Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 56: Immortal

Vir took the lead, navigating through Brijs streets. While Maiya knew the village as well as he did, she didnt have the benefit of Prana Vision. Especially useful for maneuvering around piles of Ashva dung, of which there were many. And while the main road was well lit, the alleys had far more darkness than light, with the rare Magic Candle placed haphazardly by whoever lived nearby.

Vir soon found his usual route to the temple, leading Maiya down a series of familiar alleys. Nothing had changed and yet, it felt like everything had changed. Neither he nor Maiya would ever be welcomed back here again.

Maiya must have been thinking the same thing. We can never come back, can we? she asked.

Even if we could, Vir replied, would you really want to?

Never, came Maiyas reply in an instant. Ive hated this place since the moment I was born. Good riddance, I say. What about you? All you ever wanted was a life in the village, yeah?

I Vir said, thinking it over. The answer came to him easily. I wouldnt.

Figures, Maiya said. Weve seen the wider world. Theres no going back now.

He had to agree. Returning to village life felt Well, it felt like a tragic waste. He didnt know when he started feeling that way, but the thought of coming back filled him with pure revulsion. His fate had changed forever on that day the knights arrived, and were it not for Rudviks death, Vir would have been happy for it.

Without the knights, Vir would never have met Riyan. And he definitely would never have learned about Kalari or katars Or, for that matter, about prana and Talents. So much had changed on account of that one event.

All because of my decision to flee to the Godshollow, he realized. He did have an option back then. He could have gone with the knights. If he had, Rudvik would still be alive.

Guilt threatened to seize his heart, but Vir shook off the feeling. His father would never have wanted him in the hands of those knights. Hed made the right decision to flee.

The real question wasknowing what he knew now would he make the same decision? That was harder to say. Hed grown so much, but it all came at the cost of Rudviks life. How could he possibly weigh those two on a scale? Perhaps his issue lay in trying to compare two incomparables in the first place.

Just wish things didnt have to end up this way, Maiya muttered, echoing his thoughts.

They continued on in the darkness, taking their time. While the alley was empty, they were plenty of soundsa man yelling at his wife, an elderly persons snores, Ashva snorting, and the mouthwatering scent of home cooked food.

The village was rarely ever truly silent, which helped hide Vir and Maiyas presence. It wasnt like they werent allowed to explore the village, but two Sawai teens gallivanting in an alley at night were bound to attract some attention.

I think I think I might have lied to you, Vir, Maiya said at length.

About what?

I dont think I can stay at Riyans anymore. Not when my parents are missing like this. I dont think Ill be able to sleep until I know where the knights have taken them.

I understand, Maiya. Their wellbeing is the most important thing in the world. Ill come with you.

Vir realized shed stopped, so he turned around and met her gaze.

You mean that? she asked, searching his expression.

He nodded. Of course. Aliscia was like a mother to me, and your dad I could work for a lifetime and I still wouldnt be able to repay my debt to him.

Maiya hugged him briefly. Thanks, Vir. You cant know how much this means to me.

Cmon, Vir said, flushing with embarrassment. Maybe well find something at your place.

He led them to another alleythe one where hed encountered the Child of Ash. He could only shake his head at the memory. Back then, hed felt as if the cultist was some kind of god of death whod snatch him away.

Now, he realized that the man was emaciated, didnt have a shred of combat training, and that old man Akros couldve defeated him. Against Vir with his full stamina, Kalari training, and Talents? Vir felt confident he could fight ten cultists and come out without a scratch.

Wonder what my Balar Rank is now he idly thought.

The great temple doors soon appeared before them in the darkness, its doors nailed shut by planks of heavy wood.

The planks were etched with the words: Closed until further notice.

Looks like they havent found a new priest yet, Vir commented, placing his hand upon the door. Hed had so many good memories in this place. He only hoped it opened its doors again soon.

Priests are hard to come by, said Maiya, eyeing the building with sorrow. Most villages dont even have one.

Lets try your home, Vir said, taking Maiyas arm. It was best not to linger on their regrets.

Apramors house was located only a short distance away. They found it in a similar state, with the main door locked and barred.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Vir yanked at the wood, but it refused to budge. Back door?

Maiya nodded and led him around to the other side. Luckily, this door was only locked and not barred.

Vir broke out his lock-picking set, which made short work of it. As Rudvik liked to say, de simplest answerll lead ya true.

Upon finishing, Vir bowed theatrically and swung the door open for Maiya. After you, my lady, he said, hoping to ease her nerves.

His friend rolled her eyes, then looked inside. The moment she did, Vir immediately knew something was wrong.

She rushed in, activating her Magic Lamp orb, and he followed. Maiyas light shone upon a scene of devastation and chaos.

Ceramic shards from cracked pots lay littered across the floor, and there wasnt even a single piece of furniture in the room. Cabinets had been ripped open and cast aside, curtains ripped asunder.

Vir gently squeezed Maiyas shoulder.

Why? She whispered. Why did the knights have to do this? Were they not satisfied with taking my parents!?

