Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 288: Well of Despair

The few Malik had mentioned were a four-armed red demon Vir was unfamiliar with And the red demon whod tried to assassinate him during their combat exam the other day. The very same demon Vir had shut down.

Youre sure youre not just trying to hoist him off to me? Vir asked, an eyebrow pointedly raised.

You have to admit, he is quite the capable warrior. You saw that for yourself, Malik replied, deftly avoiding Virs question.

Vir had chatted with Malik about their history together, and it seemed their bad blood ran deep. To where Vir suspected some cosmic force had to be responsible for their continuous unfortunate encounters.

The two had been childhood acquaintances, much in the same way Vir and Camas were. One mightve guessed that it was Malik who was the bullied party, but that wouldve been wrong. It was, in fact, the bigger, more muscular demon who was the victim.

We all mature as we age. I truly regret what I did to him during our childhood, you know? Malik said, hanging his head.

And then his wife left him to be with you, Vir said, unamused. Surely, you could have seen this coming?

It was her choice! Malik replied. And all the rites were properly performed. We prayed to the gods to bless our marriage. We did nothing wrong! He just doesnt see it that way.

The world flashed white and thunder cracked from nearby, prompting the two to flinch. The lightning was an ever-present danger this close to the Boundary, but between ash Beasts and lightning, Vir considered the natural danger the lesser of the two.

I suppose, Vir said, letting out a long breath, having wisely decided that this was a Prana Swarm lair best left untouched. Having him along will be of great help. He seems to be reasonable around everyone who isnt you, at least. And I wont have to worry about you being stabbed in your sleep while Im gone.

That too, Malik said sheepishly, no doubt understanding that Vir had known the real reason all along.

After hammering out a few more details, Vir dismissed his logistical officer and headed for the opposite end of camp. There was one other he wished to bring along. One demon whose participation might very well determine their fates, and whod deftly eluded him until now.

As he searched, Virs mind filled with the dilemma of the captured Chitran guards. The issue had been weighing heavily on his mind, and he was honestly at a loss.

If the prisoners killed themsomething Vir was loath to dothen returning to Garrison Atnu would be all but impossible. Balagra was right on that point. A group of demons returning from the lost Chitran City with their collars broken and captors missing would only result in everyones summary execution. Itd be far too suspicious.

If he let the guards go, however, theyd undoubtedly deliver Vir and Balagras heads on a platter the moment they returned.

For now, Vir deferred that difficult problem, as it would be something of a luxury if they all lived long enough to worry about that. Right now, he had far larger issues. Issues that forced him to delegate the troops training to the injured Balagra, despite Virs immense reluctance to do so.

The rations the prisoners had would only last two or three more days. Perhaps slightly longer if Malik successfully collected and rationed it, but either way, time was of the essence, and they had none to lose. Vir didnt envy the demons job, and had thanked Badrak more than once for the luck that landed such a capable and talented ally into his lap.

Vir finally arrived at the spot hed last sighted his final recruit, only to find no one there.

So I wasnt imagining things. He really is avoiding me.

That was alright. Vir Blinked away, reappearing right next to his target.

You really dont want to have anything to do with me, do you? Vir asked, causing the scrawny kothi to yelp and jump away in fright. To his credit, he managed not to fall flat on his butt in panic But only barely.

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N-nothing like that! the kothi stammered. As far as Chitran went, he was on the smaller side, and not only because he was malnourished. The demon boasted neither the physique nor the confidence Vir would expect from a warrior, and if he was honest, he didnt know if this particular demon had anything to offer. Even if Vir was correct about his character.

That doubt evaporated the moment he saw the kothis Chitran bloodline tattoos.

Relax, Vir said. Im not here to hurt you. Just why are you running away from me? Have I wronged you in some way?

The kothi stood up, dusting off his robe. Im Chitran, he said. His voice was higher-pitched than Vir had expected.

Ah. Of course

Vir fought the impulse to pinch his nose. Look, he said. Id be lying if I said I didnt have issues with the Chitran. I imagine every Gargan does. But you need to understand that this does not mean I hate all kothis.

The skittish demon gave Vir a look of extreme suspicion. But Youre a rebel.

Yes. I did say as much. And yes. I am working to overthrow the Chitrans. I am not, however, trying toeradicate them, as theyve tried so hard to do to the Gargans. I dont even know you. How could I have anything against you?

