grow suspicious. The last thing Vir needed was to draw attention, even if he was in disguise.

At least Ive learned my lessons there. The weapon at Virs hipa talwar borrowed from Cirayuswould no longer give him away. Only Shan might, though the wolf did a mighty fine job of disappearing whenever he pleased, as had done the moment theyd fled the Chitrans.

Still, maintaining his disguise didnt mean he couldnt ask anything.

I take it youre Gargan, then? Vir asked quietly as he worked the winch.

Damn right, I am. They can make me wear the Chitran badge, she said, gripping her Calling badge, but they cant change the color of my soul. And I tell you, I bleed gold. Always have. Always will.

Vir was confused for a moment before he remembered the colors of the Gargan flaga golden bull on a dark brown background with a red border.

He nodded, as if in sympathy, betraying no hint of his misgivings. Riyan mightve been a harsh, twisted man, but Vir honestly didnt know how hed have survived without the acting skills the man had imparted.

How many sympathizers in this area? he asked.

Sanis eyes opened wide. You lot planning something?

Just gathering intelligence, is all.

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Well, not many of us here. About eighty. Of them, Id say a quarter have bought into the Chitrans Ashva dung. Traitors, the lot of them. Another thirty wont get involved in any conflict. Cowards. Say, about ten or so able-bodied warriors you could count on. Make that twenty if you dont need em to fight. Count me in, too, by the way.

The woman had a fire in her spirit that surprised Vir. Hed thought that after all these years, any fight the Gargans had would be long gone.

I need to get in touch with this rebellion.

Hed been agonizing over how to get Sani to tell him how to do just that when she handed him the answer.

So what news from Samar Patag? she asked.

Vir cocked a brow. Meaning?

Thats where you lot are based, iddnt it? You cant tell me you havent heard anything.

Vir shrugged, feigning resignation. Ive been out on assignment lately, going to various villages. Im afraid any news would be months out of date.

Well, oh well. Sani sighed. All of a sudden, she looked years older.

I screwed up, Vir realized, panicking. Sani had been hoping for a morsel of hope. Anything she could latch onto. Such commodities had to have been precious in a place like this.

I cant say for certain, Vir started, but there may be good things in our future. Do not lose hope. Gather those who believe. Keep your heads low.

Sanis expression brightened, and a devilish smile crept across her face. Now, thats what we want to hear.

A knot formed within Virs chest. It was a lie, and a blatant one, at that. He hadnt even met this rebellion. He didnt know how strong they were, or whether theyd even get along. For all he knew, they hated the Akh Naras guts.

Sometimes, the truth is less important than what people need to hear, said a nostalgic voice in his head. It was, surprisingly, Tias voice.

Vir set the bucket of water down nearby, and Sani began immersing the clothes. It was the murkiest water Vir had ever seenand that was before shed put her clothing in. He genuinely wondered whether the clothes would be cleaner after.

As he worked the well, Vir took a look at the other villagers. Parents chatted with each other as their kids played. Others went about their daily chores. It was overall a peaceful environment. If not for the rags they wore and their lack of shoes, Vir mightve called it idyllic.

Oddly enough, most of the women, and even some of the men, wore some form of jewelry. The women sported an assortment of bronze earrings, nose rings, belly rings, or toe rings, while the men opted mostly for basic ear studs. Though simple, they were very obviously far more precious than anything else they wore.

Why would they sacrifice footwear in favor of some piercings?

There was so much about demonic culture that Vir didnt know about. He was behind the curve, and if he had any notion of ever leading these people, he needed to catch up. Fast.

Thatll do it, Sani said, finishing up. The kids should have food ready by now. A hard days work calls for a hearty meal, dont you think?

Vir nearly cringed. It was plainly obvious how little Sani ate. Caring mother that she was, shed been favoring feeding her children over herself.

How many days would she starve with the food she prepared for me? Vir wondered.

He followed her back into the home, thinking of how to decline her generosity. Despite their big hearts, these were not people in a position to give.

Darsh! Sani called out to one of her children.

Darsh was a demon boy of around eight or nine, with a crooked nosethe kind one gets from having their face punched in one too many times.

Bullying? Or something else?

