Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 175: Agent of Change (Maiya)

Your Highness, the Head Handmaiden said, bowing her head as she poured Princess Ira a cup of tea. The princess wore an elegant gown in the crimson-and-black colors of Kinjal, which contrasted beautifully with her platinum blonde hair that sat proudly behind her head, raised into a bun.

Excellent as always, Nee, the princess said, sipping her tea. Your preparation brings out the woody undertones while maintaining the smooth profile of this tea. Well done.

The Head Handmaiden nodded demurely.

It was another beautiful, temperate day in Sonam. The sun peeked out from the clouds, birds chirped, and a gentle breeze tickled the Royal Gardens. Maiya sat with the princess under a white trellis that looked as though a Kinjal warrior had attempted to copy the flowing style of Altani architectureand only partially succeeded.

Nee? Thats the Head Handmaidens name? Maiya thought. To this day, shed never learned the witchs name. Nor had she ever had the guts to ask.

Then, to Maiyas horror, the teapot neared her own cup.

No way. No badrakking way! Shes not about to No! She is!

The teapot tilted, the Head Handmaiden glared, and Maiyas eyes went wide. Hot, perfectly prepared Kinjali green tea poured out, landing perfectly in her cup. Maiya knew then that she was going to die.

The mere thought of the Head Handmaiden pouring her tea made her squirm in her skin. It was all so wrong, like the sun failing to rise in the morning or the stars refusing to fall at the end of the night.

Shes gonna kill me for this.

Thats just her nickname, by the way, Ira said, casting a cheeky gaze at the stoic Head Handmaiden.

Her real names

Princess Ira! Ive suddenly recalled a fond memory from a time when you were just a little girl. Youd hidden yourself out of embarrassment for a whole week after youd wet

Ahhh its quite a hot day, isnt it? Ira said in a shrill voice, the back of her palm against her forehead. I fear I may have succumbed to heat stroke, for Ive suddenly lost my train of thought! Pardon me!

Sweat broke out on Maiyas brow. Such was the tension in their words.

Of course, princess. Please mind your weak constitution. Youve pushed yourself too hard again.

Ira nodded solemnly. Thank you for your concern, Head Handmaiden. Ill be more mindful of my poor health.

Did she seriously just fight a princess? And she won!

The Head Handmaiden nodded, bowed, and left with her bar cart with absolutely perfect etiquette.

Her names Neeti, by the way, Princess Ira said, the moment the Head Handmaiden was out of earshot. At least, Maiya thought she was out of earshot, but when the woman turned and leveled a death glare at the princess, Maiya reaffirmed her opinion that she wasnt human; she was an Ash Beast wearing human skin.

Maiya froze, feeling the Head Handmaidens gaze shift to her, like an all-seeing eye.

She cant read your thoughts. She cant read your thoughts. She cant read your thoughts Can she?

The mantra carried her through the ordeal, and the witchs pressure dissipated.

Ira deflated. Alas, it seems Ive been vanquished.

You brought that on yourself. Maiya sipped her tea. Wow, this is good.

Princess Ira, Im honored to have been invited by one as esteemed as yourself, though

Maiya, please, the princess scolded. No formalities. Must I repeat myself so? Or are you only allowed to oblige if I chide you twice? Wait. Dont answer that. The look on your face tells all.

Sorry, Maiya muttered. But Neeti, huh?

I know, right? Tis far too cute a name for a straight-laced stickler like her. Though I suppose it is somewhat fitting. It means Justice in the old tongue.

Er, should you be saying that? Feels like youre just begging for bad things to happen.

Ira sighed. Youre right. Nothing good comes from teasing that natural disaster, but that is precisely why its so hard to resist, is it not? Care for a walk?

Maiya stood and followedthe princess hadnt asked a question. Shed issued an order.

Sonams Royal Imperial Garden was almost a city unto itself. Surrounded by walls taller and thicker than the outer walls of most capital cities, it was entirely isolated, beautifully manicured and completely empty.

Princess? Are you sure its wise to climb to the ramparts? Maiya asked, following the princess, who lifted her skirt to walk up the dozens of stairs that led to the top of the wall.

