Interlude - Blood Price

Interlude - Blood Price

Selia

The five of them paused in front of a wooden door, the woman, Karya Ornn, one of the three heads of the House Ornn, glanced back and looked at them.

We can have this conversation in private, if you want? She asked Ryun.

It was only a bit rude, but Selia didnt mind. She had been wondering if she and Erdania should even be present.n0ve(l)bi(n.)co/m

Ryun glanced at the two of them, and she expected him to send them away. Instead, for just a moment the link between them flashed to life as he spoke.

No need, he turned back to meet Karyas eyes. I dont keep secrets from them.

Selia blinked, she could feel the truth in his words through their bond and it surprised her. She was not adept at reading it, and most of the time it was just a dim sensation in the back of her mind. He kept himself closed off from her, and he only rarely opened that link up.

We dont need to be here, Selia sent to him.

I want you there, he responded.

The fact that she could tell that he was being truthful made her feel confused. It was what she wanted, what all three of them wanted. Trust, a relationship built on openness and respect. It was just strange to see it unfold before her. This relationship was unlike any that she had before.

Karya and her husband exchanged looks, and then she shrugged. Very well.

With that, she led them inside the room. It was a small, cozy, meeting room, and they made their way to the center and sat on the couches there. The three of them sitting across from the two of them. For awhile they just studied each other. Selia had heard stories about Karya Ornn, of course, she hadnt known her by that name but her grandfather had told stories about the Butcher of Dawn.

Looking at her now, the woman didnt quite fit with that image. She was tall, fit and muscular, her hair was golden red and her features fair. She was beautiful, impeccably dressed, and just had the aura of someone composed and in control. Nothing like what the stories portrayed her as.

Her husband, Ender Ornn, looked almost the complete opposite of her. Unassuming, clothes simple, though obviously finely made. His hair was deep red, the same as some of the people she had seen in the ballroom earlier. He had a calm expression on his face and didnt seem threatening at all.

Now, Karya started, her eyes on Ryun. The big matter.

Ryun didnt respond immediately. Instead, he just stared at her, or at least that was what it appeared to everyone. Selia knew him well enough to know that he didnt need to see you with his eyes to pay attention to you, so for all they knew his attention was on someone else. For a split second she got something from the bond. It went by too fast for her to be able to identify what it was, but she could tell that there was something that was bothering him. Finally, Ryun nodded his head and spoke.

Yes, he said slowly. First, I would like to know who was it, and why.

Karya glanced at her husband, then back. My son, Erik. He was in the core on an unrelated mission, out of contact. He saw Nayra and Daria, and decided to save his sisters.

Ryun narrowed his eyes. He ignored Nayras explanation.

There was not really any time for him to listen, the Dome monsters were coming, Karya explained.

Ryun tilted his head. Why isnt he here, telling me this in person. I would rather hear it from him, he is the one that owes me a debt.

Karya gave them a sad smile. Unfortunately, he was needed elsewhere. He is one of the strongest people in the Empire, while the rest of the family was allowed this short respite, he couldnt be spared.

That sounded somewhat hollow to Selias ears, but it wasnt like they could call her out on it. They were guests in her home.

You made sure that he wasnt here.

Selia blinked as Ryun did exactly what she thought they shouldnt. She looked at the two, trying to see if they would be offended or not.

I dont know how things work in your sects, but here my husbands and I are the first and only authorities regarding matters of our House and its members. By the Empires laws, we can resolve any issues and matters of debt. And we are in the Empire, it only seems fair that we do things our way, Karya told him.

Ryun didnt respond immediately. Selia could tell that he wanted to do something. She had gotten better at reading the faint sensations coming from their bond, and now she could feel that he was not really angry, it was more like resigned. It was a strange sensation for him to feel now. She could understand anger or frustration, had even expected it. Instead, it seemed like he was trying to hold himself back from doing something that he had expected to do.

