The night passed on, taking the clouds and the rain with it. When Enyah creaked open her door, a packed knapsack held firmly in her hands, the warmth of the sun greeted her for the first time in days.
She squinted her eyes, raising a gloved arm to shield herself from the blinding light. The intensity made her pause, taking a few moments for her to adjust.
“Sun's out after only six days of rain. A good sign.” Enyah muttered to herself, though disbelief caked her face. If yesterday was any sign, only trouble lay ahead.
With a thoughtful frown, she stepped out and headed towards the scrap district.The streets had a small touch of movement. An occasional local would scamper past, their steps hurried and their paranoia plain to see.
“Being too connected to Trallix… I don't like it,” Enyah thought. Her gaze lingered on the Gulls she passed. She knew all their names, their faces. She spent hours with each of them. Working, surviving. Seeing them act so fearful and erratic stirred a frown on her face. A discomfort rose within her. A distant town. A different town.
She shook her head, moving her focus onto the mission. However, she didn’t get too far before a shadow fell over her, covering her from the sun's rays.
[Mouth Breather, Ena.]
A voice, deep and cold, warbled from the creature. It sounded like the tide, ebbing and flowing. Enyah turned around, finding herself facing a massive red shelled crustacean. A Crallip. Their kind have been living in the port for decades. Their race was mutated by the mist into their current forms. Alien, but familiar.
“Lovely dry-day, Liprill.” Enyah responded, the Crallip greeting flew fluently from her lips. She moved both hands behind her back and bowed, a sign of respect for their race, and respect for Trallix.
He dipped his head in return, the chitin armor clinking with his motions. He raised his large claw-like appendage, snapping it repeatedly with a constant thunk. His alien voice continued on, his words slow. [Must leave, Ena. Beast comes soon. Be safe.]
“I'll be gone for a bit.” Enyah said softly, putting a hand against Liprill's claw. The shell was cold, as if devoid of the heat around it.“But I'll be back. I won't let you fight alone this time.”
[Not safe, Ena] Liprill replied. If he had brows, they would’ve furrowed in worry. His large, pitch-black eyes stared deep into hers.
“I'm an adult, I won't be coddled anymore.” Enyah stated, her tone full of defiance. “I'll fight and protect the port with you all.”
Liprill clicked his claw again, his thoughts unknown. He warbled to himself in an unknown tone, speaking unknown phrases. After a short moment, he spoke eligible words again to Enyah. [Honor. Fight beside Ena. Protect port. Protect home. True warrior.]
“I'd be proud to fight alongside you.” Enyah spoke, her fingers unconsciously gripping the hilt of her sheathed cutlass. She's a warrior now. She wouldn’t flee.
[Come soon. Duel soon, Ena.] Liprill grumbled, his voice lightening with warmth. The wooden boards creaked under his weight as he lumbered away, the sound of his pincers waning as he departed, [Wait for you.]
“I'd never miss a duel with you.” Enyah called after him with a snort. Though he spoke confidently, his nervous ticks hadn’t escaped her notice. Worry clouded her gaze.
Turning back to the scrap district, she gripped her knapsack and set off. “Get my revenge, then be back in time for the stampede. Simple enough.” She thought.
The streets showed even more life as more Gulls emerged from their homes. They lurked in the shadows, their steps quick yet cautious. “Need to eat somehow.” Enyah mused aloud, greeting the Gulls with nods as they passed her.
Their replies came with quick greetings and hushed warnings before continuing on, their intentions clear. The next few months would be rough. Best hoard and be prepared for what’s coming.
Without hesitation Enyah arrived at the house, its frame glinting with decay in the sunlight. She knocked gently before calling with a steady tone, “It's me. Time to go.”
The door swung open almost instantly. Liam stood opposing her, looking far healthier than the day before. Though his body was still caked in dried blood, his hair was noticeably cleaner, and his disheveled appearance has been adapted to a more composed demeanor.
“Miss Enyah, I entrust my liege’s safety to you. His well-being must be your highest priority.” He stated gruffly, skipping any pleasantries as he stepped aside to let her in.
“No curses today. I'm impressed.” Enyah smirked as she passed him, entering the familiar room with light steps.
“I allowed my temper to cloud my judgement yesterday.” he looked away, his face red with embarrassment. He scratched his neck, relieving his stress. “My apologies.”
She paused briefly, responding softly, but loud enough for him to hear, “It’s fine, sir knight. I’ll protect him.”
Silence pervaded the room for a quick moment. She couldn’t see his face, but could feel the pause of his steps. Finally, he began speaking, “I'll hold you to it.”
Before any further conversation could occur, the soft thud of footsteps echoed from the staircase down.
