The Land Below our Feet COMPLETE

ATTACK

They'd been riding for almost a full day. Ussi immersed in his own thoughts, his eyes fixed on the horizon as Kohu paced cautiously down the silent mountain.

The kid had remained quiet all the time, except for the occasional coo once in a while as his head turned all around, his sight overlooking every single tree, every little flower, every passing bird.

-What's your name, child?- The Yahurian had asked him out of boredom once or twice. But the boy had just stared at him deeply for a long time, until he had started feeling uncomfortable and just given up on talking to him at all.

So now, he was convinced that this little burden he was transporting was not only useless, but also stupid… His mood darkened by the prospect of facing the Guider's punishment for his failure.

How could he ever be so foolish? It was all so clear now… He had been tricked by a dying mother who wanted nothing but to protect her son. And now he would have to pay the price for his naivety.

As he kept spurring Kohu forward, lost in his own thoughts, the kid started stirring inside the box and fussing all around.

-What is it, kid?- Ussi frowned, turning his attention towards him and noticing his restless demeanor. His small frame swaying rhythmically, alternating from one leg to the other, his eyes glowing with distress and a hand darting towards his lower region. A spark of recognition lighting in the warrior's eyes.

-Oh!- The Yahurian exclaimed, rushing to click his tongue and stop Kohu from his advance - So, you want to take a leak, kid? Wait! Do not dare make a mess up here!- He warned.

He rushed to get off the feline and pick the child up, placing him on the ground before waving impatiently at him.

-Well, go on, boy!- He urged him with annoyance - Just pick a spot and do your thing, we haven't got all day.

The sprat just stood there, his eyes locked with his, while balancing from one foot to another, his face contorted in pain.

-What is it?- Ussi groaned in frustration, raising his hands in the air - Haven't you been taught how to go on your own?

Ussiariah crossed his arms over his chest with resolution, and determined to stand his ground, but the toddler's bouncing just kept increasing and bothering him.

-Fine! I'll show you!- He growled. Walking towards him and choosing a spot beside him, taking his manhood out and aiming for a fallen branch on the ground. A stream of urine soon dripping on the soil.

-See? It's not that hard- He encouraged him, taking a side glance at the still confused kid - Now it's your turn, pal. Just give it a try.

After another wavering second, Ussi felt the child's muffled footsteps approach as he took position by him, imitating his actions. A satisfied smile forming on his face when a moment later he finally heard the tiny trickle of the child's emptying bladder.

-Eyes forward, child - The warrior said, noticing that the kid was peeking at him - It is a rude thing to stare.

They stood side by side for another minute, silently finishing their deed. The warrior shivering in relief once the last of his drops landed on the dirt.

-Okay, now don't forget to shake the piss away… Like this - He advised, as he gave his own junk a swing - Go ahead, give that wiener a little jiggle and put it back in. We need to leave, kid.

Ussi had pulled his garments back up, and he was watching from a distance as the child finished fixing his clothing when a vague approaching sound caught his attention.

He rushed to pick up the kid and hide him behind a bush, reaching for his back and readying his spear. A few more silent seconds transpired in complete tension until a whooshing sound disturbed the air, barely giving him enough time to duck before an arrow impacted on the tree that stood behind him.

The Yahurian took a brief glance at the projectile still oscillating sharply, stuck in the spot it had just landed at, and then he rolled on his back, scanning the treetops in full alert mode while he used his shield to cover his head.

With his eyes fixed on the canopy, Ussi let out a low hiss, rapidly calling for Kohu to approach him, and making the beast lie down flat against the grass.

-Stay here, old friend- Ussi muttered, his sight catching a glimpse of movement coming up from the branch of a leafy tree.

Still crouching and moving with caution, he sent his spear flying towards it and heard a loud thud followed by a pained yelp. A body collapsing to the ground with a tumultuous crack.

The warrior proceeded warily towards the fallen man as he contorted in agony on the frozen mud. It was a young male all dressed in a dark green and brown attire, his face coated in an equal shade, mimicking the forest's landscape.

-Who sent you!- Ussi bellowed, placing a foot against his chest and hearing his bones shatter a little further.

-N-No one - The wounded man bawled in ache, looking at him with a silver of mockery - News travel fast Yahun. With Tamensun fallen, the Vessel is now fair game.

-Then you will die for nothing, you fool! – Ussi muttered with scorn- Because that thing burned to ashes along with the city walls - He smirked before stomping on his head and crushing his skull.

-We don't believe you!- A voice announced as two more similarly dressed rascals dropped down from the trees and landed on the ground before him, bows on their backs and knives in hand.

The one on the left waving his weapon and flashing him a devious smile - Do you really expect us to think you don't have the child, Yahun?

A brief sparkle crossed Ussi´s confused eyes for a second, before hardening into an emotionless veil. His hand tightening around his spear and preparing to attack.

The sudden uproarious rattling sound of tearing bark made them all flinch at the same time, and before anyone could make a move, a heavy log plummeted down on the two thieves, turning them instantly into a pulp.

Ussi´s startled eyes darting towards the base of the fallen tree trunk and finding the child standing by it. His index finger barely grazing the spot where the wood had burst into a million splinters.

-Well, kid…- He gulped forcefully before walking towards the toddler and picking him up, chuckling- I guess we are calling you Axe from now on.