The Land Below our Feet COMPLETE

USSIARIAH

Pahoka-Xe sat at the divination stone, her eyes gently closed, and her legs crossed loosely as she focused on her foresight. Suddenly, a sharp pain crossed her temple and a clear image formed behind her eyes while she winced and endured the sting. Her mouth shooting open a moment later.

-Ussiariah!- She yelled, covering her mouth with surprise, then turning to look at her servant- You heard it, Akoh, bring him to me now!

Akoh jumped up and rushed outside, almost tripping over his own feet and fighting to keep his balance while he ran towards the training pit as fast as he could go.

Ussiariah was busy dodging the intents of five recruits to get to him and bring him down. He calmly sidestepped one of them, before grabbing him by the shoulder and launching him into three others, knocking them down all at once. He turned around to the remaining kid and c****d his head at him playfully.

The teenager let out a loud, bold scream and charged at him forcefully, only to be pinned to the wall a second later, Ussiariah´s spear inches away from his neck as he blinked in perplexed shock.

-You're dead - He hissed in his ear before letting him slide to the ground and turning to look at each of them - You're all scavenger's meat now!

-On your feet!- He commanded and all of them rose immediately, covered in sweat. -You!- He pointed his spear at the last kid, who straightened himself up- Come at me once more.

The youngster wiped the sweat off his brow and, sniffling, prepared himself to attack.

-Ussi, wait! – Akoh´s voice echoed in the enormous arena, making them all turn to find the twelve-year-old sitting a few feet away on the steps, wearing his gray servant robe and sandals, his dark hair braided down over his shoulder.

-Don't call me that, I've told you before - The warrior spoke with a hint of annoyance in his tone.

-Sorry…- The boy muttered, fidgeting with his clothing- It's just that everyone calls you that way.

-Only my peers do. I don't see a Yahurian mask anywhere on you - His blue eyes sparkling with a bit of interest - Now tell me… How come you dare to interrupt my lesson, child?

-The Guider requests your immediate presence - The kid explained respectfully- You need to follow me now.

Ussiariah looked at him with amusement, before turning his attention to a muscled man, who sat sharpening his spear a short distance away.

-Xibu, would you make sure to show this bunch of useless garbage what Yahur material is supposed to fight like?

-Of course, Ussi- The man replied, nodding and immediately striking at them all simultaneously as they struggled to keep up with his storming offensive.

Ussiariah´s smile widened behind the black steel mask that covered his face from nose to neck. He spun around, and he leaped up to where Akoh sat, startling him when he landed gracefully beside him.

-Lead the way and take me to your mistress, child - He urged him- I don't have all day.

-You do know I have a name, right? - The kid sighed with disillusion, stealing a glance at the big, muscled arms showing under his light armor - You can call me Akoh if you want.

-Child serves me well - The warrior replied dryly, ignoring his suggestion and silently following him.

Akoh pushed a pair of doors open, revealing the white-haired woman sitting at the sacred throne. Her face was covered by a similar metallic mask. Her spear rested calmly on her lap as her eyes remained shut.

-It took you a while, Akoh- she spoke with her eyelids still closed.

-My apologies, Guider- Akoh excused himself hurriedly- Ussiariah was in the middle of a training match, I didn't want to interrupt.

-Leave us- Pahoka-Xe ordered, waving a hand dismissively at him, then getting her mask off and opening her clouded eyes, directing them at the warrior, who fell down on his knees immediately as the child rushed to make his way out of the room, avoiding her sight.

-Aig Yahurah Nahe- the woman greeted him with a warm smile and gestured for him to stand up.

-Ahir Yahurah Kah- He replied, nodding firmly in a clear, loud voice and getting on his feet - How can I be of service to you this time?

-There's a war coming, Ussi- The old maiden spoke shakily, running a hand over her spear- I can tell it's already here.

-There is always a war - The warrior paced around the room - That's why we Yahurians exist, that's why we swear our oath.

-No- Pahoka-Xe shook her head sadly - This time is different, son. This time you will have to face your past and conquer your future. It is a long path, the one that you will have to walk. I've seen it in your fortune.

-What does it mean?- Ussi asked intrigued, his eyes begging her for an answer and finding her lids closed once more.

-You know I can only speak of your immediate mission, Ussi. You need to collect the Vessel first, you're bound to it, it is your destiny. Find it and keep it safe, then come back here.

-A vessel, what's that?- The man frowned - Where can I find it? What's in it?

-Climb mount Babahid and you will find the hidden city of Tamensun. They have been the guardians of every Vessel for generations. But soon it won't be safe there anymore. As we speak, there are evil forces that want to take over its great power. It is your task to prevent it. Leave now and hurry, find it and protect it with your life.

-How will I find it? I don't even know what it looks like - The warrior frowned with worry.

-The Vessel will come to you… Trust the omens and you will find your road. Now, do you accept this to be your fated mission?

-Always! -He exclaimed firmly and with that, the warrior nodded and ran outside, rapidly making a mental recount... Spear, in his hand. Shield, on his back. Knives, inside his boots. Hatchet, hanging from his waist.

He regularly made sure his armor was in the best of shapes, the quilting resistant and the plates solid enough, so he was ready. He whistled loudly on his way out, ignoring the roaring thousands of training men, his mind already set on his mission. His heart already missing the place he had called home for the past fifteen years.

Not a minute had gone by when an enormous black feline caught up with the Yahurian, quietly lying before him. A makeshift saddle strapped to its back, waiting for him to mount.

-Let's go Kohu- Ussi ordered, climbing on the large animal and gently running a hand through its soft fur. The beast instantly lunging forward and soon leaving Yahur´s Order behind.