Chapter 26:

Beyond the Limit.

My will shall resonate in this stormy game


My promise was made present, when the merchant left with important supplies, since the two tribes continued in their personal fight, only the one who received supplies could dedicate more time to their combat, than to looking for more food and with the deals with the cursed kingdom, there would undoubtedly be no time for them to calm down and be able to deal with better warriors.

By the month of this problem I was finally at the deadline where the records were so close to arriving, but what was most interesting to me was the arrival of the letter. I had estimated it would arrive a week earlier, but I didn't complain, because I was able to get the mine in better condition.

“Young man, it’s good to see you again.” After passing the letter, he relaxed.

I won't lie, I didn't even know who he was, but it wouldn't be the first time someone sought to curry favor with the House of Sol, so close to the Royal Family. "Likewise, bearer of the mantle." I scanned the letter hastily, and the contents didn't reflect much of what I had thought or planned. "It's considerably odd that my family would ask me to come." Playing hard to get would only make my answer acceptable. "Please indicate that my work isn't finished and return at the next ritual." I had nothing to lose by trying.

"I'm afraid that won't be the case, my lord. I've been ordered to escort you back," I said with unreliable regret and a more pronounced bow than usual. "It's also an order from Alba's hands."

“What exactly were his words?” I had to gain at least one more day before leaving with the bridge half finished.

“Once you arrive, hurry your meeting with young Abaddon as quickly as possible, and leave as soon as everything is presented. He will be with a tribe called Daka,” A gesture of clearing his hand made it clear that it was going to be as representative as possible. “Preparing a mine for a very valuable metal for us, but everything must be put aside in order for an heir to the House of Sun to arrive alive, above any proclamations from kings or emperors.”

I would grant him that he had a good memory, but my idea of sending a message was a priority, above all, the more war parties that arrived, the better.

“I see it and I understand it. We will leave tomorrow after Alba’s first greeting.”

“Hey? My lord, we still have plenty of time until Alba says goodbye.”

"And I have matters I cannot leave unfinished. Besides, your orders are easily understood given the brevity of everything presented. This means I have time to rest and prepare so I can have a carriage ready and an escort in perfect condition to ensure a return, instead of arriving in a wrecked carriage with only a single wounded warrior escorting me." I emphasized my gestures too much, hoping to be believed, rather than their lack of imagination in making sense of the words.

“True.” He couldn’t help but be surprised.

“Then make yourselves comfortable, so that you don’t disturb the people inside, we’ll leave in the morning as promised and there won’t be any more problems preventing me from leaving here.” I reached out to the entrance, ignoring Ari’s displeasure and Jūni’s surprise.

The afternoon arrived with the Deacon I requested from the neighboring town, ready to inherit my small temple, where he would impart the knowledge of Alba that he kept repeating like a cacophonous parrot, after minor problems explaining the lack of experience he had with the holy word, we proceeded to the most important thing, a tribal leader more suitable for the position, the young Jūni and we left the old man as an expert of the mine, only the latter thanked me, while the new leader continued to claim not to be the suitable one, but after we agreed on my return and to put order as it should be.

We selected the forces that would assist in my escort, while the White Guard warriors remained behind to defend the now Deacon, as a suitable military force, something they did not thank me for, even though it was just and necessary, not to mention my plans for the recruits I had with me.

By nightfall, everyone finally seemed in a better mood, as the ore cart was anchored in place of the luxurious white wagon we had left for the Deacon, along with two of the 6 horses they had brought, and leaving plenty of the food supplies as well as the traitor, who had previously asked to come with us, but I'm not stupid enough not to know that Ari doesn't like me.

My fortune started with me, from the many reviews in which we removed some silver and kept it in my inventory courtesy of the game system, but also having to cover the silver we had to send with more normal stones and only the winged tribe who did not know that it was silver and confused it with normal iron, reason for sending them more impurities in the mineral than what we did daily, they would not complain if they knew it was silver later.

The night ended as easily as it began, amid back pain and a bit of neck pain from the lack of a mattress, perhaps the only thing I missed about the Sol house.

