Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 265: Prelude to a Slaughter

When? Greesha asked. How many? Her tone was urgent, and the tension in the room was palpable.

A runner just arrived. The demon spoke rapidly, on edge. They broke out some days ago. Theyll be here by the morrow!

Blasted Ash, Greesha cursed.

Vera have mercy. Why now, of all times? someone else said in despair.

Were done for, yet another voice mourned.

I dont understand, Vir said. Were in a walled city. The Chitran have defenders. Sure, the walls might not be in the best shape, but the Ash beasts will have lost most of their prana this far from the Boundary. What threat could they pose?

Have you looked at Samar Patags walls recently? a rebel asked. It cant be described as just disarray. There are gaps everywhere!

Still

This has happened before, Janani said softly. The Chitran are spread too thin to defend the wall, with its dilapidated state.

Vir frowned. Then what do they do? If you say youve been attacked before, then you must have somehow recovered, right?

They cloister everyone worth protecting in the Keep and the surrounding areas, Greesha said heavily. Everyone inside stays safe. Everyone outside, well

Then the slums The Gargans? Vir reeled in horror.

I mentioned how children continue to be orphaned, even well after the war, yes? Janani said, barely containing her anger.

Vir couldnt believe this. Until now, hed done his best to treat the Chitrans as impartially as he could. Theyd attacked Garga for grievances that ran centuries deep. Whether or not those grievances were justified, they at least had a plausible justification for their action.

Vir was even willing to attribute somenot allof their atrocities toward Gargans to mismanagement and incompetence.

But this?

This was unforgivable. Not only were the Kothis keeping Gargans prisoner in their own city, they werent even trying to save them when danger struck. It was a declaration to the world that Gargans were not their equal.

Whatever compassion Vir mightve had for that clan evaporated in that single moment.

He turned to leave. This could not stand.

What are you planning? Janani asked, stopping him.

I will resolve this personally, Vir said, straining to keep his voice level and even. And when I do, Ill have each of you swear to uphold the peace Ive fought for.

Vir swept his pointed finger across the room, meeting the rebels gazes. Perhaps it was because of his mask, or perhaps they were simply too worried about the horde to reply. Not one refused.

Vir stormed to Samar Patags castle, using the shadows to propel him.

The time for subtlety was over. Rather, there was much to be gained by making a bold statement to the Chitran authorities.

Until now, Vir had avoided Governor Asuman to avoid rocking the boat, lest he shatter the fragile balance that supported the Gargans livelihoods.

When faced with the prospect of annihilation, however, such concerns suddenly became unimportant by comparison.

While Vir had never entered the Keep beforenot as an adult, anywayDance of the Shadow Demon made infiltrating the facility easy enough.

It was perhaps a good thing the Iksana preferred to stay within their tunnels deep underground. Theyd make for truly terrifying assassins; itd take Vir less than an hour to decapitate the entire Chitran government in Samar Patag.

If only his problems were so easily solved. No, he needed to think not only of the immediate future, but of what came after. For both Gargans and everyone else currently living within the city.

Vir found Samar Patags leadership cloistered around a large oval desk in a tall room with vaulted ceilings.

How much time do we have? someonea Chitran general, by his military uniformasked.

Not long, another Chitran asked. Our runner says theyll be here by the morrow. I give us another six hours. Maybe eight, if the marshes bog them down.

Theyre Ash Beasts. Poor terrain does not slow them.

And their numbers?

Many. More than the last one. Im afraid the casualties will be quite severe this time around.

We can only pray that by the time theyve had their fill of the Gargans, theyre ready to move on. Its about time those dregs contributed to our citys prosperity.

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Vir felt an overwhelming desire to skewer the monkey bubble up within him, but he forced his emotions back. The Chitran would have their reckoning in due course. Acting now would only jeopardize his plan. And his plan had to work, for the sake of all who lived in the city.

Then its settled, a Kothi in a more ornate robeGovernor Asuman, Vir presumedsaid. Order the guards to fall back to the Keep. Bring in as many of our people as possible, starting with the highest Callings. Hide the rest underground outside. With luck, well emerge from this crisis mostly intact.

How about a more palatable alternative? Vir asked, ensuring to keep his voice hoarse and raspy like Ekanais.

The Chitrans jolted at the sudden voice, spinning to locate its source.

When their eyes landed on the figure dressed in black, emerging from the shadows, the color drained from their faces.

Dance of the Shadow Demon? Iksana!? Here? How? And that mask!

Vir cackled. Just because we prefer our tunnels does not mean we are incapable of leaving them, yes?

Asuman cleared his throat. You are him? This Vaak character? Id thought he was a Chitran Warrior.

Vaak is Chitran, Vir responded. Vaak is Iksana. Vaak is Panav, and Vaak is Baira.

I-I see. I hadnt realized he had gained the support of the clans, Asuman said, twitching reflexively. His words came shakily, bearing none of the confidence hed exhibited only moments earlier.

Vir remained quiet, and in doing so, unnerved the occupants of the room even further. As Riyan had taught him long ago, there were few better ways to unsettle people than to hide ones features behind a featureless mask, remaining silent when spoken to.

How may we help you, esteemed Iksana? Asuman said. Though he was clearly trying to regain the initiative, his voice betrayed his fear.

