Void Wielder 2 Legacy of Chaos (8 page)

Falcon couldn’t recall K’vitch looking so alive the last time he’d visited.

“Hey!” he called to a little girl who ran in front of him with a string of flowers on her hand. She had dirt on her face and hair. Both her ponytails were a mess. “What’s going on here?”

“Why, the festival of flowers, of course,” said the girl as if the festival was common knowledge. “We celebrate it each year, to bring peace to the world.”

“With all the disappearances going on lately, is it really a good idea to be celebrating?”

The girls shrugged. “I don’t know, mister. I don’t make the rules. But what I do know is my way around this here town. If there is anywhere you need to go, I can be your guide.”

“Perfect,” said Falcon. “We need to find the local inn.”

The girl held out her hand. “Thanks won’t fill my stomach, mister.”

Falcon searched his pockets and came out with a gold coin. He held it inches away from the girl’s begging hands. “Show us the fastest way there.”

The girl jumped at the opportunity. “For a gold coin? Sure, follow me!”

Falcon and Faith followed the girl through the stone paths of the village. They stopped for a second to admire a group of women who performed a beautiful lullaby at the center of the village, then kept on moving.

“Here we are.” The peasant girl pointed at a blue painted cabin. “Gsa’s Inn. The owner is the nicest woman in K’vitch. Her prices are the best as well.”

“Thanks.” Falcon handed over the piece of gold.

The girl took the gold piece with a giant grin on her face. “Will you be attending the festival at sundown? It will be a lot of fun.”

“No,” Falcon said. “We will get a quick rest and be on our way.”

“Oh, well,” see you around.” The girl tucked the coin in her pocket and dashed away.

Falcon and Faith checked in and got their room. Falcon tried to get a room with two beds, but those were all taken.

“I’m sorry,” said Gsa. She had long red hair, white skin, and a pointed chin. “Many people are visiting because of the festival of flowers. I only have one room available and, as I said, it’s a one bed room.”

Falcon sighed. “If there’s nothing else we’ll take it.”

Gsa handed Falcon a bronze key. “Upstairs, last door on the right.”

“Thanks,” said Falcon, taking the key. He and Faith went up the stairs and down the long corridor.

“These people love to decorate. Even the walls are full of flower decorations.”

“They sure do,” answered Falcon. He opened the door and walked into the small room. It was simple, just a small bed in the corner and a wooden drawer beside it. Beads of red and white flowers hung from the ceiling.

“You take the bed,” said Falcon. “I’ll sleep on the floor.”

“Are you sure?” asked Faith.

“Of course. I can sleep anywhere. It’s part of my training.”

“Thanks, then.” Faith threw herself on the bed and spread her arms. “I like it here. It reminds me a lot of Asturia.”

“Yes it does. Especially with all the flowers.”

“I would love to see the festival. Do you think there will be dancing?”

“I suppose so. Why do you ask? Don’t tell me you also like to dance.”

“Of course I love to dance. It’s so liberating. Faith got up and twirled in place. “I have this dream to one day dance in front of a crowd of onlookers. Like the princesses from all those fairy tales we heard as children.” She threw herself on the bed. “Don’t tell me that you don’t like to dance.”

“No, not much. Aya use to drag me to every dance Rohad held back when we were students. My legs would always be killing me the next day.” Falcon thought back to all those nights with blisters on his feet and grimaced. Though he had to admit that he would love to go back to the days where a dance was his biggest problem.

Faith giggled. “Well, you won’t have to worry. We’ll be out of here by then, right?”

“Yes, we will.” Falcon gazed out the window. The sun was right above him. “Listen. I have go check on something. I’ll be back. You should get some rest.”

“Good Idea. I had just dozed off in the carriage when we arrived.” Falcon wasn’t surprised. She had probably spent most of the trip talking to Father Lucien. Falcon was just glad he was asleep most of the trip and didn’t have to deal with him.