“Enyah! Enyah!” Rinne’s excited voice echoed around the room as he bounded down the steps. He jumped the last step and hit the floor with a soft thud and the creaking of wooden plants..
“Look! I'm ready to go!” He announced with a bright grin, holding up a modest suitcase tightly, as if it were a treasure. His tan, hempen robe swirled around him as he spun, the fabric falling to his ankles, paired with sturdy boots that tapped against the ground. Enyah nodded to herself, a practical attire for blending amongst the locals.
“I can see that, little guy.” She responded with a small smile.
Liam moved towards Rinne, kneeling down and resting his arms firmly on the boy’s shoulders. His voice dropped to a serious, low tone that Enyah could barely make out.
“You must listen to her, my lord. Obey her instructions without question.”
“Yes sir…” Rinne replied, his voice soft, barely a whisper.
“There are those who wish you harm beyond this building.” Liam continued, his unyielding gaze boring into Rinne. “Go straight home. No detours. Do you understand?”
“Yes sir…” He repeated, with an added tremble to his voice. Did he not know his circumstances? Enyah wondered silently.
“You bear the name of Orlent.” Liam said, giving Rinne a firm pat on the shoulder. “Stand tall, my liege. Carry it with pride.”
“Yes sir.” He responded, looking down at his clenched fists.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
“Say it with conviction! You are our future!”
“Yes sir!” He cried out, lifting his face lined with determination.
“Bring honor to your name, my lord.” Liam finished softly, staring right at Rinne with pride before rising back up. He walked back to Enyah and gave her a nod. “He's in your care now.”
“Right.” Enyah replied calmly with a slight nod in return. She turned towards Rinne, who joyfully bounced over to her with renewed enthusiasm, hefting his suitcase with him along the way.
“Let me help you with that.” Enyah offered, motioning towards his suitcase which was dragging behind him.
“No thanks!” Rinne grunted with determination. He was starting to sweat under the weight, but still backpedalled to stop her. Enyah noticed his legs trembling. “I can do it! I’m strong! I’m a fighter!”
“Alright, little man.” Enyah said calmly, lightly acknowledging his struggle. “You ready? We've got a long way to go.”
“Yes ma’am!” Rinne chirped and saluted, subtly wiping some sweat from his head. His exhaustion couldn’t hide his exuberance towards the journey.
Liam opened the door wide, showering the room in the sun. He then stepped aside, letting Enyah and Rinne into the sunlight.
Enyah walked out first, casually lifting her knapsack over her shoulder and looking back towards Rinne, who waddled as fast as he could behind her, lifting his suitcase with both hands.
She moved a few steps away from the building and stopped.
“Let’s swap bags, tough guy.” Enyah said gently, crouching down to meet his height. “You carry mine, and I'll take yours.”
“But–” Rinne began, his face caked in exhaustion.
“No buts.” Enyah interrupted, her tone light. “You’ll be helping me out with this, alright? We’ll work together.”
“Alright…” Rinne muttered reluctantly, but handed over his suitcase. He quickly grabbed at her knapsack right after, as if not holding one would stain his newfound honor.
Satisfied, Enyah looked back at Liam, who looked at her with something similar to approval. Noticing her gaze, he put his right hand in a fist onto his chest with his elbow sticking out. An Orlent salute.
“May Drascilian’s light guide your path. ” Liam called after them, his voice deep and hardened.
“Bye!” Rinne chirped back, waving excitedly. “Be safe, Ser Liam!”
“And you as well, my lord.” Liam nodded, his voice softening. As he watched them step away, a frown began to mar his face and his eyebrows furrowed in worry. He stood by the door, watching them. Probably didn't want to leave his lord's side, Enya thought.
She pondered for a bit, before shouting over to him, “If you have any issues, ask for Gurlin. You've met him at the counter before. He's a trustworthy man.”
“Acknowledged.” Liam exclaimed back. After seeing that they've turned around and started their journey, he let his proud facade falter, revealing his weariness. With a labored sigh, he went inside the building, letting the door close behind him. It was Enya’s responsibility now.
Enyah walked with measured steps, letting Rinne keep close as his curious face wandered to and fro, taking in the ruined surroundings. Though the building he was in had windows, the sun revealed the scrap district in all its disturbing, disheveled glory.
“Hey Enyah!” Rinne piped up from beside her, glancing at her with his curious eyes. “What happened here?”
“Well.” Enyah thought for a bit, before deciding to indulge his curiosity. Her eyes looked towards the crumbled buildings around them. She felt there, but distant at the same time. “A few years ago a massive beast came from the ocean, bringing countless beasts with it. It was called The Modullah.”
