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The Outskirts of Nearbrook
Vin and Raia trudge through the dense foliage, their feet crunching on dried leaves and twigs as they navigate their path away from the dangers left in Nearbrook, their eyes darting around for anything out of the ordinary. Raia glances over at Vin and notices his steps have become clumsy and labored as the day wears on.
Raia notices his weariness and says, "It'll be a day before we reach Sundale. We can take some time now to rest before we carry on in the dark," she said, gesturing to the fading sunlight. Vin gave a tired smirk.
"I suppose that fight with the stone doppelganger took more out of me than I thought. But if that's the case, maybe I'm stronger than I give myself credit for," he chuckles, sinking down against a tree trunk in relief. He gestures for her to join him and said, "But I'm more interested in you right now. Tell me about yourself, Raia, if you're so inclined to join me on whatever this journey is."
Raia sits at a tree the opposite side from Vin, her back straight against its trunk. Taking a deep breath, she began to tell him about her past.
Raia looks at Vin, her voice tinged with a hint of bitterness. "Have you ever heard of the Republic of Nasura?"
Vin nods, "Yes, that's a country to the west, isn't it?"
He had read so much about different lands during his time living at the manor; he dreamt of traveling and exploring the world, but he kept his knowledge a secret from Raia.
Raia gazes up at the sky, "The Republic of Nasura is where I'm from. I lived most of my life in Amia, in the town of Nearbrook, but my birthplace was the nation of Nasura." She points towards the west. "It's a republic ruled by a council elected by the people. They challenge Eldenhigher's dominance with their thriving economy and freedom. People have more say in their lives than they do in the imperials, who are ruled by a monarchy with harsh rules and policies enforced with an iron fist. I've even heard their army is even comparable to the imperial army."
Vin looks at her and says, "I know what it's like to be away from where you're originally from. Do you want to go back there someday? To Nasura I mean."
Raia hesitates before replying, "I have family there—my brother and my parents. They taught me to read and write at a young age, and we were happy together. But then something happened when I was eight, something that changed everything—and now I don't always write back, or sometimes even read their letters. I don't want to see them again."
Vin takes a deep breath, realizing the similarities between Raia's story and his own.
"What happened?" he asks, his voice soft yet expectant.
Raia sighs deeply and paused, collecting her words carefully. Vin knew something unpleasant was about to be said.
"My parents decided to sell me off to the highest bidder and I ended up in a city in Amia. I don't know much about why they got rid of me, but I do know that it wasn't a pleasant experience. I'm still haunted by the memories of being sold away like a piece of property."
Vin could feel the sadness emanating from Raia as she told her story. He felt a real connection to her, knowing too well the pain of being separated from a home and family. He walks over to her and puts his hand on her shoulder, wanting her to know that he understood.
"I'm sorry, Raia. I know it may be tough to talk about these things, but, if you want, I'd like to hear more," Vin says.
Raia looks up to him with a desperate plea in her eyes, "I was starving and in desperation, all I wanted to do was survive. To live. But I thought I was doomed until a savior came. That same ailing man from Nearbrook I told you about--he saw me half dead in the dirt and rags, my body bruised and abused by those who had taken away my worth, and he offered me a way out. He risked his life for me. I took whatever I could find to stay alive, but it wasn't enough for the slavers, they threw me away like yesterday's trash. All I had to show for my struggle was a lingering death sentence. Then he appeared, and stepped forward and said with a gentle voice 'do you want to leave this place and live?' He saved me, his outstretched hand offering a way out of the wretched life I was living."
Vin gazes into her eyes, filled with admiration and a hint of emotion. He felt a deep connection to her, yet he still felt like there were walls between them that he could not bring himself to tear down. She had entrusted him with her secrets, yet he found himself unable to open up completely. He wanted to trust her, he wanted her to know all of him, yet fear kept him from doing so.
Vin smiles softly as he reaches out and envelopes her hands in his calloused grip and gave them a gentle squeeze. "Thank you for trusting me and sharing your story and for joining me on this journey," he says his voice filled with emotion.He walks awkwardly to the tree, slumps against its trunk, and closes his eyes. His breath grew heavy as exhaustion settles over him. "Let's continue this journey when I have the energy to stand straight," he murmurs, almost inaudibly.
Raia flashes a relieved grin and closes her eyes in blissful repose.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
The following morning, the duo rises early, determined to stay the course and make it to Sundale. Though they were optimistic about the journey, neither could ignore the palpable tension that hung in the air with the specter of the imperial soldiers ever present.Raia locates the path that would lead them eastward and away from the woodlands.
They soon stumble onto a bustling road filled with traders, merchants, and travelers alike. People glancing in their direction as they pass by, some with curiosity in their eyes.
