Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 142: Shackles of the Past

When Vir entered Balindams audience chambers, he expected hed meet with the Tribunal alone. Instead, all seventeen surviving raiders from last nights raid stood in a row, hands clasped behind their back. His first reaction was to panic seeing so many exposed demons.

Theyll be discovered!

No longer in disguise, they wore a variety of casual clothing that showed off their red skin. Then Vir suddenly remembered where he was, and the panic washed away, replaced by relief. Relief and pride.

These are the demons who saved fifty souls last night.

The Tribunal stood at the foot of the stairs of the audience chambernot at the top. As if to signal that they were all equals here.

Lord Reth, with a prim but understated teal robe. Disanna with her flowing black hair done up behind her head, and Zora, the gangly Ghael.

Welcome, brothers and sisters, Disanna said with a genuine smile. Youll be pleased to know that the fifty you saved are settling in well to their new lives. As usual, several refused to believe the Orders true nature and tried to break out. After some soothing and a hot meal, theyve come around as well. I fear our front works too well at times.

Several demons chuckled, while others shook their heads in exasperation.

Youve done them all a great service. Many were bound for slavery. Others, death. But now, they have a new lease on life. A chance to lead normal lives. Or as normal as citizens of the Undercity can lead, anyway.

One day, Zora said in her gravelly voice, all demons will know the light of the sun on their skin. Needing neither paint nor disguise. One day soon.

Hear hear! Badal said, pumping his fist, prompting others to do the same.

Vir nearly raised his fist alongside them, but remembered their talk of the purge. He doubted it would be peaceful, and he doubted the Order would care. Would the nation of Zoras dreams recognize humans as equals? None of it sat right with Vir, roiling like a snake in the pit of his stomach.

On the other hand, he did agree with the raids. Rescuing demons and giving them a better life was a cause worth fighting for. Of that, he was sure.

As per usual, we will compensate each of you handsomely for your accomplishments. And let us not forget the deeds of our newcomer, rescuing fifteen prisoners on his own! We are proud to welcome him to our Order.

A round of clapping and hoots echoed through the hall, and Vir nodded awkwardly to everyone who looked his way, surprised to suddenly be put on the spot.

It wasnt just on account of bashfulnesswhile hed rescued those prisoners, he couldnt have done it without the demons help. Hed botched his role, and the events of last night weighed heavily on his back.

If the raiders bore him ill will, though, they certainly didnt show it.

Go rest now, all of you. Ah, but Vir, would you mind staying back a moment? We have much to discuss.

Here it comes, Vir thought. Instinct told him bad news was headed his way. Instinct, and that strained smile Reth had given him earlier.

Several demons clapped his shoulder or nodded at him as they filtered out, and Vir found himself reciprocating. It felt so right being here, amongst friends.

The warmth in his chest only bolstered his confidence that he was making the right decision, staying on with the Order. With time, hed convince them that demons could coexist with humans. Hed failed to so with with Tia, but it was not a mistake hed make again. Hed be smarter this time.

Disanna spoke up once the others had filtered out, and when she did, it was in a softer voice than the one shed used with the crowd.

I know you must be worried about the one who betrayed you during the raid. Princess Tiyana Matali.

Im sorry, Vir said, lowering his head. I told her who I was. I nearly gave away the Orders secret. I knew Tia bore no love for demons, I just never thought shed react so violently. I have no excuses.

No need, friend, Disanna replied, gently lifting his chin. You could not have known she would be there. As a royal, shed have been privy to our true nature, eventually, and your friend Maiya has seen that Prince Erhan will keep Princess Tiyana in check. Rather, despite facing such adversity, you still brought those demons home.

Only with a lot of help, Vir said in anguish. Badal was running into a lot of resistance, so he had me go ahead. I wasnt supposed to break them out, but I saw the chance and took it. Just didnt expect to run into her there.

No operation is without its snags, Vir, Reth said. If the Pagan Orders secret were so easily learned, wed have been made a long time ago. Nations around the world work with us to disseminate our propaganda. A few voices here and there spilling the truth will never pose a threat. Well, not unless the words come from a princess mouth, but as Disanna said, Crown Prince Erhan Matali will keep his sister in check.

Now, let us discuss the reason we summoned you, Disanna said.

We wish to invite you into our ranks, Reth continued. Youve hardly known us a week, and youve already contributed more than most. We would be honored to have you.

That much was expected, Vir thought. Hed figured they would extend an invitation at some point, and hed given the decision a great deal of consideration. He already had his answer, but first, he wanted a few clarifications.

Why me? Vir asked. You flew me here on an Acira. You showed me the Undercity. You even showed me your Prana Siphon! Why take such a risk?

Vir had initially suspected they might do something similar for everyone they recruited, but after seeing the scale of their operations, after seeing the Undercity, he knew that simply wasnt true. Hed been given preferential treatment.

No one knows how demons ended up in this realm, Reth said. Some say they were here when the Age of Gods ended, and have simply been hunted ever since. Others say there were never any demons here to begin with, and that our ancestors came through the Ash, back when it was smaller and less deadly. We know precious little about the Demon Realm. We do, however, have some tales, passed down through generations of demons.

