The Land Below our Feet COMPLETE

FAREWELL

Souna woke up in an ache to find her hands restrained over her head and tightly fastened to the bunk she was sleeping in. She turned her head to the side with difficulty and her eyes landed on the Yahurian´s stiff figure snoring loudly on the bed next to hers, the blue-haired child pinned down to his rising chest with his bulky arm as they both were sound asleep.

He must have waited until she had dozed off in exhaustion to strap her down, the strongest knots Souna had ever seen in her life digging into her flesh.

-Hey!- She called out angrily, fidgeting against her bedding and trashing around in vain - Untie me! You barbaric bigot! Why would you even do that? I thought we'd agreed we were on the same side!

A few muffled annoyed groans could be heard rising as the first ray of light entered the dark place and the men scattered around the barracks shushed her angry complaints.

-I told you. I don't trust you- Ussiariah grunted behind his mask with his eyes still closed, turning around in bed and startling the child with his sudden movement. The toddler's instant crying disturbing what was left of the crepuscular peace - Great! I hope you are happy now that the little burden is up thanks to your goddamn yapping!

He sat up, ignoring the kid's tantrum and setting him aside. An irritated echo of protests erupting from the groggy army of men.

-Shut your whining mouths and get up on your feet, you all!- Ussi ordered as he walked to Souna´s bunk and started undoing her bindings - If I hear a peep you lose your tongue. Now ready yourselves and follow Xibu´s lead. There is no time to waste, battle is coming our way!

-Yes, Commander! - A homogeneous roar replied and Souna shivered at the rumble of their feet stomping forcefully in unison.

Once she was freed of her restraints, she sat rubbing her sore wrists, eyeing the Yahurian with resentment as he readied his weapons while the kid's bawling turned gradually into an increasingly heartbreaking weep.

She stood up and walked to where the toddler sat in tears, her hands reaching for his inconsolable, tiny frame. Her fingers almost grazing him, before Ussiariah´s spear abruptly blocked her way.

-Do not touch him!- He warned her with an authoritarian tone - Axe is my mission. So, no one else is placing a hand on him. Understood?

-Well, then do your job and calm the child down- Souna replied, rolling her eyes at him - Don't you see he is crying his lungs out? How heartless can you be to let him suffer like that?

The warrior picked the kid up and clumsily rocked him up and down. The boy's outburst finally relenting as a delighted coo replaced his whimpers while he bounced him all around.

-There, done- Ussi glowered smugly at her - Now get your things and start moving those lazy feet of yours, we are leaving.

-May I get my knives back?- Souna asked as they marched towards the front gate. The Yahurian carrying the toddler in his arms, a big old sack thrown over his shoulder – If we are going on that road, I am going to need my weapons to defend myself.

-You are traveling with me- The man shrugged off - You won’t be needing them at all.

-Oh, forgive me if I have my doubts about you even trying to protect me, given that you hate my guts – Souna said, halting her pace and crossing her arms – But I would prefer to have my own weapons at hand… For my peace of mind.

She remained standing there in obstinate silence with her arms across her chest, until the Yahurian turned around, sighing out loudly in frustration and tossing the blades at her feet.

-Should you try something stupid, I will gladly cut your hands with them - He muttered before letting out a loud whistle. His giant cat pet descending in front of them a moment later – Get on.

Souna hesitated for a second, her terrified eyes landing on the ferocious beast and goosebumps chilling her spine, before gritting her teeth and hoping onto it decidedly.

The Yahurian took out a large, dark cloth from his leather sack, hollowing it and placing the child inside, then holding the resulting makeshift bag up and tying it to his back and across his chest. The blue-haired toddler holding onto his broad shoulder blades, happily peeking at his surroundings.

Once the warrior mounted before her, Souna fought the urge to touch the kid perched against his hardened deltoids. Her fingers pausing a few inches away from his shiny blue locks and retreating away.

-Let's go, Kohu- Ussiariah ordered, and they were instantly lurched forward with the feline's gracious movement.

As they approached the citadel's entrance, Souna spotted Pahoka-Xe standing at the gates. Her old but sturdy frame dressed in full armor and her spear firmly held in her veiny hand.

A distinct clicking sound was released from the Yahurian´s mouth and the large beast immediately came to a stand before the Guider.

-Farewell, my son - The woman spoke, reaching her hand and cupping the warrior's shielded face – I know how heavy your heart is, now that you must leave and let your brothers face this battle without you.

-It was supposed to be my fight, Guider - Ussi responded with a strained voice, clutching the Elder's hand- I was meant to avenge my people. There is nothing I want more.

-Vengeance is not in your fate yet, not now. But rest assured, this threat that looms over us will be nothing but a small drop of rain in the wind, while yours is the greatest task of them all. Now go and be who you are destined to be… The bearer of glory upon our creed and the chosen one to free this land.

-I will, Guider- Ussi nodded before urging Kohu forward and starting their advance- I will not let you down!

-I know- Pahoka-Xe whispered to herself as she watched the three of them ride towards the horizon- I've known it since the day you held my hand among the ruins of your destroyed city almost fifteen years ago.