“I’ll wake you up when it’s time to go,” said Falcon, walking out the door.

~~~

Faith felt a soft tap on her leg. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. Falcon stared back at her.

“Is it time to go?” she asked.

“Sort of.” He grinned, “C’mon follow me.”

“What do you mean, sort of?”

“You’ll see. Just come downstairs.”

“Fine.” Faith was intrigued.
Why is he acting so mysterious all of a sudden?

“Close your eyes,” said Falcon, just as they reached the inn door. “No peeking.”

Faith did as Falcon said and closed her eyes. She was tempted to peek, but fought the urge. Falcon grabbed her hand and led her forward. The door creaked loudly as Falcon opened it. The soothing breeze coursed through her hair as she moved outdoors.

“You can open your eyes now,” said Falcon.

“Happy Flowers Day, Faith!” yelled the crowd of strangers.

Faith’s heart jumped. The peasant girl handed her a bouquet of pink and orange cream colored flowers.

Falcon walked to the middle of the crowd of people and extended his hand. “I feel partially guilty for the horrible dance you had the other day. Let me make it up to you. May I have this dance?”

Feeling strangely nervous, she took his hand. The group of female singers she’d seen earlier sang a slow melody. It was just like her dream.

“But I thought we had to leave tonight?” she asked.

“It turns out the road to Missea is currently obstructed by a rockslide. There’s no way across until it gets cleared tomorrow morning. I thought we might as well make the best of it.”

Butterflies fluttered inside of her. “How did you ever get everyone to do this?”

“It wasn’t too hard. The people of this village are really friendly.
Too
friendly if you ask me.”

“Thank you.” She looked up at the stars. Their radiant light seemed to be shining just for her. Everything was perfect.

She knew that there was danger around her. The Suteckh were launching an attack on Va’siel. And both, Shal-Volcseck and Dokua were searching for her. But tonight, just for one night, she allowed herself to forget her problems as she rested her head on her friend’s chest and moved to the music.

Chapter 11

“Once Hyatt left Hiromy stranded at the party, I swooped in like the gentleman I am,” bragged Sheridan as they walked along the dirt path. He dragged his feet, which lifted a storm of dust. “I took her dancing and we spoke all night. She actually sounded interested in me.”

“That’s great,” said Aya.

“So what do you think I should do now? Should I play it cool? Or should I just tell Hiromy how I felt about her for the past five years?”

“I’m not sure.” Aya shrugged. “I really don’t know her well enough to give you any good advice. But I do know one thing: at this rate you’re going to suffocate me with all that dust you’re leaving behind. Please walk properly.”

He straightened his posture and lifted his feet. “I think I’m going to take it slow. She’s bound to like that.”

“If you say so,” said Aya, trying to concentrate. The trees and bushes around them were the perfect place for an ambush.

“Would you relax, Nakatomi? We’ve have been walking for two days and we’ve hardly seen any other people. If someone wanted to ambush us, they would have done so by now.”

“Sheridan,” said Aya, trying to sound as polite as possible. “Could you please keep it down? I’m trying to listen.”

“Listen to what?” asked Sheridan. He stopped humming. “There’s nothing to hear. No birds singing, no other travelers, and no sound of any woodland critters.”

“Exactly. That’s what has me worried.” Aya strained her ears, trying to hear something - anything. But even the sound of the wind was absent.

Her head suddenly grew hazy, and her body weakened. She tapped her head, trying to regain her senses.

“My hands and legs feel weak,” said Sheridan, wobbling from side to side.

“Move back!” cried Aya as she noticed the brown blur coming down on them.

The net swept up from under Sheridan’s feet and picked him up into the air.

Dozens of slim dark-clad figures dropped from the trees. Their faces were painted with elaborate patterned designs. They all wore black suits from head to neck.

The ground trembled as a large figure landed before her. He towered over her small figure. Red lines were etched on his cheeks. Dark lines also ran around his gigantic arms and legs. Save a long leather skirt, he wore no armor.

“Get away,” said Aya, taking a step back. “I don’t want to hurt any of you. Just let my friend go and we won’t have a problem.”

The large man remained quiet.

“And how exactly do you plan to do that?” jeered a high-pitched feminine voice. “There’s two of you and fifteen of us. And your idiot friend over there is hanging from his feet.”

