Chapter 252: Seer of Prophecy
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Chapter 252: Seer of Prophecy
Well? Greesha said once theyd arrived at her place of work. Resembling a miniature temple with pointed roofs, it was nestled in between other large, three-story structures. As if itd been there first, and everything else had been built around it.
The temple was in a far nicer part of town compared to where Vir had just been.
Give me one reason I shouldnt have you thrown into jail. Entering my town and making a ruckus right away, hmm?
Darsh and Hetal kept their heads bowed, avoiding eye contact. Vir suspected it had something to do with the badge adorned with a red crown that hung from Greeshas neck. A Chitran Ruler Calling badge.
Youre in charge of this city? Vir asked, earning him a raised brow from the woman. She clearly wasnt used to people talking back to her.
Youre treading dangerous water, boy. Were I any other Ruler in the city, your head wouldve been on a pike by now. Show some deference to your betters. Be grateful that Im willing to overlook this incident and run along. And be sure it doesnt happen again!
Vir glowered at her. This was Greesha? The revered Seer? He wondered if Cirayus had lost his mind by speaking so highly of her. Or perhaps the years had changed her?
This didnt look at all like a woman worthy of Virs respect.
If youre expecting me to bow down and grovel because of that fancy badge youre wearing, think again.
Darsh pulled at Virs sleeve to get his attention. What are you doing!? Shes a Ruler! he whispered, his eyes wide. Beside him Hetal, averted her eyes, looking like she wanted to shrivel up.
Vir exhaled. Look, these kids have nothing to do with me. Why dont you let them go?
Greesha swept her dominating gaze across the children. Vir could almost feel them withering under the power of those eyes.
Fine. But dont cause any more trouble, you hear? Greesha said, addressing the children. Next time, Ill feed you to the wolves.
Understood, maam! It was an honest mistake. Well see to our business and head right back!
The siblings darted for the exit, but Darsh paused, giving Vir a conflicted look.
Vir chuckled. I can handle myself. Get home safe, yeah?
T-thanks. And, uh. Your fight. It was seric!
Blushing, Darsh grabbed his sister and disappeared out the door.
So? Greesha said the moment theyd left. Mind telling me who you are and what youre doing in this city?
Vir narrowed his eyes. As I said, Vaakof Ash. Ive been training there for years.
Oh, I dont doubt it. I saw you fight. Youre strong, clearly.
Then, what do you
You waltz in here showing no decorum. No respect for my badge. You act as though you own this place. I must say, its almost refreshing.
Refreshing?
So the way I see it, either youre someone important in disguise Or youre just a chal. Well?
Vir regarded her evenly. The Callings are supposed to be equal, are they not?
Greeshas eyes widened in surprise. Which rock have you been living underUnless. Oh no. Youre with the ones protesting the Callings, arent you?
Vir was unaware there even was a faction looking to overthrow the Calling System. Useful information he filed away for later.
Not quite.
It was time to drop the ruse. Hed wanted to scope Greesha out, to get a feel for her character. If he was honest, he didnt like what he saw, but Cirayus had told him she would be a helpful ally. As he was, he didnt have the luxury to pick who he worked with. He needed help if he was to learn the lay of the land.
I come on behalf of a mutual friend, he started, watching the woman for any changes in expression.
The womans frown deepened. If youre going to lie, try harder. I havent
You can make them so easily? Vir asked.
Not easily, no. Id be pulling many strings. I dont do this for just anyone. But, well your existence is critical to the future of this realm and I owe a great debt to your family, she added softly, looking into the distance, across space and time.
Is that remorse in her voice?
So what if it was, though? Her feelings wouldnt change the past. Rather than dive into an argument that would likely end in a shouting match, Vir took a deep breath and kept the conversation on topic.
There would be time for such chats later.
They really arent equal, are they? Vir asked. The Callings
The old woman chuckled. Well, its no wonder you were so rude before. Is that what Cirayus told you?
Vir shrugged. He said I should see with my own eyes.
Of course he did, Greesha snorted. Typical Cirayus. The answer should be obvious, yes?
Vir nodded slowly. Equal in theory, but in practice
The Rulers hold all the power, kept in check only by the greater number of Warriors. As for the Laborers, theyre the least respected. They can influence the others if they all band together, but that never happens. As for the Outcasts, well
Right. In that case, can you make me a few different badges under different names?
Greesha frowned. Granting one Warrior badge is within my means. Several, however
No, not Warrior Callings. Give me Laborer and Outcast Callings.
Outcast? Why would you she paused, appraising Vir. You are serious about this?
Yes. If Im going to get to know my people, I need to live as they live. I need to see the worst side of this city.
Very well, Greesha replied. Far less scrutiny for those badges. Brace yourself. You will not like what you see.