Nayra

The night was a whirlwind of shocking developments for Nayra. First, she had finally been allowed off the Wall, then she learned that she was heading to a gathering full of all of her estranged family. Then she arrived and found Ryun there. The fact that he came, traveling across the Infinite Realm, the fact that he was here for her, it meant the world to her. The only thing that she wanted was to ask him about Anrosh, about the sect, how things were in the Frontier. Instead, she had to wait while her mother spoke with him. Then, she before she could process anything she found herself sitting across all three of her parents in a small meeting room.

You already asked me that, Nayra said after her mothers question.

I did, but now I need to know more, Karya Ornn said. What does he consider valuable? What would he take as a blood price for the lives of the people he lost?

I dont know if there is anything that you could offer him. He had given his word that he would protect them, by killing them Erik had made him lose honor, at least that is what I believe he thinks. They are priceless to him, because they were his warriors. Those that came with us to the Core were most from the old sect, those who chose to follow him. Some of the most loyal among them. He valued them highly.

We can offer him items, weapons that will make him far more powerful, father Olem suggested.

Nayra shook her head immediately. He doesnt care about items, he is a Cultivator, he relies on his own power. You might use items as part of your offer, but it cant be all of it.

Her mother looked thoughtful. It wouldnt work anyway, she told her husband. They are being granted everything that the Empires vaults have, potions, items, teachers. All so that they can be as strong as possible for the mission.

She shook her head. The truth is that he is doing the Empire a service.

Father Olem grimaced. We could still delay and deal with him after the mission, assuming that he even survives.

Narya tried not to react, this was one part of her family that she disliked the most. The way that they casually discussed things that concerned lives of others. They were talking about dealing with Ryun. She knew that they could, but she also knew that they were underestimating just how much that would cost them.

I dont think that our daughter would approve of that, father Ender said with a smile.

Nayra met his eyes, and felt herself relaxing. There was something reassuring in his smile, that made her feel at ease. How she wished that she couldve felt this before she left the Empire. But the reality was that they had never been a family. She knew that they were trying now, but it was just too late.

Father Olem tilted his head. Then what else is there that we could offer? And why are we even doing this in the first place? He is a nobody from the Settled Territories. There is nothing that he can do.

I disagree. He is a Ranker, who has become very powerful in a short period of time. And our daughter has thrown in with him. That should be enough.

Still, father Olem continued. If he doesnt need anything from us then

That is what we need to figure out, her mother said.

Nayra tried to think about what she could offer to the conversation, but knowing Ryun there really was little that he would be interested in. Maybe Void Essence, but her family didnt have access to that, especially not when the Empire was at war.

Well, father Ender said slowly. How about this?

He pulled out something from his storage, a small fruit which he held in the palm of his hand.

Nayras eyes widened immediately.

Her father nodded. This one was meant for you, he said. But I see now that you are going down a different path. So tell me, would he want this?

Nayra tried to think. The fruit that he held could remove one focus from the person who ate it. It could fix someones advancement. But, she wasnt sure if Ryun would want it. Perhaps, he did have a Class that he wasnt leveling. Though, she didnt think that he would jump on the opportunity. Still, the fruit in itself was valuable, Ryun would see that. If he had no use for it himself, he would know that it would be a valuable card for him to play. To sell or trade for something that he needed, if he ever found something that he desired.

I dont know. I think that he would see the value, but if I am being honest, I dont think that he regrets much of what he has done, Nayra said.

Really? Father Olem asked. He is a Ranker, all of them regret something.

Nayra shrugged. I think that by now you know that he isnt like any Ranker that youve seen before.

Perhaps, her mother said. We have time to think about it some more. Why dont you go and speak with him daughter. Im sure that you have a lot to catch up on.

Nayra sighed in relief, she had feared that her mother would try to keep her away from them despite what she said in the ballroom. She couldnt wait to hear what Ryun had to say, to hear news from home.