“Hey!” complained Sheridan. “I may be an idiot, but I more than make up for it with my amazing fighting skills, my witty comments,
and
my dashing good looks.” He smiled, revealing a set of pearly white teeth.

A short girl, who looked to be about twelve, emerged from the crowd of men. She had long, dark eyes, tiny lips, and two lines of red paint running vertically on her cheeks. “We’ll see just how funny ya are after Keira is done with you. She loves putting jokers in their place.”

“Mmmmm,” said Sheridan tantalizingly. “It sounds like me and this Keira could have great fun together. But, alas, I’ll have to pass. For my heart belongs to another. Please relay your message to your frisky leader.”

Aya rubbed her temple
. How could he be jesting at a time like this?

“Just let me do the talking,” said Aya. She faced the crowd. “I’ll tell you one more time: let me go or else.”

The large man acted as if she hadn’t even spoken. He walked up to net and cut the rope with a knife he pulled from his scabbard. Sheridan crashed to the ground.

“That’s it!” cried Sheridan. He waved his arms in grandiose fashion. “Feel the power of space pressure.” Nothing happened.

“We have to get out of here!” exclaimed Aya, realizing that scaiths were nearby. It was the only explanation for Sheridan’s wielding being nullified. “The creatures that can suppress wielding are close. We’re all in great danger.”

Except for the large man, the group of attackers burst out in laughter.

Maybe they don’t understand me.
She recalled Faith mentioning that most people knew scaiths by their other name—devourers.

“The devourers are coming,” said Aya, hoping that the attackers would now understand the urgency of the situation.

The attackers laughed even harder than before. Some cackled so loudly that they were having a hard time breathing.

What could possibly be so funny?
mused Aya.

The small girl pointed the sharp end of the spear at Aya’s head. “Shut up and get moving or yar idiot friend here gets it.”

Aya took a breath and put her hands down in defeat. She would have to play along for now and do as she was told.

The large man threw Sheridan over his shoulder and began to walk.

Aya followed close behind. In her mind she analyzed dozens of escape plans, but in none of them was she able to formulate an idea where Sheridan wasn’t left behind. The fact that she had no wielding made this even harder.

“Ya have ugly hair,” said the girl as she ran circles around her, her short brown hair dancing behind her. She then stopped and stared at her. “Ya also have a stupid face. Not like Keira. She’s much more beautiful than ya.”

Aya didn’t answer.

The girl’s brown eyes stared back at her as she continued to throw her insults. “How were ya planning to beat us? Ya don’t even have any weapons.”

“I don’t only rely on weapons. I’m also a martial artist.”

“Ha,” snickered the girl. “Keira is also a martial artist. I bet she could destroy ya in a duel. You’ll be no match for her. She’s the best in Sugiko.”

“Rika!” called the large man without turning around. “Quit fraternizing with the prisoner.”

“I’m not fraternizing, Raji. I was merely telling this loser the truth.”

“Quiet,” ordered Raji.

Rika murmured something under her breath and stomped to the back of the line, but not before sticking her tongue out at Aya. 

They walked for what seemed ages. They went up a mountain and back down to a large valley. The sun was close to setting when they finally arrived at a wooden gate. The gate ran in a circle. Raji knocked three times on the door, whistled twice, and then knocked two more times.

“Who goes there?” said a voice from the other side of the gate.

“It is I, Raji of the Minotaur clan.”

There was the sound of wood blocks being removed. Then the gate opened.

Dozens of leather tents were spread throughout the camp. Hundreds of people gathered around small campfires. Their clothes were ragged and streaked with dirt.

A girl, who looked to be around Aya’s age, marched toward them. She wore a brown tunic and pants. Her golden-brown hair was t
ied in a ponytail and braided with pigtails.

Judging by the crowd behind her, Aya was certain this had to be the girl Rika had told her about.

“We found these people roaming close to the camp, Keira,” said Rika.

“Rohads!” shrieked Keira. “Where exactly did you find ‘em?”

“Traveling the emperor’s road,” answered Raji, dropping Sheridan to the ground.

“No doubt Hotaru hired them so they could hunt us down,” added a man from the crowd. The women and men around them nodded to each other.

