Bound by Blood & Parted by Fate

Chapter 18 – Survivors Of Meyaris

Chapter 18 – Survivors Of Meyaris

Fae walked behind Reza, her head bowed as they headed towards the meeting with the council members. She wore plain white tunic and trousers, and her dark hair was pulled back into a tight braid. Her heart was heavy with the knowledge that she was bound to the man walking in front of her but she got more used to it as time passed. She tried to keep her emotions in check, but it was difficult when she thought about her sister and the life she had left behind.

Walking in a reluctant stride behind him, all Fae could feel was a blend of fear and respect. The weight of responsibility hung heavily on her shoulders, a burden she couldn't shake. There was no choice but to obey; too many lives had already been sacrificed because of her, and her attempts to break free had only led to more suffering. The realization settled in—accepting her fate and serving Reza seemed like the safest solution.

Reza, on the other hand, exuded an air of confidence and power. He wore a long robe made of deep red silk, embroidered with golden threads. It was a traditional Magredan attire. His hair was styled into a sleek top knot, and his beard was neatly trimmed. He glanced back at Fae, his piercing eyes analyzing her every move. She shuddered and lowered her head under his gaze, feeling as if he could see right through her.

As they entered the meeting room, Fae's stomach tightened with anxiety.It was her first time attending this kind of meeting. The council members were powerful and influential individuals, all with their own agendas. As Reza’s priestess she needed to show power and respect. Everything she did reflected on Reza. There was no place for mistakes.

Reza, however, seemed to be completely at ease. He greeted each council member with a smile and a firm handshake, introducing Fae as his trusted advisor. She smiled weakly and nodded her head.

The council members all took their seats at the large, ornate table, and Reza sat at the head. Fae stood beside him, feeling like an outsider in this group of important people. She listened intently as they discussed the state of the city and the issues that needed to be addressed.

Reza would occasionally look over at her, and she could feel his eyes on her. She tried to avoid his gaze, but she knew that he was studying her, analyzing her every move. She felt like a prisoner in her own skin, unable to escape the hold he had on her.

She quickly scanned the faces of the men who were already gathered there. She was searching for someone she recognized from her visions, the one who could potentially help her escape from the grasp of Reza.

Reza had asked her to come to the meeting with him, under the guise of her being his new priestess. But she knew the real reason he wanted her there was to find his enemies.

As the meeting unfolded, Fae's eyes flitted from one man to the next, scanning for any glimmer of recognition. With each face remaining unfamiliar, a pang of disappointment gripped her. Doubt crept in, and Fae pondered whether she could ever prove valuable to Reza and the potential repercussions if she fell short of his expectations.

One of the council members, yet another imposing and older man with a stern expression, addressed Reza.

"Who is this woman that stands behind you, Reza?" he asked.

Reza smiled and turned to Fae. "This is Fae, my new advisor and priestess," he said, gesturing to her.

Fae stood tall, her head held high as she looked around the room. She felt the scrutiny of the council members on her, analyzing her every move. She knew that Reza had brought her here for a reason, and she was determined to make the most of this opportunity.

The council member who had asked the question, a man with the title of "Grand Vizier," looked at Fae with a critical eye. "And what qualifications does this Bravadite woman have to advise you?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism, it was almost insulting.

Reza stepped forward, his face serious. "Fae is a highly skilled priestess with great knowledge of the spiritual realm," he said. "She has much to offer us in terms of guidance and insight."

Fae felt her heart pounding in her chest as the Grand Vizier continued to fixate on her. Determined not to reveal any sign of weakness, she locked eyes with the Grand Vizier, matching his intensity with her own unwavering gaze. Her strategy was clear – silent yet fearless. After a tense moment, the Grand Vizier averted his eyes and nodded in agreement with Reza's words. Fae released a slow exhale, her composure intact, and surveyed the faces in the room. Her eyes scanned, silently daring anyone to question the necessity of her presence.

Barbos, the land of the casted, was a place where outcasts from all the other continents were sent centuries ago. Criminals, thieves, and people who didn't fit with society of the continents were exiled to this land. The volatile nature of its inhabitants gave rise to cities like Bravadis where crime and vice were once rampant.

However, a growing threat loomed over the land, and it became necessary to separate it from the rest of the world. A wall of sea surrounds the continent, making it impossible to get out, except for a rare group of people with the gift of sailing through the deadly currents that surround the coast.

