Well? Greesha said once theyd arrived at her place of work. Resembling a miniature temple with pointed roofs, it was nestled in between other large, three-story structures. As if itd been there first, and everything else had been built around it.
The temple was in a far nicer part of town compared to where Vir had just been.
Give one reason I shouldnt have you thrown into jail. Entering my town and making a ruckus right away, hmm?
Darsh and Hetal kept their heads bowed, avoiding eye contact. Vir suspected it had sothing to do with the badge adorned with a red crown that hung from Greeshas neck. A Chitran Ruler Calling badge.
Youre in charge of this city? Vir asked, earning him a raised brow from the woman. She clearly wasnt used to people talking back to her.
Youre treading dangerous water, boy. Were I any other Ruler in the city, your head wouldve been on a pike by now. Show so deference to your betters. Be grateful that Im willing to overlook this incident and run along. And be sure it doesnt happen again!
Vir glowered at her. This was Greesha? The revered Seer? He wondered if Cirayus had lost his mind by speaking so highly of her. Or perhaps the years had changed her?
This didnt look at all like a woman worthy of Virs respect.
If youre expecting to bow down and grovel because of that fancy badge youre wearing, think again.
Darsh pulled at Virs sleeve to get his attention. What are you doing!? Shes a Ruler! he whispered, his eyes wide. Beside him Hetal, averted her eyes, looking like she wanted to shrivel up.
Vir exhaled. Look, these kids have nothing to do with . Why dont you let them go?
Greesha swept her dominating gaze across the children. Vir could almost feel them withering under the power of those eyes.
Fine. But dont cause any more trouble, you hear? Greesha said, addressing the children. Next ti, Ill feed you to the wolves.
Understood, maam! It was an honest mistake. Well see to our business and head right back!
The siblings darted for the exit, but Darsh paused, giving Vir a conflicted look.
Vir chuckled. I can handle myself. Get ho safe, yeah?
T-thanks. And, uh. Your fight. It was seric!
Blushing, Darsh grabbed his sister and disappeared out the door.
So? Greesha said the mont theyd left. Mind telling who you are and what youre doing in this city?
Vir narrowed his eyes. As I said, Vaakof Ash. Ive been training there for years.
Oh, I dont doubt it. I saw you fight. Youre strong, clearly.
Then, what do you
You waltz in here showing no decorum. No respect for my badge. You act as though you own this place. I must say, its almost refreshing.
Refreshing?
So the way I see it, either youre soone important in disguise Or youre just a chal. Well?
Vir regarded her evenly. The Callings are supposed to be equal, are they not?
Greeshas eyes widened in surprise. Which rock have you been living underUnless. Oh no. Youre with the ones protesting the Callings, arent you?
Vir was unaware there even was a faction looking to overthrow the Calling System. Useful information he filed away for later.
Not quite.
It was ti to drop the ruse. Hed wanted to scope Greesha out, to get a feel for her character. If he was honest, he didnt like what he saw, but Cirayus had told him she would be a helpful ally. As he was, he didnt have the luxury to pick who he worked with. He needed help if he was to learn the lay of the land.
I co on behalf of a mutual friend, he started, watching the woman for any changes in expression.
The womans frown deepened. If youre going to lie, try harder. I havent
Cirayus the Ravager. Does that na ring any bells?
Greeshas expression changed so rapidly, Vir struggled to keep up. First, confusion flitted across her face, before recognition. Then shock, followed finally by sothing he didnt expect. Fear.
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Impossible.
Very possible, Vir fired back.
Then, she whispered. You are
Vir nodded.
Can-can I see?
Vir paused, looked around, and finding no one within range of Prana Visionno spies who might be listening through wallsVir pulled down his cuirass and undid his undershirt, allowing Greesha a glimpse of his tattoo.
For the first ti in a very long ti, I admit Im at a loss for words, Greesha said after staring for several monts. Long after Vir had fastened his armor back on. Then your red skin
A disguise. Im sure youll understand my need for excess caution. Even revealing this much to you is an act of faith on my part.
Yes, of course. Just, your disguise is Well, impressive.
Greesha chuckled, and the tension seed to bleed out of her.
Vir hesitated. You were expecting , right?
Well, expecting is a rather strong word. Until now, I did not know whether what I experienced was a vision, or simply a dream.
Virs heart beat faster. You were sucked away. To soplace else, right? Or your soul was, rather?
Cirayus told you, did he? Where is he?
Attending to so business. Finding allies in Clan Baira, Vir replied, but his mind was elsewhere. Greeshas soul had been pulled away. Just like Maiyas. Vir couldnt be sure without having seen Greeshas detached soul form, but it certainly sounded like the sa thing that had happened to Maiya.
Why Greesha rembered and Maiya didnt, Vir couldnt say. Perhaps Greeshas experience was less traumatic? Who knew what having ones soul sucked into an orb did to a person.
