“If you don’t have the coin, you shouldn’t go to the Hold! They don’t take in beggars! Now, if you want to sell your b…” The old man didn’t mind hiding his nasty thoughts.
Ashlyn's fiery temper flared as words pierced through her patience. "You dare!" she retorted, her voice overflowing with indignation while her hand inched towards her knife. A flash of realization hit her; she was attracting unnecessary attention, the last thing she needed. Reluctantly, she withdrew her hand, opting instead to let him go with a warning.
"You should watch your tongue, old man," Ashlyn warned with a stern and more controlled tone, aiming to defuse the tension without backing down. "I'd rather walk on my own than tolerate your disrespect."
The man, taken aback by her fiery reaction, mumbled a few more insults under his breath and drove off, leaving Ashlyn under the gaze of onlookers. She met their stares with a defiant glance, refusing to be the object of their amusement any longer. With a composed stride, she exited the inner districts, heading towards the settlement's entrance.
On her lone walk, Ashlyn contemplated the possibility of hitching another ride but quickly dismissed it. Her six remaining coins might not be enough to persuade another trader, and she wasn't keen on repeating the earlier encounter. Besides, traveling on foot, though less glamorous for a resonant, might provide a less conspicuous approach to the Hold. Perhaps, the right opportunity would present itself along the way.
As Ashlyn ambled along the path, relishing the lack of company, she seized the opportunity to further refine her skill in charging the small ring. Despite having successfully infused it with two charges, she couldn't help but feel the process was unnervingly complex and demanding. A suspicion nagged at her that whoever crafted the ringtech had deliberately made the charging process challenging, though she couldn't fathom why.
Nevertheless, Ashlyn felt a surge of relief at her growing proficiency. Her ability to charge the ring was a reassuring sign that she wouldn't be left destitute upon reaching her destination. She focused intently on the task at hand, channeling her mental energy into the shimmering rings that hovered above her palm. The zero and first rings materialized swiftly, but the second ring, embodying the concept of ‘Assemble’, demanded a painstaking minute or more to form correctly. It required her undivided attention, any lapse in concentration risking failure.
The real challenge, however, lay in fine-tuning the ring to the optimal size while simultaneously infusing it with more energy. She knew it was theoretically possible to cast it smaller right from the start, but such finesse was beyond her current capabilities. Possibly with proper formal training from another human, she would be able to instantaneously summon it.
After about five minutes, another charge glowed on the red ring. Ashlyn sighed, wishing she had the mental stamina to repeat the process every few minutes. Her current reserves took hours to replenish, but she acknowledged the slow yet steady improvement in her technique.
Her contemplation was abruptly interrupted by the sound of hooves clacking against the hard ground. Turning, she saw a horse-drawn cart approaching at a brisk pace – a rare sight, considering the price of such an animal. Its appearance piqued her interest but also raised a flag of caution; a horse-drawn cart in these parts could potentially spell trouble.
As the cart approached, Ashlyn weighed her options. Darting off into the wilds might backfire and draw unwanted attention, and she didn't want to give the impression of a fugitive. She had learned that hunters typically rode horses, not carts, but caution was still her best approach in unpredictable times.
With a composed demeanor, Ashlyn continued her walk, feigning indifference to the approaching cart. The sound of hooves and wheels on the rough path grew louder, mirroring the rapid pace of her heartbeat. Her sense of alarm heightened when the cart began to slow down near her. Still, she maintained her calm, pretending to be just another traveler on the road.
"Would you like a ride, miss? Are you heading to the Hold?" A voice, vibrant and inviting, called out to her.
Startled, Ashlyn reassured herself that this wasn't the tone of a hunter. They wouldn't offer such courtesy. However, the fact that her destination was known to the other party was suspicious, to say the least. She steadied her voice, masking her nervousness, and turned to face the speaker.
"Good morning! I’m simply enjoying a walk..." she began, her words trailing off as she laid eyes on the cart's driver, a young woman with jet-black hair, around her mid-twenties, and skin kissed by the elements, similar to Ashlyn's own weathered appearance. Women embarking on solo journeys and handling business were uncommon, making Ashlyn momentarily apprehensive. The driver noticed Ashlyn's surprise but offered a warm, understanding smile.
Realizing there was no threat, Ashlyn eased her guard. "Sorry, I was momentarily surprised... Yes, I am heading to the Hold. I'd be grateful for the ride, and I can offer six coins as payment," she replied with a polite tone, her own smile genuine.