Thanks, but I can handle myself. Ill also need to hook up with the Rebellion.
Greesha drew a short breath. Nearly imperceptible, but Vir caught it.
Would that be a bad idea?
Perceptive, arent you? Greesha said, looking impressed. The Rebellion is perhaps not what you think they are.
Meaning?
Just dont go revealing your true identity to them anytime soon. You may not appreciate the results. Or their ways, for that matter.
Ah.
They blame me for what happened, Vir said.
Some do. Worsetheyre borderline fanatics. Times were rough, after the fall. I myself nearly didnt make it. Managed to establish a footing here thanks to my powers as a Seer. Most of what I do is keep those hooligans in check. Theyre just prana bombs waiting to go off, if you ask me. Always on the cusp of ruining what little we have. Youll find in them at best, a challenge, and at worst, an enemy.
Virs hopes for swooping in and organizing those demons began to crumble before his eyes.
Can you put me in touch? Vir asked.
Greesha shook her head. Itd do more harm than good, Im afraid. My reputation with them is less than pleasant. Better to get noticed by them on your own, if thats your wish. Make a name for yourself. Theyre like hounds; they simply cant resist the scent of fresh blood.
I see, Vir said, understanding that this was going to be a longer road than he thought. Is there hope? he asked at last.
Greesha smiled sadly. There was, at the beginning. It was a chals hope, but the spark was there. Gargans fought back. Theres only so many times you can fail before you get some sense knocked into you. Especially when failure means death. Or worse. Without a leader to rally behind, without resources and allies We never stood a chance. So, you ask, is there hope?
Greesha stared earnestly into Virs eyes.
There wasnt before. There is now.
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Chapter 252: Seer of Prophecy
Well? Greesha said once theyd arrived at her place of work. Resembling a miniature temple with pointed roofs, it was nestled in between other large, three-story structures. As if itd been there first, and everything else had been built around it.
The temple was in a far nicer part of town compared to where Vir had just been.
Give me one reason I shouldnt have you thrown into jail. Entering my town and making a ruckus right away, hmm?
Darsh and Hetal kept their heads bowed, avoiding eye contact. Vir suspected it had something to do with the badge adorned with a red crown that hung from Greeshas neck. A Chitran Ruler Calling badge.
Youre in charge of this city? Vir asked, earning him a raised brow from the woman. She clearly wasnt used to people talking back to her.
Youre treading dangerous water, boy. Were I any other Ruler in the city, your head wouldve been on a pike by now. Show some deference to your betters. Be grateful that Im willing to overlook this incident and run along. And be sure it doesnt happen again!
Vir glowered at her. This was Greesha? The revered Seer? He wondered if Cirayus had lost his mind by speaking so highly of her. Or perhaps the years had changed her?
This didnt look at all like a woman worthy of Virs respect.
If youre expecting me to bow down and grovel because of that fancy badge youre wearing, think again.
Darsh pulled at Virs sleeve to get his attention. What are you doing!? Shes a Ruler! he whispered, his eyes wide. Beside him Hetal, averted her eyes, looking like she wanted to shrivel up.
Vir exhaled. Look, these kids have nothing to do with me. Why dont you let them go?
Greesha swept her dominating gaze across the children. Vir could almost feel them withering under the power of those eyes.
Fine. But dont cause any more trouble, you hear? Greesha said, addressing the children. Next time, Ill feed you to the wolves.
Understood, maam! It was an honest mistake. Well see to our business and head right back!
The siblings darted for the exit, but Darsh paused, giving Vir a conflicted look.
Vir chuckled. I can handle myself. Get home safe, yeah?
T-thanks. And, uh. Your fight. It was seric!
Blushing, Darsh grabbed his sister and disappeared out the door.
So? Greesha said the moment theyd left. Mind telling me who you are and what youre doing in this city?
Vir narrowed his eyes. As I said, Vaakof Ash. Ive been training there for years.
Oh, I dont doubt it. I saw you fight. Youre strong, clearly.
Then, what do you
You waltz in here showing no decorum. No respect for my badge. You act as though you own this place. I must say, its almost refreshing.
Refreshing?
So the way I see it, either youre someone important in disguise Or youre just a chal. Well?
Vir regarded her evenly. The Callings are supposed to be equal, are they not?
Greeshas eyes widened in surprise. Which rock have you been living underUnless. Oh no. Youre with the ones protesting the Callings, arent you?
Vir was unaware there even was a faction looking to overthrow the Calling System. Useful information he filed away for later.
Not quite.
It was time to drop the ruse. Hed wanted to scope Greesha out, to get a feel for her character. If he was honest, he didnt like what he saw, but Cirayus had told him she would be a helpful ally. As he was, he didnt have the luxury to pick who he worked with. He needed help if he was to learn the lay of the land.
