Chapter 56: Immortal
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 56: Immortal
Vir took the lead, navigating through Brijs streets. While Maiya knew the village as well as he did, she didnt have the benefit of Prana Vision. Especially useful for maneuvering around piles of Ashva dung, of which there were many. And while the main road was well lit, the alleys had far more darkness than light, with the rare Magic Candle placed haphazardly by whoever lived nearby.
Vir soon found his usual route to the temple, leading Maiya down a series of familiar alleys. Nothing had changed and yet, it felt like everything had changed. Neither he nor Maiya would ever be welcomed back here again.
Maiya must have been thinking the same thing. We can never come back, can we? she asked.
Even if we could, Vir replied, would you really want to?
Never, came Maiyas reply in an instant. Ive hated this place since the moment I was born. Good riddance, I say. What about you? All you ever wanted was a life in the village, yeah?
I Vir said, thinking it over. The answer came to him easily. I wouldnt.
Figures, Maiya said. Weve seen the wider world. Theres no going back now.
He had to agree. Returning to village life felt Well, it felt like a tragic waste. He didnt know when he started feeling that way, but the thought of coming back filled him with pure revulsion. His fate had changed forever on that day the knights arrived, and were it not for Rudviks death, Vir would have been happy for it.
Without the knights, Vir would never have met Riyan. And he definitely would never have learned about Kalari or katars Or, for that matter, about prana and Talents. So much had changed on account of that one event.
All because of my decision to flee to the Godshollow, he realized. He did have an option back then. He could have gone with the knights. If he had, Rudvik would still be alive.
Guilt threatened to seize his heart, but Vir shook off the feeling. His father would never have wanted him in the hands of those knights. Hed made the right decision to flee.
The real question wasknowing what he knew now would he make the same decision? That was harder to say. Hed grown so much, but it all came at the cost of Rudviks life. How could he possibly weigh those two on a scale? Perhaps his issue lay in trying to compare two incomparables in the first place.
Just wish things didnt have to end up this way, Maiya muttered, echoing his thoughts.
They continued on in the darkness, taking their time. While the alley was empty, they were plenty of soundsa man yelling at his wife, an elderly persons snores, Ashva snorting, and the mouthwatering scent of home cooked food.
The village was rarely ever truly silent, which helped hide Vir and Maiyas presence. It wasnt like they werent allowed to explore the village, but two Sawai teens gallivanting in an alley at night were bound to attract some attention.
I think I think I might have lied to you, Vir, Maiya said at length.
About what?
I dont think I can stay at Riyans anymore. Not when my parents are missing like this. I dont think Ill be able to sleep until I know where the knights have taken them.
I understand, Maiya. Their wellbeing is the most important thing in the world. Ill come with you.
Vir realized shed stopped, so he turned around and met her gaze.
You mean that? she asked, searching his expression.
He nodded. Of course. Aliscia was like a mother to me, and your dad I could work for a lifetime and I still wouldnt be able to repay my debt to him.
Maiya hugged him briefly. Thanks, Vir. You cant know how much this means to me.
Cmon, Vir said, flushing with embarrassment. Maybe well find something at your place.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om
He led them to another alleythe one where hed encountered the Child of Ash. He could only shake his head at the memory. Back then, hed felt as if the cultist was some kind of god of death whod snatch him away.
Now, he realized that the man was emaciated, didnt have a shred of combat training, and that old man Akros couldve defeated him. Against Vir with his full stamina, Kalari training, and Talents? Vir felt confident he could fight ten cultists and come out without a scratch.
Wonder what my Balar Rank is now he idly thought.
The great temple doors soon appeared before them in the darkness, its doors nailed shut by planks of heavy wood.
The planks were etched with the words: Closed until further notice.
Vir gave Maiya a moment, allowing himself to sink into the nostalgia of the place. Like the temple, some of his best memories were at this houseAliscias cooking, loudmouthed Rudvik arguing against Apramor, the nights he and Maiya had burned candles staying up late into the night, trading storiessneaking down at an ungodly hour to nab a cracker from the kitchen.
All in the past, now. This home would never know those times again. A part of Vir died when he realized that.
V-Vir? Maiya called out from upstairs. Can you come up here?
With heavy steps, he made his way up to her bedroom, though it was hardly recognizable. Like the rest of the house, all the furniture that could be moved had been looted, leaving behind a bare, empty room. Theyd even torn apart Maiyas pink wall coverings.
The girl sat cross-legged on the floor, turning over a pitch black envelope with a red wax seal. They didnt do a great job searching, she said. Didnt even look under the creaky floorboard.
Whats it say? Vir asked.
Dunno. Havent opened it yet.
She flipped it over, and Vir made out Aliscias immaculate handwriting: To Mai, it said. Its from my parents.
She handed the envelope to Vir. You read it.
