Chapter 68: Backstabs, Battles, and Betrayals (Maiya)

The capital metropolis of the Kinjal Empire defied Maiyas expectations. She thought Sonam could be an impressive place, stuffed with lovely structure, sprawling huge streets that by no means appeared to finish, and buildings that soared excessive into the sky.New novel chapters are printed on

Properly, a few of that was current, however it wasnt on account of the Kinjals. The Vimana that floated excessive above town shocked Maiya nonetheless. She discovered herself unable to tear her eyes off the gilded magical palace that someway hung within the air, in defiance of every part she knew potential.

Huge cities are so great, she thought, swooning dazedly.

It was solely after peppering Tanya with questions for ten minutes that she regarded town itself.

Constructed by a nation of battle junkies, she shouldve anticipated that the gates into town led into the partitions, and that the actual checkpoint into Sonam was contained in the absurdly thick and tall partitions that protected town.

It was as if the Sonamite metropolis builders had mentioned lets construct a wall nobody may probably ever breach after which double it in each dimension for good measure.

The ramparts atop these partitions appeared huge sufficient to be a metropolis thoroughfare, although it was tough to inform from floor degree, owing to their unbelievable top.

As soon as via the in-wall checkpointand a swift, environment friendly inspection by the Balarian guardTanya and Maiya entered town correct.

Clear and immaculate, it bustled with exercise as warriors moved backward and forward.

What it was not was huge, or in any method architecturally fascinating. Sterile, and totally missing in soul, the one half that appeared ostentatious and spectacular was the big Vimana that floated silently excessive above town. Presently obscured by clouds, or Maiya would nonetheless be gawking on the factor.

The entire citys mainly a fortress, isnt it? she requested from behind Tanyas Ashva. The girl had named the feminine beast Gaurey, however Maiya hated that title. She referred to as it Dumpy, for apparent causes. The lengthy experience to Sonam was not a pleasantly odorous one.

The design befits Kinjali tradition, Tanya responded, maneuvering the Ashva deftly across the crowd. To them, navy power is every part. The streets are slim to thwart attackers throughout an invasion. The fields exterior town, and the gauntlet itself, are killing fields. Conventional navy technique requires 3 times the defenders numbers to efficiently invade a metropolis. In Sonams case, it’s doubtless nearer to 6. This metropolis has by no means as soon as fallen, and it by no means will.

There have been no flags or decorations or paint of any sort. Simply slim grey cobblestone roads and equally boring stone partitions.

Certain, however doesnt it make life horrible for individuals who dwell right here? Maiya requested. I imply, simply take a look at how slim these roads are! Its like Brij, however with 100 instances extra individuals!

It was solely after that they had crossed via the Fireplace Fields, one other set of gates, and yet one more set of gates, did they make it to the Commons North District, the place their inn was situated. Sturdy gates and towering partitions surrounded every district, permitting it to be sealed from the remainder of town throughout an assault. In such a scenario, the troopers would use the huge ramparts to navigate town.

Maiya was starting to assume that even a sixfold numerical benefit wouldnt take down this metropolis. It was virtually a citadel, simply on the size of an infinite metropolis. The biggest within the Identified World.

When theyd checked into their rooma modest, single room with two bedsTanya ordered Maiya at hand again all of her borrowed orbs.

Why? Maiya requested, rising suspicious.

They’re mine by proper, and are every price a fortune. Or do you plan to steal them from me?

N-no, nothing like that, Maiya mentioned, begrudgingly handing over the C grade orbs she carried. The journey right here, whereas uneventful, handed via Hiranyan territory; shed discovered after crossing the border that Kinjali roads had been far safer and higher maintained than something shed seen in Hiranya.

Now, Tanya mentioned, stowing all however a handful of orbs, let me inform you the actual motive we’re right here.

What do you imply? Have been right here to fulfill your teacher, proper?

Improper. My teacher at the moment resides within the Altani capital metropolis of Alt Ashani.

You lied to me? Maiya went silent as she understood what was occurring. Why am I actually right here?

You might be right here to repay your debt to Riyan. You’ll infiltrate the royal palace as a handmaiden, and you’ll feed again info to me, which I shall ahead to Riyan.

Maiyas face went white. What? T-thats inconceivable.

It simply so occurs that one of many junior handmaidens in Princess Iras make use of has fallen terribly sick, Tanya continued, ignoring Maiyas tantrum. She has been bedridden for months, and there’s little likelihood she is going to recuperate. As such, there’s a posting for her substitute.