I come on behalf of a mutual friend, he started, watching the woman for any changes in expression.
The womans frown deepened. If youre going to lie, try harder. I havent
You can make them so easily? Vir asked.
Not easily, no. Id be pulling many strings. I dont do this for just anyone. But, well your existence is critical to the future of this realm and I owe a great debt to your family, she added softly, looking into the distance, across space and time.
Is that remorse in her voice?
So what if it was, though? Her feelings wouldnt change the past. Rather than dive into an argument that would likely end in a shouting match, Vir took a deep breath and kept the conversation on topic.
There would be time for such chats later.
They really arent equal, are they? Vir asked. The Callings
The old woman chuckled. Well, its no wonder you were so rude before. Is that what Cirayus told you?
Vir shrugged. He said I should see with my own eyes.
Of course he did, Greesha snorted. Typical Cirayus. The answer should be obvious, yes?
Vir nodded slowly. Equal in theory, but in practice
The Rulers hold all the power, kept in check only by the greater number of Warriors. As for the Laborers, theyre the least respected. They can influence the others if they all band together, but that never happens. As for the Outcasts, well
Right. In that case, can you make me a few different badges under different names?
Greesha frowned. Granting one Warrior badge is within my means. Several, however
No, not Warrior Callings. Give me Laborer and Outcast Callings.
Outcast? Why would you she paused, appraising Vir. You are serious about this?
Yes. If Im going to get to know my people, I need to live as they live. I need to see the worst side of this city.
Very well, Greesha replied. Far less scrutiny for those badges. Brace yourself. You will not like what you see.
Thanks, but I can handle myself. Ill also need to hook up with the Rebellion.
Greesha drew a short breath. Nearly imperceptible, but Vir caught it.
Would that be a bad idea?
Perceptive, arent you? Greesha said, looking impressed. The Rebellion is perhaps not what you think they are.
Meaning?
Just dont go revealing your true identity to them anytime soon. You may not appreciate the results. Or their ways, for that matter.
Ah.
They blame me for what happened, Vir said.
Some do. Worsetheyre borderline fanatics. Times were rough, after the fall. I myself nearly didnt make it. Managed to establish a footing here thanks to my powers as a Seer. Most of what I do is keep those hooligans in check. Theyre just prana bombs waiting to go off, if you ask me. Always on the cusp of ruining what little we have. Youll find in them at best, a challenge, and at worst, an enemy.
Virs hopes for swooping in and organizing those demons began to crumble before his eyes.
Can you put me in touch? Vir asked.
Greesha shook her head. Itd do more harm than good, Im afraid. My reputation with them is less than pleasant. Better to get noticed by them on your own, if thats your wish. Make a name for yourself. Theyre like hounds; they simply cant resist the scent of fresh blood.
I see, Vir said, understanding that this was going to be a longer road than he thought. Is there hope? he asked at last.
Greesha smiled sadly. There was, at the beginning. It was a chals hope, but the spark was there. Gargans fought back. Theres only so many times you can fail before you get some sense knocked into you. Especially when failure means death. Or worse. Without a leader to rally behind, without resources and allies We never stood a chance. So, you ask, is there hope?
Greesha stared earnestly into Virs eyes.
There wasnt before. There is now.
Chapter 252: Seer of ProphecyWell? Greesha said once theyd arrived at her place of work. Resembling a miniature temple with pointed roofs, it was nestled in between other large, three-story structures. As if itd been there first, and everything else had been built around it.The temple was in a far nicer part of town compared to where Vir had just been.Give me one reason I shouldnt have you thrown into jail. Entering my town and making a ruckus right away, hmm?Darsh and Hetal kept their heads bowed, avoiding eye contact. Vir suspected it had something to do with the badge adorned with a red crown that hung from Greeshas neck. A Chitran Ruler Calling badge.Youre in charge of this city? Vir asked, earning him a raised brow from the woman. She clearly wasnt used to people talking back to her.Youre treading dangerous water, boy. Were I any other Ruler in the city, your head wouldve been on a pike by now. Show some deference to your betters. Be grateful that Im willing to overlook this incident and run along. And be sure it doesnt happen again!Vir glowered at her. This was Greesha? The revered Seer? He wondered if Cirayus had lost his mind by speaking so highly of her. Or perhaps the years had changed her?This didnt look at all like a woman worthy of Virs respect.If youre expecting me to bow down and grovel because of that fancy badge youre wearing, think again.Darsh pulled at Virs sleeve to get his attention. What are you doing!? Shes a Ruler! he whispered, his eyes wide. Beside him Hetal, averted her eyes, looking like she wanted to shrivel up.Vir exhaled. Look, these kids have nothing to do with me. Why dont you let them go?Greesha swept her dominating