The Land Below our Feet COMPLETE

CAHEN

When they arrived at the gates of the fortified city, a lot of guards were already assembled at the entrance, watching and waiting for them with deadpan expressions. All wearing white ankle-length garments, their heads guarded from the unforgiving sun by similar cloths to the ones the newcomers wore.

- There has been no war in our domains since the last time your people were here, Yahun – The sergeant in charge spoke with caution – So please state the reason for your presence at Cahen´s door.

- War may not be here yet. But I assure you, it is coming – The Yahurian nodded at him – If you wish to prevent that, then you will grant us an immediate audience with your ruler.

The large room was engulfed in a sepulchral silence when the warrior's loud footsteps stomped on the floor as he barged inside, carrying the kid with one arm, and being closely followed by Souna and Kohu.

-I thought Yahurians fathered no children – Hethan commented sharply at the sight of the toddler.

-We don't – Ussi shook his head dismissively – This child's safe passage is just part of my mission.

-As you say then. Now, forgive me if I start by confessing that my joyful time avoiding your kind has been short-lived, Yahun – The old monarch smiled bitterly at him – The sight of your masked faces is always a dark presage. Either you are the warning of an incoming conflict or you are already fighting an existing one. In both cases, there is always blood. So, which one has brought you here today?

-Both – Ussiariah spoke calmly. Placing the kid on the floor and extending his hand for Souna to approach, the two of them bowing before the old, hardened man – War is coming, but it also has already begun, and we need your help to end it.

-Hethan, ruler of Cahen. Please do not disregard our message – Souna spoke with measurement, tilting her head courteously – I have traveled a long distance, from Lowland to Midland, then from Midland to Upland, looking for the help I need so desperately to rid our land of this vicious plague that has come upon us.

She paused, only to study Hethan´s reaction, finding an inscrutable expression below his dark, abundant brows. So, she took a breath and kept on talking.

-As we speak, there is a strain of callous outsiders at the very gate of our homeland… And for our own sake, I truly hope it is still the place where they remain. Because my eyes have witnessed the horrors they cause in their wake, and the c*****e that follows these vile bringers of death.

-We are counting on the fact that they are still contained in Lowland – Ussi chimed in – But we need to hurry. Once they start spreading north, they will burn down city after city and Cahen won't be the exception. They have tried this before... They were expelled by my people back then. But Enhisieh has fallen and all we have is each other now.

- So, it is imperative that we team up and fight them together – Souna intervened anxiously –They wield unfamiliar and very powerful weapons, they ride onto beastly crafts. We need your army to end this bloody m******e before it is too late!

-Why mine? – Hethan asked with a hint of annoyance – Where is the Yahurian army now that they are needed? Why has it not been deployed in your aid yet? Is it not their sacred oath to fight against this kind of threat?

- It is. And that is what I am trying to do – Ussi replied, his frustration palpable – Yahur is under siege by the Xiblenean army. Once they have dealt with this... inconvenience, they will gladly join us in battle. But we do not have time to waste, and we cannot wait for my brothers. The longer the outsiders stay, the more comfortable they get… And the harder it becomes to get rid of them.

-But Yahun. According to your companion's… Vivid description. They also possess arts and weapons that we don't. How do you plan to put up a fight against that?

-With this – Ussi reached for the firearm that had been hanging from his shoulder, calmly aiming it at a distant ornament. He took an accurate shot, sending pieces of debris flying all around the place and making the ruler cower in fear, along with the terrified present guards.

-What is that? – Hethan stammered, shock still lingering in his eyes and voice as he stared perplexed at the strange object the Yahurian held.

-This is our leverage – Ussi nodded, putting the weapon away – This is what evens the ground and gives us a chance to succeed. But we must act fast. I still need to collect the rest of these on our way back to Lowland, and I will still have to train your men… Because the deadliest of weapons is nothing but useless in incompetent hands.

The Yahurian stopped his reasoning briefly, his attention diverted to Axe, who had started wandering around the place aimlessly, taking a step and scooping him up. -Stop it! - He muttered at the child, before clearing his throat and gazing back at the ruler.

-Hethan – He sighed, holding the kid tightly and restraining his movement - You know that, apart from Xiblen, which is obviously not lending us any help, but quite the opposite… Yours is the only army large enough to compare with Yahurian manpower… And I don't think I need to remind you, but you are still in debt with Yahur. I do not like to play that card, but you are forcing my hand. Let's not forget this is also about your own land's protection in the end.

-Fine! – The regent finally caved in, massaging the spot between his brows abjectly – How many men do you need?

-Most – The Yahurian nodded emphatically at him – Keep enough to defend the city in case any rioters decide to seize the moment and strike, then give me the rest to command. Grant me this, and I assure you that your debt with Yahur will be paid-off… Until the, luckily, very remote day that you may need our services again.

-And you say you don't take sides, Yahun – The man scoffed pungently –Yet you are so full of s**t! You are still coming to collect!

-Only in the name of peace, Hethan – Ussi shrugged off and shook his head – We never ask for anything if it is not in favor of the cause, and you know that. Now, do not whine. You know perfectly well we do not take sides. I would gladly fight for you today if you were at risk, but I would fight against you equally tomorrow if you dared to pose that very same threat. I hold no allegiance, but you do, and it is in your best interest that it favors us.

-I will never fully understand your creed, Yahun – The man tiredly replied, waving his hand disdainfully at him – But I will grant you what you wish, in hopes that it will be enough to stop the menace from coming our way. And I expect I won't end up regretting this.

-You won't – Ussiariah said firmly, still holding Axe and letting him run his fingers distractedly down his metal mask – It is our fate.

-Good – The monarch nodded satisfied, stealing a glance at Souna´s worn out demeanor in contrast to the toddler's renewed spirits, and he smiled– Now you must be tired and hungry. Let us fix that.