Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 153: The Akh Nara

Virs mind went blank. Of all the words Cirayus just said, one in particular filled his head, drowning out all the others, but before he could ask, Maiya beat him to the punch.

Sorry? Did you just say Prince? As in royalty?

Vir shook his head. There must be some mistake.

Cirayus gave a pained smile. There was no lie in my words. You are royalty, Sarver, Vir. I assume that is the name the lumberjack bestowed upon you?

Vir nodded. Ekavir.

Ekavir, Cirayus repeated. Bravest of the Brave. A good name.

Vir had always suspected his birth name was something else, but to hear it Sarvaak?

So thats my real name, Vir whispered. Hed never meant the words to leave his mouth.

The name bestowed upon you by the RajaKing Maion and his queen, Shari Garga.

King? Queen? His parents. His real parents! For the longest time, Vir had wondered where hed come from. Who he truly was. Hed given up on those answers until he reached the demon realm. And now, just like that, he had them.

Wonder what theyre like.

After losing Rudvik, he never thought hed have the chance to call anyone father again. Let alone mother. The thought made his head swoon.

Maion and Shari. My parents, do they live in the Demon Realm? Do they know Im here?

They must have been worried sick. Did they think him dead?

Cirayus smile fell. I am sorry, Ekavir. You cannot know how much I wish to say yes. You cannot know how much I miss them. They perished. Your mother during birth, your father shortly after. Maion was my closest friend of centuries. And a good man.

Virs heart threatened to seize.

No. No! Why!?

The flame of hope in his chest extinguished just as soon as itd lit. It was cruel. Beyond cruel.

A spark of hatred lit in his chest as Vir cursed the gods. What did Fate have against him? Ashborn, Prana Scorned, losing Rudvik, Apramor, and Aliscia. And now this? What had he done to deserve any of this? Why did

Maiya threw herself around him, embracing him in a deep hug. She said nothing, and she didnt have to. Her presence alone stopped that dangerous train of thought in its tracks. That, and the precharged Life orb she pressed against him to heal the muscle damage he'd incurred earlier.

Vir squeezed her waist and met her eyes. Im okay.

He wasnt, not truly. Maiyas intervention helped, but itd be a while before he came to terms with this revelation. Still, the last thing he needed was Maiya worrying about him. Not when she already worried so much.

I fled here with you and a few other brave souls who volunteered to protect you, Cirayus said quietly. Im afraid Im the only one who survived.

I see.

So people died for me. All to bring me here.

Vir wasnt quite sure how to process that second bombshell, so he changed the topic for now.

What er, what is Garga? Is that a country?

My liege, I know you have many questions, and I fully intend to answer them.

My liege? Vir couldnt believe such words were being used to address him. Him! Of all people. He was the prana scorned Ashborn outcast. Viewed with suspicion, and sometimes hatred. How could he be a prince? It was all so very wrong.

However, Cirayus continued, this is neither the time nor the place for such a conversation. For one, your demon friends will wake shortly, no doubt wondering where you are. Also, Cirayus said, pointing to an Ash beast that had just popped into existence some distance away. It happens in the demon realm, too. Wed best leave before we have a fight on our hands.

I feel like you could handle any threats that appear here, Maiya said, eyeing the demon with suspicion. How do we know we can trust you?

You cant, lass, and you are astute to mention it. But you can trust my strength. If I had wanted you two dead, I could have killed you a thousand times by now. I havent. As young Ekavir here said, I havent even scratched you. Thatll have to suffice. For now.

Its okay, Maiya. Im pretty sure hes the one who delivered me to Rudvik as a baby. Which means he risked his life to bring me here to the Human Realm.

If you trust him, thats enough for me, Maiya replied, throwing him a concerned look.

Shes still looking out for me. Even after all this time.

Thank you, Maiya, Vir replied. For everything.

Maiya smiled sadly, shaking her head, as if to say it was nothing.

Lets head back for now, Vir said, preparing to pick Maiya up. I dont want Badal and the others to chase after us. Ive made them worry enough.

But before he could hoist Maiya, he found himself being lifted by one of the giants hands.

H-hey! Maiya cried as she squirmed in the air beside him.

Dance of the Shadow Demon is a useful ability, but your version is heavily limited in its range. Better to let me carry you, Cirayus said, placing them on his shoulders.

Were going to ride on you? Vir asked in disbelief as he re-equipped the armor he'd removed earlier.

We are? Maiya said, her hesitance obvious.

Children love it! Cirayus laughed. Relax a little, and you might, too, lass!

Maiya recalled how high Cirayus had jumped and blanched. Can you, erm, start slow?

