Unknown day of scythe season 2448

That evening, Argent noticed that the moon was a lighter brown, indicating that the scythe season was about to end. It had been so long since she had felt safe that she doubted she would ever arrive in Rikarn. Nevertheless, the group of wanderers had reached the kingdom of Elthen a few days ago. The journey had not been easy; the desert was ruthless, especially without a reliable source of water. Luckily, Argent had made sure that she and her group had about thirty gourds of water, which they carried in backpacks before venturing out. Even Fooros helped with the load.

- It's heavy, the older brother complained every day. My poor muscles...

- Zril, we're all in pain, Shinko remarked. Especially Fooros and Bautog, who carry the largest amount of gourds.

- I know... What I'd give for a cozy bed, a pretty girl to cuddle and a good meal...

Shinko glared at him, clearly offended by his brother's lack of tact.

- What? I'm fucking hungry! Zril grumbled, showing his long white canines, a reminder that he was far from human. Besides...

He put his hand in the back of his pants, grabbed what seemed to be his underwear and pulled up. A long, thin black tail came out wiggling as lively as if it had a conscience of its own.

- Hide that! Shinko exclaimed with horror.

- Leave it, said Argent softly. There's no one around and it's dark.

Zril took advantage of his brother's defeat to pull out his tongue as a provocation. Shinko backed away, offended by the other Assukar. He clenched his jaw, making sure that none of his sharp teeth protruded from his mouth.

- No fighting, Bautog said sadly.

The colossus had once again felt the negative emotions around him despite not paying attention to the discussion. He wasn't very bright, but he was sensitive to his environment. In fact, he had detected a desire for malice in a few people the group had met along the way. Thus, they had been able to react according to the potential danger.

- Fine, said Shinko, who had already recovered from his frustration.

- Sorry, Zril whispered, annoyed.

That's when Argent was distracted by what seemed to be a distant source of light. A small dot glittered despite the heavy darkness of the night. It must have been a dwelling; there was no other choice.

- Zril, called the warrior.

- Mmhmm? replied the elder Assukar.

- Maybe you should hide your tail after all, she advised, pointing forwards.

Zril's gaze followed her interlocutor's finger and saw the light as well. Realizing their situation, he shrugged, stuck his tail in his pants and growled.

- Since you're so kindly suggesting it, he said, staring at his brother despite the fact that he was clearly addressing her.

- Thank you, replied Argent gently.

✦×✦

The group of travellers arrived at their destination a few hours later when the first sun peaked on the horizon. It was just about time. The desert conditions of the day were harsh in Elthen. In fact, the people hardly ever wandered out during this time; they preferred to stay at home or to sleep, away from the rays in their houses. Argent had also heard her father repeatedly point out that the Elthenians suffered from many droughts and that it was often impossible to grow food in many areas. On the other hand, wealth, the production of weapons and armour but especially the capable warriors were what gave Elthen her supreme power status. Her great weakness was her dependence on importing food and water in exchange for rare minerals or money. As for Daigorn, it was the opposite, making trade between the two kingdoms excellent. Especially during a war, they were indispensable to each other.

Finally, they stood before the great golden wall in which were carved the faces of the kings who had once ruled these sandy moors. This marvel was called the Wall of the Fathers. Indeed, there was no woman's head among all this manhood. In its center, there was a large gate protected by a few soldiers, two of whom were at the base inspecting the newly arrived. Most of them were refused access, something that shocked Argent even in this time of war. The long journey home without the opportunity to haggle over rations and water was possibly fatal.

One boy and what appeared to be his grandfather refused to turn around and had argued hard for a little water in return for a few coins. Afterwards, the guards grew impatient and drew their swords, threatening them until they left.

- The handsome guard on those weapons, Zril remarked mockingly.

Argent fixed her gaze on the objects that the assukar had mentioned. Already shocked by the soldiers' behavior, she was now outraged. Warm colored gems rested on the hilt of each sword. The luxury of these simple guards was equivalent to a member of her own family which we're the most powerful in Daigorn.

- They could share some water, Shinko grunted. They practically sent them to their deaths.

The guard on the right glared at the younger assukar and whispered a few words in his companion's ear.

- Looks like they've already put us on their rejection list, Shinko concluded.

