ASCENT
1385 Words
-I don't understand – Souna mumbled, disconcerted – Why would she hold a grudge against me? I have never met that wacko… I haven’t even been to Hathengatt in my entire life!
-I know, but judging by the things that the scouter said, she is pretty pissed that you are sitting on the throne of Lowland’s gate – The warrior commented.
-Why would she care? – She puffed out – Hathengatt has never even had any commercial relations with Lowland’s gate to begin with! Our territories have never interacted at all!
-That’s where you’re wrong… And that’s what bothers me the most – Ussi responded in a grave tone – I vaguely recall having heard the story of some old conflict happening between both cities during my first years at the Order. I can't exactly remember what it was about… But it sounded like a big deal.
They were slowly riding up the complex Yahurian trail, and Souna kept stealing glances backwards from time to time. She knew it was a silly thing to do, yet she couldn’t help it.
Ever since they’d left Tanmudt´s outskirts she had been acting jumpy and on edge, until they had reached the rocky terrain that distinguished the rough ascent to the citadel.
Ussi had assured her that they hadn’t been tracked, but more likely been targeted by someone who already knew of their traveling plans beforehand, and that no one would be stupid enough to follow them up those sinuous and tricky roads, yet that didn’t ease her mind one bit, but quite the opposite.
Because for someone to know about their itinerary, they needed to be inside their walls… And that could only mean one thing: They had let them in.
-Ussi, we are a town of immigrants now, anyone can come freely and join us, and it’s great... but that also opens our doors to intruders – She remarked that night as they sat by the fire eating the last scraps of their dinner.
-I'm aware, and that is why we run thorough background checks on each of our army members and every permanent settler – Ussi replied, nodding as he looked intently at her – We're not taking these things lightly, Souna, we never have… But you can't stop trading, or tourism. And I believe that’s where our spy must have come from.
-I know we can't – Souna sighed out resigned – But it's dangerous! It makes us vulnerable.
-Don't worry, this is not a permanent breach – The warrior said in a reassuring tone - They must have come and stayed only for a couple of days tops… Not much more. Or they would have risked a deeper scrutiny from my men.
-Well, they stayed long enough to learn about our trip! – She whispered-yelled at him frustrated, stealing a worried glance at their sleeping children – It surely was more than enough time to size up our troops too!
-None of those are any secrets – Ussi calmly replied – Let her know that our army is no joke… That’ll make her think twice before messing around with us.
-She already has! – Souna retorted angrily – They came after our family! They tried to kill my babies!
-You can’t blame them for trying, sweetheart… They thought they stood a chance because we were traveling alone – Ussi scoffed, his demeanor darkening – That won’t happen again from now on.
-So, on top of everything, now I must give up something I really enjoyed doing because of a stranger that doesn’t like me? – Souna declared sadly, pouting her lips.
-This is not about us – He said in a firm tone – It has never been. So, you enjoy what’s left of this bumpy vacation, because once we get back there, we have some serious work left to do.
He paused and reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, then smiling at her.
-You are right, we can’t let our defenses down one bit – He exhaled out sharply - All this time we’ve been preparing for an outside attack. But if the menace comes from within our very own land, then we better readjust our strategies accordingly and be ready.
-All right… Let’s do that – Souna agreed – It just sucks that I was so excited about this trip and coming to Yahur, and now all I can think about is running back home! I’m so worried!
-Relax… - The warrior smiled at her – The city is protected. Greghan is there, and he knows exactly what to do. Trust me, he can go without us for a little longer.
-He’s come a long way – Souna admitted, nodding at him – Remember him fighting back in Mavaer´s ranks? He was average at best… Look at him now!
-Well, perseverance is one hell of a fuel – Ussi chuckled, amused – It seems like the war lit a fire inside him, and it’s a good thing that he decided to enlist with us once it was over. Now, speaking about fighting skills…
Ussi stood up and extended his palm at her, c*****g his head pointedly when she gave him a blank look and stayed immobile.
-Really? – He smirked, staring piercingly into her eyes – That man almost got to you down there… You’re out of practice. Did you seriously think I wouldn’t notice?
-Ugh… Of course not! I’m not that stupid, Ussi – Souna sighed defeated, taking his hand and jumping on her feet before him – I just thought you would wait at least a little longer before rubbing that in my face.
-Hey… It´s fine. You’ve had a lot on your plate lately – He said, pecking her forehead – You had Skhana just recently, and you’ve been dealing with all the little details at home… Besides, I hadn’t exactly been focused on training you either... You’re rusty, it’s only normal. Now let us fix that, all right?
He took her hand and started dragging her away from the small camping site, Souna resisting a little as she stole a worried look towards the unconscious children.
-What about our kids? – She muttered with concern, looking at the two lying bundles bathed by the light of the dancing flames – We can’t leave them alone!
-We won’t be too far away, and besides, they’re not alone… Kohu is with them – He reminded her reassuringly, nodding at the large feline sleeping beside them – I’d pity the poor soul who tried getting anywhere near those children while he’s on the watch.
-All right – Souna conceded, grabbing his hand firmly and following him – Let’s do this then.
The moon shone bright in the sky when they arrived at a flowing stream of water not too far away from their campsite, where they had refilled their canteens and cleaned themselves up earlier that evening.
-Hum… You really like this place, don’t you? – Souna observed, grinning playfully at him – You spent a long time bathing in there today!
-I do – He said chuckling – It used to be one of my favorite rest stops whenever I was on my way home…
Smiling, he reached inside a compartment in his waist, producing a familiar piece of dark clothing and dangling it before her.
-But that’s not the only reason I brought you here – The warrior nodded at the blindfold that he was clutching in his fist and handed it to her – Now, put this on.
-Well, this certainly brings back some memories – Souna mumbled, blushing and reaching for the fabric in his palm suggestively – All kinds of memories…
- And we are bringing them all back, trust me – Ussi replied, winking at her and swiftly helping her fasten the blindfold over her eyes – But first, we are finding out if you can still find me despite the distraction of these loud, streaming waters.
-Oh, so you’re trying to spice things up then, Commander – She smirked deviously, assuming a fighting position and perking her senses up.
- Always – He whispered into her ear briefly, his voice making her shiver with anticipation before fading and disappearing into the nightly forest noises.
- Writer
