Chapter 99: Spear’s Edge

Realizing that food shopping on an empty stomach was liable to empty his wallet, Vir splurged on a scrumptious meal at the local food carts, tasting kebabs, stir-fries, and delicious local sweets, of which an orange deep fried sugar dish was his favorite. Even Neel had his fill, so when they stopped at the market, it was all business.

Owing to its temperate climate, Zorins market was outdoors in an enormous square that had been taken over by a sea of colorful fabric awnings, turning the once-open space into something of a maze of vendors.

Vir tied Bumpy up at a nearby hitching post, leaving Neel to guard the beast. He made a pass of the entire market before committing to buying anything. Many of the vegetables and fruits were foreign to him, such as a big red one with hundreds of tiny, juicy seeds inside it. It was his first time laying eyes on a pomegranate, and after tasting their unbelievably sweet aril seeds, he bought a half dozen.

It was only an hour later, after multiple trips to deposit his load back onto Bumpy, that he finally finished. Zorins goods were pricey, but Vir felt good about the two weeks of food his silver had bought him.

Finished with the market, Vir made his way to the eastern edge of town, where he was due to meet the caravan scheduled to depart that afternoon.

It wasnt difficult to spot; the half dozen wagons were impossible to miss. Unlike Params wagons, which boasted the same design and color scheme, these had no consistency whatsoever. Some were open, others closed. Some had two Ashva pulling them, while others were drawn just by one. Even among the enclosed wagons, their fabrics were all in different states of disrepair, all of differing color.

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It felt to Vir like a hodgepodge of strangers had gathered together to brave the journey.

Vir rode past a group of three who stood off by themselves, tending to their three Ashva. It wasnt just their foreign-design burgundy armor that caught his eye. These days, he scanned everyone nearby out of habit. Not only was it a useful survival skill, but doing so allowed him to grasp the overall power level of those in an area.

Other than the Executor, Vir hadnt spotted a single noteworthy warrior, let alone a mejai.

So it came as a surprise that two of the group were strong in Earth Affinity prana, but it was the third member of their groupthe tall, black-haired mejai clad in form-fitting burgundy gambesonthat caught Virs eyes. She boasted not just one, but three affinities.

Vir flared Prana Vision as he rode by. His eyes lingered over her for just a moment too long, and she caught his gaze, forcing him to look away.

Greater Life, Lesser Water, Lesser Lightning.

That was a potent combination. Not only could she heal herself and her friends, shed have excellent short range combat capabilities with her Lightning magic, and Water was useful both in and out of combat. Vir surmised she was at least a Mejai of Ash.

But it wasnt just her. The blue-eyed blonde not only possessed some Earth prana, but a bit of Fire as well. She was likely both a Talent wielder and a mejai, though not nearly as strong as the other one. The Fire affinity orbs at her waist corroborated his assessment.

So thats the group the Executor mentioned. The one Ill be working with. Wonder what such a strong partys doing all the way out here, he wondered, approaching the caravan leader.

The man who sat atop the frontmost wagon looked less like a merchant and more a pirate. An old scar ran diagonally from the bridge of his nose across his left eye. Though the man wore no eyepatch, that eye seemed fused shut.

His wild, greasy black hair, sun-wrinkled skin, and gravelly voice only completed the image,

You the other Brotherhood merc? the caravan leader barked.

Thats me, Vir replied, as Neel eyed the man warily from beside Bumpy. You are?

Aryan. Youre late. Were just about to set out. Weve got a long caravan, so I want one of you at the front and another at the rear. Dont really care who. Discuss that amongst yourselves.

Understood, Vir replied with a nod. The man wasnt the most polite, but the Brotherhood didnt pay Vir to anger their clients.

Expecting any trouble? he asked.

Maybe some. Maybe not. Who can say? Mountain passes are dangerous.

Out here? I havent seen a single prana beast, let alone one with a Balar Rank. Whats your cargo?

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Delicate? Vason was built like an Ashva. Every inch of his body was decked out in Brigandine, and a great tower shield was strapped to his back.

Maybe remember that next time you tease me, Haymi said with a huff.

Vir regarded the mejai again and realized she was easily as beautiful as her freckled friend. Slim, tall, and with regal emerald eyes highlighted by her emerald earrings, her wavy black hair fell onto her burgundy robe in a way that just made her look regal. Even without the array of orbs at her waist, Vir mightve guessed she was a mejai. She just looked the part.

Looks like theyre pushing off, Vason said, mounting his Ashva. The days late, and with a caravan this size, I doubt well ride long.

Doubtful well make the Legions by nightfall, Tia said, stretching her back. Well, at least our bums wont be sore tomorrow! See you guys later! Vason, you better cook something nice tonight or Im gonna be grouchy.

Yes, your highness, the warrior replied, gesturing theatrically.

Those two. I know they dont treat me like the leader, but I promise we take our jobs seriously, she said, turning to Vir. It was as if shed swapped with someone else. All hint of her prior levity had vanished, replaced by a fierce Talent-wielding warrior woman.

Vir nodded as they rode up to the front of the slow-moving caravan.

Its nice, what you have. I had a friend like that, once.

Oh? Where is she now? Tia said, searching his face with her bright, nearly translucent blue eyes.

Howd you know it was a she? Vir asked.

Experience.

Somewhere. Somewhere far. Vir regretted his words the moment he spoke them. His heart throbbed, and he felt an emptiness within him. Tias rambunctious group and their easygoing mannerisms only served as a reminder of what Vir had lost.

The blonde-haired warrior drew up next to Bumpy and patted Virs shoulder. Youll find her again. Promise.

Thanks, Vir said, flustered to be talking about something so personal with someone hed just met.

So whats your story? he asked, desperate to change the topic. Guessing youve known each other long?

Oh yeah. Ive known Vason and Haymi since we were kids. Theyve been with me ever since, she said, before lowering her voice. Through the thick and the thin.

I-I see. No wonder youre such good friends.

Theyre the best, Tia said, flashing him a toothy smile. You may have noticed our burgundy armor.

Is that your countrys color?

Tia nodded. It is. We all hail from Matali.

Oh

Maiya had told him about that kingdom. How its lands had been ravaged by the encroaching Ash. Over the centuries, its people slowly trickled out to neighboring kingdoms, and their situation grew worse and worse. From everything hed heard, Matali was a broken shell of the country it used to beeven worse off than Hiranya.

My condolences, Vir replied. Tia must have been another refugee, seeking a life in greener pastures.

Everyones got a sob story or another. Hard to go very many days without being mugged or set upon by some beast. Its a hard world, but the people in it are tougher. Isnt that right, Param?

What makes you say that? Maybe my lifes been full of prana and roses?

Is that so? Tia said, gazing off into the distance in silent contemplation. I wonder how many coddled children have killed someone before?