Uh, you sure? It looks like they meant it for you.
Im sure. I Yeah. Im sure.
Vir shrugged and popped the seal, carefully retrieving the single piece of paper within and unfolding it reverently.
The message wasnt longenough to fit on a single side, and written in perfect cursive.
Vir cleared his throat and began his recitation.
To Maiya, our most beloved star
We still remember the day you came into this world, kicking and screaming. We always knew you would grow up to be a rambunctious young woman! If only we knew just how correct we would be! You caused us no end of headaches and yet, we would not trade you for the world. You may hate us for raising you in a backwater village, but Maiya, you wereyou areour proudest achievement. You will always be, even long after we have left this world.
Knowing you, Vir must be right there by your side, listening to you read this letter. You were always inseparable, after all. Perhaps he is the one reading? Well? Are we correct?
Hello, Vir! It is good to see you. Truly.
Prana scorned. Ashborn. You have suffered under many names. But to us, you are the son we never had, and so this message is for you as well.
Do not be sad for us. Read this letter and find strength. Not sorrow.
Support each other, for you are precious. More precious than you know.
When Fates whims separate you two and carry you each to distant realms, never forget that. Never forget the bond you share.
Make it unbreakable, and you will not bend. Make it supple, and you will not shatter. In each other, find your strength, find your home, and find yourselves.
Grow strong.
This is our only wish. Do not search for us. Do not grieve us. Remember us in your memories, both of you. While we may be gone from this world, we live on in your memories.
And thus, we are immortal.
With Dearest Love,
Mom and dad
The ransacked homes deathly silence was brokennot by wails or screamsbut quiet sobbing.
Next time: 57 - Breakers Of The Chain
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 56: Immortal
Vir took the lead, navigating through Brijs streets. While Maiya knew the village as well as he did, she didnt have the benefit of Prana Vision. Especially useful for maneuvering around piles of Ashva dung, of which there were many. And while the main road was well lit, the alleys had far more darkness than light, with the rare Magic Candle placed haphazardly by whoever lived nearby.
Vir soon found his usual route to the temple, leading Maiya down a series of familiar alleys. Nothing had changed and yet, it felt like everything had changed. Neither he nor Maiya would ever be welcomed back here again.
Maiya must have been thinking the same thing. We can never come back, can we? she asked.
Even if we could, Vir replied, would you really want to?
Never, came Maiyas reply in an instant. Ive hated this place since the moment I was born. Good riddance, I say. What about you? All you ever wanted was a life in the village, yeah?
I Vir said, thinking it over. The answer came to him easily. I wouldnt.
Figures, Maiya said. Weve seen the wider world. Theres no going back now.
He had to agree. Returning to village life felt Well, it felt like a tragic waste. He didnt know when he started feeling that way, but the thought of coming back filled him with pure revulsion. His fate had changed forever on that day the knights arrived, and were it not for Rudviks death, Vir would have been happy for it.
Without the knights, Vir would never have met Riyan. And he definitely would never have learned about Kalari or katars Or, for that matter, about prana and Talents. So much had changed on account of that one event.
All because of my decision to flee to the Godshollow, he realized. He did have an option back then. He could have gone with the knights. If he had, Rudvik would still be alive.
Guilt threatened to seize his heart, but Vir shook off the feeling. His father would never have wanted him in the hands of those knights. Hed made the right decision to flee.
The real question wasknowing what he knew now would he make the same decision? That was harder to say. Hed grown so much, but it all came at the cost of Rudviks life. How could he possibly weigh those two on a scale? Perhaps his issue lay in trying to compare two incomparables in the first place.
Just wish things didnt have to end up this way, Maiya muttered, echoing his thoughts.
They continued on in the darkness, taking their time. While the alley was empty, they were plenty of soundsa man yelling at his wife, an elderly persons snores, Ashva snorting, and the mouthwatering scent of home cooked food.
The village was rarely ever truly silent, which helped hide Vir and Maiyas presence. It wasnt like they werent allowed to explore the village, but two Sawai teens gallivanting in an alley at night were bound to attract some attention.
I think I think I might have lied to you, Vir, Maiya said at length.
About what?
I dont think I can stay at Riyans anymore. Not when my parents are missing like this. I dont think Ill be able to sleep until I know where the knights have taken them.
I understand, Maiya. Their wellbeing is the most important thing in the world. Ill come with you.
Vir realized shed stopped, so he turned around and met her gaze.
You mean that? she asked, searching his expression.
He nodded. Of course. Aliscia was like a mother to me, and your dad I could work for a lifetime and I still wouldnt be able to repay my debt to him.
Maiya hugged him briefly. Thanks, Vir. You cant know how much this means to me.
Cmon, Vir said, flushing with embarrassment. Maybe well find something at your place.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om
He led them to another alleythe one where hed encountered the Child of Ash. He could only shake his head at the memory. Back then, hed felt as if the cultist was some kind of god of death whod snatch him away.
