Chapter 296 - A Ballad for Balance

*Eldovian Era 1714, 19th day of the 3rd month*

The group set off towards the Ruby Eyed Snake Tribe's village just a few minutes after the introductions were given. Aegin had taken over the reins of the cart, letting Rima and Tigin sleep in the back. Sevis had ridden his own horse beside Aegin, which he had gone to retrieve as Aegin, Rima and Tigin packed away their things. The other two Tribesman, Jahelo and Kaedan, brought up the rear.

There were several minutes of companionable silence before Tigin and Rima, both exhausted, fell asleep.

"So how is it that you come to know so much about the paths of Chaos?" asked Aegin.

Sevis looked over, surprised, "What do you mean?"

"Well, my exposure to it has been minimal at best despite me now being a part of it. I just wondered how you and those here in the west seem to know so much more, even Rima knew more than I did," Aegin said, "It was quite disconcerting".

"You…you are unaware?"

"It's not common knowledge where I come from. In fact, I didn't even realise there was a seventh god until I came here. The Holy Order only worsh.i.p.s six," said Aegin.

"I see, that is quite disturbing," said Sevis, "After all, the world needs balance, and to only support those gods who represent the balance of the physical and natural elements is…well it does not sound right".

"You say natural elements, then is chaos unnatural? How can there be a God for it if it is unnatural?" asked Aegin.

Sevis chuckled, "You misunderstand. Chaos is not something that can be touched or seen with the n.a.k.e.d eye, it can only be felt and experienced through one's soul. It is a spiritual aspect that balances the hefty weight of the six worldly aspects".

"We are all born with the potential for both Order and Chaos, for good and evil, physical deeds and spiritual. The goal of one's life should be to reach a balance between the two," said Sevis.

"I may not know much, but I know that Order is no longer welcome in my life," said Aegin, "I cannot be balanced".

"Balance is achievable within those of us who remain human," said Sevis, "From my understanding, the purpose of those that walk either the paths of chaos, or those of order, is not one of internal balance, but external. The Paths and those that walk them are like the origins and conduits of the world's energy. When they come into conflict, it is not in fact themselves but the world they are influencing".

Aegin suddenly felt all too small.

"But, as I said, I have only the barest understanding, my knowledge lies in that of a warrior for my tribe, not a spiritualist," said Sevis, clearly realising Aegin's sudden discomfort. They were silent for a while before Sevis spoke up again, "If it is not rude of me to ask, what is your path?"

Aegin glanced over, hesitant for all of a second before he responded.

"I am a Vampire".

Sevis nodded, an expression of enlightenment on his face. Not fear or caution like Aegin expected, "One of the Chaos Paths that is more prevalent, and the cost of which is far more obvious than others".

"The cost?" asked Aegin. He only had a vague understanding of such things.

Sevis nodded, "This world is all about balance. The Chaos paths have great power on their own, but each path comes with something that must be sacrificed to disentangle them from Order and bring them fully onto Chaos' path. As I understand it, you must take your power from the blood of the living, yes?"

Aegin nodded, "What about the Djinn? What do they sacrifice?"

"No one is really sure. Some of the Chaos paths are more obscured than others. What I do know is that it's quite rare," said Sevis, "There is only two recorded instances of our tribe encountering a Djinn, but both times it altered the entire Tribe's path".

"Oh?" asked Aegin, interested.

Sevis nodded, "The first was about ten thousand years ago. At least from what the Elders say, it could be longer than that because we don't keep many written histories like I've heard other peoples do. Anyway, one of the chief's sons found the Djinn nearly dead. He didn't know it was a Djinn, and brought it back to the village to heal it. At that time our Tribe was only just starting, and we were nomadic. We were struggling to survive, so when the Djinn awakened and told the Chief's son that he'd grant him a wish for saving him, he wished for the Tribe's health and security. Both were granted. Our Tribesman from those original bloodlines rarely die of disease because of it".

Aegin raised his eyebrows. To ensure something like that for so many generations? That was some power. And such a good deed. Sure it was in return for something, was it perhaps the cost? That the Djinn could grant anything wished of it so long as something had been done to satisfy it in return? It seemed a little simple though. Sevis continued.

"The second instance was about two thousand years later. A daughter of the Tribe was bitten by a deadly snake. Just then, a Djinn happened to be travelling nearby. He promised to save her if only she wished for it. She wished that the snake's venom wouldn't kill her, and so she lived. The Tribe was so honoured and grateful that they named the Tribe after the snake and colour of the Djinn's eyes. I thought you were a Djinn at first with your red eyes, but you did not behave like a Djinn," Sevis said.

"Oh, and how is a Djinn supposed to behave?" asked Aegin.

"They are considered gods on the Hava Rastellan. To treat them or see behaviour less than that is not likely," Sevis spoke gravely, "After all, the Djinn are not always so gracious. I've heard that some Djinn are quite malicious, they'll slaughter and ruin and destroy whatever displeases them".

Sevis glanced at Aegin, as if unsure if Aegin would do the same. Aegin just smiled.

"Well hey, if you don't do anything that could harm me, I don't have a problem with you. The last guy who did, his blood probably still coats his meeting table," Aegin said.

Sevis paused a moment, as if to test if Aegin was kidding, then he relaxed, "If he stood against you, he probably deserved his fate".

Aegin raised an eyebrow, "Are you saying that because I walk a path of Chaos, or because you believe in my judge of character? Because I've only known you a few hours".

Sevis shrugged, "Perhaps a bit of both". He then nodded towards Tigin and Rima, "But you don't seem to have mistreated them and you've been with them for over a month, yes?"

"If word is to be believed, a month is nothing to me, I'll live forever," said Aegin.

"Time is relative, yes, but the fact that you question it tells me you haven't been walking your path long," said Sevis.

Aegin huffed and turned away, "You're very intuitive".

"It's my job," said Sevis, "My father would expect nothing less".

Aegin frowned, "Don't you wish for something that your father doesn't?"

"What do you mean?" asked Sevis.

Aegin sighed. Why had he said that? He hardly wanted to reminisce, he gave Sevis the shortest excuse he could muster, "Fatherly expectations are hard to live up to".

Sevis opened and closed his mouth for a moment in thought before he replied, "You're right. Perhaps I'd like to travel someday, but for now, I am happy. That is enough. Ah, there's the village".

Sevis pointed to the normally flat horizon where now several islands and towers of rock seemed to surround one area. As they drew closer, it was clear that that area was the Ruby Eyed Snake Tribe's village. A large lake and a forest rested there, as well as a few small fields of what appeared to be wheat and perhaps another grain. Then, in the centre of it all, was a series of round, 1 storey structures that appeared to be made from sandstone. Various pieces of canvas billowed between them, barrels, bots and stacks of various items pressed against the sandstone walls.

Aegin nodded, seemed like a humble enough place. It was still dark, so there did not seem to be anyone up but a few guards at the main entrance as they approached. Aegin sighed. Let's hope the rest of the village was as welcoming to him as Sevis.