“The Modullah…” Rinne echoed in awe, as if the name itself dignified the fearsome appearance of the monstrosity. “What did it look like?”
“It's like a snail, but it was massive. Larger than the buildings here. Its shell was harder than mithril and its body healed every injury. All it wanted was destruction.” Enyah spoke with gravitas, her tone lowered. but lowered her voice upon realizing their location. They were a few seconds from leaving the scrap district.
“A big snail did this?” Rinne frowned, seemingly in thought. His face scrunched, pondering something unknown to Enyah.
“It's a sore spot to us, so don't let anyone else hear you asking about it, Alright?” Enyah spoke in a hushed tone, leaning down slightly. “We're leaving the abandoned section.”
“Okay, Miss Enyah!” Rinne sang, his head perking up from his thoughts, his shining eyes boring into her as his concern turned into cheer in a flash.
“Good lad.” She smirked, reaching a hand and rubbing his head. The activity of life soon surrounded them, the eerie ruin giving way for the faint bustling of life.
“Wow!” Rinne let out a small voice in wonder, eying the sights of people doing their business. “I've never seen somewhere like this before!”
The thought of probing for information sprouting within her. She asked curiously, like an ordinary conversation with a friend. “So you've never been to a town before?”
“Nope! Just my bedroom… the bathroom… the…other room… the garden…” Rinne began, his thoughtful face a hint of having to think hard for this. His gaze wandered, as though mapping the rooms in his memory. Before he could get further, a silhouette passed them, and Rinne lost his focus.
“Hi!” Rinne called out to the passing Gull, who froze and stared at him, his eyes wide and trembling. Upon seeing Enyah he noticeably calmed, but only gave a quick nod before scurrying away. Rinne turned to Enyah, his face crestfallen and hands dropping beside him.
“Haah.” She sighed, combing through her hair with her hand. Dealing with children isn't her favorite pastime. “Don’t mind them. They’re just on edge.”
“Oh.” He said softly, a frown revealing his worry. “Was it me?”
“No, it wasn't you.” Enyah placated, her mind troubled while she spoke. “Their God's worried. It's affecting them.”
“How does that work?” Rinne asked, his high pitched voice worming its way into Enyah's head.
“How would I know?” Enyah shrugged, exhaustion setting in. This kid was a handful. She should've treated Liam better. “Faith goes both ways, I guess.”
“Wooah.” Rinne mumbled to himself, his eyes open with wonder. That didn’t stop him from dashing off to another Gull slinking about, making his presence known with a proud call, “Hello ma'am!”
“Huh? Who?” She stepped back in a panic, fumbling her steps in her hurry. “I'm. No! Please!” Her words were just as rushed as her retreat.
“Sorry! Sorry!” Enyah called out, her voice apologetic. She darted behind Rinne and grabbed him from behind, lifting his body into the air.
“Hey!” Rinne complained, swinging his legs in the air. He wiggled within her grasp, but she kept her grip firm, not letting him squirm out. The Gull took the moment to dash away with barely a glance.
“She was uncomfortable.” Enyah shook her head, her feelings caught between disappointment and concern. “Look, kid. Not everybody wants to be your friend.”
“I'm sorry…” He hung his head and stopped his wiggling, his body somewhat limp within Enyah's grasp.
She frowned, her frustration softening. “Think of the reward, Enyah. Think of revenge. Be patient.” She reminded herself, playing the words in her head in repetition.
“Here, how about I show you something cool?” Enyah said with a low voice. She put down Rinne, and looked at him with a forced smile. His droopy eyes looked up at her, with a small, trembling voice.
“Something cool?” His droopy eyes looked up at her and he spoke with a small, trembling voice, like an injured rabbit.
“We’re almost there. Follow me. Be good.” Enyah said, reaching out for Rinne’s hand. She quickened her pace, pulling Rinne along beside her as they sped through streets and Gulls, who he thankfully didn't initiate conversation with. Though, she did get the occasional question here and there.
“Enyah, whats–” Rinne began, grabbing Enyah's attention. A large shelled creature, different from a Crallip, lumbered far away from their location. It walked with slow steps towards the ocean, its pace leisurely and unhurried compared to the rest of the town, as if living in a different reality.
“That's a Tarril. Turtles evolved from the mist, or so I've heard. You'll find a whole bale of them living here.” Enyah explained to Rinne's amazement.
“Woah… I've never seen anyone other than a human before!” Rinne chimed, looking at the Tarril in the distance as if it were the most unique thing he’s ever seen.
“Don't know about Orlent, but there's many different races here.” Enyah continued with a small smile, not slowing her pace at all. “Keep up, it's just around the entrance.”