What do they say? Vir asked.

Zora spoke up for the first time in their exchange. They speak of one who carries the prana of Ash Beasts, she rasped. A being of great power who will usher in a new era for demonkind.

Vir waited for more, but the Ghael fell silent.

Thats it?

Perhaps the details have been lost to time, Reth said. Perhaps they are nothing more than rumors. However, Im of the belief that if theres even a one percent chance of it being true, then we ought to heed it.

You think Im this being from your tales, Vir said.

Vir, you are the only demon in our recorded history to have an Ash prana affinity. An Apex Ash Affinity, Disanna said.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Vir had wondered if theyd known about his identity as the reincarnation of the primordial. It was either that, or they simply saw his prana as exotic. The truth was somewhere in between.

They know Im someone special, but they dont know of the Primordial. Thats interesting, though. So the Primordial is someone wholl usher in a new era for demonkind?

That was news to Vir, but it made sense why they were willing to go to such lengths for him now.

Vir took a deep breath. Theres something else you should know, he said. There might be some merit to those rumors, after all.

Vir spent the next hour narrating his experience as a prana scorned, telling them about the Hiranyan Knights and his training at Riyans, and finished with his meeting with Janak at Valaka Amara and his attempted assassination of Princess Mina.

Our operatives had suspected you were behind Head Priest Haraks death, but to think you made an attempt on Mina herself! Disanna said. Well, you might not have killed her, but the state you left her in is almost worse.

That was Riyan, not me, Vir said, shaking his head.

Forget the princess! Vir met Lord Janak himself! Reth said in awe. Do you understand what this means?

Reth exchanged a glance with Disanna and Zora, and all three nodded, as if theyd had some unspoken conversation.

Vir, about our invitation Disanna said.

I accept

Hold, Lord Reth said, cutting him off. We feel that, in good faith, we must warn you before you reply.

Warn me? Of what?

The Pagan Orders intelligence network runs deep and wide. We have operatives in every country in the Known World, feeding us information daily. Including Rani.

Vir had a bad feeling about this.

Im afraid you have a hunting party on your tail, brother. A Mejai of Realms and his entire retinue, accompanied by what we suspect is a demon whos been brainwashed or coerced into their service. A powerful giant, by the looks of it. Exceedingly powerful.

Virs stomach dropped.

Well not lie to you, Vir, Disanna said. They are an unparalleled force.

Mina, Vir said, his expression darkening.

After what you have told us, yes, that would make sense. For Hiranya to send such a strong party across borders, Princess Mina truly wants you dead.

Vir opened his mouth to reply, but Disanna continued before he could.

It is not our way to judge our demons pasts, Vir. We have all lived hard lives. Take solace in knowing you have done demonkind a favor in ridding the world of Harak. Mina was hardly any better.

It is our way, however, Reth said. to defend our own.

Your own Vir replied, understanding his meaning.

We will fight these hunters, Vir. We will do what it takes to protect you, especially now that we know what you are. What you represent. No cost is too great. However, Reth said. We must ask that you join us in return. Permanently.

Thats Vir had always been planning on staying. He was about to agree, but the words caught in his mouth. His mind lingered on Reths words.

No cost is too great.

Lives will be lost, wont they? Vir asked.

Most certainly, Disanna said. Our Ghael spies have confirmed Talent wielders among them. Strong ones. Ignoring them, there is the demon, whose prana is stronger than any being weve ever laid eyes on. We suspect that demons Balar Rank may even exceed 700.

Vir paled. Wouldnt that put the demon higher than the strongest Talent wielder in the Known World?Hiranya had such a hidden weapon?

When Riyan had ordered Vir to assassinate Mina, hed feared this exact situation. He feared that nowhere in the Known World would be safe, despite Riyans assurances.

And now Riyan was gonelikely deadand the Order was promising to protect him. At any cost.

Can I accept that?

How many demons would have to sacrifice themselves for his botched assassination? How many souls would Vir have to save to balance that scale?

Vir shook his head. It was impossible to weigh lives so mathematically. Rather, he refused to. People were precious. The Pagan Order would protect him, yes. But what right did he have to put the Orders warriors in that position?

Can I have some time to think about this?

Of course, but you should know that your pursuers are currently at Avi. Our operatives are doing what they can to delay their efforts, but we fear they will learn of your location soon. The earlier you decide, the better we can prepare.

I understand, Vir replied. Ill have my answer by this evening.

In the course of a few moments, with just a few words, the future that Vir had thought etched in stone was now once again nebulous and fraught with peril.

One last thing, Vir said. May I show Maiya the Undercity? Shes known I was a demon, or Ashborn, ever since I was little. She defended me when others sought to do me harm. I swear on my life that she can be trusted.

The Tribunal glanced at each other, exchanging unsaid comments, before replying.

This is highly unusual. Can you swear to us that she will not leak this information back to Kinjal?

I swear it on my fathers name, Vir said immediately.

Still, she must take an oath of secrecy. If she does prove an enemy of our people, there will be no escape for her. We have operatives in all countries. Even in the courts of Kinjal. Furthermore, you are not to breathe a word of the Prana Siphon. Know that we extend this privilege as a special favor to you.