Vir didnt have a chance to ask.

Go and fetch some bread from the baker, Sani said, holding up a single copper coin.

Darsh glanced at Vir, and his eyes lit up.

He grabbed the coin and was about to dash out the window when Vir swiped the money from him.

Hey! Whats the big idea?

Sani raised her brow but said nothing as Vir examined the coin.

Its the same. Its the same!

The coin was Imperium currency. The very same currency the Human Realm used.

Vir let out a wry laugh.

Something off?

No, no. Just thinking how ironic the world truly is.

Vir handed the coin back to Darsh, realizing just how rich he couldve been in this realm, had he not bought into Badals investment property idea. The money wasnt goneand if all went well, hed one day return to the Human Realm even richerbut right now, he was poor.

Poor, but not broke.

Vir produced ten coppers and handed them to Darsh, closing the boys fingers around the money. Get as many as this much will buy you, he said.

Sani was about to open her mouth in protest when Vir flipped her a silver coin. It was one of the few he had left, but he suspected earning money in the Demon Realm would be far easier for him than it would be for her.

You? Why? Sani stuttered.

Keep it. Use it to further the cause, Vir said, giving her a knowing look.

Sani nodded several times. Today, we feast like kings!

The feast consisted of a few pieces of stale bread, diluted lentil soup, and coconut water.

Basic fare for Vir, but the looks of absolute glee on the familys faces made it one of the tastiest meals Vir had ever eaten.

So, have you been here your whole life? Vir asked, trying to imagine what growing up in a place like this must have been like. The parallels to Brij were there, but this was on another level of poverty entirely. In Brij, Vir only starved in winter. Here, it felt like emaciation and hunger were the norm.

Their looks of confusion told Vir hed made a mistake.

Sorry. I was training in the Ash before this mission. Im not up to date on recent happenings.

Sani and her children nodded, though they were still somewhat surprised. Apparently, hed asked a very basic question.

Vir was only now discovering how difficult it was to maintain a believable cover identity when he wasnt versed in the local customs.

Only been here a year or so. Were thinking of moving on soon, though no one knows where. The lands barren, and the Chits dont lift a finger to aid us. Maybe people didnt like the routes King Maion had us follow, but at least we never starved. Not like this.

Theyre nomads

The ramshackle structures now made sense to Vir. Not only were the villagers constrained by their poverty, but they never intended to stay long.

If youre wanting to resupply, Im afraid youve come to the wrong place, Sani continued. This village aint equipped to outfit a warrior band. Barely enough to get by on our own.

Do you think your baker could spare enough for a weeks worth for two or three people? Vir asked. Hed somewhat anticipated the answer.

Tell ya what? Leave it to me, and Ill rustle up enough for yer folks. On one condition.

Vir raised a brow.

You accompany my kiddos to Samar Patag, and well be square. Villages got an Ashva wagon we use to get supplies. You can all pile on that.

Vir didnt respond immediately.

The road's a dangerous place these days, Sani continued. Id breathe a lot easier if someone capable like you guarded them. Assuming youre headed that direction, of course. Just thought you might be.

Vir wanted to ask how far Samar Patag was but didnt. That wouldve been common knowledge, and Vir knew well that asking such questions was a recipe for arousing suspicion.

Are we closer than Cirayus thought? Vir wondered.

Riding an Ashva wagonwould be about the same pace as Vir and Cirayus could maintain.

I am, though I cannot speak for my brothers, Vir said, hastily using a word a Gargan rebel might use. Id like to consult with them before I accept.

Of course, of course.

Vir excused himself and left the village alone.

Well, Maiya, they seem like nice people. Its tragic, though, seeing how they live. I wonder if its like this everywhere.

Hed taken to speaking out loud like this ever since the events in that cavern. A part of him recognized it as an unhealthy habit, though a much larger part didnt care. It helped calm his nerves.

Then I guess youll just have to fix it, wont you?

Right, Vir said, chuckling to himself. Look at me Im talking to myself now.

Wait. He froze. Talking?

Vir dropped his rucksack and rushed to pull out the communication orb. It glowed with white light.

M-Maiya?

Hi, Vir! Long time no see!