The Epic of Irgano Ayethy: Part I chapter 2
Chapter 2 of Part 1 of The Epic of Irgano Ayethy, I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 2:
I got up at first light. The mouse pup was still sleep. I quietly got ready and then headed outside. I was preparing my horse when I heard someone sneak up on me. “BOO!" it was the pup.
“You're not very stealthy. Good morning."
“Mornin' where you going"
“I'm heading north to the old burrows."
“Can I come."
“No."
“Why not."
“Because"
“Because why"
“Because I said so."
“You sound old like my mom… or my older brother Tsitsi."
“Well then I bet your older brother was very dignified."
“What's did-nee-fied?"
“It's dignified and it means very respectable and mature."
“Oh well then my brother wasn't dignified. He was always mis-chief-us and was always called immature." hmm it seems the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. The pup was quiet for a second.
“How old are you."
“I'm 16."
“My brother was 16." His eyes lit up “You're like my new brother!"
“I'm not your brother. I'm just a paladin." as I was saying that I finished preparing my horse and mounted him.
“Now then I'm off. If-When I find your mother, how will I find you?"
“I'll be here."
“Very well, good bye little pup" with that I gave the pup a rub on the head and I was off.
I decided exit the town with the north gate. Only 10 minutes after exiting the town I came across the old Innkeeper. He was sitting under an old Hazel tree by the creek that ran through here. It was an old and stately tree. The Innkeeper was eating breakfast. He looked up from his meal and spoke “'ello auldkit. Off on your adventure?"
“Yes I am."
“Very well. How was your roommate?" the Innkeeper said with a smile. He obviously made me share a room with the pup for some sick twisted humour. “Hope he was good company and humor." I knew it!
“He was acceptable, though a bit kitish." The Innkeeper shook his head and chuckled.
“Your rather full of yourself and you take everything much too seriously. You should learn to relax now and then." Full of myself hmph.
“I'm a paladin."
“That you are…. say what happened to little Chii?"
“I left him at the inn. But I did vow to find his mother."
“That's a big vow."
“Welp, as a skilled paladin I don't think of difficulty and danger…" I pause for dramatic effect “…only doing." I smile and give a soft chuckle at my quipful response.
“I didn't know you were that skilled that you can confidently storm the realms of the dead."
The Innkeeper is rather misinformed about things.
“I could, if I really wanted to. But I don't because the Pup's mother is just lost."
The Innkeeper shook his head again
“And that will get you killed. They say nothing is more dangerous that underestimating your enemy, but obviously…they haven't met you. You don't even estimate!"
“Exactly!" I say. The Innkeeper had obviously in an attempt to be clever failed
“Your quest is dangerous."
“I just have to find a mouse."
“No I mean this one."
“Oh, well I've tangled with cults before."
“Not this one."
“They're all the same."
“You'll need a companion."
“No disrespect Futhyidi, I'm sure you were a great adventurer in your youth but you're an elder."
“I appreciate the honor, but I didn't mean me."
“Then wh-…..wait not the mouse pup?" the Innkeeper had obviously been in the sun too long with his advance age.
“He's more than a mouse pup. His mother was a Yichikri[[1]](#_ftn1) and he comes from a long line of sorcerers. He can handle himself, he crossed the Fultrost alone."
“I work alone."
“That's your problem. You can't do it alone."
“I can. I'm a paladin this all I know."
The Innkeeper pauses “
You know for once… your right. It is all you know how to do. But it doesn't mean that you're some invincible warrior. Do you know what happens to folks like you?"
“What?"
“You die. I've seen it to many times. Young, bold, and foolish. You'll get yourself killed because your head is to full of yourself to think of anything else."
“I'm not full of myself. You'll find I'm quite respectable."
“By who yourself?
The Innkeeper is becoming rather annoying.
“The entire town was amazed by my presence."
“They were entertained. You looked like some hot-head arrogant prince. You and most of you young paladins off on your own from what I've seen take yourselves too seriously. You play dumb like you don't know the dangers of what you do and hide your fear behind idiotic posturing."