The woman seemed momentarily stunned by Ashlyn's forthright offer, but she quickly regained her composure. "Of course, miss. Climb aboard, and let's set off. With some luck, we should reach the Hold before nightfall." The woman's amiable smile instilled a sense of comfort in Ashlyn as she prepared to join her on the journey.
As Ashlyn settled onto the cart, she introduced herself, "I'm Ashlyn."
"I'm Teresa, but just call me Tess," the woman replied with an inviting smile, extending her hand. "Saw you dealing with that merchant earlier. Sorry about that, merchants can be a bit unsavory. I like to think I'm one of the nicer ones."
"You don’t strike me as a typical merchant..." Ashlyn blurted out, but upon noticing Tess's puzzled look, she quickly added, "I mean, you seem like a great merchant. Definitely not like that other guy."
Realizing her attempt at excuse sounded a bit lame, Ashlyn swiftly changed the topic, "So, is your trade route usually between the Hold and the Vineyard?"
Tess appeared thoughtful for a moment before responding. "Well, I'm not entirely sure yet. This is actually my first run."
"First time on this route, or...?" Ashlyn inquired, hoping she wasn't opening the door to another Bart-like monologue.
"Actually, it's my first time trading in general. I thought starting with the Vineyard would be profitable, but it's been a bit rough. Maybe I'm just too new at this..." Tess shared candidly, her voice laced with a hint of disappointment.
As the conversation unfolded, Tess spoke about her horse, Giggles. "Oh, him? No, I'm not wealthy or anything. Got conned into buying him. The seller convinced me that any respectable merchant needs a strong stallion, but Giggles here is more of a gentle colt, hence his name..." Tess's words trailed off into an excited ramble, leaving Ashlyn silently wishing she had opted for a quiet walk.
Tess's storytelling didn't stop there. She delved into her family background, mentioning they were from Lendar, a place far south, beyond the river. "My pa found an arcanite stone once and received a hefty reward from the Mayor. He was concerned about theft, being older and all. So, he split the fortune between my brother and me, urging us to leave for better prospects."
As Tess's story continued to unfold, her words displayed the enthusiasm of someone embarking on a new adventure. "Then, I thought, why not try trading? You know, aside from resonants or those born into privilege, merchants seem to live quite comfortably. Though, given my current financial status, I might be rethinking that..." Tess laughed with a hint of self-deprecation.
"I don't recall why you're heading to the Hold. Did you mention that earlier? My memory's a bit like a sieve these days..." Tess mused, her cheerfulness kind of drowning the resonant.
"No, I didn’t," Ashlyn replied, pausing briefly as she gauged her next words carefully. Seizing the moment to rehearse her cover story, she said with a feigned casualness, "I'm aiming to study at the Academy."
The words hung in the air, and an abrupt silence enveloped the cart. Tess's previously animated demeanor shifted to one of confusion and disbelief. Ashlyn could almost see the gears turning in Tess's head as she processed this new piece of information.
"You're... a resonant?" Tess finally managed to utter, her voice a blend of awe and fear.
Ashlyn nodded, maintaining her composure and hoping her revelation wouldn't change Tess's friendly attitude. The confession introduced a new, unspoken dynamic to their journey, one that Ashlyn hoped would not alter the course of her carefully laid plans.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
----------------------------------------
The Hold's formidable presence loomed ahead as dusk painted the sky with hues of deep orange and purple. The towering black walls, stretching beyond the canopy of trees, exuded an air of solemn grandeur. Despite having heard of its vastness, Ashlyn found herself awestruck at the sheer scale of it.
A bustling line snaked its way towards the entrance, where a fraction of the towering wall transformed into a massive gate. The area around them buzzed with life; vendors peddled their wares under makeshift tents, and the hum of conversation filled the air, undeterred by the setting sun.
Tess, still navigating the unfamiliarity of her new passenger's status, appeared visibly perplexed. "I think you should skip the line... no, wait. Walking in doesn't seem quite right. Resonants usually don't queue, but they ride in on horses or carriages... Should I go ahead and take us to the front? Or is that overstepping?" Tess's words tumbled out in a jumble of uncertainty.
"No," Ashlyn murmured, her gaze still locked on the gate, searching for any sign of resonant overseers. The guards, adorned in their uniforms, were indistinguishable from resonants at a glance, still, she hoped there would be a telltale sign.
"No, as in I'm not overstepping? Or no, we shouldn't skip the line?" Tess's confusion deepened, her tone edging towards frustration.
"What? No... I mean, I don't know," Ashlyn faltered, her feigned confidence wavering. "I'm a resonant, so lines don't apply... But walking straight through seems odd. Maybe we should... What do you think?" Her voice trailed off, exposing her uncertainty.
