Dreiki realized what he said after he said it. He had felt comfortable around Tadios and Arik. He waited, hoping Sancta had not noticed his slip up.
Tadios scratched his head, “That all sounds real weird, though. Why not just say it outright? If the story was trying to teach us how to kill the monsters, then just tell us!”
Good, Tadios was changing the subject. Even Tadios was not fully aware of everything about him, so if the conversation kept going on he could play it off-
“Besides, I aint never heard of this ‘Ux’ thing from anyone until you brought it up, Argo.”
Shit.
“Is that, so?” Dreiki laughed nervously.
“As expected of a Tibur. No appreciation for the fine arts! Stories like this were likely passed down before written records. Their meaning is preserved because it is attached to things which we physically understand. Languages change, and people are forgetful. It's important to say as much as possible with as little as possible. Tying meaning to things which are physical is just one way we remember that which is immaterial.”
Dreiki breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn’t noticed after all.
“Translation?” Tadios whispered, leaning over to Dreiki.
“Relating one thing to another helps us remember both things easier. If I think of bronze, I also think of strength. If I think of strength, I know bronze is strong.”
“Gotcha, thanks Argo.”
“Chattering aside,” Sancta said, looking at the two of them, “What’s this about Ux? I’ve not heard of it either. And I’m rather well read I'll have you know!”
“The gist of it is that it’s a weird invisible force that protects us when we cast magic, and helps us regenerate or cast stronger spells.” Arik said, “At least that’s what I gleaned from Deka’s explanation.”
“I see, so then how does a Noxa know of such a thing? You said he was the first one to tell you about it, Tadios.” Sancta said.
“That’s a good question, how do you know about stuff like that, Argo?”
“I’m sure he just overheard it or something.” Arik said, “He’s a sneaky lad, could’ve eavesdropped on us.”
“I doubt Deka would be that reckless. What you’re describing is familiar, but it is never named in the books I’ve read,” Sancta said, “Although, there are some books in my family’s library which are off limits to even myself until I pass this trial. I can only assume the information is the same as what you’ve just told me. So again, how does a Noxa know about any of that?”
Dreiki hesitated, Sancta was sharp. She’d cut right through his lies until there was nothing left to be said but the truth. It’s not as if hiding it was helpful anymore. He would likely leave with Savekio after this ceremony, “Apologies for deceiving you, but I’m not all that I let on. My master knows a few more things and herbalism, you see. I am the child of a venator knight among nobility. I don’t know if you understand what that means.”
Sancta huffed, “Of course I understand. My brother is the child of a venator knight too.” She crossed her arms, “It’s unsurprising that you are more than you’ve let on, considering how well-read you are. Even for an herbalist’s apprentice. And yet still so vague. I take it you would be in danger if I knew the full truth?”
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Dreiki nodded.
“Well, lucky for you, Noxa, I’ve already given my word that you will not be harmed, so I will not pry further. So long as whatever knowledge you hold can save my family from those monsters, I care not where or whom it comes from. Just promise me one thing, Noxa.”
“What is that?”
“If we survive this, one day, you will tell me the truth. And you will tell me who you really are. It will not be difficult to find. In return for your safety, I require knowledge. That is all.”
Dreiki smiled. Perhaps there was some hope for her after all, “Very generous of you. I accept those terms.” Dreiki glanced at their surroundings. It had been quiet so far. He blew his whistle again. Right now, Arik and Tadios were keeping a look out for tracks and leading them, but their march felt aimless. Just how far away had Kaara and the others been blown? It was a subtle blessing, though. This brief peace gave him more time to think and discuss.
“To get back on the subject,” Dreiki continued, “I think Sancta is correct in the meaning of a quicksilver blade and a bronze bell, but there could be more to it. If this was a story passed down from generation to generation, surely there was a lesson to be gained.”
“Always help those in need cuz one of them might be a badass reaper?” Arik said, “That’s the lesson I got from it.”
“Me too,” Tadios said.
“And yet here we are faced with only Oskuutors. People have survived this ceremony before.”
“Yeah, but that could just be due to the one third rule,” Tadios said grimly.
“What happens to the people who pass? Where are they?”
Tadios shrugged, “The ones that I know and grew up with haven’t come back. Although, I know they do come back. Older groups return as fully fledged hunters.”
“Have you ever asked about what they went through?”
“I have, but they’re under an oath not to tell anyone who hasn’t taken the ceremony yet. The fact that Corvio’s older brother told him anything about what happens in this ceremony is a violation of that oath.”
“At what age do the hunters come back from their journey?”
“Usually around eighteen to twenty one. Depending on how old they were when they started. We have a different ritual for those who are over sixteen years of age for people who want to join our clan.”
“It’s likely something far more brutal than what we’re going through now,” Arik added, “As bad as that sounds. The Tibur needs hunters who are incorruptible, so weeding out weaklings is par for the course.”
“Then we should be able to figure out a way to fight back. Unless this ritual is appeasement and sacrifice for the sake of sacrifice like Corvio says, we likely have all the pieces. We just need to put it together somehow.”
Savekio had already told him to hold out for as long as he could before luring the Malaki and sending up a flare. He would not have sent him here without all the tools he needed to beat the Oskuutors. Savekio would not sacrifice him, or allow him to be killed. If he failed this test, it would not result in his death. It would defeat the purpose of training him like he was. It also did not make sense for these clans to allow their most promising heirs to fall to Malaki. Not unless they had the promise of power in return. The promise that their Ux would be carried through the survivors.
“What a cruel joke. They told the Tibur all those stories as children, yet failed to explain their significance. Only nobility would be equipped to realize the hidden meaning within their verses.”
That hit a chord with Dreiki. This ceremony. It was not just for the Tibur to solve. The nobility had one piece of the puzzle, while the Tibur had the other portion. Of course, they were not expected to figure it out. That’s why the one-third rule existed.
But if they did, they would prove themselves beyond a doubt. The Siren Ceremony. A call. A lure. Sirens themselves were beings of temptation and desire. They were the Sirens. They were the ones luring the Oskuutors here. They were the ones eating the Malaki. They were the hunters, the trappers, the killers.
The Malaki were the sailors promised easy souls. They were offered potential to snuff out before it could be realized. Vulnerable children who seemingly could not fight back.
Then why send an outsider like him to partake in this ceremony? If the Tibur and the other nobility had the pieces, what was missing?
“Someone to put them together…” Dreiki muttered.
“Hm? What was that, Argo?” Tadios said.
It made sense. The one who the Oskuutor ignored. The outsider who Tibur always accepted. The one who understood the meaning of their stories. A Silver Reaper. The Gray Order. What if he already had the bell he needed?
Dreiki touched the bronze pendant under his shirt. A bell. A tune. A sudden realization. He had found the answer.