- Pah! Zril exclaimed. For once it's you who's being completely ridiculous, he continued in a voice clearly forced to sound like royalty.

- Come on guys, begged Argent. We have enough to worry about...

On this last comment, Bautog nodded. The latter was as usual in agreement with the pearl of his eyes that he had sworn to protect until his last breath.

Zril folded his arms and grumbled, unhappy with his situation. Then he turned his head to the west where he knew Fooros had gone hunting. Of course, they couldn't afford to have the big, dark feline seen without getting into a lot of trouble. Argent could detect boredom and even a little anxiety in the assukar's eyes.

When the kid and the old man who had just been rejected by the pair of guards walked past the group of friends, they had death in their eyes. The old man, whose features were hollowed out by fatigue and sadness, put a hand on his companion's shoulder as a sign of encouragement.

- You won't die, he said in his voice, broken by age.

The kid didn't react, which surprised Argent because he seemed to be surrounded by a bright glow as if he had the ardour to get lost in the chasms of rage.

- Mmmm, mumbled the Kindirah lady.

If she would've had the time and been in a more ideal situation, she would have liked to discuss with the boy about the possibility that he would agree to come under her wing so that she could guide him and teach him how to become a great warrior. At first glance, he seemed to have a fiery personality a bit like her sister Azena. Often unsubdued to some degree, these souls normally knew how to fight with the prowess of a tiger. Alas, she could only help him get through this cruel desert.

- Here, she said, holding a gourd of water in each of her hands towards him. One for you and the other for your grandf...

She silenced herself, realizing that she did not know if this man was his grandfather. Not wanting to offend anyone, she didn't say another word.

- Aye, aye, the old man laughed. I'm his grandfather.

The scourge of anger that ravaged the boy's soul almost entirely disappeared. His eyes widened and his expression became innocent. He grabbed the two gourds and offered one to his elder. He raised his head to look at his rescuer and his cheeks began to redden like a ball of fire.

- T-thank you, he mumbled.

The grandfather laughed for a moment, most likely imagining what was going on in his grandson's mind, then he stared at the horizon and the golden sea of sand. He smiled, seeming hopeful.

- What magnificent desolace.

He paused for a long time.

- Bless you young lady, he said to Argent. May it be the blessing of whatever divinity your heart holds dear.

He set off, the little guy at his heels.

All this time Argent's three companions had been staring at her with big admiring eyes. Zril was the first to get over it. The other two remained frozen like statues.

- Brother, your crushes... You know, your... It's getting a bit embarrassing, Zril confessed shamelessly.

As if he'd been released from a spell, Shinko shook his head slightly, frowned, and then his features became more pronounced.

- I'm not...

He silenced himself and sighed deeply.

- Think what you want, he gave up. Let's get this mission over with! All I want is the happiness and safety of Lady Argent.

- Yeah, right..., Zril replied lazily.

The two guards began to ignore the travelers who were routinely explaining to them the reason for their presence at the Wall of Fathers. They exchanged an intrigued and surprised look, then the second one signaled to Argent and her group to approach. There were at least a dozen people ahead of them in the queue and they did not seem to be pleased when they passed by.

- Stay calm and nothing unfortunate will happen to you, announced the first guard in an authoritative tone, addressing his angry audience.

The second guard, a little more slender and slightly darker-haired, didn't let Argent out of his sight. He seemed attentive and a little friendlier than his fellow guard, although it didn't do much good.

- Miss, he began in a polite tone.

- Sir, replied the warrior lady with her most radiant forced smile.

He began to examine the young woman without explanation while his companion made sure that no one bothered him, placing his sword in front of him as if to give a warning.

Bautog flinched, uncomfortable with this delicate situation. He was a bit like a child; he couldn't control his emotional impulses and often didn't think before he acted. The two Assukar brothers were well aware of this trait and acted before tragedy struck.

- Everything will be all right, Zril assured him with the sweetness of a lamb.

- Lady Argent knows what she's doing, Shinko agreed.

- Really? asked Bautog, his eyes shining with innocence.

- Of course, the two brothers said in chorus.

