As they neared their destination, Siyu began to see inconsistencies in the story reflected outside of the carriage window. And as they went on, a discomfort grew within him.

“Stop the caravan,” Siyu says sternly.

“Hmm?” Frey responds, looking at Siyu in surprise. After seeing his determination, he calls out, “Stop the caravan!”

The caravan came to a stop, and Siyu steps outside to get a closer look at where they were. The bushes and trees, the branches and pebbles; there was something off. He tried to focus; seeing, listening, and feeling what he could. The sounds of the soldier’s doubt of his ability, the neighing of the horses, and the wind rustling through the leaves. In the end, he still could not grasp it.

“Something is hiding from me.” Siyu says aloud.

Frey approaches and asks, “What’s hiding?”

“I’m not sure,” Siyu says with uncertainty. “Send two scouting parties; there and there,” He says as he points in two directions.

Frey nods. “As you say.” He says, before giving his commands to the soldiers.

…

…

They waited for half an hour, before one of the scouting parties came back.

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“There is an ambush up ahead. Paz soldiers.” A scout reports. “It seems they’re planning a cavalry charge down the hill next to the road further up.” He explains.

“Give the Captains my order to leave behind a few soldiers to ride the horses and carriages forward. The rest of us will be traveling through the forest and catching them from behind. And call back the other scouting party. They must also have scouts on the road; if we can find them first, this will be much easier.” Frey orders.

…

…

The troops were moving swiftly through the forest, and Siyu was trying his best to keep up with their pace. There was no need for him to participate in this battle since he had neither the skill nor experience with fighting. But he wanted to see it; the story that plays out in a battle. He had this expectation, that he was both excited for and revolted by; that the story would be beautiful. It made him deeply uncomfortable just to think of it, but the feeling would not subside.

After a while they arrived at their destination, and the troops got into position directly behind the cavalry, facing the same direction as the horses. In the distance, past the trees, Siyu could see glimpses of a battle-ready cavalry. It seemed that their scouts had yet to report any abnormalities with the caravan.

Siyu could hear the soldiers taking deep, calming breaths and feel the thoughts that their bodies expressed; they knew the battle was coming, a battle that would feel like an uphill sprint, lasting who knows how long. It was better to breathe while they could.

Frey took a deep breath, and with an explosive and authoritative voice, he yells, “For Seer!”

A loud echo was heard as the soldiers rush forward, “For Seer!”

Siyu watches as the soldiers move in a variety of ways; some flitting through the trees while pushing forward on branches, while others became afterimages as they rushed forward. I could see it; it was like music. They were moving in harmony.

The cavalry ahead could hear the cries and began to turn their horses, to start a charge, but the Seer soldiers were too quick. The abilities of the cavalry were specialized for one built-up and powerful strike through the enemy ranks, and their nimbleness would be outmatched by the Seer soldiers in their restricted state. The cavalry riders began to abandon the horses and prepare for one on one fights before their troops regained order.

Then, the clash began. Siyu stands near the clearing and continues to watch, not quite understanding what he was seeing. He could feel energy both moving and clashing, directing and restraining; but he couldn’t understand it. Then, soldiers began to die, and he saw it. The twisting of reality, and the clash for the future. The emotions were intense and rampant. The world was both weeping and rejoicing. He could only watch for a few seconds before he was forced to turn back and retch out everything inside of him. Tears wouldn’t stop flooding out of his eyes, and his heart felt a deep and bitter pain. Then, his brain simply stopped processing.