"Look at all these people traveling around," Raia mused aloud. "This road connects many towns and villages. It even stretches all the way to the coast...I've never been that far before."
"I'm sure we'll head that way at some point," Vin replied.
They stood in front of a stone-carved sign with a carved picture of a bird with a long beak. It depicted the bird standing in front of trees hoisting fruit on high branches.
"That's the sigil of Sundale, that means this road will lead there," Raia said. There just happened to be a soldier passing by them going west at that time, but luckily, they weren't noticed. Another traveler passing them towards Sundale mentioned feeling less safe with those imperial soldiers around.
"Let's hope we won't find any more of those soldiers on the way. One day of peace on this journey that's all I ask, because I know being around you will probably lead to not much peace. At least, that's what I've been seeing. Now, let's continue, I want to get to Sundale before this day is out," Raia said.
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They could see Sundale's silhouette in the distance, with a castle manor imposing over the town. The distinct silhouette of sharp spires and walls of weathered stone loomed large over the expanse of small, clustered homes. The imperial presence was unmistakable in the air, like a heavy weight that oppressed the travelers on the road to the town.
"This town isn't huge or anything, but you can certainly feel the imperial influence here," Raia said. "It's a bit uneasy, even on the road to the town, especially with that towering castle. Let's push on in, we'll find an inn or something, then hopefully find Kaes. Though, I'm not sure where to look for him."
Sundale happened to be right on the edge of heavy imperial influence and regularity, any further east and they would be in the heart of Eldenhigher's reign with soldiers around every corner. The two trudged onward, ready to see what they'll find in this city, as well as who Kaes is.
Thran's Fortress, a Bit South of Sundale in the Kingdom of Athra
A man strides across a bridge towards the fortress with purpose, ignoring a young soldier's warning. "Hold on sir! You can't go through. We have orders to let no one coming from Eldenhigher through!"
The man stops and turns, his gaze piercing through the soldier like an ice pick.
"I don't have time to deal with you. Yes, you're doing your job, good, but I need to speak with Thran now. He knows who I am, and I don't need to explain myself to you." His voice is hard as steel, leaving no room for negotiation.
The soldier stands there, frozen in shock. After a few tense moments, he steps aside and lets the man through without another word.
"Thran!" shouted the man with a dire urgency in his tone.
Thran spun around to see his comrade rushing towards him with a look of looming disaster on his face.
"Bastian? What's going on? I thought you were in Nearbrook, what's happened?" Thran spoke out anxiously.
"We have a critical situation, Thran. The imperial army is tearing through Nearbrook as we speak, destroying everything in their path while they search for one boy. And when they realize they can't find him there," Bastian paused and looked Thran in the eyes, "they're going to move to other nearby cities or towns and that's when the real trouble will start."
Thran's eyes widen in disbelief as Bastian whispers his tale. "Hold on a minute Bastian. What's this about a boy? What have you gotten yourself into?" Thran's voice grows urgent, demanding.
But Bastian pushes away the panic, speaking quickly as he reveals again that Nearbrook is overrun by soldiers.
"Look, I don't have much time to explain, just know I'm helping him. But Thran, listen. Those soldiers are in Nearbrook." Urgency radiates from Bastian as he meets Thran's piercing gaze, begging him to understand.
Thran felt a chill run down his spine as realization dawned on him. "Wait - Nearbrook's relatively close to the border here isn't it? Don't tell me those soldiers will cross over?"
"That's exactly what I'm telling you," Bastian said grimly, "especially with Hurdo commanding that battalion. And the boy they're looking for, he's looking for his father and he'll search all over. Wherever he goes, someone unfriendly will follow - and then they'll be followed by soldiers. Thran, a spark of war is about to be lit over just one boy."
Thran's gaze travels around the room before settling on Bastian and responding with a resolute, "I can't believe I'm agreeing to this, but if what you say is true, then they will use any excuse to start something, I know that. Eldenhigher has been on the edge of war for far too long now and it looks like this time they're making their move. Although, that boy is still on imperial lands...right?"
Bastian replies, "Yes, in Sundale. He is coming to meet with Kaes, my former subordinate. I'm sure you remember him?"
"Oh certainly. Classic imperial soldier, and attitude. Does he still wield that odd sword that only has one side sharpened? Bastian, I'm no coward, but the safety of my home is my priority. Even though I know the answer to this question, it must still be asked; why won't you just let the imperials take him? I know it's more than simply your dispute with them," Thran inquires sternly.
Bastian stands tall and meets Thran's gaze directly, "Because I promised him aid."
Thran takes a step back and chuckles, "You haven't changed a bit since our days as enemies. I suppose I still owe you for saving my life back then. Alright, we will begin planning something at least. Bring the boy here as soon as possible, but remember: those imperial hounds have a sharp nose and they'll be on your heels too if they catch a hint of what you're up to."
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