Now, he realized that the man was emaciated, didnt have a shred of combat training, and that old man Akros couldve defeated him. Against Vir with his full stamina, Kalari training, and Talents? Vir felt confident he could fight ten cultists and come out without a scratch.
Wonder what my Balar Rank is now he idly thought.
The great temple doors soon appeared before them in the darkness, its doors nailed shut by planks of heavy wood.
The planks were etched with the words: Closed until further notice.
Vir gave Maiya a moment, allowing himself to sink into the nostalgia of the place. Like the temple, some of his best memories were at this houseAliscias cooking, loudmouthed Rudvik arguing against Apramor, the nights he and Maiya had burned candles staying up late into the night, trading storiessneaking down at an ungodly hour to nab a cracker from the kitchen.
All in the past, now. This home would never know those times again. A part of Vir died when he realized that.
V-Vir? Maiya called out from upstairs. Can you come up here?
With heavy steps, he made his way up to her bedroom, though it was hardly recognizable. Like the rest of the house, all the furniture that could be moved had been looted, leaving behind a bare, empty room. Theyd even torn apart Maiyas pink wall coverings.
The girl sat cross-legged on the floor, turning over a pitch black envelope with a red wax seal. They didnt do a great job searching, she said. Didnt even look under the creaky floorboard.
Whats it say? Vir asked.
Dunno. Havent opened it yet.
She flipped it over, and Vir made out Aliscias immaculate handwriting: To Mai, it said. Its from my parents.
She handed the envelope to Vir. You read it.
Uh, you sure? It looks like they meant it for you.
Im sure. I Yeah. Im sure.
Vir shrugged and popped the seal, carefully retrieving the single piece of paper within and unfolding it reverently.
The message wasnt longenough to fit on a single side, and written in perfect cursive.
Vir cleared his throat and began his recitation.
To Maiya, our most beloved star
We still remember the day you came into this world, kicking and screaming. We always knew you would grow up to be a rambunctious young woman! If only we knew just how correct we would be! You caused us no end of headaches and yet, we would not trade you for the world. You may hate us for raising you in a backwater village, but Maiya, you wereyou areour proudest achievement. You will always be, even long after we have left this world.
Knowing you, Vir must be right there by your side, listening to you read this letter. You were always inseparable, after all. Perhaps he is the one reading? Well? Are we correct?
Hello, Vir! It is good to see you. Truly.
Prana scorned. Ashborn. You have suffered under many names. But to us, you are the son we never had, and so this message is for you as well.
Do not be sad for us. Read this letter and find strength. Not sorrow.
Support each other, for you are precious. More precious than you know.
When Fates whims separate you two and carry you each to distant realms, never forget that. Never forget the bond you share.
Make it unbreakable, and you will not bend. Make it supple, and you will not shatter. In each other, find your strength, find your home, and find yourselves.
Grow strong.
This is our only wish. Do not search for us. Do not grieve us. Remember us in your memories, both of you. While we may be gone from this world, we live on in your memories.
And thus, we are immortal.
With Dearest Love,
Mom and dad
The ransacked homes deathly silence was brokennot by wails or screamsbut quiet sobbing.
Next time: 57 - Breakers Of The Chain
Chapter 56: ImmortalVir took the lead, navigating through Brijs streets. While Maiya knew the village as well as he did, she didnt have the benefit of Prana Vision. Especially useful for maneuvering around piles of Ashva dung, of which there were many. And while the main road was well lit, the alleys had far more darkness than light, with the rare Magic Candle placed haphazardly by whoever lived nearby.Vir soon found his usual route to the temple, leading Maiya down a series of familiar alleys. Nothing had changed and yet, it felt like everything had changed. Neither he nor Maiya would ever be welcomed back here again. Maiya must have been thinking the same thing. We can never come back, can we? she asked.Even if we could, Vir replied, would you really want to?Never, came Maiyas reply in an instant. Ive hated this place since the moment I was born. Good riddance, I say. What about you? All you ever wanted was a life in the village, yeah?I Vir said, thinking it over. The answer came to him easily. I wouldnt.Figures, Maiya said. Weve seen the wider world. Theres no going back now.He had to agree. Returning to village life felt Well, it felt like a tragic waste. He didnt know when he started feeling that way, but the thought of coming back filled him with pure revulsion. His fate had changed forever on that day the knights arrived, and were it not for Rudviks death, Vir would have been happy for it.Without the knights, Vir would never have met Riyan. And he definitely would never have learned about Kalari or katars Or, for that matter, about prana and Talents. So much had changed on account of that one event.All because of my decision to flee to the Godshollow, he realized. He did have an option back then. He could have gone with the knights. If he had, Rudvik would still be alive.Guilt threatened to seize his heart, but Vir shook off the feeling. His father would never