Vir nodded. I understand. You have my gratitude.

The implications were dire, but he wasnt worried. Maiya would never betray him.

It wasnt her he was worried about. It was what Vir's pursuers would do once they arrived at Balindam. Time was running out, and he had a decision to make. One that would alter his fate forever.

Vir walked out of the audience chamber to find Maiya leaning against a stone wall with her arms crossed, and Neel sitting on his haunches, looking up at her.

You look like youve just seen a ghost, she said.

I may very well have, Vir replied tiredly, kneeling to pet Neel.

Thought theyd summoned you for accolades. What happened?

Well, they did. But there was more. Walk with me? Vir said, beckoning Maiya to follow.

Sure.

Its Princess Mina, Vir said in a low voice as they walked the castles narrow halls. Shes sending a hunting party after me. A Mejai of Realms with a retinue of mejai. And a powerful demon. Really powerful. Like Balar 700, if theyre to be believed.

Thats not possible, Vir. How can Hiranya have anyone that powerful? The world wouldve known! Kinjal wouldve known! Unless I wonder if the Altanis helping them keep this hidden.

I dont know, Maiya. I really dont know. But they sound like a real force to be reckoned with. Depending on their size and strength, I could be up against a combined Balar rank of anywhere from 1500 to 5000.

Less, here in the Voidlands, Maiya said. Maybe you ought to just wait for them to come here? Those mejai will be powerless. Trust me, it feels horrible to be here. I feel naked.

Vir shook his head. They have Talent wielders too, apparently. And that demon alone is enough to end me. I struggled against the Brood Matron, and that was with a full party to back me up. That monster was only Balar 200 or so. I cant fight them, Maiya.

But the Order would defend you, right?

They would. If I agree to stay here, which Id planned to, anyway. Thats exactly the problem, Vir said, guiding Maiya through the castles halls. Many would die.

Come with me to Kinjal. We can hide you there.

I dont think you can, Maiya. They followed me all the way to Avi, which means theyre tracking me somehow. Theyre good. Very good.

Still, they wont dare follow you there.

Im not so sure about that. They pursued me to Rani, and I doubt theyll have any qualms about coming here. If I were trying to assassinate someone, I wouldnt wear anything incriminating. I doubt anyone would know Hiranya sent them. If you didnt know about that Balar 700 demon, I doubt anyone else does, either.

Maiya nodded slowly. True. Which means they could strike anywhere. Theyre a disposable, autonomous force, as crazy as that sounds.

Right.

Thats good, then! Maiya said with delight.

Sorry? How is that good?

Because Kinjal can just crush them to dust.

Yep. Those military nutshave definitely been rubbing off on her. Not that its a bad thing, Vir thought with a smile. He liked this new, tougher Maiya.

Maybe, he said. Or maybe they just slit my throat in my sleep. Im so sick of running, Maiya. Of being a fugitive. When I fled from Hiranya, Id look behind my back whenever I went outside, wondering if that was the day assassins finally came for me. Whenever I ate outside, Id worry my meals were poisoned. I cant live like that. Not anymore.

Hey, she said, squeezing his hand. Well get through this together. I promise.

Vir nodded, entering the elevator shaft. He gestured to the operators, who began priming the lifts mechanism to lower them.

Where are we going? Maiya asked as they stepped onto the lift. Neel planted his butt down and looked around with enthusiasm, tail wagging.

Youll see, Vir said with a sly smile. But first, I need you to swear to secrecy with these demons here as your witness. What you see cannot be revealed to anyone. Not to Kinjal, not anyone. Let alone Princess Ira. Is that understood?

Noticing the shift in his tone, Maiya stiffened and nodded. Id never betray you. You know that. Kinjal pays me well, but Im certainly not divulging all my secrets to them. I swear on the names of my mother and father that I wont share what I see today to anyone.

Does that suffice? Vir asked the demon guards, who nodded back.

We hear and accept your oath. We shall record this in our tomes, along with the names of all who have served as witnesses here today.

The lift began to descend, plunging them into darkness. Maiya subconsciously huddled closer to Virsomething shed always done when she was afraid.

The Order would defend me, Vir said softly, mainly to keep Maiya distracted from the darkness, but theyd lose a lot of lives doing so. Thats equally true if it came to blows in Kinjal. A Balar 700 warrior is going to cause death. Lots of it.

That would be hard to live with, I suppose. But at least its Kinjal. You dont even like them.

Sure. Still...

Fleeing would just delay the inevitable, bringing innocent people into his pursuers' crosshairs.

That had always been true, but Vir had hoped he could deal with whoever Mina sent on his own. Now, that was starting to feel like a pipe dream.

Perhaps when you see this, Vir said, gesturing at the dizzying array of lights that suddenly appeared under them, maybe youll understand why I like the Pagan Order so much.

Maiya stood stock still, staring at the underground city that loomed below them. She stumbled, but Vir caught her before she fell.

Maiya? Welcome to the Undercity. The true face of the Pagan Order.