In the morning, as I had anticipated, the merchant arrived with the empty cart ready to be filled with the ore half freed from the stone, and with it a message from me.

"Everything is fine, young man, I will leave to continue this metal deal," I mention, hoping to be heard by the white guard.

“I trust you and I hope the message is delivered as it should be. Young Jūni will take my place during my absence in case I am not entirely clear.”

“Everything is perfectly clear and understood, see you, young man,” he said as the cart took the lead.

“Yes.” I looked at the chest and how padded it was around the rings.

We set off with the mineral and the two warriors in the back with the supplies and the 4 horses pulling the two carts and as always I in front next to the mantle bearer.

"Shall we go, young man?" I try to remember the route to get to the exit of the wall.

“Sure, toward the Sunken tribe.” He pointed the way forward.

“Excuse me?” The surprise was cleared up as the driver turned onto our first stop. “We weren’t going to Lasha. We have to get to the Rumor tribe first.”

"I haven't skimped on resources or time. Know that our path is the right one." Try to avoid arrogance; you'd have to use it wisely when you were in Alba's hands.

“If you say so,” there was hesitation in the words.

It wasn't until after the bang had sounded that everyone seemed alarmed, and for it to be heard so far away it shouldn't have been a surprise.

Our journey continued uninterrupted, and after half an hour we reached the tribe, where they were participating in a more or less decent training session. It was clear that they lacked competent instructors, as they didn't even know how to form straight lines.

For our arrival, they became defensive, when my escort arrived at the front, at our stop due to the many present to greet us and the arrival of the chief only increased the lack of tact of the white guard, by putting the weapons in front, I went forward, with my escort and we saluted.

“I greet the chief of the Sunken tribe. I trust our arrangements are to your liking.”

“They are, but I'm afraid I have bad news for you.” I look at the warriors with regret and then with bewilderment.

"If any problems have arisen, I am ready to resolve them, if possible, or prepare appropriate compensation for my failure to comply."

“N… it’s not that, please follow me,” I clarify, hoping no blood will be shed because of her.

A White Guard warrior stepped forward and unsheathed the metal blade, which surprised me. It was rare that metal passed into the hands of simple guards and the response seemed unpleasant to me.

“The young man…” The surprise was not masked when the hand made him lower the weapon, with little abruptness.

“Please, warrior, do not insult our allies. We have matters to attend to, and your recklessness will cause our journey to be delayed and cause more problems than necessary.” The cold metal seemed to almost burn my hand, and I wasn't surprised because we were close to reaching the snowfall, but more pressing problems arose with my presence.

“Young man, are you…”

“I have spoken, and you are merely my escort. Your duty is to follow me back to Lasha, and you are attempting to turn a valuable ally into our enemy.” The way I avoided escalating the issue further than necessary made me feel a little more comfortable. “Know that this has nothing to do with your mission, and this is simply an unexpected event.” I released the paper and addressed the tribal chief. “Know, Chief, that I desire your understanding. New recruits often exhibit this kind of exaggeration in the eyes of those who do not serve Alba as directly as we do, and I know that this does not excuse their lack of behavior, which puts me in a difficult situation.”

“I understand, kid, but the problem seems more pressing, and maybe your mood will change quite a bit when you see it.” He continued on his way.

We all followed suit, while the wagon driver reached the other side, passing through the tribe, while we went to the forest and my surprise was even greater when I saw the Grimor as a hedgehog with all the spears and weapons stuck in it, in addition to the wood widened to his breastplate.

The chitinous legs were removed and possibly not far away due to the poison they had and more importantly the exploded shell, the young would have been scattered without a doubt and the meat being eaten by a pair, while small shells around them showed the result of cannibalism.

I didn't show much more prudence than the rest; the smaller ones had to eat half-rotten meat for a whole year to have a lethal poison, and when we finally got closer we saw it, one larger than the rest, possibly the male, protecting the widow's corpse and its shape so similar to a human, but with retractable legs.