“Gut-less Rohads,” fumed Keira, tearing open Sheridan’s net with a knife. “I’m going to kill you here and now.”

“Are you sure that’s a wise idea?” said Raji. “Perhaps it would be best to keep them as prisoners for ransom.”

Keira stared coldly at Raji. “So they can eat our food? No, we are starving as it is. These two die now.”

The crowd cheered and clapped.

“You, get up,” said Keira, kicking Sheridan in the stomach. “Let’s see how tough you are when your opponent fights back.”

Opponent fights back? What is she talking about?

Sheridan stood. “I make it a point to not hit girls. Perhaps we could tangle
another way
.” He lifted his eyebrows and smiled invitingly. A punch to the face quickly wiped it off.

“Shut up and fight, Rohad.”

“Sorry, martial arts isn’t really my forte,” answered Sheridan. “I’m more of a swordfighter. And I’d really rather not use it. Trust me. It wouldn’t end well for you.”

Keira smirked. “Go ahead. Use your weapon.”

Sheridan shrugged and pulled out his machete looking-sword. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He shot forward.

Keira dropped and swept her legs across the ground. Sheridan flipped over the attack.

Keira pressed both hands on the ground and used them as leverage to throw herself through the air. Sheridan’s jaw cracked loudly as her feet slammed under his chin.

Sheridan staggered back. He rubbed his jaw. After a few seconds, he swung his sword again.

This time Keira caught it in her hand. At the same time she kicked the side of his head.

Sheridan crashed to the ground. He immediately flipped back up. But before he could regain his balance, Keira kicked him back down. She brought the blade to Sheridan’s neck.

The crowd cheered.

“Keira, Keira, Keira!” Rika cheered louder than anyone else.

Aya could now see that Rika hadn’t exaggerated. Keira’s moves were flawless. Her attacks were precise and deadly. No move was wasted.

“Ready to die?” Keira threatened, pressing the blade into Sheridan’s neck.

“Leave him alone,” ordered Aya. “We are not here to see Hotaru. In fact, we were dispatched to fight against him.”

“Lies!” Keira sneered. “Rohads are nothing but a lot of deceitful cowards.”

“She said she’s a better martial artist than ya, Keira,” added Rika. “Mop the floor with her.”

“I didn’t say such a thing,” said Aya.

Rika brought her hands to her hips. “Did too.”

Keira stepped up to Aya so they were face to face. “Just like a Rohad to think they’re better than anyone else.” She spat at Aya’s feet. “I’ll tell you what. If you defeat me, I’ll let you two go.”

“And if I lose? What then? You’ll kill us?”

“I was going to kill you either way. But if you lose, your death will be slow and painful.”

The last thing she wanted to do was fight. Her legs ached from all the walking and she hadn’t had a morsel to eat since the morning.

Keira eyed her from head to toe. “So?”

Aya brought up her fists in a readied stance.

“Hiaaaa!” Keira shot toward her with a punch. Aya ducked under it and delivered an uppercut. Keira adjusted her weight and hopped away. Aya quickly changed formations in mid-attack and kicked into the air. Keira did the same. The girls’ legs slammed into each other.

Aya brought her feet down on her opponent’s head. Keira grabbed Aya’s leg and drove herself under it. She then pushed up.

Aya took to the air and crashed onto the floor. Even through her ringing ears, she could hear the roar of the crowd.

Keira pressed forward.

Aya waited. At the last second she rolled out of the way. Keira’s kick flew past her.

Aya grabbed her foe’s leg and twisted it. At the same time she delivered an open palm strike to the forehead.

Keira screamed as she too fell to the ground.

The roar of the crowd ceased. 

Keira stood. Her face was a deep red. She brought her hands together and took a deep breath. “Kyyaaa!” She attacked with untamed ferocity.

Aya did the same.

For the next few minutes both girls went all out in a series of attacks, blocks, and counters. Neither girl was able to get the upper hand.

The crowd remained silent.

Aya ducked under a kick and punched her opponent on the knee. Keira kicked Aya in the ribs as she stumbled back. Both girls fell to the ground at the same time.

Suddenly a series of loud growls pierced the air. The crowd parted as three bears, running on all fours, broke through. They reached Aya and stood on their hind legs. Drool dripped from their exposed fangs.

Shocked, Aya crawled back until she smashed into a stack of hollowed barrels.

They surrounded her. Then, with mouths open, they pounced.