Oh, hush. I come here often, Ira said, huffing from the exertion. The view is breathtaking, I promise.

The view was incredible. The Royal Quarters prominence afforded a sweeping view of the whole city, which spread out beneath them like a fortress, except one that spanned all the way to the horizon. It made for a melancholic mood, which inevitably made Maiya think of Vir. It didnt take much, these days.

Weeks had passed since Vir left. It was foolish, Maiya knew, to expect him to cross the Ash so quickly. Shed braced herself to wait months, and yet, each passing day caused her discomfort to swell. What if an Ash Biter had gobbled Vir up in his sleep when Cirayus wasnt looking? What if theyd gotten separated and hed lost his way? Was he roaming around the Ash, alone, at that very moment?

Quite the view from here, dont you think? Princess Ira asked, the gentle breeze ruffling her platinum blonde hair. The guards whod been stationed atop the ramparts quickly made themselves scarce upon the princess arrival.

It truly is, Maiya replied. Ive never experienced a better vantage. You can see all the way out to the Gauntlet from here, and even harbor.

Theres no better view in the whole city, Ira said, nodding. And yet, only the guards ever get to see it, though I suspect even they barely give it a passing glance. As with the castle grounds, its always only me, alone.

But so many live in the castle, Maiya said. How can it be so empty? Id expect at least a few people to venture out here for a stroll?

Pity, isnt it? Nobody cares. If theyre not working, dueling, or training their bodies, theyre wasting their time, apparently. Why would an upstanding Sonamite ever dawdle amid greenery or take in sweeping views?

Then why even have the gardens at all? Maiya asked in confusion. It seemed like such an opulent waste, totally at odds with the Kinjal ethic.

Because its proper for a castle to have a garden. Thats all. When foreign dignitaries visit, theyll be suitably impressed by Kinjals awareness of the finer aspects of life, she said sarcastically.

Cast your gaze across this crown jewel of ours. What do you see?

Maiya scanned the many tall walls, the ramparts wide enough for carriages, the warriors posted at every turn. She couldnt see the civilians who shuffling about on the streets belowso tall were the walls.

I see an impregnable fortress, only one thats been enlarged to the size of a massive city.

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Perhaps. Youre not wrong, though my eyes see differently. I see stagnation. I see a desperate desire to cling on to the only legacy Kinjal has ever hadthe strength of a bully. Youve spent plenty of time in Sonam by now. Tell me, how many paintings have you seen, either in the castle or out in the streets? How many artists or artisans crafting exotic pottery or textiles?

Maiya kept her silence, for she couldnt recall even a single one.

We have none of Ranis arts, nor the rich history of Hiranya, and none of the sophistication of the Altani. Ours is a history of conquestof nations shattered and assimilated, squashing what culture they once had. This empire values one thing and one thing only. Some say strength is a virtue, but even water is a poison when consumed in quantity. But what about you? A copper for your thoughts?

Maiya thought it over for a moment. How did she feel about Kinjal? Initially, shed been in awe of the city and Kinjals wealth, viewing the world through the rose-colored lens of a village girl who didnt know any better. She was still impressed, but shed be lying if she said the sheen hadnt been tarnished somewhat.

Kinjal was the most powerful country in the Known World in certain areas, but after having visited Rani, and even the Pagan Order, there was something lacking.

Theres no soul, Maiya said. Even the strength Kinjals obsessed with isnt to better oneself or seek perfection of their art. At least, not as a goal. Its just a means to an end. To expand Kinjals power.

Precisely! Ira said, clasping her hands. Tis the root of Kinjali aggression. Would you believe me if I said this obsession was not organic, but a carefully crafted strategy by the Imperator to guide the countrys culture to his own ends?

Is that even possible?

Quite. Though my father is hardly the only one to blame. Hes merely the latest in a long line of torch-bearers. It begins with our education. From a young age, our schools ingrain the martial mindset, extolling our warriors, and indoctrinating children to believe the Ashva dung that is our gods-given right to conquer the world.

It continues in the arena. Have you wondered why all Kinjal cities have one? Even villages have a dueling ringcentrally locatedwhere citizens are encouraged to fight for wealth and fame.