Tanya pulled out a writ and handed it to Maiya. Riyan has seen to every part. You may have an audition tomorrow. Don’t mess this up.

Maiya glared at her teacher. I trusted you. I actually thought Id lastly earned your respect.

Tanya sighed, and Maiya thought she caught a flicker of anguish in her expression. Look, Maiya. This isn’t a harmful posting. As a handmaiden, your life will enhance tremendously. You’ll have extra money than you can ever have imagined. Wasnt this your dream? Didnt you wish to develop into a well-known mejai in a giant metropolis? Properly? Right here we’re, within the largest metropolis within the Identified World. Show your self to the princess, and you’ll obtain Mejai coaching second solely to the Altani.

I dont admire being manipulated like this, Tanya. Why didnt you simply inform me? And in addition to, how lengthy am I supposed to do that, anyway? It feels such as you need me right here for some time.

The pinnacle handmaids each motion was crisp and practiced, and he or she appeared on the candidates the identical method Tanya didwith the eyes of a predator.

The examination will final for one full cycle. Throughout this time, you’ll obtain no meals or water, and you may be anticipated to finish every of your chores to the best diploma of perfection potential. The primary candidate who completes their chores to our requirements shall obtain the place. Do I make myself clear?

A complete day!? Intense Maiya puzzled why handmaidens wanted such a rigorous take a look at, however this was royalty, in spite of everything. Who knew what went on of their heads?

The younger ladies all appeared a bit on edge, sneaking glances at each other. Clearly, none of them had anticipated such a strict competitors.

Your job record, the top handmaid mentioned, passing out small chits of paper to every candidate. Precise paper.

Maiya scanned the listBedmaking, room cleansing, dish cleansing, dish servingall of which appeared fairly normal.

In essence, the worst-case situation for Maiya. Sure, she knew easy methods to full these choresboth Riyan and Tanya had been coaching her on the sidebut shed by no means honed these expertise to perfection. Shed at all times centered extra on her magic.

Maiya let loose an extended breath, which earned her the ire of the top handmaid. A hair clip flew throughout the room at her face, however she dodged it with out even pondering.

The girl cocked a forehead, however mentioned nothing.

One final thing. It’s possible you’ll use any means at your disposal to win, as long as you don’t inflict any mortal wounds in your opponents. The timer begins now!

Earlier than Maiya had even processed what the top handmaid mentioned, the room devolved into chaos.

One woman flung water magic on the candidate subsequent to her, and one other unsheathed a hidden dagger, lunging at a competitor.

We will assault one another!? Maiya exclaimed, however her query went ignored.

What sort of loopy place is that this?

Maiya dodged an incoming hearth spell and backed up a number of paces. Fortunately, the ladies intention was horrible and her spell sailed previous, slamming towards the stone wall.

In reality, Maiya realized, a lot of the candidates appeared fairly pitiful in fight. Of their actions, Maiya noticed solely flaws and inefficiencies. Their assaults had been all incorrect, and so they made poor choices throughout fight.

A woman lunged at Maiya with a dagger, which she deflected, grabbing her opponents wrist and twisting it, inflicting the dagger to fall out of her hand.

Maiya grumbled, selecting up her opponents dagger and taking it for her personal. Her shocked opponent shortly ran away.

Nice. Now Ive gotta be careful for the others whereas attempting to get my chores accomplished.

A knot shaped in her abdomen. Even beneath best circumstances, she had little likelihood of doing her chores effectively. However now?

Oh, wait What if I took all of them out as an alternative?

She knew she couldnt beat them on the duties. However what if there werent another candidates? What if she was the one one left?

This might work!

The one query was how she went about it. Certain, she may battle all of them, however that may be silly. No, shed simply slip quietly away and conceal someplace, monitoring her opponents. Shed wait till they took one another out and stalk those who went about their duties. Then, from the shadows, she may remove them one by one.

Plan made, Maiya backed awayonly to search out herself beset by one other lady. This one aggressively lunged along with her knife, slashing haphazardly.

Instinctively, Maiya moved in proper after one of many ladies thrusts, ducking low earlier than explosively lunging upward to ship a palm strike to the ladies chin.

The woman reeled for a second. Then her eyes rolled up into the again of her head and he or she collapsed.

It was as if a bell had been rung. The remaining 9 combatants all ceased their hostilities and stared at Maiya, eyes filled with wariness.

Shes a risk! one in every of them mentioned. Get her!

Properly, a lot for my plan

Maiya pulled out a precharged B grade Ice orb. Alright then. Lets do that.