The colossus' muscles relaxed and he suddenly seemed more at peace with himself. Argent was delighted and wanted to offer comfort to her great friend, too, but she didn't dare make a sound until her inspection was complete. She concentrated on keeping her back straight, raising her head and displaying a confident expression worthy of a future queen just as her mother had taught her since childhood. She did not like to use this trick, but she had to admit that it was sometimes necessary.

- So? the guard with the drawn sword growled, growing impatient.

- She seems to possess the physical characteristics described by the Prince, mumbled his companion. She's a bit beaten down though...

On this fact, Argent agreed and a lady of noble blood should not be. She had to explain herself and quickly.

- Please excuse me, good guard, but I have traveled a long way with my brave bodyguards that you see here, all the way from the Kingdom of the Blue Griffin. It's only natural that my clothes were damaged along the way.

His interlocutor choked and coughed a few times. His face pinkish, he nodded.

- Alright... A few of our knights will escort you to the golden capital of Rikarn where the prince is worried sick about you.

- The gesture is appreciated, good guard, but as I've already mentioned, I'm already surrounded by bodyguards, Argent emphasized in a stern tone.

The future queen wished to finish the rest of her adventure in the company of her new friends only. She was going to be very busy once she got to Rikarn and probably wouldn't have much time for them. Besides, it was very possible that the two brothers would not stay. After all, they were wanderers. As for Bautog... She couldn't abandon him.

- B-but we must insist, said the slender guard hesitantly. If something happens to you... The prince would punish us...

- I insist, she replied in the same decisive tone as her father used to use when he was tired of arguing.

- Well... As my lady wishes. Do you need shelter, a bath and hot food?

- That would be much appreciated.

- I'll notify the owner of the local tavern of your arrival, my lady.

Zril cleared his throat and tried the drool that ran down the corner of his mouth to look presentable.

- If I may ask, is there a certain establishment, you see... A whor...

Shinko put his hand on his brother's face to muffle his words. He whispered something in his ear and the older brother growled, but he remained silent.

The guard raised an eyebrow, clearly confused by the strange behavior of the people he was talking to. He raised his arm and signaled the soldiers at the top of the wall to open the gate. The huge metal gate was lifted by a complex mechanism that was activated when two men each turned a wheel.

- Signal the king of Lady Argent's arrival! shouted the guard with the darker hair than his fellow men. And warn Wynne that she needs his services and that he is to treat her like royalty. Understand Hurlÿn?

- Good! exclaimed the guard named Hurlÿn who waved an arm to someone else behind him.

Argent bowed slightly as a sign of recognition then, opened the march towards the lively city center.

- I must confess brother that your cunning was impressive, Zril complimented as the group of adventurers advanced among the chattering crowd of the small nameless town attached to the back of the Wall of Fathers.

He smirked and his eyes glowed with a thirst for vengeance.

- What do you mean? Shinko questioned confusedly.

Although he didn't understand what his elder brother was saying, his cheeks turned a pretty pinkish hue.

- Think a little you turkey, insulted Zril with a mocking grimace.

- Oh! I-it was n-n-not a trick, stammered the younger one, completely caught off guard. I was simply telling the truth.

Zril laughed again, but his face twisted all the same, revealing his repressed intentions.

Behind them, the gate closed with a muffled creak and a cloud of dust and sand. Argent then noticed that the nameless city was surrounded by this thick wall that was fortified by large spikes. Elthen was truly a master of war; even the smaller cities seemed ready to face anything except perhaps a dragon... But who in this world could fight such creatures, especially when they were adults?

- No wonder father so desperately wants Elthen as an ally.

- Mmmm? Shinko mumbled.

Argent was startled and tried to find a sensible explanation for her claims without revealing that she was part of a trade to secure the resources of the Golden Goblet realm during the coming war.

- It's nothing, the lady replied. I am simply impressed with my new people.

Impressed yes, but not for the reasons she hoped. She already missed the peaceful culture of her people and the windy but fresh landscape. Here, it was nothing but scorching heat. Her throat was overwhelmed by the claws of the twin suns. And that stubborn sand... It really wasn't practical for moving around. But she could get used to it in this permanent nice weather.

- A tavern! Zril announced enthusiastically.

