Chapter 39: Homecoming

Chapter 39: Homecoming

Thats a good boy, Vir said, patting Neel, whod bounded up to him the moment hed entered. The bandy was now furiously licking his face, ruining what was left of his makeup. Haha I missed you too, boy! Were you good? Did you behave? You mustve been so lonely!

Awoo!

Maiya got the same treatment soon after, though she somehow managed to avoid his licks.

Introductions are in order, Riyan said, gesturing to the woman behind him. They stood in one of the living rooms, now illuminated by the warm glow of Magic Lamps. Meet Tanya, my friend of many years. Maiya, from this day forth, Tanya will be your trainer. Follow her every direction as if it was my own. I trust her implicitly, as should you.

Virs first impression of the silver-haired lady was intense. And angry. Almost like he was looking at a female version of Riyan. Vir wondered whether all of the mans friends were equally grumpy.

Her black leather vest, pants, and boots only solidified that look. It was almost like everything about her was cultivated to make her look intimidating. Her skin was fair and her body lithe and athletic, but she had the biggest biceps Vir had ever seen on a lady.nove(l)bi(n.)com

And when she spoke, her voice was just as low and husky as hed expected. You promised me talent and I get this? Shes soft. Weak, Tanya said, squeezing Maiyas arms.

Maiya bit her tongue.

Vir knew she wanted nothing more than to lash back at the woman, and if this happened a week ago, she would have. But in Saran, something had changed. Her inability to escape from the guards hit her hard. She had changed.

I'm willing to do what it takes, Maiya said in a low voice, yanking her arm away from the woman. Im sick of being weak.

Good. But I expect action to back your words. Talk is cheap. Only results matter, Tanya said.

Yeesh, she really is just like him, Vir thought, glad not to be the object of her criticism. In fact, she hadnt bothered to look his way even once. Almost as if she was ignoring him.

What are your affinities? Vir asked, hoping to break the ice.

The mejai continued sweeping her gaze around Maiya. And you say she possesses a greater affinity? Tanya said, addressing Riyan.

Scratch that. Definitely being ignored.

Indeed. Likely a greater primary and a lesser secondary, though you should verify my results, Riyan responded.

Sorry, but, Maiya said, Vir asked you about your affinities?

Vir? I see no one else in this room. Only you and a prana scorned.

Wow, what a chal Vir mentally chalked her up as another enemy. To his immense surprise, it wasnt Maiya who rebutted her, but Riyan.

The boy may be prana scorned, but he works diligently toward improving himself. He may be a force to be reckoned with one day, if he learns to manifest Talents.

Vir had to wonder if the gods had come and replaced Riyan with an imposter. When had that man ever defended him like this? This was almost worse than Riyans earlier indifference. He could feel the weight of the mans expectations riding upon his shoulders.

Tanya scoffed. I will believe it when I see it. To answer your question, girl, she continued, I possess a greater Ice affinity, and a lesser affinity for water. I carry the rank of Lesser Mejai of Ash, and my Balar Rank is 130.

Maiya and Vir fell immediately silent. She might have been irksome, but she clearly had the power to back up that attitude.

Riyan motioned for everyone to take a seat. Vir and Maiya sat on padded stools while Riyan and Tanya reclined on the leather couch on the other side of the coffee table. Neel stretched out on the ground beside his owner.

Now, tell me about your trip. I take it there were no issues?

Vir exchanged a glance with Maiya. Actually, there were. Lots of issues, he said.

Riyan gestured for him to continue, so he launched into a summary of the events.

Well, for starters, we ran into problems even before we got to Saran. Pirates had put in on the coast, a few hours ride north. They spotted us and gave chase we barely managed to escape.

Oho? I wouldnt imagine a few pirates would give you two any trouble with the Kalari arts I have taught you, Riyan said, judging them, and I know I trained you better than to allow yourselves to be surrounded. Hmm. But they gave chase, did they? On Ashva, I presume? I see. I havent taught you mounted warfare.

Maiya nodded. Right. We got really lucky. We wouldve been dead meat if Vir hadnt had his throwing stones and chakrams. He managed to take down our two pursuers with those.

Stones? Riyan said, cocking a brow. Why in Veras name would youah. A foolhardy attempt to conserve your chakris, I presume? he said knowingly.

Vir nodded. We hadnt even made it to Saran. I didnt want to waste my ranged weapons there.

Understandable, Riyan said. And indeed, this is the fatal flaw of all thrown weapons. Chakrams are deadly, but disposable. And yet, failing to use them may very well have meant the deaths of you and your friend. A warrior knows when to use his tools.

Well, he did manage to take one of the pirates down with his stones, Maiya said. Hed even cut them so they were super sharp.

I see. You used the stones at range, and then switched to your chakrams when the enemy drew close. A good strategy, all things considered.

As always, the man could intuit the flow of an entire battle with just a few hints. But moreover, this was twice now that the man had complimented Vir. He wondered whether Yuma had possessed Riyan, filling him with her tenderness. Whatever it was, he wasnt going to complain.

Right. After the pirate encounter, things were pretty calm until we got to Saran, he said. We met a stranger on the highway into the city, but thats when things took a turn for the worse.

Explain, Riyan commanded.

Maiya picked up the narration. This guy said he was a merchant. Came from Saran. Eyed us up and down, asked us a bunch of questions. Who we were, what we were doing. And then he turned around and headed back to the city after chatting us up. Vir and I both thought it was suspicious, but we got into the city and checked into our inn just fine. So I kinda forgot about it.