"How am I supposed to know?" Tess's voice rose slightly, her irritation palpable, drawing curious glances from those nearby.
"I'm sorry, Ash... I mean, Miss Ashlyn. No, Mistress Quinn..." The merchant’s words stumbled over each other, her nervousness amplifying under the increasing attention of the crowd.
Ashlyn, realizing the growing spectacle, quickly sought to regain control of the situation, her mind racing to find a solution that aligned with her ordinary resonant guise.
"It's all good, Tess. I don’t mind you calling me Ashlyn. Let's just keep moving," Ashlyn reassured, her voice steady, masking the tumultuous emotions within. She needed to convey the poise of a resonant, regardless of her inner turmoil. The crowd's eyes on them only heightened the need for confidence.
Tess, regaining a bit of her usual buoyant self, maneuvered the cart towards the gate with a renewed sense of purpose. Her playful wink to Ashlyn was a small treat of normalcy in the mounting tension. Some people in the queue grumbled and muttered under their breath as they passed, but Tess seemed unbothered, focused solely on the path ahead.
Approaching the towering obsidian wall, Ashlyn couldn't help but marvel at its colossal stature, wondering about the immense power that must have been harnessed to erect such a structure. Her awe, however, was short-lived as a gruff Guard's voice snapped her back to reality.
"Stop! Why are...?" the Guard demanded in a harsh and authoritative tone.
"My Mistress demands entrance," Tess said, her voice gaining an edge of seriousness. She instinctively displayed her resident tattoo, a mark that Ashlyn lacked.
Frozen momentarily by the sight of her lifelong enemy, Ashlyn was assaulted by raging emotions. Fear of the hunters who had terrorized her family, guilt for losing sight of revenge, and a burning hatred for the Hold that had caused her so much pain. These feelings crystallized into a resolute determination. This was not an adventure; it was an infiltration, a necessary step in her path to retribution.
With renewed resolve, she straightened her posture, her expression morphing into one of composed authority. She was no longer just Ashlyn; she was Mistress Quinn, a resonant who yielded power and commanded fear in the hearts of the unringed.
Ashlyn faced the Guard's wary gaze with an air of disdain, her features changing with feigned haughtiness. In a swift, fluid motion, she summoned her rings, their golden luminescence springing to life with unprecedented speed, fueled by a maelstrom of anger and unwavering resolve.
The Guard, visibly shaken, seemed to age before their eyes. His voice trembled as he stammered, "S-sorry, Mistress. I was merely performing my duty..."
Ashlyn, struggling to ignore the wild pounding in her chest, just waved him off with a gesture of disdain, urging Teresa to drive on. She hid her clenched fist, a subtle sign of her inner turmoil, as they entered the stronghold of her enemies.
Tess, ever cheerful and oblivious to the gravity of their entry, broke the tense silence. "Phew, that was intense! Wasn't sure how that'd go. Where to now, Mistress?"
Caught off guard, Ashlyn realized she hadn't planned beyond this point. Tess's quizzical look only added to her momentary disarray. "You're quite the unconventional resonant, aren't you?"
Returning to her senses, Ashlyn retorted with a grin, "Just as you are an unconventional merchant."
"Indeed, Mistress," Tess chuckled, steering the cart towards their destination. "Last time, I bunked at a modest Inn near the warehouses. It's affordable, but here in the Hold, it's considered pricey. Not sure it's befitting a 'Mistress', though."
"Affordability is key," Ashlyn replied, playing along. "I still need to fund my entry into the Academy. Anyway, you're the wealthy one here."
Tess glanced at Ashlyn's ring, now glowing with six charges. "Not for much longer," she quipped, a playful glint in her eye.
Since revealing her identity as a resonant to Tess, she unabashedly charged her ring storage unit, hoping it would suffice to support her ambitions.
Ashlyn, feeling the weight of Tess's gaze on her ring, let out a chuckle. "Maybe, but let's head to that Inn. I need to blend in, not stand out," she said, her tone light but her mind racing with the possibilities.
The Hold's outer districts were not unlike the settlements she had seen before - a conglomeration of slums. The stone structures, though more robust than makeshift shacks, still painted a picture of neglect. Shelters haphazardly constructed with unstable stones, yards cluttered with debris, and dilapidated sheds dotted the landscape. Ashlyn's brow furrowed in frustration. 'Shouldn't the Hold, the center of power, be better than this?' she thought.