“My little one, you have finally been able to fulfill your mission.” The almost ant-like form, mixed with a beetle, stepped forward, no bigger than a wolf, and squealed as I approached, trying not to let fear overcome me and feigning a familiarity that I couldn’t find repugnant, to the point that the smell made it hard to hold back the urge to vomit. “Ocypus is gone, my little Olens.”

I took the piece of copper out of the small box that I had stored with other metals, and thanked myself for my caution, I threw it to the side while it nibbled at it with a lack of calm before lying back on its shell.

I approached the creature, which was considerably larger than a bear, so similar to a spider at base, but with a neck that resembled a snake more and a head not unlike an ant's, while turning it so that I could surround the babies, who were feeding from the exposed belly.

“My lord, these creatures.” I could barely avoid spasms of intent as I watched the larger one play. “Where did he get them?” I didn’t want to reveal my face, partly because I felt like vomiting even harder than before, and being dragged away was a lifetime’s chance to get a dying baby cornered next to me.

“It’s been a while.” I calmly punched my stomach a couple of times, then grabbed my neck before throwing up my breakfast.

“Are you okay, young man?” The boss stopped them, fortunately for me, and he was the first to speak.

“It’s fine, it’s tradition.” I threw out the last bit and officially felt dizzy, as what seemed to me to be blood, I brought the little winged creature closer.

“Young man, I don’t want to question your sense of duty, but this is unpleasant.”

“A life was saved on my journey, and I return the favor by saving my savior’s offspring.” I quickly fell to my knees, feeling drained of strength, and the creature was eating what seemed even more disgusting to me, but it would be worth it. “It’s not Alba’s command, that one life is worth another.” I rubbed the shell, feeling the repugnant purple slime and hoping it would end quickly.

By the time I finally finished, he started climbing on my clothes and eating the few remnants of my vomit, while I headed towards the rest, holding him with my left hand even though it would be easier with my right, and the bigger one continued playing, much to my relief.

“Tribal Chief, the mother gave birth to five cubs. This one will follow me. You can raise the others by feeding them rotten meat or putting out the waste from your tribe. There, once they're as big as little Olens, they'll develop considerable poison. When that happens, you should stop coming. They'll look for their own food, but generally they don't tend to stray far from the trees.” The stench barely allowed me to think clearly, and I was grateful the clothes were half-brown, or the waste would be noticeable. “Cutting down some trees in this direction is also advisable, and if you have some water for my bath.”

He nodded and led us to the buckets of water, a couple helped me dry off and the dirty clothes were used as part of the crib for the baby and with that we continued the dealings, with me barely recovering from the dizziness.

“So, your creature, does the whistle still work?”

“It will work with the females, but with the males, try using these.” I placed the box with the rest of the copper pieces. “They like to nibble at it; if you throw it farther, they'll get it to go that way.”

"We'll take care of the creatures, don't doubt it." He placed his fist in front of his chest, clarifying a warrior's oath.

"I'm not asking. Once they grow, it's hard to control them, and it won't take long for them to grow." Instilling a little panic would make things easier in the future. "Their shell is as hard as stone on the outside; the inside is easier to break. Weapons or armor would be ideal for that scrap they can claim." I placed a small bottle of lemon juice that I usually used to flavor the heated water I had on the trails. "This is an antidote to that poison," I clarified, indicating the stinking basket. "This bottle is enough for two people, but if the bite turns purple, I'm afraid there's no remedy. It's easier to heal the smaller ones. When they're the size of a wolf, like the one you saw playing, drink the whole bottle, or you could die."

“I will never forget your words, know that.”

"With your permission, my journey is urgent, and this incident, though fortuitous, does not change the fact that it is dangerous. Try to enjoy these peaceful dawns that the creatures will bring you. When they grow up, they will be a considerable problem." The redundancy of that fact should be enough to prevent them from trying to domesticate the creatures.

“I won’t keep you any longer.” I take the bottle and tie it around his neck before putting it on the collar around his neck.

“With your permission.” I stood up and took a short break with the child, ready to continue our journey.

