The Land Below our Feet COMPLETE

TAMENSUN

Ussi rode on Kohu´s back as the sun started going down on the horizon. He decided to camp for the night and clicked his tongue for the beast to halt. The feline stopped dead in his tracks and the warrior jumped down to the ground, inspecting the surrounding area before heading for a secluded spot, naturally shielded by a thick layer of vegetation from prying eyes.

He refilled his canteen with fresh water from a nearby stream, before returning to the selected place, plopping down against a tree and unstrapping his mask, taking a sip. He'd opted against lighting a fire and drawing unwanted attention, chewing on some roots instead, to keep his strength and his senses sharp.

The night soon engulfed the warrior and his feline with shadows and Ussi dozed off, warmed by Kohu´s radiating heat.

The sound of rustling leaves and faint pacing woke him up some time later, his eyes perking up at the noise of muffled voices approaching as he placed a hand over Kohu´s back to still his low growling.

He remained hidden in the darkness, his muscles tensed up in expectation while he waited. A group of approximately ten men soon appearing before his eyes.

-This mountain is hell - One of the men commented as they slowly made their way through the frozen ground- I'm freezing my ass here. I would kill to have a warm bed and a warmer p***y by my side.

-Silence!- The leading man ordered as he scanned the surroundings- Stop your babbling and listen, this doesn't feel right… It's too quiet out here, don't you think?

-Oh it is- Ussi´s voice calmly stated as they all turned to find him staring at them with an amused look a short distance behind, Kohu standing by his side with bared teeth – Now would any of you care to explain where you think you're heading to?

-None of your business, Yahun scum!… And what happened to you? You look like a white rat… Did a spirit drain your color away?- The leader spat, brandishing his blade - Now get lost if you don't wanna get cut.

-Oh, but you see, it became my business the moment a bunch of idiots wearing Xiblen´s bearings dared to disturb my rest - The warrior insisted, his finger running playfully down his spear – I'll give you one more chance… What are you doing traveling so far away from home?

The group looked at each other's stupefied faces for a second, before charging at him all at once. Kohu instantly jumping on one of them and tearing him in half.

Ussi gracefully moved out of his first attacker's way, before burying his spear inside his gut and pulling it forcefully back, letting him land on the dirt. His right hand reaching for his hatchet and landing a thudding blow on an incoming assailant as he crouched briefly and produced a knife from his boot, sticking it into a third Xiblenean soldier's eye.

By the time the warrior turned around and found Kohu´s whereabouts, the feline had already mauled three more men and was pacing calmly around the three remaining ones. Their eyes widened in horror while the beast encircled them, their weapons trembling in their hands as they uselessly waved them at the large animal.

Ussi let out a low whistle and Kohu sat immediately down, his cold eyes staring at the terrified men and wagging his tail from side to side. The warrior marched towards them and grabbed the tallest, lifting him by his clothes and prying the knife from his weakened hand.

-I'm gonna ask you once more - The Yahurian growled with disdain - What are you doing here?

-Go to hell!- The man whispered, averting his sight and trying fruitlessly to get out of his grip.

-Gladly, but you're going first- Ussi replied and cut his throat from left to right.

He directed his gaze at the remaining two and smirked - Who wants next?- The warrior asked, his eyes piercing them both.

-You may kill us if you will, Yahun!-The leader cried out defiantly- But you're not getting a word out of us!

-As you wish- Ussiariah smiled behind his mask, reaching for his waist and throwing his hatchet square through his head.

He walked slowly forward towards the last one. A young boy barely old enough to carry his own weight. The sound of his urine hitting the ground as it leaked down his leg, drawing Ussi´s attention and making him chuckle.

-Well… Are you making me fish the words out of you? Or would you rather be of any help at all?

-I'm sorry!- The kid sobbed loudly- I swear I know nothing. They just sent us here to scout the area! All I know is they are looking out for a vessel or something like that.

-How many of them are coming?- Ussi asked with an inquisitive look, tilting his head.

-I don't know!- The boy shrieked- A lot of them, they're right behind. Maybe half a day away.

-Good- The warrior nodded, closing in on him and stretching a rope between his hands - Now make yourself useful and deliver my message.

Not long after that, Ussi dusted his hands off and inspected his work. His eyes landing on the restrained, gagged young boy tied to a tree.

-Now remember kid - The Yahurian stole a final glance at the youngster before turning his back to him - Tell them as I said, and they might even let you live.

He’d just started walking away when a soft groan caught his attention and he found the dying leader still choking on his own blood, and cackling in a low tone.

-You will never make it out alive Yahun, there are thousands of us coming!- He bitterly laughed.

-Well, it's a good thing I've got myself a head start then- Ussi shrugged off and climbed on Kohu´s back, leaving him lying there to die.

He rode all night nonstop until the sun started rising in the sky and the silhouette of a large, majestic city appeared before his eyes on the peak of mount Babahid. The mist that had hid it almost completely a moment before, slowly dissipating in the morning light and revealing it in all its splendor.

Ussi let out a lengthy howl and Kohu pressed forward at his master's order, each paw step getting them closer to their fate. They made it to the city's entrance in utter exhaustion. And the warrior walked carefully to the strong, high doors, pounding at them with all his might. A loud metallic roar resonating in the air.

A second later, he heard a whistle coming from above and his eyes rose to find a large group of men, all aiming their spears at him and his beast.

He raised his hands slowly above his head for them to see, looking at each one in the eye and sighing satisfied when they remained still, silently watching him.

-People of Tamensun! -The warrior spoke with a clear, calm voice - My name is Ussiariah Aghol. I am a sworn Yahurian and I come bound on a fated mission. You need to take me to your Elder immediately and lead me to the Vessel, so I can retrieve and protect it as I have been destined. And... You might want to rush this up, because there is a Xiblenean army coming our way… So we haven't got all day.

The heavy doors trembled in response and started slowly tearing open with a loud creaking sound. A wide hidden smile spreading up to The Yahurian´s eyes.

It was almost dawn when Ashrae´s men found the child tied to the tree, surrounded by a bunch of fresh corpses.

-Bring him to me!- He barked in anger. And the kid was promptly thrown towards his feet.

-Speak, boy!- Ashrae commanded, pulling him up, his hand almost crushing the child's head with his fist. His single functioning eye scanning his features furiously and the repulsive mush that the left side of his face was, making the boy tremble in fear.

-We were attacked by a Yahurian, as pale as the moon and with hair like gold… He said you can choose to live and return to Xiblen today. He said you must desist from pursuing the Vessel or prepare for Yahur´s wrath.

Ashrae´s face turned the color of fresh blood. His rage rising to a boil. He readied his spear and was about to go berserk and strike the boy straight through the heart when the child spoke once more.

-Wait!- He cried out in despair- I can show you the way to Yahur´s Order. He said I could guide you and that they would be waiting for you.

-Oh really?- The tyrant's face contorted in an awful scowl - Tell me boy, what is your name?

-Elaien, Sir - The kid muttered with fright.

-Well it seems, Elaien, that the filthy Yahun just bought you some time.