You may not hate me, but did it occur to you that I might hate you? Youre Gargan.

Vir shrugged. Maybe you do, but I doubt that. Call it a hunch. Besides, I think well have ample opportunity to learn more about that in the near future. When you come with me to Praya Parul.

P-Praya Parul? The kothi stiffened visibly, taking a half-step back. Surely, there are more suitable warriors? he said, glancing nervously around. I cant fight, you know?

There are, and I know. Vir said. But I need someone to tend the Ashva that will haul our gear. Thats you.

The kothi looked around, and finding no one he could foist the responsibility to, finally gave up. He hung his head and nodded.

As you wish.

Vir set out with little fanfare, pausing only to announce his departure to the troops in hopes of procuring the weapons and armor theyd need to survive. Hed initially wanted to sneak away without making a scene, but Balagra had convinced that their leader stealing away would demoralize the troops to the point of no return.

Vir was glad hed listened. Rather than despair, many of the demons felt a sense of renewed vigor. That, if Vir succeeded in his mission, theyd have proof to bring back to the Chitran. Valuable spoils of war that might just allow them to be pardoned.

Given the dire supply situation, Vir took only the bare minimum for a three-day trip. They could stretch that if need be, but Vir was loath to take any more food and water than they absolutely had to. The prisoners would have a hard enough time as it was.

Riding alongside Vir was the kothi Gunin and Maliks lifelong enemy, Lagen. While they were odd company for such a mission, Vir had plans for them both, and he hoped to use this outing to advance that plan several steps. Whats more, they both boasted strong tattoos, even if only Lagen considered himself a warrior. Their powers would be crucial for defending themselves and their beasts of burden.

Lashed behind them were three more Ashvataken from the supply beasts and those the Chitran guards had ridden. Theyd need every ounce of their hauling capacity if they wanted to bring back enough gear to outfit two hundred people.

So, about Praya Parul Gunin said, breaking the weighty silence that weighed upon the group. Has anyone been there?

If any of us have, itd be you. That was your clans city, after all, Lagen replied curtly. So? Have you?

Not personally, no. Though, my father told me enough stories that I certainly feel like I have, the Chitran replied. I admit Im a little excited to see it after all this time. Even despite the danger.

Then by all means, please regale us with stories of your wonderful city, Lagen said, making no effort to hide his distaste for the kothi.

Id hardly call it that, Gunin said softly. Praya Parul was an unsafe place decades before my people fled it. Many of our clan perished manning the walls. Defending the city against unending Ash Beast assaults.

You were hardly the only ones who lost good demons to the Ash. Still doesnt give you the right to annihilate another clan, Lagen said.

No. No, I suppose it doesnt, Gunin replied, earning a look of surpriseand derisionfrom the red demon.

Vir remained silent. Cirayus had said that the Chits had felt the effects of the encroaching Ash the most. That they spent an inordinate number of resourcesmore than any other clandefending their vast border, even as it was slowly eroded away.

Just like Matali.

Vir knew all too well the sort of desperation and hopelessness such a slow, inevitable destruction could have on a people. It didnt excuse what the Chits did. It certainly didnt excuse Asumans mistreatment of the Gargans in Samar Patag. It did, however, shed some light on how Gargas downfall came to be, and Vir couldnt help but wonder if things mightve been different had his mother and father paid more attention to the Chitrans before events came to a head.

When the first opportunistic Ash Beast swooped in on the convoy, Gunin and Lagen had nearly soiled their pants.

When Vir drove them away for the dozenth, they barely even fazed his companions anymore.

Never thought Id look at one of those Ashen terrors with pity, Lagen muttered under his breath.

On that, we agree, Gunin replied, nodding vigorously.

Theyd both kept their voices low, to avoid being overheard by their leader. Unbeknownst to them, said leader possessed hearing far above those of any ordinary demon. Vir allowed a small smile to creep onto his face, which, of course, went unseen by either.

Virs good mood was swiftly vanquished when the soot-blackened ruins of Praya Paruls walls came into view.

What is this feeling? Lagen said from behind him, shuddering.

Death, Vir replied. He didnt need Prana Vision to inform him of the death trap that lurked within those walls.

The shrieking wails did plenty of that already.