Vir squeezed tighter. I dont think the knights did this, Maiya. Nothing heres of any use to them.

You mean wait, no. We saw my table at Akros house. Theyre obviously the ones behind this. I shouldve expected such behavior from backwater ignoramus trash.

Vir was a bit shocked at her language, though he understood her feelings. Your family was far richer than everyone else in the village. Even your tables and chairs would be enough to improve the quality of life of the villagers.

Maiya spun and faced him. And that makes it right to steal from my house? Whats supposed to happen when my dad returns? You think hell just say oh well, you needed it more than we did. Ill just return to my position and pretend like none of this ever happened? This is unforgivable!

Im not agreeing with them, Maiya. Just saying that this is exactly the kind of thing theyd do, is all.

Unlike her, he found it hard to be angry at Akros and his ilk. Instead, all he felt was pity, the way one might pity a starving bandy.

How dare they! Theyll pay. Ill make them pay! she shouted. Vir threw his hand over her mouth.

Quiet! We cant let anyone find us here!

Maiyas eyes opened wide. Then tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to pour out onto her cheeks.

Vir hurriedly dabbed them away before they could smear her disguise.

Grasping her shoulders, Vir met her gaze. Look, homes can be mended. What they did was wrong, and I am sure theyll get their just desserts one day. We should focus on any clues your parents might have left behind. Okay? Maybe they left a hint about where they went.

She nodded and whispered something Vir couldnt quite hear.

Upon inspecting the damaged kitchen and dining areas, Vir found that every utility orb had been swiped, as well as anything of value. Less useful implements like wooden spoons and clay pots lay broken or thrown aside. There really was nothing left. If Apramor and Aliscia had left anything for Maiya, he hoped theyd hidden it well.

Do you have anywhere you stash things you dont want found? he asked.

Maiya tapped her chin, then bolted to the stairs and up to the second floor, taking the only light source in the room with her.

Vir didnt mind the darkness. Prana Vision let him make out most of the objects, laden with a smattering of various affinities as they were. It was strangeat some point hed grown used to his augmented vision, though any time he stepped back and took in the myriad of new colors, it always awed him. Hed never understood why only he had Prana Vision, or anything even remotely close to it. Unlike the flashier Dance of the Shadow Demon that Shardul had showed off, it was a subtle power that gave him an edge in a variety of areas.

Vir gave Maiya a moment, allowing himself to sink into the nostalgia of the place. Like the temple, some of his best memories were at this houseAliscias cooking, loudmouthed Rudvik arguing against Apramor, the nights he and Maiya had burned candles staying up late into the night, trading storiessneaking down at an ungodly hour to nab a cracker from the kitchen.

All in the past, now. This home would never know those times again. A part of Vir died when he realized that.

V-Vir? Maiya called out from upstairs. Can you come up here?

With heavy steps, he made his way up to her bedroom, though it was hardly recognizable. Like the rest of the house, all the furniture that could be moved had been looted, leaving behind a bare, empty room. Theyd even torn apart Maiyas pink wall coverings.

The girl sat cross-legged on the floor, turning over a pitch black envelope with a red wax seal. They didnt do a great job searching, she said. Didnt even look under the creaky floorboard.

Whats it say? Vir asked.

Dunno. Havent opened it yet.

She flipped it over, and Vir made out Aliscias immaculate handwriting: To Mai, it said. Its from my parents.

She handed the envelope to Vir. You read it.

Uh, you sure? It looks like they meant it for you.

Im sure. I Yeah. Im sure.

Vir shrugged and popped the seal, carefully retrieving the single piece of paper within and unfolding it reverently.

The message wasnt longenough to fit on a single side, and written in perfect cursive.

Vir cleared his throat and began his recitation.

To Maiya, our most beloved star

We still remember the day you came into this world, kicking and screaming. We always knew you would grow up to be a rambunctious young woman! If only we knew just how correct we would be! You caused us no end of headaches and yet, we would not trade you for the world. You may hate us for raising you in a backwater village, but Maiya, you wereyou areour proudest achievement. You will always be, even long after we have left this world.

Knowing you, Vir must be right there by your side, listening to you read this letter. You were always inseparable, after all. Perhaps he is the one reading? Well? Are we correct?

Hello, Vir! It is good to see you. Truly.

Prana scorned. Ashborn. You have suffered under many names. But to us, you are the son we never had, and so this message is for you as well.

Do not be sad for us. Read this letter and find strength. Not sorrow.

Support each other, for you are precious. More precious than you know.

When Fates whims separate you two and carry you each to distant realms, never forget that. Never forget the bond you share.

Make it unbreakable, and you will not bend. Make it supple, and you will not shatter. In each other, find your strength, find your home, and find yourselves.

Grow strong.

This is our only wish. Do not search for us. Do not grieve us. Remember us in your memories, both of you. While we may be gone from this world, we live on in your memories.

And thus, we are immortal.

With Dearest Love,

Mom and dad

The ransacked homes deathly silence was brokennot by wails or screamsbut quiet sobbing.

Next time: 57 - Breakers Of The Chain