The Land Below our Feet COMPLETE

FATE

-W-Why not!- Souna cried out with desperation- Anam told me you were to help us! That you would show me the way… Why are you now refusing to fulfill your sacred oath?

-I am not. I will help you… And I will show you the way. But I cannot afford the luxury of sending my warriors to fight for your cause when there is an army of Xiblenean men coming towards our doors.

Ussi´s surprised eyes wandered to the woman's shielded face, and she nodded knowingly at him.

-I told you my son… You were meant to face your past. You harbor a painful grudge towards Xiblen, and that grudge is luring their forces to our home.

-Forgive me, Guider… I was the one who brought this threat upon us- The Yahurian whispered, lowering his head in shame.

-It is not your fault, Ussi. It was your fate- Pahoka-Xe simply responded - Besides, you are not the only reason they are marching our way. They want the child, and they are coming to get him.

-What do they want to do with this kid?- Souna asked, glancing at the blue-haired boy as he gobbled on some more bread.

-He is not just any infant - The Guider explained - He is the Vessel that bears the power of the universe. He can be both… A useful defense and a brutal weapon. It all depends on who holds the reins. He is not ready yet, but he will be. That is why we must protect him at all costs.

-Well, good luck with that, I guess… And thanks for the food- Souna said, standing up- But if you won't give me any of your men to fight those monsters back in my city, I can't find a reason to keep sitting here anymore. I am going to get some warriors on my own.

-Oh, you will- Pahoka-Xe nodded, gesturing for her to sit back down - But I never said I wouldn't give you any warriors. In fact, I will provide you with my best one.

The Guider smiled and gestured towards Ussi, whose eyes widened as he was made aware of her words, and shook his head forcefully in deep denial.

-No, no, no Guider… Please! I beg you! Send somebody else - The Yahurian implored – I must be here to fight the Xibleneans when they come, and you know it. I lured them here. It is my right to fight them, and get my retribution at last!

-That is not your fate, Ussi- The Guider looked at him firmly - Your destiny is still bound to the child. He cannot be here when they come looking for him. You must leave soon and ensure he meets his purpose. You must go and let your brothers deal with Xiblen.

-Go where? – The Yahurian asked with exasperation- Are you asking me to run away like a coward and babysit this child while you clean up my own mess?

-No, I am asking you to protect the most precious treasure on the face of the earth- Pahoka-Xe responded-Yet, the choice is still yours… Are you rejecting your fated mission?

-Never! - The warrior exclaimed with bravery, puffing his chest out.

-Good- The woman replied satisfied, c*****g her head towards Souna- Go to Upland, find Cahen city and tell Hethan I sent you. He will give you the men you need to fight back and free your people.

-Upland? - Souna frowned with reluctance - This can't be right… Everybody knows Uplanders are savages! They would never give us any help... At least not willingly.

-Do not be so quick to jump to conclusions, child - The Guider waved dismissively at her- Uplanders are just ferocious people, hardened by the ruthlessness of their own deserted land… That is all. But they are in our debt, and most importantly, they are loyal to our cause. Hethan will provide you with what you ask for… Once you make him see that this is the only way to stop the threat in time, before it comes pounding at his door.

-So, you want us to go all the way to the Sand Valley and beg their ruler to please give us an army so that we can fight for a remote coastal land that he has surely never heard of before? - Ussi inquired, crossing his arms over his chest - How do you expect he gives a damn?

-Because I am sending the most persuasive of my men- Pahoka-Xe shrugged off- I know you can find a way to make him understand this is in his best interest.

-I am still not sure how you suppose a woman, a child and a single Yahurian will make any dent in such a great menace.

-Have hope, Ussi. After all, you are the key to their defeat… It is in your blood. Remember your lineage? You are not just any Yahurian. You are the last of the warriors who once banished them to the ocean. You are the descendant of the ones who made the truce the first time they came to our land.

-W-What? - Souna asked in shock - What does that even mean?

-You wanted to know why Ussiariah looks like those who invaded your city…- Pahoka-Xe nodded at her, then turned to the warrior - The reason for that is that he is related to them. He is the offspring of the faction that chose peace over power and stood up against their equals all those ages ago. They took our side and they fought for us. They freed our land. Ussi is the only surviving progeny of their leader: Selahrian The Great.

-Wait, are you saying that Selahrian truly existed in flesh and blood? – Souna´s mouth dropped open in awe - So… He is no deity at all?

-Well… He saved us, so he was worshiped as such - The Guider explained -Time ended up turning him into one. It simply made things easier… To blame it all on the Gods and move on. We kept the rituals, the ceremony, and all the words. Even if nobody remembers what they really stand for anymore… But the truth is still there, hidden in plain sight. Do you remember what the Selah says?

-“Do not fear. Do not cry. Selahrian is on my side. He guards me from the atrocious beasts, he keeps me from their brutal wrath… From sunrise to sunset with unwavering hand”- Souna recited, her eyes opening with realization- So, it was not just meant to be a prayer?

-No, child. Even when you did not know it, you have been telling his story over and over all this time. Selahrian is gone, but you will still have his legacy… - Pahoka-Xe paused, looking at Ussi, then glancing at the kid, signaling him- And a great force of nature on your side. I hope that will be enough to put up a fight. Now, you both get some rest and ready yourselves. You leave with the sun's first light.

And with that, the Guider stood up gracefully and left the room as the girl and the warrior remained seated side by side in silence, both lost in their own thoughts, while the child kept chewing distractedly on his fifth piece of bread.

-When I first saw your Guider, I thought that she was blind- Souna commented, searching into the warrior’s pupils - Her sight is barren at times, and yet, she seems to have no trouble at all with that. How can that be?

-Oh, she can see - The Yahurian assured her, chuckling out loudly and picking Axe up, before heading for the door-Trust me, she sees everything. She just doesn't need her eyes for that. Now come, I will show you the way to the barracks. And do yourself a favor… Behave.