Despite its troubled past, Barbos has developed its own unique culture and traditions over the years. Its people, known as Barbosian, are a mix of different ethnicities and cultures from Nawari, Magreda, Sinoa, Insal. They have learned to adapt to the harsh environment, where survival is a daily struggle.

The heart of Barbos is the city of Keth, located on the coast of the southern region. It is a bustling metropolis, home to people from all walks of life. The city is governed by a council of elders, who are elected by the people every five years.

The history of Barbos is a long and complex one, filled with stories of struggle and triumph. Its people have endured countless hardships, but they have never lost hope. The land of the casted may be isolated from the rest of the world, but today it is a land of great beauty and resilience.

The people from Nawari have rich, dark skin with pronounced cheekbones and full lips. Their hair is thick and tightly curled, often styled in intricate braids and patterns. Their eyes are large and expressive, with a deep, rich color that varies from dark brown to amber. Their bodies are strong and lean, with a natural grace and athleticism. They are known for their vibrant clothing, which features bold colors and unique patterns that reflect their rich cultural heritage. The people of Nawari are proud and resilient, with a deep connection to the land and their ancestors.

The people of Magreda also have features that speak to their cultural heritage, with a complexion that is neither light nor dark. Their eyes are often deep and piercing, with a hint of almond shape. Their hair is typically thick and often black or brown, and they may have a prominent nose or defined jawline. These features give the people of Magreda a strong and dignified appearance, and they carry themselves with confidence and grace.

The people from the Insal have fair skin tones with a range of hair colors from blonde to brown, and some even have red hair. They have a variety of eye colors, but blue and green are more common. Their facial features are generally angular. The people from the Insal are also known for their taller stature and have a range of body types.

The people of the Lost Islands are shrouded in mystery, as no one who has ventured there has ever returned to describe them. Legends and myths abound about these mysterious islands, which are said to be home to all manner of strange and wondrous creatures.

Some say that the people of the Lost Islands have supernatural powers, and that they can control the elements themselves. Others claim that they are shape-shifters, able to take on any form they desire. Still others say that they are a peaceful and harmonious people, living in perfect balance with the natural world around them.

But for all the stories and legends that surround the Lost Islands, no one really knows what the people who live there truly look like. They remain an enigma, a mystery waiting to be uncovered by any brave enough to venture into the unknown depths of the sea.

***

The meeting is now over. The council members all left one by one after Reza adjourned the meeting. On their turn, Fae and Reza also left the room.

Suddenly, Fae felt a sharp pain in her head, as if a jolt of electricity had shot through her. She stumbled and fell to the ground, her eyes rolling back into her head.

In that moment, Fae was transported to another realm. It was a place of darkness and shadows, and she could feel a presence calling out to her from the depths of the void.

As she focused her mind and her energy, Fae was able to summon an image of her sister and her friend. They appeared before her, looking worried and concerned.

Fae struggled to speak, but managed to say, "Nae…”

Her sister and friend spoke to her, telling her to not to give up, they would find a way to save her. There was no home. Fae listened intently, her heart heavy with worry and fear.

As the vision faded, Fae suddenly opened her eyes and found herself lying in her bedroom. Reza was sitting by her side, gently caressing her hair. As soon as he realized she was awake, he quickly removed his hand and tried to act nonchalant, hiding his worry.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice barely concealing his concern.

Fae's heart was heavy as she sat in bed, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of her vision. She didn't want to talk to Reza about it because she didn't want him to know about her sister. She knew that if Reza found out, it would put Nae in danger, and she simply couldn't let that happen.

As tears streamed down her face, Fae couldn't help but think that maybe it was time for Nae to give up on trying to save her. It was a hopeless quest. She just wished that her sister could understand and move on, but deep down, she knew that Nae would never give up.

Fae didn't tell Reza what was in her vision. Instead, she cried and begged him not to ask. Reza, concerned for her, gently asked, "Fae, what did you see in your vision?"

Fae wiped away her tears and gazed at Reza with a deep sadness in her eyes. "I can’t remember…"

Reza nodded, "You should rest"

Reza exited the room with lingering skepticism about Fae. Her troubled and sorrowful expression left him uncertain. Whatever she had witnessed probably held no relevance to his ambitions; it likely concerned her personal struggles. The Basharite, convinced that Fae had learned her lesson and understood the consequences of acting against his interests, decided to overlook her current mood. For the time being, he chose to let it pass. As long as the vision didn't go against his plans for Barbos, he was fine with leaving it alone.