A horde of Ash Beasts threatens your walls, and yet you squabble like pigs, secretly conspiring to throw your own people to the wolves.

Chitran Callings will be protected, Asuman replied quickly. This, I assure you.

Yet Kothis are only a portion of your population, are they not? I do not believe you understand the gravity of your situation, Governor. Vir said, stressing the last word.

The Ash Beasts are dangerous, yes, the monkey demon said, scratching his head. But we have dealt with them before.

Dealt with? Vir scoffed. You plan to feed them and hope they move along once their hungers satiated! Pray tell, where will they go? East? Where the prana is barren? No. North. To Panav. And south. To Iksana. Your problem has already become our problem. And the Iksana will not suffer further Chitran incompetence.

It was a lie, of course, but the inland Gargan Sea would split any horde coming from the Boundary, diverting them north and south, spilling over to Iksana territory. It was what had happened the last time a horde broke through.

Asuman gulped. I understand your concern. Well ensure they are dealt with. You have my word that they will not reach Iksana land.

They already have! Vir rasped. Ive seen your walls. The level of training your troops receive. You cannot stop them. Even if you could, it would do you little good.

Why do you say that? Asuman said, frowning.

Because, Governor Asuman, you have a rebellion on your hands.

A rebellion you have participated in! another general barked.

The Iksana do not meddle in other clans affairs, Vir replied calmly. We merely keep watch. I am no more a part of this rebellion than any Gargan in the street who wears this mask. We infiltrate and we observe. I come to you now with critical intelligence. I take it you are aware of the quality of Iksanas information network?

Of course, Asuman said. We would never question the Iksanas intelligence-gathering capabilities. Without your help, our liberation of Garga would never have met with success. Tell me, what word do you bring?

Vir turned his head slowly to each Kothi in the room. Your time is almost nigh. Should you choose to do nothing to fight it.

Asumans fingers had turned white from clutching his chairs backrest. I suppose you have come to us with a plan?

Indeed, Vir said slowly. In the spirit of inter-clan cooperation, I offer you salvation. A way to defeat this horde with no loss of life, and keep your control over Samar Patag.

And in return, you expect what? Asuman asked.

Stability in our northern neighbor, Vir replied. Rebellion is chaotic. Dangerous. We wish for the Chitran to uphold your commitment to defending your Ash border. And we wish for peace.

Asuman exhaled in relief and his face lit up.

Of course. Of course! Then, will Clan Iksana be providing an army of their own? Though, I fear you will not be able to mobilize one in time

Eliminate the Outcast Calling. Allow Gargan Laborers the opportunity to compete with Chitrans for jobs on an equal footing.

Asuman blinked. I beg your pardon?

As I said, governor, Vir said slowly, drawing out each word, you have a rebellion on your hands. Quelling the Ash Beast horde will buy your clan only a brief extension on life. If you wish for our aid, you must banish the Outcast Calling and allow the Gargans parity. Their mistreatment leads to hatred. Their hunger leads to desperation. Desperation leads to rebellion.

This is their wish? Asuman asked. The wish of this Vaak character?

Do not underestimate the phenomenon that is Vaak, Vir said. Vaak may once have been a demon, but that is no longer. Vaak is a symbol of all that is wrong with Samar Patag. Make an example of him, and you will have created the perfect martyr for rebellion. Kill him in secret, and ten will take his place. Vaak cannot be eliminated or squashed or ignored. Only appeased.

Asuman glanced skeptically at his peers, who responded in kind.

Theyre not yet convinced Just a little further.

You said the Iksana will provide a solution, yet you havent clarified how, Asuman said, shifting the topic.

Incorrect. I said only that the Iksana can solve this problem for you. You see, Vaak has promised us they will drive off the horde.

So Vaak plans to raise an army, then? An army of rebels? Asuman said, tapping his chin. His monkey tail, which had been still until now, began to sway rhythmically.

Vir remained silent, content to watch Asuman form his own incorrect opinions. Let him think Vir was an army. The shock of witnessing him decimate the entire hordeon his ownwould only cement Asumans obedience. No doubt the governor was thinking he could kill two birds with one stonerid Samar Patag of the rebel faction, while also ridding it of Vaak.

Very well, Asuman said at last. Should Vaak destroy the horde, thereby protecting the Chitraner, Samar Patagfrom harm, then I shall honor our agreement. If they fail, however, Im afraid I will not be able to accept your terms.

Acceptable, Vir said, tossing a magical tablet onto the table. Record it.

These tablets served a variety of functions in the demon realm, forming an analog to human utility orbs. Though, while orbs were integrated into nearly every aspect of human life, tablets were somewhat rarer in the demon realm. Or at least, in Samar Patag.

Asuman pressed his hand upon the tablet, which began to glow with prana. I, Asuman, Governor of the Chitran stronghold Samar Patag, do swear to abolish the Outcast Calling and allow Gargan laborers equal and fair access to Laborer Calling jobs, should the entity known as Vaak defend this city from the upcoming Ash Beast horde.

Asuman removed his hand from the tablet and tossed it back to Vir. Will this suffice?

It is done, Vir said, sinking into his shadow. Vaak will meet with you once the horde has been repelled.

And then he was gone, leaving behind a room of stunned Chitran to digest what had just happened.

Though they did not realize it, they had just set into motion a series of historic events. Events that would forever change the face of the realm.