Heart of Retribution

CROSSROADS

“How did you end up on that farm?” The old man asked Elis after awhile.

“Your clothes were understandably soaked, but they were also covered in blood and had burn marks. Care to explain?” He finished, raising an eyebrow at Elis.

Elis stayed silent for a moment, his gaze dropping. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, the woman returned. She held his folded clothes along with his sword and belt and dropped them beside the bed. Their eyes met, and Elis noticed for the first time how beautiful she was.

Something must have shown on his face, because she smiled shyly and quickly stepped back.

“I had them washed,” she said, avoiding his gaze. “This is everything we found on you when we stumbled upon your body.”

“Thank you,” Elis said softly, rummaging through his clothes. His hand brushed across the hilt of his sword, and he noticed the old man stiffen at the gesture.

Turning to look at both of them, he asked, “Can I get some privacy to change into my clothes?”

“Yes, certainly,” the man said slowly. “You’re probably very hungry. Our healer here will get you some food. In the meantime, there’s water on the table. Help yourself, but don’t move around too much. You’re still too weak to strain yourself.”

As they left the room, Elis sat still, staring into the empty space ahead. Killing Amon hadn’t brought him any satisfaction. Perhaps he’d find it once everyone on his kill list was buried six feet under. For now, he needed to focus on finding his next target—Ghullam, the Yelish minister of trade. Elis had been briefed before setting out and knew the man was tucked away deep within Yelish borders, living a lavish life. Ghullam had played a pivotal role in disrupting trade, which led to widespread food shortages in Ujah. Elis had been tasked to eliminate him.

Standing, Elis began changing into his clothes. As he pulled off the plain shirt he’d been wearing, a soft knock on the door was followed by its creak. Glancing over, it was the same girl as before. She stepped into the room, shutting the door quietly behind her.

“What the hell?” Elis thought.

“Hello again,” she said in a soft, almost musical voice. There was something different about her now. Her shy demeanour was replaced with confidence as she walked toward him. Elis, shirtless, felt her eyes taking him in, her gaze lingering on the scars and faint discoloration that lined his toned body, remnants of training and past battles.

She smiled brightly, revealing perfect teeth, before locking eyes with him.

“You certainly don’t know how to hide your surprise,” she teased with a sly grin.

“And you picked the moment I’m changing to come talk?” Elis asked, raising a brow.

“Well, you didn’t have any money on you. How else am I supposed to get paid for my expert healing services? Might as well enjoy the view—it’s the only compensation I’m getting from you.”

Elis snorted and turned toward the bed, reaching for his shirt. He made sure to stay alert. Though they could have killed him while he was unconscious, one could never be too careful. As he slipped on his shirt and strapped on his sword, he noticed her expression shift to something unreadable.

“Thank you again for helping me. I wish I could pay you, but like you said, I don’t have any money, so I’ll have to depend on your hospitality.”

Elis moved to sidestep her and head to the door, but she cut him off.

“Hold on. You didn’t really think I came here just to stare at your battered body, did you?” she said, her tone sharp. “I came to warn you. Outside, the old man and some elders are deciding what to do with you. They’re saying something about a hunt for a fugitive responsible for General Amon’s death.”

Elis stiffened but quickly masked his reaction.

“Let’s say I’m the one they’re looking for. Why would Ujah villagers turn on someone who took out Amon?”

“Well,” she replied, “this is a border farming town. We’re under Yelish control now. Their soldiers keep us alive in exchange for almost everything we have.”

“Oh,” Elis said simply.

“Exactly. The old man is only trying to protect us. Turning you in might be the safest option.”

“I understand,” Elis said, his tone flat. “Thanks for the warning, but I’m already leaving.”

He reached for the door, as the healer sighed deeply behind him.

Stepping outside, the sun hit him straight in the face as it contrasted with the dim room. He put his hand over his eyes and squinted, taking in the town surroundings. The healer's place looked to be at the tail end of the village.

Ahead were several other structures but Elis simply turned towards the direction of the forest. If he was being chased, it would be wiser to head into a forest. As he made for his chosen direction, a wave of nausea hit him so hard and he immediately felt very dizzy. He staggered and almost fell but was caught by the healer.

“You’ve obviously not fully recovered from whatever is wrong with you. If you head out now, you'll just pass out again and eventually be found and killed.”

“I... can’t… stay,” Elis managed, his voice strained.

She sighed again. “Fine. You can hide at my place; I’ll need a few supplies from there to help you recover fully anyways. Is that okay?”

Elis nodded reluctantly. He didn’t have much of a choice.

“Good. Let’s get you back to my house.”