By the time we finally set off, everyone had moved away from the seat beside me, and the driver also seemed to prefer to be further away than usual, skimming the edge of his seat, as we continued along the newly cleared road, meeting the helpers from the sunken tribe, who were clearing the path of logs, and to my surprise, the road was considerably easier to drive than usual.

By the time we reached the collapse, it looked more like a giant rock sticking out from a small hollow, and when we reached the end of it, a gentle slope allowed us to descend to solid ground, just in time for the second line of the collapse, which allowed the small hill of rock to descend to our level and was soon to be used for the land bridge.

“For Alba.” Most people seemed shocked as they watched the rock stall again in the middle. “Young man, your ways are becoming more and more dangerous.”

I took a closer look at the warrior who knew how to go with the flow, but seemed more attentive to his surroundings than the rest, and with that, the possible spy that the merchant promised. I made sure to memorize his face, in order not to include a name unless he was given a noble origin.

"It's Alba's will; it's not our place to question her decisions." I returned my gaze to the road, continuing to identify the dense forest and the nearby meadow that Lasha would allow us to see.

A full day of travel from Lasha to the sunken tribe and just over an hour to reach Full, everything was going according to plan, with this the threats to the Arbos tribe would be more forceful and my deals would gain strength, not to mention the many justifications I had planned for the trial that could come.

By the morning of the next day, as I anticipated, the clothes had disappeared and the first change of chitin had finished and was about to disappear like the clothes I left in the basket, as we entered the tribe and to my surprise, things had not changed at all, with the disappearance of the merchant and the many goods that arrived, I considered that the changes would be extreme or at least poverty would be a more tangible present for everyone.

“Nothing has changed in the ritual since I was away.” Almost a year seemed like enough time to notice considerable changes.

When I arrived at the Sol house, I wasn't surprised to see that it was better cared for than when I left. After all, I left during difficult times. When my little sister arrived, along with the few family members I had present, we all gave each other a fraternal hug.

Upon the arrival of the elders, I managed to slip away fast enough so that their collision would not sink me into the rest and I continued to arrive in front of the lady of the house and the head of the family, the servants were unloading the things, while one that I selected was bringing the basket and the chest, which I had requested, in the process of giving the pertinent greeting I gave them the greeting of the mid-dawn journey before they showed the youngest of my brothers and the pair of babies that were in the hands of the servants.

“It’s good to see you’re back safe and sound, son.”

“Regarding my return as head of the family, my duties are not complete, and my return is a priority to put an end to the great evils to come. However, I have not returned empty-handed. I bring fortune, duty, and wealth with me, and with it, small tokens of my gratitude.”

The chest was brought to the front, revealing the silver jewels.

"Lady of the house, these jewels were forged with the metals of the mine I have opened in the name of the House of Sol, and in them you will find the elegance absent from your person at tea parties." I was pleased that you remembered our code for delivering the cakes.

I hurriedly took the chest from the maid's hands. "I never doubted you." The joy was clearly due to what I had acquired, as I tried to get back inside the house more quickly.

"Head of the family, my treatment of the land grab, as you may know, I chose a place that seems to have little or no relevance, but on this map you will see the reason why I have decided to claim those lands." I handed over the map and with it, a slight surprise. If there ever was a reason for it, I don't remember it.

"A route that takes us to trade with the people on the other side of the mountain, narrowing the path to two tribes, and this must be the mine you mentioned." He held the map up to the boy to make sure.

"In fact, all we need to do is put up a sentry post, a stone with the family symbol, and a couple of houses, and they'll have to pay for the short cut in Albas to get there." He explained with the expert opinion, which included a statement of the facts.

"The family will welcome this trade route. I'll see that this map arrives with the Santa Fe as soon as possible." I head toward the wagon, intending to leave.

By the time I was finally alone inside the house, I noticed how it was cleaner, the presence of servants was larger and the basket was starting to be eaten by the young inside, one of the many advantages of being omnivorous and when the piece of copper was placed in front of him he grabbed it hastily, while he covered the basket again, developing his poison so early would make it a more lethal weapon.

I arrived at my room, noticed how the place was quite clean and well-kept and after a while I understood it better, seeing the toys, the colored cubes placed on one side forming a box, I almost felt attached to the place.