“Ok, miss Enyah!” Rinne affirmed, determined to reach his quarry despite his exhaustion. His breathing was loud and rough, and his body was caked in sweat, but he paid it no mind, seeming to take it as a new experience, like a new adventure.
As they reached the entrance of the town, a large building loomed overhead. A repurposed warehouse which served as a stable for all the mercenaries and travellers within the port. Various creatures resided within, with walls fitted to give each of them their own area. The air was thick with the smell of hay and animal musk, while the structure was roaring with life, with countless grunts, whinnies, and snorts echoing from within.
At the front counter stood a young woman, one Enyah had seen only just last night. Her hair was put into a messy ponytail of brown, always reminding her of a horse’s tail. Noticing them approaching, she greeted them with a casual wave.
“Leaving so soon, Enyah?” She called out in greeting, a bit of teasing in her voice.
“Yeah,” Enyah gave a nod in reply, her voice lighter than before. “Got a mission. Has Zarts been good?”
“Of course. Despite how he still hasn't let me touch him.” The woman pouted, trying her best to look wounded.
Enyah gave her an unamused glare.
“Aw.” She looked away, exaggeratedly pursing her lips, unphased by Enyah’s gaze. “Indulge me, why don’t you. And who’s this little guy?”
“Hello.” Rinne called from behind Enyah. His tone subdued from his earlier failures. “Do you want to be my friend?”
“I'd love to! I’ve always wanted a child.” She cooed with an indulging smile and soft affection in her eyes. She crouched down to meet his gaze. “I'm Bella, what's your name, young man?”
“I'm Rinne!” He spoke with a reignited spirit. His eyes sparkling brighter than the sun and with the enthusiasm to match. “Yay! A second friend!”
“Only your second?” Bella gasped in exaggerated shock, pressing her hand to her chest. She looked at Enyah with a wide grin, “How could that wicked woman treat you like this?”
“Very funny.” Enyah deadpanned, her dull glare doing nothing to stop Bella’s grin.
“She's good to me.” Rinne nodded vigorously, his hair bouncing erratically with him. “What do you do here?”
“I take care of the animals here while their owners are gone.” Bella spoke, crouching down to talk to Rinne. “Would you like to see Zarts?”
She turned to Enyah, her brow raised. “You are here for Zarts, right?”
“I am.” Enyah nodded, pulling a coin from a pouch from her waist. “Thanks for looking after him.”
“Oh my, a thanks from you? I'm honored!” Bella bowed dramatically, before going through the large door, calling behind her, “Give me a second.”
“Who's Zarts?” Rinne asked Enyah after she went inside, tugging on her shirt.
“My mount.” Enyah responded, looking at him. A small smile appeared on her face at the thought of him and her tone softened. “He’s what we’re here for.”
“Ooh!” Rinne squealed, bouncing on his feet. His excitement quickly shifted to the next object of his curiosity. “Why isn't she scared of me like the others?”
“She's not a Gull, but a mercenary.” Enyah explained while he stared with rapt attention. “They don't follow Gods, only gold.”
“I see…” Rinne nodded to himself, before his curiosity took another turn right after. He pointed towards the periphery of the town, where a mass of trees loomed nearby. “What's that?”
“A jungle?” Enyah questioned, unsure of what he was asking for. “Yeah, the Soreado Jungles. It stretches all around this place, and beyond. We’ll have to travel through for our journey.”
“A jungle? I read about those!” Rinne wiggled, excited to see his books come to life. “Is it really that scary? Lyris’ Tales of the West said ‘mind the roots, else they’ll get your boots’.”
Before Enyah could caution about trusting a child’s story, the thumping of a large creature echoed on the warehouse floor.
“Here he is.” Bella announced, coming into view with a jagged grin as she guided a massive creature into view.
Zarts stepped forward, his reptilian form towering and awe inspiring. He stood tall on two clawed feet, with a large, feathery tail that dragged onto the ground, leaving a cacophony of colors with every step. Two small and clawed hands curled against its scaled chest, while its head, crowned by a distinct crest of feathers, tilted its head.
It gave a low groan of intimidation until it noticed Enyah. Bounding forward, it’s intimidated demeanor softened and it lowered its head, letting her brush its soft feathers with a soft and tender touch. A smile crept onto her face as she felt his cold touch.
“This is Zarts, a Grintliss. Also my partner.” Enyah introduced with pride, using her strength to lift herself up his side, sitting firmly on the saddle that was laid upon his back. She turned and held a hand out for Rinne, who hesitated towards the beast. She called out to him, firm, yet soft, “You ready to ride?”