Not waiting for his companions, he hurried to the building who was imposing if compared to the regular houses. All the habitations were reinforced with straw-colored bricks. Their windows were oval, something rare in Daigorn where a more square style was more common.

- Wait! Bautog yelled, crossing his fingers together. Oh...

The big guy had decidedly attached himself to the Assukars despite his initial mistrust of them. He seemed anxious that Zril would get ahead of them without an escort.

- It's going to be alright, Bautog, Shinko reassured. He's crazy, but he knows how to defend himself.

The barbarian scratched his beard that needed a good trim. He hadn't taken care of it for a few days now. Clumsy, he often cut himself on the blade of his knife and he became cranky. So he let it grow for a long time. Moreover, this mane gave him a cute style. Well, that was Argent's opinion. Shinko and Zril thought he looked even more intimidating.

- But..., Bautog started, and hesitated for a long time before continuing. The evil warriors...

- We're almost there, Shinko said. The soldiers won't hurt us, especially with Lady Argent around.

The poor colossus had clearly been raised in a rudimentary environment, probably even in a simple camp. The sight of all the rabble, the activity, and not to mention the many merchants who were chasing for his business, made him uncomfortable. He tried to ignore all this hubbub by lowering his eyes to the ground and wrapping his body with his long muscular arms. His outside was not his inside and this weakness was obvious.

- Look at this beautiful bastard sword, said a salesman who was so energetic that it was scary. With your build, you could decapitate your enemies in a single move!

On the other side, another merchant was trying to charm him with gems and precious stones.

- I can shape them on any surface! he proudly claimed. Your weapon, your armor... Oh! You're not married! Even an engagement ring, I can take care of that! Is she your bride? Obviously with your beefy body! Women like to feel safe.

He kept talking, not caring whether Bautog gave him attention or not. Argent took pity on the gentle colossus. Usually he was in a crowded place only to loot and destroy; he didn't know how to interact. Seeing his friend's growing distress, Shinko grabbed his arm and dragged him to the tavern. He didn't slow down, even while crossing the threshold of the door that Zril held open with a smirk.

- What fools, Argent thought to herself with a smile.

Once at the counter, she identified herself and the face of the teenager who had welcomed him immediately lit up. She called her father. There was no answer.

- Wynne! she roared impatiently as she put her hands on her hips to adopt a stern look.

This time, a shout came in response from across the large room where a multitude of people - probably customers - were eating, drinking and giggling at their respective tables. A tall man who appeared to be in his thirties, wearing a white apron and big boots, ran to his daughter like a gazelle who had seen a lion.

- What's going on? he asked in his cavernous and worried voice. Is the cook still at his post?

A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead, gleaming in the light. He had similar physical characteristics to Bautog, but if the latter had been born in Elthen. His daughter also had sandy hair and tanned skin, as did almost everyone in this region.

- By Elysia, stop stressing! she exclaimed. Everything is fine.

- Well then...? he began, seemingly confused by the urgency of his requested presence.

- This is Lady Argent, she said with a mischievous smile, pointing to the warrior in front of her. You know... The future wife of the prince...

- What!?! But ! But! I know it very well! Pah! You could've warned me Aphrya...

He turned to Argent and bowed deeply to demonstrate his loyalty.

- She's pretty, isn't she? mentioned Aphrya as if to torment her father. Look at her pale cheeks strewn with freckles, her iron gray eyes that resonate with power, and her beautiful chestnut hair that snakes along her spine. It's exotic around here.

- Aphrya! scolded Wynne with displeasure. A thousand apologies, my lady. Aphrya acts like a petty delinquent when she feels the urge.

Argent sneered at the information and smiled kindly.

- Do not worry. I have a younger sister who reminds me fondly of your daughter. Perhaps they would have been good friends if they had known each other.

Wynne coughed and continued:

- In any case... We have luxury rooms available... No charge for you, of course, nor for your food or any other services required.

Argent was about to thank the man for his generosity when a voice caught her attention. The source of her distraction was an older woman, perhaps in her forties or fifties, who was standing on a stage facing the clientele who were also her audience. She sang like a mermaid, her voice being unaffected by time.