“…….Like you've seen a prince before to call me a hot-head arrogant prince! Just tell me how to get to the warren and I'll be out your hair. Obviously, you and the rest of the town don't appreciate my company."
The Innkeeper mumbles something about surprise, fragility, and ego. He's probably hurt over my comment. I probably wounded his ego.
The Innkeeper let out a sigh and shook his head
“Very well. If you are going to do this, you must know that the burrows are three days out."
“Nothing too bad."
“You should get you spells in order you'll need them. Say your prayers and hope. I have some rations here for you. I wouldn't eat from that accursed land. If you survive then come visit me by this Hazel tree again. We can have a picnic and swap adventure stories."
“That would be nice, but I don't need hope. I have faith in the Oaken Lady. Goodbye."
“Goodbye." I begin to ride off but the Innkeeper shouted
“Wait!" “before you go. There are rumors that the Cultists are trying to raise somefox by the name of Ghuehit Uni bemi Akuri[[2]](#_ftn2)I don't know much about olden foxes beyond the kings. But you do, you might know his name…" “…and auldkit, stay alive." The Innkeeper said the last part sincerely. I tipped my head and was off. I pondered the words of the Innkeeper. I wasn't full of myself…was I? I mean I am very knightly and noble. The townsfoxes weren't laughing at me, I'm sure of it. I..I…am a paladin. I don't have time for such doubt. What I need to think about is the name the Innkeeper spoke. If I remember my history lessons, and of course I do Akuri was a champion of Osidi the Lesion and lead the Templars on the crusade that desolated this land. It is said when he assaulted a great burrow he was finally slayed via divine intervention by the Chief of the Burrow. Au-ei-hrui is… or well was the Aa's goddess of Peace and tranquility and really the goddess of this land for they spoke that it is her domain. The sagas from the time of Osidi the Black at least the ones I know speak of her being the one who intervened to kill Akuri, but such an act sealed her fate. With her already weakened power intervening against Akuri who was “blessed" by Maghik[[3]](#_ftn3)-death upon him- broke her due to some divine spells and magic I know not of. It's impressive in a dark way how the evil of Osidi the Blight had seeped into it even after he long passed. As a Paladin its my duty to make it right I took the oath I, I will uphold it not just for me and my order but for my father and mother and for towns such as kuthyutyaiki.
The journey was uninteresting. Just more of the plains. I didn't see what the fuss was about. By the end of the day I had figured I was making good time so I set camp. I got the fire going. I prepared dinner. The rations the Innkeeper packed were simple, but I was gracious and happy. It's not often such help comes around. The rations were dried beef, nuts, cheese, and dried fruit. It was good eating. As I sat around the fire I smelt a familiar smell. I listened closely. After a few minutes I hear a rustle. I look out the corner of my eye and see the tall grass move. I smell the air.
“You're getting better, but you should have approached downwind. That way you not detected by smell." I hear a barely audible gasp." “I know you're in there maghuashk[[4]](#_ftn4)." When I said that a small figure come out from the grass and his small voice spoke up
“I'm not little." The mouse pup sat next to me by the fire.
“How long have you been following me?"
“Since you were talking to Rashatifupi."
“Who?"
“Rashatifupi the old Innkeeper. That's his name."
“Huh"
“You didn't know his name?"
“No."
“You talked to him a lot to not know it."
“Whatever, what I want to know is why are you following me?"
“Because I want to go on an adventure."
“You're too young."
“No, I'm not."
“Yes, you are."
“I crossed the big river."
“It's one thing journeying. But adventuring and questing is a whole different matter." The pup looked downtrodden.
“You can stay the night." his mood lifted a little.
“After that?"
“I'm taking you back to the town."
“All the way back."
“Yes, that's what that means."
“That's kind of far now." I realize the pup is right. Town is a day's travel away now meaning it'll add a lot of time to my quest. I scowl at the pup who only smiles.
“You'll lucky I don't have the time to take you back." The mouse jumps up and down cheering. “Hush hush. This is no place for celebrations…there could be giants or…even dragons"
The pup's face was a mix of concern and excitement
“Really!"
“…. Maybe"
“You're just joking, right?!"