gaze across the children. Vir could almost feel them withering under the power of those eyes.Fine. But dont cause any more trouble, you hear? Greesha said, addressing the children. Next time, Ill feed you to the wolves.Understood, maam! It was an honest mistake. Well see to our business and head right back!The siblings darted for the exit, but Darsh paused, giving Vir a conflicted look.Vir chuckled. I can handle myself. Get home safe, yeah?T-thanks. And, uh. Your fight. It was seric!Blushing, Darsh grabbed his sister and disappeared out the door.So? Greesha said the moment theyd left. Mind telling me who you are and what youre doing in this city?Vir narrowed his eyes. As I said, Vaakof Ash. Ive been training there for years.Oh, I dont doubt it. I saw you fight. Youre strong, clearly.Then, what do youYou waltz in here showing no decorum. No respect for my badge. You act as though you own this place. I must say, its almost refreshing.Refreshing?So the way I see it, either youre someone important in disguise Or youre just a chal. Well?Vir regarded her evenly. The Callings are supposed to be equal, are they not?Greeshas eyes widened in surprise. Which rock have you been living underUnless. Oh no. Youre with the ones protesting the Callings, arent you?Vir was unaware there even was a faction looking to overthrow the Calling System. Useful information he filed away for later.Not quite.It was time to drop the ruse. Hed wanted to scope Greesha out, to get a feel for her character. If he was honest, he didnt like what he saw, but Cirayus had told him she would be a helpful ally. As he was, he didnt have the luxury to pick who he worked with. He needed help if he was to learn the lay of the land.I come on behalf of a mutual friend, he started, watching the woman for any changes in expression.The womans frown deepened. If youre going to lie, try harder. I haventYou can make them so easily? Vir asked.Not easily, no. Id be pulling many strings. I dont do this for just anyone. But, well your existence is critical to the future of this realm and I owe a great debt to your family, she added softly, looking into the distance, across space and time.Is that remorse in her voice?So what if it was, though? Her feelings wouldnt change the past. Rather than dive into an argument that would likely end in a shouting match, Vir took a deep breath and kept the conversation on topic.There would be time for such chats later.They really arent equal, are they? Vir asked. The CallingsThe old woman chuckled. Well, its no wonder you were so rude before. Is that what Cirayus told you?Vir shrugged. He said I should see with my own eyes.Of course he did, Greesha snorted. Typical Cirayus. The answer should be obvious, yes?Vir nodded slowly. Equal in theory, but in practiceThe Rulers hold all the power, kept in check only by the greater number of Warriors. As for the Laborers, theyre the least respected. They can influence the others if they all band together, but that never happens. As for the Outcasts, wellRight. In that case, can you make me a few different badges under different names?Greesha frowned. Granting one Warrior badge is within my means. Several, howeverNo, not Warrior Callings. Give me Laborer and Outcast Callings.Outcast? Why would you she paused, appraising Vir. You are serious about this?Yes. If Im going to get to know my people, I need to live as they live. I need to see the worst side of this city.Very well, Greesha replied. Far less scrutiny for those badges. Brace yourself. You will not like what you see.Thanks, but I can handle myself. Ill also need to hook up with the Rebellion.Greesha drew a short breath. Nearly imperceptible, but Vir caught it.Would that be a bad idea?Perceptive, arent you? Greesha said, looking impressed. The Rebellion is perhaps not what you think they are.Meaning?Just dont go revealing your true identity to them anytime soon. You may not appreciate the results. Or their ways, for that matter.Ah.They blame me for what happened, Vir said.Some do. Worsetheyre borderline fanatics. Times were rough, after the fall. I myself nearly didnt make it. Managed to establish a footing here thanks to my powers as a Seer. Most of what I do is keep those hooligans in check. Theyre just prana bombs waiting to go off, if you ask me. Always on the cusp of ruining what little we have. Youll find in them at best, a challenge, and at worst, an enemy.Virs hopes for swooping in and organizing those demons began to crumble before his eyes.Can you put me in touch? Vir asked.Greesha shook her head. Itd do more harm than good, Im afraid. My reputation with them is less than pleasant. Better to get noticed by them on your own, if thats your wish. Make a name for yourself. Theyre like hounds; they simply cant resist the scent of fresh blood.I see, Vir said, understanding that this was going to be a longer road than he thought. Is there hope? he asked at last.Greesha smiled sadly. There was, at the beginning. It was a chals hope, but the spark was there. Gargans fought back. Theres only so many times you can fail before you get some sense knocked into you. Especially when failure means death. Or worse. Without a leader to rally behind, without resources and allies We never stood a chance. So, you ask, is there hope?Greesha stared earnestly into Virs eyes.There wasnt before. There is now.
