He awoke, instantly awake even before his eyes fluttered open. The soft glow of a nearby fire crackled. Alessia was fast asleep on his chest. He gently pushed her off and sat up. His injuries made him wince but not as much as he would have thought. His wounds had been carefully bandaged. Judging by the greenery he was still in the Sagrarian Forest but he had no memory of moving.
“You’re finally awake.”
A familiar figure appeared from the forest. As he came into view Iota could only gasp in surprise.
“Sanachi!”
Sanachi calmly walked over to the fire and began tending to it.
“I almost couldn’t believe what I saw when your friend dragged you out of the Sagrarian forest. I’ve never heard of anyone going there and making it out alive. “
Iota quietly listened. He had little reason to have his guard up since he had obviously taken care of Iota.
“King Ulgath is dead, not that it matters since I was discharged. If I am not serving him then there is no point in me staying in that city.” He paused
“To tell you the truth I was going to a place to die. I had nothing left to live for.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” replied Iota awkwardly. Marauders weren’t exactly the best people to develop social skills with.
Sanachi stared into the distance.
The sunlight began flittering through the trees.
Iota got to his feet.
“Thank you for everything that you have done but I need to get somewhere”
Iota patted his clothes for a moment.
“Your flowers are safe, there’s in the small bag,” Iota followed Sanachi’s hand to a small, weather-beaten cloth bag.
“Come on Alessia, we’re going.”
“I’ll join you. You won’t make it far”
“You have no reason to join us,” said Iota accusingly.
“I do so because I choose to.” Replied Sanachi firmly. “And I promise on my life as a warrior that I won’t betray you.”
“A promise.” Scoffed Iota. Sanachi stared at him with a straight face.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Iota sighed, Sanachi was hopelessly naive and honest to a fault, with his warrior code, but it still irritated him.
“Fine, I trust you.”
With Sanachi taking the lead, they were able to make it back in 3 days. Sanachi had wandered for a while and was familiar with several landmarks.
They were met with cheers at the village.
“The medicine, make it please!” Iota had said pressing it into the hands of one of the doctors.
The villagers worked fast making the antidote. It wasn’t before long that they were gathered around Zeno as the medicine was administered to him.
“His vitals are stabilizing,” confirmed the doctors.
He let out a breath that he wasn’t aware he had been holding. Over the next couple of days, Zeno made a near-full recovery.
“I can’t believe you did all that for me,” said Zeno tearfully. “I never would have imagined…”
“At first I just wanted to repay you for helping to fight the anima, but over time I realized the warmth of a friend was something that I had long forgotten. I thought about my future and my past. All I had been doing so far was trying to survive, but you made me realize that just surviving can’t really be called living and for that, I owe you infinitely. I don’t know if that makes any sense,” Iota sniffled. “I’m not any good at using words.”
“I understand perfectly,” Said Zeno. He laughed softly to himself.”You aren’t the only one who is thankful, After all, that you’re been through for my sake, I can’t just tose my life away so easily after you fought so hard to save it.
“I came to tell you that I was leaving. The anima is still chasing me, it will still come back. This is probably the last time we will meet”
“No, we’ll fight it, I can do it this time.I also haven’t just been sitting around, I realised my mistake from before, We can stop it this time. ”
“I’ll of course be joining as well.” Said Sanachi who had been napping in the corner. “You need a vehicle, and I’m the only one who has one.”
“Guys. . .” Said Iota Speechless. He nodded his head.
They packed their things and went on their way.
On their way out Iota wished from the bottom of their heart to never go back again.
It wasn’t long before they made it back to Gargrim. As they approached it loud horns thundered through the air. They were stopped at the entrance.
“Identification.” Shouted one of the guards in a rough voice.
Sanachi showed his face. “Please Olm, we need to come through”
“I’m sorry Sanachi, we may have served with you for many years but we can’t let you in.”
“They’re allowed in, kings orders.” Said a familiar voice.
One of the guards took off their helmet revealing a familiar white-haired face.
“Noire,” Shouted Iota and Zeno in unison.
“Come on, you don’t want to hear from the king do you!” Said Noire to the guards waving his hands in frustration.
The gates creaked open.
“What brings you all here.” Asked Noire while serving coffee. “You all seem worse for wear, I am glad all of you are still alive! It seems a lot has happened. Sanachi! surprised to see you.”
Sanachi didn’t know where to begin and therefore said nothing.
“How did you get this place.” Asked Zeno looking around. “Oh, you know.” Replied NIire, I have some connections.”
“What’s going on in Gargrim?” Asked Iota “What were the horns?”
“It’s the coronation of the new king Langus third son of King Ulgath”
Even though they were the only ones in the room Noire leaned in closer. “Both King Ulgath and his two eldest sons were assassinated, of King Ulgath’s seven sons the five youngest conspired against King Ulgath and their eldest 2 brothers although no one will tell you that. ”
Iota glanced at Sanachi. Sanachi had served King Ulgath for a long time.
Sanachi remained Stoic.
“We plan to stop the anima.” Said Zeno.
“Stop it?” said Noire confused. “It’s already restrained.”
Zeno and Iota looked at him confused.
“Come on.” Said Noire. “It’s easier if I show you.”
Noir led them to the streets. Big crowds of cheering people lined the streets. Various vehicles drove past, carrying dancing and singing musicians.
Black-dressed people with microphones shouted “All hail King Langus!”
“It’s coming soon.” Said Noire
Several crucks pulling chains came into view. They pulled forward a platform. The anima was chained and heavily bolted to it.
They stared in shock.
King Langus could be seen on a large cruck. It was covered in gold and other precious metals. At its top sat Langus on the throne, a devious grin shining unabashedly on his face. The 6 anima dogs belonging to the former king Ulgath now lay lazily at his feet.
King Ulgath’s four youngest sons sat on silver thrones behind Langus all looking equally pleased.