I don't answer the pup. As we sit by the fire the sounds of the night played their song. The crackle of the fire, the chirping of the crickets, the owls hunting, the gentle whisper of the Wind and the slight rustling of the grass. The Pup pulled a Caca-lute out his bag and began to play a song. He played…quite well. As I listened I recognized the song.
“The ballad of Lyai"
“My mom called it the song of La I."
“It's an old song. Older than the Cyalrithy dynasty."
“Whats it about?"
“Play the song." Maghuashk played the song and I sang the song:
Lyai al Lyai al
Hiati toli shiho?
Raythy ca shiost futrathy
Raythy toli pibothy
Lyai al Lyai al
Hiati toli Shini?
Ca Shicakithyli nainieme fahiik
Ca pithyhishkil yidieme fahiik
Lyai al Lyai al
Lyai al Lyai al
Hiati toli Shini?
Ca ghiisilithy lyaya toli ko rashatime baseuk
Ca Fa ko raha baseuk
Ca ame ko amishk baseuk
Lyai al Lyai al
Hiati toli Shini
“You play good." I say smiling at the Pup
“And you sing good." He says smiling back
“Thank you, my father taught me. Before he met my Mother, he was a minstrel. It was his favorite song. He would sing it at the moon whenever my mom left."
“He sounds fun."
“…He…he was." My father loved to sing, he taught me every song I know.
“I still don't really know what's it's about though." I was about to tell him but then I remembered when I was young. I didn't know what the song was about then, I asked my dad and he made me try to figure it out on my own.
“look at the lyrics. What do you think it means?" the pup was deep in thought.
“Well this Lyai lady went missing, or she left…. And she went far away. Beyond the great river and… I guess the fox lands[[5]](#_ftn5)." So far, he's doing good.
“What else?"
“and I think she was magic since everything went bad after she left. Or it's meta-four-eye-cle and it just means she was very nice so everyone is very sad."
“good try, but the word is actually meta-four-icle and, why can't it be both?"
“Huh, I guess it can."
“But your right. The lament is old as I said. But the story is very important to Foxcanon and the story of my… family. So, it's well remembered at least by those versed in old lore." I continued “Lyai was a princess of the City of the great river back in the before age, her brother left one day to fight the great evil. She loved him greatly and wanted to fight alongside him. But her father stopped her. When her brother died fighting her father locked her in the palace. Grief and stress had struck him nearly mad. For he feared losing her too. After a while her younger brother left for war, but this time she snuck out. She joined her brother. It's said in the field of battle she saved the life of her brother but in doing so was carried off by the evil and never seen again. When the brother returned his father was consumed by grief and madness and banished him. Some say the evil had a part in his madness. But such are rumors."
“That's sad."
“It is."
“What makes it important for your family?"
“………"
“Is it a secret like your real name... tsakihe." There's that name again. I don't know enough mouse to know what it means.
"Yes, it's a secret and what does “Tsakihe" mean."
"It's a secret." The pup said smiling. I responded with a smile.
“Alright then, keep your secrets." We sat contently under the watchful eye of the stars. Eventually the Pup fell asleep. I went to sleep as well. It only seemed like a few minutes later but I could tell by the moon it was only an hour before first light that I heard a loud sound and smelt rabbits. The Pup woke up as well. I went through the tall grass to the edge of the road. I had strategically placed the camp a way's off from the road for exactly this reason. I saw a little way down the road a wagon driven by two house and driven by a cloaked figure. By its smell it was most likely a rabbit. The Pup loudly came up beside me. I quickly shushed him. As the wagon approached I saw the Driver's robes were strangely marked with shimmering runes. We paladins have a rule of thumb “Strange lands, Strange folk, strange runes, kill it." So, I prepared to do exactly that. My training in the Cishithy Aishiu[[6]](#_ftn6) allowed me to see they were with imbued suri and ghu[[7]](#_ftn7) manna, they were weak though. The Runic language was one I couldn't fully make out. I also saw that inside the wagon were captive Aa pups. This was obviously a cultist transporting Aa's to be indoctrinated into their twisted cult or worse. I began to plan their rescue when I heard a small sneeze and I looked over. I forgot about the Pup.