For a friend who risked her life for young Sarvaak? Im happy to oblige.

Flattery wont get you anywhere, Maiya said, flushing.

Cirayus shot her a doubting look. Here we go!

The giant leaped into the air, soaring far higher than even what High Jump could do. From there, his steps only grew longer and higher.

This is incredible! Vir thought, glancing at his friend on the giants other shoulder. Her knuckles were white, but hed seen that look in her eyes before. She was enjoying this.

What had taken them a half hour took Cirayus a mere handful of minutes, and they soon found themselves back in the forest, where Cirayus landed lightly atop a branch, rather than allowing himself to fall to the forest floor.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Hard to orient yourself on the floor, he said. From here, you can see exactly where you need to go.

I dont get it, Maiya said, staring at a branch that could never have supported his weight. You can make us light as well?

Anything I touch. Directly or indirectly.

But I dont feel light? I feel the same as normal.

Aye, you would. Ive made your entire body lighter, including your clothes and armor. Youd certainly feel that if I hadnt. But go to pick up an object when youre this light, and youll see what I mean. Would be near impossible.

Vir couldnt wrap his head around how the ability worked. Logically, it made no sense, though prana seldom did.

How do you use it in midair, though? You lightened your weight to ride the Acira, didnt you?

Observant. Good. Aye, I did. Balancer of Scales consumes both Life and Earth affinity prana. Doesnt work half as well in the air, but I can manage.

The more Vir learned about its nature, the weirder it became. It was more like a hybrid of a Talent and orb-based magic. And there was nothing he knew that consumed multiple affinities at the same time.

Cirayus must know so much about the workings of prana, Vir thought, eyes twinkling with glee. Until now, no one hed met knew more about prana than Vir did. Perhaps now that would change.

What breakthroughs would he have under Cirayus tutelage?

Whatever doubts he had before about entering the Ash evaporated then and there. With Cirayus by his side, he doubted even Ash Beasts posed them much threat. And if what Cirayus said was trueif he was a princethen he absolutely had to visit the Demon Realm.

Not visit return. Home. But then, why did Cirayus brave the Ash to bring me here?

People had perished to ferry him across the Ashen Realm. All of whom were likely powerful warriors. Why would they sacrifice themselves like that? What was Cirayus fleeing from?

The Orders Acira came into view, along with a half dozen black-clothed forms, arranged neatly on the ground.

Vir jumped off the giants shoulder and knelt next to Badal.

Badal. Badal! You alright?

The demons eyes slowly opened. What happened? Vir? Why are you here? I told you to escape!

Then he noticed Cirayus, and he shot up in a panic. You!

Its alright, Badal. He, uh hes actually on our side.

Did you hit your head? He tried to kill you! He attacked us!

What was I to do? You wouldnt listen when I told you I meant no harm, Cirayus said with a shrug, rocking Maiya, who remained perched on his shoulder.

Who would believe such a blatant lie! Badal fired back.

Its true. He was testing me, believe it or not, Vir said. Hes well, Im not sure yet, but hes not an enemy, at least.

Accept my apologies for rendering your group unconscious, Cirayus said, bowing his head and clasping two fists in two palms.

This is difficult to accept, Badal replied slowly.

Vir laughed. Believe me, you dont even know the half of it.

One by one, Badals group woke up. Vir feared hed have to repeat his explanation again and again, but a single order from Badal silenced any reservations they had, proving just what consummate professionals they all were.

Meanwhile Maiya had sauntered off, returning with a handful of the dead mercenaries' orbs, grinning. Can't expect a poor village girl to let such wealth go to waste, can you?

Vir rolled his eyes. Despite all her wealth, the villager-hoarding mentality still hadn't left her.

Does this mean youll be alright? Badal asked after ensuring his forces were all uninjured. He kept a wary eye on Cirayus the entire time, as did his Order forces.

I think I will be, Vir said. Think I might be better than ever, actually.

That is both a surprise and a relief. I admit, I understand none of this, but its not my business to pry. All I ask is you return safely to us one day, brother. Whether it be a week from now, or a decade. You will always have a home here.

Thanks, Badal. Truly. Ill never forget what the Orders done for me. And I do intend to return, Vir said, locking eyes with Maiya. I swear it.

Then I shall be off. Weve another raid tonight, and the men could use a rest. More brothers and sisters to liberate.

May Yuma be with you, Vir said as Badal mounted his Acira.

May all the gods be with you, friend. Though I fear no amount of blessings will lessen your hardship, he replied.

The Order Acira took to the skies moments later, their scaly black wings flapping heavily. Then they were gone, the forests peaceful calmness reasserting itself as birds chirped and chipmunks poked their heads out of the ground. Few would guess a fierce battle raged here just minutes earlier.