Vir allowed the revelation to wash over him. It was all real. Maiya really was there, wasnt she?
He bit his lip. This ant hed have to co clean and tell Maiya about it. This was sothing that directly impacted her. She had a right to know. Shed saved him, after all. The least he could do was fill the gaps in her mory.
Are you alright? Greesha asked, though her hard edge had softened a bit. Vir saw so of that fear return. I, er to be honest, Im rightly unsure how to address you, Akh Nara.
Greesha whispered the title, almost reverently.
Vir waved away her concern, surprised to find her fretting over sothing so trivial.
Continue as you are. My cover cannot be compromised. Which is why I need your help. Cirayus said I could trust you, and I trust Cirayus.
There was so much Vir wanted to talk about. Even now, the blood boiled just beneath his skin. This was the demon whod prophesied his birth. Whod caused the death of his mother, father, and thousands of his clan. He wanted to yell at the woman. To tell her she shouldve known what it would an to reveal her prophecy to the world. That Vir never wanted this burden. That hed have given it all up just to have a happy life with his parents.
He said none of those things. For while he mightve hated her, hed deal with it. Because right now, Greesha was indispensable for him. And there were more important things than being angry at an old woman.
You can, she replied confidently.
There is much I dont know about the Demon Realm, Vir said. About Samar Patag. And my people. How many are left? Do they survive?
Greesha looked off into the distance. She said nothing for a mont, then two. When Vir thought shed forgotten him entirely, she finally spoke.
The war was not easy for any of us. But yes. They do. We live on. Mostly, anyway. Though what we currently have here is well, you ought to be the one to judge for yourself.
Where should I begin?
Greesha rubbed her chin in thought. For one, youll be needing a Chitran Calling badge. Warrior, preferably. I can arrange this, though it may take a day or two.
You can make them so easily? Vir asked.
Not easily, no. Id be pulling many strings. I dont do this for just anyone. But, well your existence is critical to the future of this realm and I owe a great debt to your family, she added softly, looking into the distance, across space and ti.
Is that remorse in her voice?
So what if it was, though? Her feelings wouldnt change the past. Rather than dive into an argunt that would likely end in a shouting match, Vir took a deep breath and kept the conversation on topic.
There would be ti for such chats later.
They really arent equal, are they? Vir asked. The Callings
The old woman chuckled. Well, its no wonder you were so rude before. Is that what Cirayus told you?
Vir shrugged. He said I should see with my own eyes.
Of course he did, Greesha snorted. Typical Cirayus. The answer should be obvious, yes?
Vir nodded slowly. Equal in theory, but in practice
The Rulers hold all the power, kept in check only by the greater number of Warriors. As for the Laborers, theyre the least respected. They can influence the others if they all band together, but that never happens. As for the Outcasts, well
Right. In that case, can you make a few different badges under different nas?
Greesha frowned. Granting one Warrior badge is within my ans. Several, however
No, not Warrior Callings. Give Laborer and Outcast Callings.
Outcast? Why would you she paused, appraising Vir. You are serious about this?
Yes. If Im going to get to know my people, I need to live as they live. I need to see the worst side of this city.
Very well, Greesha replied. Far less scrutiny for those badges. Brace yourself. You will not like what you see.
Thanks, but I can handle myself. Ill also need to hook up with the Rebellion.
Greesha drew a short breath. Nearly imperceptible, but Vir caught it.
Would that be a bad idea?
Perceptive, arent you? Greesha said, looking impressed. The Rebellion is perhaps not what you think they are.
aning?
Just dont go revealing your true identity to them anyti soon. You may not appreciate the results. Or their ways, for that matter.
Ah.
They bla for what happened, Vir said.
So do. Worsetheyre borderline fanatics. Tis were rough, after the fall. I myself nearly didnt make it. Managed to establish a footing here thanks to my powers as a Seer. Most of what I do is keep those hooligans in check. Theyre just prana bombs waiting to go off, if you ask . Always on the cusp of ruining what little we have. Youll find in them at best, a challenge, and at worst, an enemy.
Virs hopes for swooping in and organizing those demons began to crumble before his eyes.
Can you put in touch? Vir asked.
Greesha shook her head. Itd do more harm than good, Im afraid. My reputation with them is less than pleasant. Better to get noticed by them on your own, if thats your wish. Make a na for yourself. Theyre like hounds; they simply cant resist the scent of fresh blood.
I see, Vir said, understanding that this was going to be a longer road than he thought. Is there hope? he asked at last.
Greesha smiled sadly. There was, at the beginning. It was a chals hope, but the spark was there. Gargans fought back. Theres only so many tis you can fail before you get so sense knocked into you. Especially when failure ans death. Or worse. Without a leader to rally behind, without resources and allies We never stood a chance. So, you ask, is there hope?
Greesha stared earnestly into Virs eyes.
There wasnt before. There is now.
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