After placing the basket on the side of my bed, I lay down, noticing how the softness of the mattress was bothering me more than usual. "Damn, I'm used to the stiffness of wood and leather."

Discouraged, I went to the square, luckily for me, it seemed that almost no one recognized me and when I finally arrived at the poor neighborhood, I continued my way towards the slave trader, the well-kept house, the warriors guarding it welcomed me hastily, while I noticed inside more people than usual, resting waiting for their turn, I sat at the end, when the merchant came out to say goodbye to one of the nobles, whom I managed to recognize as being from the Aracel house, by the flower on his emblem.

“Young Abaddon, it’s good to see you, please come in.” He showed the reverence of someone highly respected.

“I’ll wait. Your customers have clearly waited a considerable amount of time. Besides, my matter isn’t urgent, just a minor purchase.”

“So much the better, if you require anything, ask the servant to attend to you.”

“Thank you for the courtesy.”

The afternoon passed and I noticed the night, when it was finally my turn, I was grateful to have the time to be able to write something more about my plans, while I waited and in the end he finally arrived with a bottle in his hand and two glasses.

“Work is over, young man. What brings you to my shop today?”

"Like my last visit, I'm a bearer of bad omens." I noticed his spirits plummet rather quickly, as he held the door open for me, and with it, his most measured judgment.

After the two drinks were served, I tried to organize my thoughts, while I remembered a little about the changes I had seen along the way and how they might affect future events.

"Young man, Alba has revealed to you that she requires my help to prevent this and keep my illustrious business afloat." I look at the boy, somewhat nervously.

“It's not exactly something you can avoid, but rather something you can take advantage of, just like the last great slave escape.”

“Really.” He looked at the opportunity for money and became more helpful than usual. “Please tell me more. My slaves will be at your service in whatever you ask. I have acquired promising specimens during my absence, and I made sure they had more food, as well as being a little cleaner.”

“I am aware of the wonders of wealth, aren’t I?”

“As you know well, I won't go into further details, but I'll get back to what interests us.”

“The war is coming, and since this place seems more trustworthy, I’ll be honest with you.”

"Don't worry. I've made sure they leave us alone for just the occasion. In fact, when you left, I thought you'd been expelled, but I'm pleased to see you back in one piece and with your family crest." I clasp my hands, feeling impatience rising.

“Winged aside, my recent communion with other tribes made me understand that what I had were not omens, but visions and in this one, I saw this place burn, but you have not yet acquired the pictures of yourself painted from what I see, so your status as a noble has not yet been decided.”

“I'm close to becoming one, and I'll claim all this territory in my name.” He took the cup, feeling disappointed. Almost a life to be thrown away so soon. “But, if war is coming, it would be wise to acquire combat slaves, wouldn't it?” He took the cup, soothing his lack of spirit a little.

"If on the day I came to visit, all those cages had been filled with warriors, it still wouldn't have been enough. What's coming is no ordinary war."

“Enigmatic, could you give us more details? And how will this affect the House of Sol?”

“It will affect all of Lasha.” I made a small flash of light appear as I took the small red cloth from the seat. “Followers of a god who proclaims himself to be war will ascend. Hundreds of warring tribes will come to offer sacrifices of countless innocents, so that the lady may taste their blood and her twin may use the bones to make a throne.” The cloth lit up the surroundings in red as the candles illuminated the dying glow. “Darkness unravels. Due to past grievances, warriors clad in black will begin to extinguish the lights around Lasha and will soon reach it.” I blew out a couple of candles with water in the air, but as I noticed their fear, I knew I was achieving my goal. “Warriors who oppose the Holy Faith, sworn enemies of Alba, with horns, also unravel, ready to take everyone as slaves.” I modified the light and pulled the other red cloth, so that they looked like horns and two eyes of light lower down, while forming a sinister laugh.

With only one light on the desk present, he clung to the candle and began to use it like a poorly held dagger, while the wax fell on the desk, and with this I brought the face closer modifying the sparks, making it seem like they formed fangs and jaws opening, while I noticed the squeals more frequently and at the right moment I made him fall, while I turned on lights around, illuminating the room for the last time.