Cirayus sat down and cracked his neck.

He really enjoys that, doesnt he? Vir thought it was an intimidation tactic at first, but now understood it to be more of a habit. Perhaps one that was centuries old. Though Cirayus looked like the sort of demon terror who might raze villages and eat babies, Vir wondered whether that was merely a carefully crafted facade. Cirayus was powerfulobscenely powerfulbut hed not only spared Badals fighters, he hadnt even injured Vir, let alone Maiya. All his taunts had been bravado, nothing more.

And yet, he didnt even bat an eye when he caved in that mejais head. The question is what does he want from me?

This place should be safe enough, shouldnt it? Vir asked. Were a ways away from where you fought that mejai.

Well, that depends. What would you wish to know?

Everything, Vir said, staring up into the giants eyes.

Everything! Cirayus replied, laughing. How many days do you have, lad?

As many as it takes.

Aye. But we do not. That mejai I killed was sent by a certain Hiranyan princess. When he fails to check in, shell no doubt send more forces. They communicate daily through a bizarre orb.

Honestly, I cant believe they sent you, Vir said. I didnt think theyd venture beyond their borders like this.

They sent a giant demon and a mejai with no Hiranyan markings, Maiya said. Only Cirayus mightve betrayed the truth if captured, but I suppose the mejai figured the subjugation collar wouldve prevented that from ever happening.

The man was a fool, Cirayus scoffed. Not only did he consider me an ally, he placed far too much faith in his Artifact. His overconfidence was his undoing. But I digress. That princess is not the type to give up, lad. Shell send more forces, mark my words.

Maiya nodded. I can see that. I thought she'd hesitate since we're in Kinjal, but, eh, who am I kidding? That princess wouldnt blink an eye before sending forces. This time, she might even send more of Hiranya's military.

We can crush all who come our way, but Id rather avoid the attention, Cirayus said. Besides, lingering in this realm any longer serves no purpose.

What do you suggest? Vir asked, dreading the answer.

Your name is Maiya, yes? Cirayus asked. Know any safe places nearby, lass?

Still perched atop his shoulder, Maiya regarded the giant slyly. Whyd you think I would know?

You seem like youve a solid head on those shoulders. I figured youd have some relevant information. Unlike young Ekavir over here.

Hey! Vir bristled but found himself unable to retort. It was trueMaiya had forged far more connections and had a much better grasp of the geography than he did. Not to mention any clandestine Kinjal outposts only the princess confidante might know of.

Kinjal maintains several safe houses in Matali lands. The nearest one should only be an hour from here, with how fast you travel.

Guide me, Cirayus said, scooping Vir up.

Maiya looked around to orient herself, then pointed north. That way.

The safe house wasnt so much of a house as an underground cellar, its entrance camouflaged so perfectly by vegetation that it would be utterly impossible to find. Unless, of course, one knew to look for the signposts that identified it.

Maiya did, but even then, it still took an hour to locate.

Maiya hopped lightly onto the ground and dusted off her armored skirt, opening the trapdoor.

Might be a tight fit for you, Cirayus.

The giant waved away her concern. Ive spent the last sixteen years cooped up in a jail cell barely large enough for a regular human. I can deal with short ceilings.

Vir flared Prana Vision, but found nothing of note inside. Looks safe, he said, entering first.

There wasnt mucha table, a couple of chairs, and a rudimentary bed along the far wall. Next to the table was a shelf with some furled maps, dried food and jugs of water, and a couple of mid-grade steel talwars and daggers. The barest essentials for what a Kinjal spy might need if they ever found themselves in hot water.

Not even a single orb in here, Maiya muttered, lighting up her Magic Lamp, casting its warm glow upon the room.

Vir and Maiya took a chair, and Maiya brought hers close beside him. Closer than usual, he noticed. Cirayus sat cross-legged upon the floor. Thanks to the giants height, he came nearly to their eye level.

We should be safe enough here, for the time being.

Vir took a deep breath. This was the moment hed waited his entire life for. The moment when hed finally learn the truth of who he was. Lets start with how I ended up here. Why did you flee the Demon Realm? Whyd you risk everything to bring me across the Ash?

Cirayus face hardened. To truly grasp the weight of the events preceding your birth, we must start at the beginning. With the prophecy of your birth.

Prophecy? Vir asked. Demons can see the future?

Some, yes. Our seers and soothsayers. One of their kind, a woman by the name of Greesha, prophesied the coming of one who would usher in a new era for demons. A demon born within the Ash. The Akh Nara.

Virs eyes widened.

Cirayus pointed at Vir. You.