But as they progressed further, the scenery underwent a startling transformation. The squalor gave way to walled estates, modest in size but well-kept. Through the gates, she glimpsed neat stone houses, modest but fairly well-maintained outbuildings, and every structure showing signs of recovery from recent acid rains. The absence of foul odors was a noticeable change, perhaps indicative of stricter regulations or better public awareness within the Hold's boundaries - a privilege seemingly reserved for a select few.
The streets in these districts were lined with sturdy, evenly laid stones, and as they ventured deeper, the level of upkeep became even more apparent. Here, the streets and the walls were not just clean, but meticulously maintained, exuding an air of orderliness that sharply contrasted with the outer slums. Ashlyn's gaze roamed over this cleaner, more affluent part of the Hold, taking in the stark disparities that separated the districts.
As the cart wound its way, the buildings loomed taller, stretching higher with an impressive grandeur of three to five stories. Dusk had begun to settle in, casting long shadows and making Ashlyn's observations more challenging. But then, an unexpected brilliance caught her eye.
Illumination burst forth, not from the flickering flames she was accustomed to, but from sources entirely different. Her eyes widened in wonder as she observed people stepping out of buildings, pressing objects into mounted devices that, in response, radiated a steady, fireless glow. 'Ringtech in action,' she realized.
The streets were bustling with an array of carriages and carts, each more unique than the last. Colors and designs varied wildly, but what truly startled Ashlyn was the sight of some carriages moving without the aid of animals. 'More ringtech,' she mused, amazed at the thought of animal-less carriages. The plethora of new sights and sounds was almost too much to take in, forcing her to mentally prepare herself to maintain composure amidst all these wonders.
Lost in her observations, Ashlyn scarcely noticed when Tess pulled the cart to a halt in front of a building. It was Tess's guiding hand that brought her back to reality, assisting her down from the cart with a tactfulness that spared her any embarrassment. Only when Tess ushered her through the inn's doors did Ashlyn snap fully back to her surroundings. The entrance hall was bathed in a light unlike any she had seen before - bright, steady, and clear. 'This has to be ringtech,' she thought, stepping into the radiant foyer, her mind racing with the possibilities of this new world she had just entered.
The innkeeper, a wiry middle-aged man with an air of seasoned hospitality, greeted them with a warm, knowing smile. His eyes danced with amusement at Ashlyn's awed expression, then softened with recognition as he spotted Teresa.
"Ah, Miss Teresa, welcome back!" Mr. Moray's voice was smooth and welcoming, a perfect blend of professionalism and warmth. "And who do we have here? A new visitor to the Hold?"
"This is Ashlyn, or rather, Mistress Quinn," Teresa introduced, effortlessly slipping into her narrative. "We've just returned from the Vineyard…"
Mr. Moray's adept social skills soon steered the conversation toward practical matters. Despite Ashlyn's initial hesitation, she found herself being ushered to the deluxe room, a decision influenced by both Teresa's insistence and the innkeeper's persuasive charm. The room, costing six charges including meals, was more luxurious than anything Ashlyn had anticipated, leaving her torn between gratitude and a sense of impropriety.
As Mr. Moray took her ring, which contained exactly six charges, a pang of anxiety shot through Ashlyn, but it was swiftly replaced by relief when he handed her an empty red ring in return. She learned, much to her relief, that it was customary to provide change in the same type of ring used for payment, unless specified otherwise.
Settling into her room, Ashlyn couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. The room, while undoubtedly more comfortable than her usual haunts in the wilderness, lacked the opulence she had naively anticipated. It was tastefully simple, with the most notable feature being the sizeable bathtub crafted from an unfamiliar, smooth material. She had to remind herself that this was still a rare indulgence, far from the rudimentary shelters of her past.
Mr. Morey, clearly noticing her initial letdown, appeared unperturbed as he guided her around the room. The walls were bathed in the soft, enchanting light from the ringtech lamps, a feature that rekindled the excitement in Ashlyn. The inn held only three deluxe accommodations, which gave it an air of exclusivity, but the modest decor spoke more of practical comfort than extravagant luxury.
As the innkeeper briefed her on the amenities, he handed her a small purple ring. "This ring," he explained with a professional demeanor, "will power the lamp by your bed and also heat the water in your bathtub. Just insert it into the respective sockets. Unfortunately, we don't have running water here, so my helper will bring you water shortly. The ring needs to be returned at checkout."
Ashlyn, still processing this new information, nodded dumbly. The concept of using a small ring to power devices was still a little mysterious to her, so she felt an urge to start experimenting with it immediately.
As Mr. Morey left, she found herself surrounded by the quiet hum of ringtech and the promise of a warm bath. It was a small taste of the life that awaited her in the Hold. For a moment, Ashlyn allowed herself to forget about revenge and enjoy.