“Lasha, she will be enlightened once more, an Ascended One will come to our aid.” The same sparks would form, forming a humanoid figure and taking my place in the seat. “The few survivors will leave here, with renewed faith, with scarce supplies of all kinds.” I was already feeling guilty for lying so often, but I wasn't going to stop until the territory was saved.

He let the sparks scatter the extinguished candles and lit them again, leaving us in relative silence and the room as dimly lit as the last time.

“The noble houses will be the last bastion of the common people; those with the most people on their side will be the most overwhelmed by refugees.” I sipped from the glass, feeling my emotion gain strength. “Those with the most resources will be plundered. What I saw was this place, stained with fire.” I used the sparks of light in my hand as an example as I closed it, feeling the stinging pain. “Boxes being hastily removed, while the necklaces lay inert on the floor.”

Shock made him sit back, the closest thing he'd ever felt to relief, as he found the moment daunting, his sweaty face showing little to no calm. "I'll join the House of Sol. Does that ensure my survival?"

“I can’t guarantee anything.” I placed the glass on the small table.

“Don't lie to me, kid.” I slammed the table, hard. “For quite some time, your family has been trying to unite me. They're not the only ones. The Lica family, the Ciros family too.”

"I just arrived, at the halfway point of dawn. I'm not informed of anything that's happening here, but I dare say your only chance of getting out alive is to flee from here as soon as possible." I took the bottle, poured myself a little more, and put it back on the table.

“Running away, I've worked my whole life, only to be told that getting out of here is the answer to all my problems,” his fury far surpassed him. “No matter how you look at it, my place is here, alongside everything I've worked hard to earn.”

“It is, but like Lasha, this place will soon be ruined. It’s not for me to decide for you.” I looked at my reflection in the glass, trying to remember a bit of my old face and failing. “I’ve secured a place outside of Lasha, where I could evacuate my family and my people.” I drank half the glass, feeling foolish. “And I sincerely hope I’m wrong.” I placed the glass in the center of the table, somewhat more disposed to calm. “I recommend you do the same. That way, you won’t have to start from scratch again. If I’m wrong, you’ll just have to make some excuse to leave. In the days before the disaster, I saw how Alba turned black, and the place seemed to be a prelude to your dismissal or arrival.” I approached the door and opened it. “Before that happens, they’ll claim all the slaves like last time. You have plenty of time to decide your final steps. This place will burn, like Sol, like Lica, like Arbos.”

I left there, much more satisfied than I intended, as I continued, with my notes in hand and feeling that I had forgotten something, I felt more looks than usual before arriving at a slightly happier neighborhood, and noticing how the children of my age began to play with each other, some presumptuous, others not so much, and when I finally reached the seat near the tree, I continued writing my plans, while they collected the children from the illustrious houses and some other commoner, son of merchants or future nobles.

"We are children of Lasha, and in our march, we will show greatness," he repeated almost every time, and in a moment of doubt, I went to join him as dusk began to fall.

After a while, we finally left what seemed to me to be a very clear square, we reached the main road and headed towards the noble neighborhood to the Celim house, something that did not please me.

The door was knocked on and when it finally opened, the voice only made me doubt my actions even more.

“Leon, Lica, from the House of Lica, I have gained my first follower, Saint Portia.” He knelt, placing his sword before him in an oath.

To my surprise, he bowed, in what seemed to me to be the closest thing he would ever show to a martial attitude, if my memories of his attitude, as one of the three protagonists were true, and in order to play along, I got down on one knee.

“León, we had agreed that you would not convince the others, but that they should join you of their own free will.”

“I second my procession without us sharing a single word.”

The boy was more polite than I remembered, and I decided my new facade would be the most appropriate. If there was an opportunity, I would bring the pair together to ensure they wouldn't be a problem in the future. "Abaddon of the House of Sol, young Leo, demonstrated an unbreakable spirit. I follow him out of admiration for that spirit." I tried to be formal.

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