Until the next day, Vir continued. We were out shopping for supplies when guards ambushed us. We fled into an alley, but couldnt get away.

My fault, Maiya said, looking down at her feet. I cant jump and vault up rooftops like Vir can, so I ended up holding us back. We we were captured and they abused Vir because of it. Tears began to well up in her eyes. I

I dunno how I lived without this, Maiya said dreamily.

Were so spoiled, Maiya, Vir replied in the same tone. How are we ever gonna survive once we move out of here?

The question went unanswered, floating above them like a dark cloud. The future was uncertain. Where would they go after they fulfilled their debt to Riyan? Vir feared the time would be upon them soon. Though, he figured that whatever favors Riyan wanted, hed wait until Maiya had mastered her magic. As for himself, Vir was positive he still had a long way to go.

What a trip, huh? Maiya said as she lazily floated around the pool, on a slow collision course with Vir. He grabbed her ankle and gave her a gentle push, sending her away.

Surely was, Vir muttered, tryingand failingto avoid staring at her. Something hot welled up inside his chest.

He shook it off and forced himself to think of the man whod stirred up trouble for them at Saran, making what shouldve been an idyllic trip a harrowing one. What did the guy want? And did Vir need to be wary of them in the future? So many questions. No answers.

Im spent, Maiya continued, I I just wanna go home, yknow? To mom and dad. I miss them. I miss them a lot.

Yeah I do too, Maiya, he whispered. Maybe we can ask Riyan to let us visit Brij soon, now that were stronger.

You think hell let us? She asked, unconvinced.

Maybe not now, but hopefully soon. That was his promise to us, after all.

Maiya fell silent, no doubt thinking of her parents.

Vir reflected upon all that had happened lately. It was hard to believe itd been less than a week since theyd left for Saran; it felt like a whole month had passed. But above all else, what weighed on him most was the encounter hed had in Bakuras ships hold.

For the very first time in his life, hed met a real demon. There was no doubt in his mind, now. The four armed giant whod entrusted his baby self to Rudvik was a demon. And the giant had been protecting him.

Which probably meant

Maiya?

Mmm?

What do you think about demons?

Vir heard ripples in the water. Maiya righted herself and walked over to him. Vir averted his eyes. Uh, Maiya your towel.

She looked down and gasped, quickly retying her towel around her, blushing madly. W-W-Whats on your mind, V-Vir? Is it the slaves you saw on the ship?

He smoothly ignored her mishap and continued. I mean, just pretending of course, but what would you do if I was a demon?

She tilted her head, confused, before comprehension finally dawned on her. She strode closer and enveloped Vir in a deep hug. Doesnt matter what you are, Vir. Prana scorned, Ashborn, demon. Youre you. My bestest friend. Thats never gonna change for me. No matter what.

Virs shoulders sagged. He felt like a chal. What was he even worried about in the first place? That Maiya would suddenly think less of him? That shed abandon him?

Sorry, Maiya, he said, returning her hug. Shouldve known better than to ask.

She broke her embrace and shook her head. No secrets between us, yeah?

R-right, he said, unable to fully meet her gaze.

Do you You really think youre a demon?

I have to face the facts. I cant say for certain, but those demons in the hold matched Rudviks description of the giant, except for the four arms and, yknow, the giant aspect. I dont have any proof, of course. Just hunches.

There was one more detail here too. Something hed almost forgotten. When hed glimpsed into Ekanais memories, back in the Godshollow, hed seen the Reapers body. And it wasnt human. Ekanais arms were gangly, grayish, and far too long. Itd felt natural in the vision, since those were Ekanais memories, but now that he thought about it, it was definitely weird.

What am I? Who am I?

The boy and the girl are back. You have failed, a robed figure said to his partner, whod just entered the small cabin. The structure was a makeshift thing, hastily constructed and utilitarian. Built more for hiding its occupants from prying eyes than for comfort.

The plan didnt work out as intended, the black bearded man said, hanging up his cloak as he entered. Didnt expect the locals to interfere on their behalf.

That is because you hired poor help, his seated partner said, fingers rapping upon the small wooden tableone of the few pieces of furniture in the room, along with two beds and chairs. No matter. There will be other opportunities to ascertain what these two mean to the general. Theres been a complication on my end as well. I believe Commander Tanya has moved in with them.

So now there are four. Tanya, huh? Shell be a tough one to deal with.

His partner shook his head. Make no mistake, our mission is not to deal with the general. We are her highnesss eyes and ears, nothing more. There will be other opportunities. We have remained hidden from Riyan's eyes until now thanks to Shadow Blend, but the Talent can only do so much. I fear our time is limited. Ensure you report your failure back to her highness, he said, handing him an oversized orb. And not just any orb.

The man took the priceless crystal and activated it. A moment of silence. Then two. His dread mounted. Then a low, husky feminine voice spoke. A voice that sent shivers down his back.

Yes? Report.

I I have failed, your highness. The boy and girl landed in jail, but managed to escape.

I see, came her curt reply. Eliminate them. Both the boy and the girl. Kill them at the earliest opportunity. Do whatever it takes. Your lives are expendable.

As you will, your high

Princess Mina Hiranya cut the call.

Next time: 40 - A Mejai's First Lesson