Be dear, this world is good, this world is cruel

Like a shield, two multi-layered facets

Blessed by two suns, let's not forget the mysterious moon

Its constant evolution, its cycle, its moods

Creatures from the depths can surface

But brave defenders make all the difference

- Miss...? called Wynne, who noticed that Argent wasn't paying attention to him anymore.

Young Aphrya said a few words that crossed the Kindirah's mind like a buzzing in the background.

- This song, mumbled the future queen. It, uh...

- Do you know it? Wynne asked with interest.

- My great-uncle Cohennar used to sing that tune to me quite often, said Argent. I was so young... I didn't really understand it, but he kept telling me that he simply enjoyed my company and...

The dark and stern yet joyful voice of his great-uncle echoed in her head, and then the memory of herself at about five years of age sitting on the lap of the famous warrior dominated her thoughts.

- Your acceptance, had said Cohennar with a broad smile concealed by the thick bush of hair that was his ebony beard striped with white.

Suddenly, Argent felt both nostalgic and grateful. During those times, her grandfather Hurath was still in power, but he was sick and his life was no longer very active. He and Cohennar had never gotten along very well. Cohennar had always gone on adventures and returned every four seasons to visit his family in Nothar.

- Don't repeat it, because I'll get into a lot of trouble, but I'll tell you, my pretty lady, I'm coming back here strictly for you, he had said with a playful wink.

Argent didn't know if what his great-uncle was asking for was true, but she knew that he had no wife or children. He lived for adventure and bravery. He called himself the finest Daigorn sword of his time and most people agreed. All except his brother Hurath, who didn't like it. No one had mentioned it, but Argent had easily discerned Hurath's unjust behaviour towards Cohennar. In her opinion, Argent had always liked her great-uncle. He was an idol for her to follow and he had the best stories the city had to offer. It was from him that she had caught the interest to fight. Was that part of the reason why her father was so sour at the thought? Or was it simply because she was a woman? Either way... Kiojar had promised her that she could become a knight.

The voice of the woman who was singing came back to haunt her thoughts. A new question persecuted her: how did she know this melody that her great-uncle loved so much?

- Lady Argent? called Wynne apprehensively. Is everything alright?

- Yes, Argent blinked. I'm here now.

- Anyhow... Would that be enough?

- Of course it would. I thank you for it. I won't forget this, Mr Wynne.

She couldn't help but stare at the singer who didn't notice her. For his part, Wynne blushed at the young lady's compliments. Her daughter didn't miss the change in her father's complexion and cackled.

- All right, all right, grumbled the tall man.

He handed two bronze keys to his client and bowed a second time.

- I hope your stay will be perfect, my Lady.

He and Aphrya then returned to their work. Argent and her companions enjoyed their meal: a huge boar roasted to perfection surrounded by a multitude of vegetables. A few decorative pineapples made the presentation even more colourful. It was a tradition in Elthen to honour the Golden Cup.

- I don't understand, Bautog admitted, a little embarrassed.

- The pineapples are the same color as the kingdom's flag, explained Argent.

- I see...

The big guy was a little uncomfortable. He was aware that he wasn't the sharpest mind and that he was ignorant about the culture of civilization in general. He lowered his gaze to his plate and began to nibble, taking small, delicate bites. He was clumsy with the use of utensils. Normally he would devour anything offered to him without hesitation, but Argent could tell that he was trying to blend in with the crowd.

- Well, you know, Zril began, turning his fork around with a carrot on it, I can't believe you were telling the truth. You're a future queen, my word!

Argent blinked, unable to understand why his friend would think such a thing. She wasn't the lying type.

- Did you doubt her? Shinko asked in shock. How rude you can be, brother!

He too was just playing with his food. Now that she thought about it, Argent couldn't remember a single occasion when the two brothers had swallowed food.

- And you'd believe what any pretty lady would whisper in your ear, Zril replied mischievously. You're innocent, little brother.

Argent had to admit that her words were a little hard to believe. Not just anyone was from a noble family, let alone one promised to a member of a royal family. The argument went on like this for a few minutes until Bautog pounded his fists on the table, which was shaken by the shock of his big powerful hands.

- Enough! he shouted.

The two brothers excused themselves and decided to go to bed early, probably tired from the long journey. They shared a room with Bautog. Argent noticed that they hadn't touched their meal, once again.