It culminates in our militarythe ultimate success for a Kinjal. There is no higher calling than that of Warrior, no higher station than General. I wont lie that the policy has served the country well, but it is this exact philosophy that leads us to poke sleeping Wyrms. Our prior success in no way guarantees future victory, yet we seem to take this as a given even in the face of embarrassing losses like Banshys Folly and The One Days War.

I must admit, Maiya said softly, Kinjal has been single-handedly responsible for ruining Hiranya.

Dont say it. Dont say it, Maiya! Keep your mouth shut!

Though I fail to see how that is a bad thing. Hiranya can burn to the ground for all I care.

Maiya couldnt remain silent. Her hatred boiled just as hot as it did the day she discovered Hiranyan knights had murdered her parents. Like a volcano biding its time, building pressure until it bursts. One day, she would have her revenge, and if Kinjal helped her obtain it, shed support them right up until the day Dahas palace burned to ash with the vermin infesting it.

Princess Ira furrowed her brows. I know, of course, that you came to us from Hiranya. I am not, however, aware of your history with them. If it is corruption you wish to eradicate, changing Kinjal will uplift Hiranya as well. Hiranyan nepotism is an unfortunate byproduct of our desperate times. When they no longer have war to worry about, military resources will flow back to the country, strengthening it. Kinjal can aid in ensuring the ascension of competent rulers from the shadows.

Maiya balled a fist. They murdered my parents. I dont want to uplift them. I want to burn them.

Princess Ira turned to regard Maiya.

Great. Ive really done it now. Maiya braced herself for a lecture.

Who do you want killed? the princess asked.

S-sorry?

I assume your hatred is directed toward those responsible for the death of your parents, yes? Who were they?

A knight, Maiya replied with a frown. This wasnt the reaction Maiya expected. Knight Captain Vastav and his men. And Princess Mina.

Ira winced. Mina Hiranya Youve no doubt heard what became of her?

Maiya nodded. I heard she was maimed. That not even healing magic can help her.

Yes, she lost some limbs. Quite gruesome. Hiranya has done their best to hide it, but theres no concealing something like that. Mina is destroyed, Maiya. Fated to live out the rest of her days as a cripple, she has no power anymore. Her brothers have seen to that.

She still breathes, Maiya said through gritted teeth. She knew this was no way to speak to a princess. Maiya didnt have any right to demand anything from her. The oppositeIra had given her wealth, power, and status. Everything shed ever dreamed of. Yet, now that shed spoken, she couldnt stop herself. Like a levy that had ruptured, the words flowedout of control. That monster deserves a fate worse than death for all the tragedies shes wrought.

Would you not say Fate has given her exactly that? Ira asked. Imagine how it must be for someone as highborn, as egomaniacal as Mina, to be brought so low. It must vex her every moment of every day. It must consume her, knowing shell never return to the person she once was. Tell me true, is that not worse?

Maiya went silent for a long moment. When she spoke, her words were more measured. Calmer. The princess had a point.

I guess I never saw it that way, she mumbled.

People like her think differently from you or I, Maiya. Believe me, youd only be putting her out of her misery by ending her life. Shes best left alone. Let her be a black mark for Hiranya to bear.

The knights?

Ill arrange to have Captain Vastav executed, as well as those directly responsible for your parents deaths. Is that acceptable?

I dont know what to say, Maiya replied, hanging her head. I feel Im overstepping my bounds. By a lot. Im sorry. I shouldnt even have mentioned this.

Ira smiled sadly. We all carry the demons of our past with us. Most are unable to do anything about it. I know well what it is you feel. Youve plied yourself for our Empire. For me. If this allows you to move on with your life, then Ill happily have those people killed.

The princess had single-handedly resolved the darkness in Maiyas heart. A darkness Vir partially quelled by killing HarakHiranyas Royal Priestbut the storm remained. Until the guilty were held responsible, there would be no true peace in Maiyas heart. Shed been prepared to sacrifice herself if need be. Now, with just a few words, shed been freed of that burden. It felt wrong, somehow.

Would you like to kill them yourself? Ira asked, casting an appraising gaze at her, but Maiya immediately shook her head.