have wanted him in the hands of those knights. Hed made the right decision to flee.The real question wasknowing what he knew now would he make the same decision? That was harder to say. Hed grown so much, but it all came at the cost of Rudviks life. How could he possibly weigh those two on a scale? Perhaps his issue lay in trying to compare two incomparables in the first place.Just wish things didnt have to end up this way, Maiya muttered, echoing his thoughts.They continued on in the darkness, taking their time. While the alley was empty, they were plenty of soundsa man yelling at his wife, an elderly persons snores, Ashva snorting, and the mouthwatering scent of home cooked food.The village was rarely ever truly silent, which helped hide Vir and Maiyas presence. It wasnt like they werent allowed to explore the village, but two Sawai teens gallivanting in an alley at night were bound to attract some attention.I think I think I might have lied to you, Vir, Maiya said at length.About what?I dont think I can stay at Riyans anymore. Not when my parents are missing like this. I dont think Ill be able to sleep until I know where the knights have taken them.I understand, Maiya. Their wellbeing is the most important thing in the world. Ill come with you.Vir realized shed stopped, so he turned around and met her gaze. You mean that? she asked, searching his expression.He nodded. Of course. Aliscia was like a mother to me, and your dad I could work for a lifetime and I still wouldnt be able to repay my debt to him.Maiya hugged him briefly. Thanks, Vir. You cant know how much this means to me.Cmon, Vir said, flushing with embarrassment. Maybe well find something at your place.Updated from novelbIn.comHe led them to another alleythe one where hed encountered the Child of Ash. He could only shake his head at the memory. Back then, hed felt as if the cultist was some kind of god of death whod snatch him away.Now, he realized that the man was emaciated, didnt have a shred of combat training, and that old man Akros couldve defeated him. Against Vir with his full stamina, Kalari training, and Talents? Vir felt confident he could fight ten cultists and come out without a scratch.Wonder what my Balar Rank is now he idly thought.The great temple doors soon appeared before them in the darkness, its doors nailed shut by planks of heavy wood.The planks were etched with the words: Closed until further notice.Vir gave Maiya a moment, allowing himself to sink into the nostalgia of the place. Like the temple, some of his best memories were at this houseAliscias cooking, loudmouthed Rudvik arguing against Apramor, the nights he and Maiya had burned candles staying up late into the night, trading storiessneaking down at an ungodly hour to nab a cracker from the kitchen. All in the past, now. This home would never know those times again. A part of Vir died when he realized that. V-Vir? Maiya called out from upstairs. Can you come up here?With heavy steps, he made his way up to her bedroom, though it was hardly recognizable. Like the rest of the house, all the furniture that could be moved had been looted, leaving behind a bare, empty room. Theyd even torn apart Maiyas pink wall coverings.The girl sat cross-legged on the floor, turning over a pitch black envelope with a red wax seal. They didnt do a great job searching, she said. Didnt even look under the creaky floorboard.Whats it say? Vir asked.Dunno. Havent opened it yet.She flipped it over, and Vir made out Aliscias immaculate handwriting: To Mai, it said. Its from my parents.She handed the envelope to Vir. You read it.Uh, you sure? It looks like they meant it for you.Im sure. I Yeah. Im sure.Vir shrugged and popped the seal, carefully retrieving the single piece of paper within and unfolding it reverently.The message wasnt longenough to fit on a single side, and written in perfect cursive.Vir cleared his throat and began his recitation.To Maiya, our most beloved starWe still remember the day you came into this world, kicking and screaming. We always knew you would grow up to be a rambunctious young woman! If only we knew just how correct we would be! You caused us no end of headaches and yet, we would not trade you for the world. You may hate us for raising you in a backwater village, but Maiya, you wereyou areour proudest achievement. You will always be, even long after we have left this world.Knowing you, Vir must be right there by your side, listening to you read this letter. You were always inseparable, after all. Perhaps he is the one reading? Well? Are we correct? Hello, Vir! It is good to see you. Truly. Prana scorned. Ashborn. You have suffered under many names. But to us, you are the son we never had, and so this message is for you as well.Do not be sad for us. Read this letter and find strength. Not sorrow. Support each other, for you are precious. More precious than you know. When Fates whims separate you two and carry you each to distant realms, never forget that. Never forget the bond you share. Make it unbreakable, and you will not bend. Make it supple, and you will not shatter. In each other, find your strength, find your home, and find yourselves. Grow strong.This is our only wish. Do not search for us. Do not grieve us. Remember us in your memories, both of you. While we may be gone from this world, we live on in your memories.And thus, we are immortal.With Dearest Love,Mom and dadThe ransacked homes deathly silence was brokennot by wails or screamsbut quiet sobbing.Next time: 57 - Breakers Of The Chain