Its not really revenge that Im after. Thats certainly part of it, but I know it wont bring my parents back. I doubt itll make me feel much better; Im not that nave. But the thought of those vermin living their lives unpunished I cant stand it. I never have. Knowing they no longer tread upon this Realm is enough for me.

Consider it done.

Thank you for this, Princess Ira. I assume youll be wanting a favor in return? Whatever you like, please name it.

Ira sighed, leaning over the ramparts crenels. Thats not it at all, Maiya. If I wanted an ignorant minion, I wouldve simply blackmailed you with treason for leaking sensitive intelligence to that mejai, Tanya. You will notice I never once mentioned it.

Maiya went pale and her heart threatened to leap out of her mouth. You knew?

I do my due diligence on all my handmaidens, Maiya. Especially those I take under my wing. Ill admit, I had contingencies, but my faith in you wasnt misplaced.

You had faith? I committed treason!

Were guards moving in to capture her? Had Ira led her here for that purpose? Maiyas eyes darted around the ramparts, suspicious of a trap.

But no. The tops of the walls remained empty. It was just her and the princess, who stood with a hand on her hip, brows creased in pity.

Maiya, Ill never have a sliver of a coppers chance at the throne without an eye for good character. I judged you thoroughly and concluded you would cast off whatever shackles that bound you if given a choice. If you didnt, it would mean you deemed the danger too great to do so.

You assumed a lot, Maiya replied, taken aback at how accurate Iras assessment had been.

And? Were my assumptions not correct? You are hardly the first risk Ive taken. I wish for my handmaidens to follow me willingly. To believe in my cause. For while help can always be hired, loyalty cannot be bought.

But you had a contingency, didnt you? Maiya asked.

Of course. If you hadnt stopped your spying before learning anything of value, Id have had you executed in your sleep. Any of several nightshades would have done the task.

Poison? Maiyas blood nearly froze, her face deathly turning pale. Isuppose thats only fair

Traitors usually endured far worse than a painless death.

S-so, my training, Maiya said, eager to move the conversation along, trying not to betray the fear in her voice. It has something to do with the Children of Ash, doesnt it?

Ira walked along the rampart, and Maiya matched her pace beside her. Shed normally never have dared, but the princess insisted.

Ive sent you all over the Known World. To Hiranya, Rani, and the far corners of Kinjal. What have you seen?

Poverty. Corruption. Strife, Maiya replied immediately. Hidden agendas and knives behind everyones backs.

Maiya had shut down smuggling rings, strong-armed the Crown Prince of Matali, and helped the poor. There wasnt a shred of continuity to her tasks, but she hadnt complained. Iras ideals lined up near-perfectly with her own. Not only was she doing the world a service, she was being paid handsomely for it.

Tis an ugly thing, is it not?

Maiya nodded. But what does this have to do with those cultists?

Why, I thought it obvious? In each of your missions, you had an opportunity to interact with their ranks. The smuggling rings all had at least one Children agent amongst them, preaching their twisted cause. Matali is rife with the Cultists, as is Hiranya. They even preach to the poor, handing out alms for those who will listen to their ways.

Theyre just a group of harmless crazies, Maiya said. They might be everywhere, but theyre useless as informants.

Thats precisely the trouble. I wish for them to be.

Maiya blinked. You intend to radicalize them against another country? Others have tried. Theres a reason they answer to no one. Theyre quite insane.

Oh, Im aware. I want nothing as crude as that. The Kinjal intelligence network is vast and deep, and yet there are places even we cannot penetrate. Dark corners, where the Children flourish. Mostly, they are loyal to my father. My goal is not to simply sway the ChildrenI wish to make them ours. Mine.

Er, how, exactly?

Ira laced her fingers behind her back, upturned her eyes, and gave Maiya such a sweet smile that she came to a halt. The princess gazed into Maiyas eyes.

Why, by infiltrating their ranks, rising within the organization, becoming their leader, and turning them to our side, of course!

Right! Of course!

Any chance I could just fight Ash Beasts, instead? Maiya asked meekly.

Iras grin broadened. And just like that, all of Maiyas hopes for the future came crashing splendidly down.

Vir, if Im a crazy blood cultist by the time you get back I swear it wasnt my fault!