“Stay put."
“Why?"
“Because this is dangerous you could get hurt and get in the way."
“Come on!"
“No and that's final." With the Pup quiet I could finally think. My plan was to ambush the wagon from behind. It was quite an excellent plan.
When the wagon was almost right in front of us I prepared to execute my highly tactical plan When suddenly the Pup popped up from next to me and ran in front of the wagon. I was about to chastise him when I realized at this point it's best to capitalize on the opportunity. The wagon stopped suddenly barley avoiding the Pup. The Driver who I saw clearly now was a Charcoal rabbit. His fur was marked with the same runic markings as his robes. He approached the Pup, then another rabbit came out from beside the driver I didn't see. The rabbit was the same as the Driver except his fur was cloudy gray. A slight complication but a excellent and skilled swordsmen such as me could take them. I heard one of the rabbits speak
“What's a 'lil mouse 'ike you doin'ere."
“I was journeying north and I saw your wagon…..Maybe I can have a ride?" the Pup gave the cutest smile he could summon.
The Other Rabbit spoke up “
Maybe we can give him a ride Lio-ya."
They turned to face each other and the Driver responded
“It'll be 'is last." The nefarious rabbits laughed. I prepared to strike. I drew Starrin my sword passed down generation after generation in my family. I leapt from the grass. The rabbits whorled around, but before they could come to their sense I charged the Gray rabbit seeing as he was biggest. He was slain before he could draw his sword. The black one managed to draw his though. Seeing his comrade fall obviously angered him. This worked to my advantage and made his sword fighting sloppy. He attempts to stab me where futile, I was too fast and him too undisciplined. Each slash and stab I dodge and with each dodge he grew angrier and angrier. In his rage he charged, I dodged and struck his now undefended side. The rabbit was slain. The Pup was in awe of my skills. I was about to make a heroic and witty remark when the pup yelled “Behind you!" I turned around in time because a fire ball was heading for me I used Starrin as a shield and absorbed the impact and then I saw another Rabbit this one was Brown but his fur was covered even more so than the black rabbit in runic inscriptions on his neck was an amulet inside was a glowing red ruby. The amulet itself was made of a Blackstone, I couldn't tell what. The Rabbit lifted his paws to his chest and the amulet lifted and glowed with power and then he enchanted in a hoarse yet distorted yet powerful voice:
“ çutki dsha hîkuhîku" and anther fire ball come towards us. My sword blocked it again. But the rabbit was gone. I moved the pup behind me and I slowly surveyed for the Warlock. I heard him before I saw him on top of the wagon
“Tlaqi?o dsha Xu?iada auro" I recognize the spell and I grabbed Chii and rolled out the way just in time to not be stabbed en masse by dozens of black daggers. I grabbed my Ilnu[[8]](#_ftn8) and chanted rapidly thrice
“Aa ?òzi Tlachi çòho!" the Warlock was flung from the wagon onto the ground. I took a quick breather seeing as that was an intensive spell. The warlock recovered faster than I and he began to hover Higher and higher and his amulet floated from his chest. The runes glowed with a fiery rage and from The Realm itself, suri manna streaked and bled unto him, his eyes blackened he spoke in a voice beyond that of his own distorted beyond any purity “ Tki harkrà dsha Au-ei-hrui ? tlachho!" From him and an unholy screech came a beam of pure suri manna. Before I could summon the strength to grab my sword and block the blast I heard a little voice speak “ Ku? kamti" and the beam hit a manna shield around us. It was Chii, he was under strain and the shield was faltering under the onslaught. I had to act fast I looked to the sky and prayed to the Argent Lady. I leapt unto the wagon ran across it and jumped off the Rabbit distracted with casting such a powerful spell did not see me till Starrin had shattered his amulet and plunged into him. We both tumbled to the ground, but unlike the Rabbit I was still alive. I quickly turned around and looked towards Chii and while he was unharmed he had fainted from my epicness…or from the spell… most likely the latter. I walked over, I saw Chii had a well-cut amethyst gem. Obviously how he cast the spell. I picked him off from the ground and sat him up on the side of the wagon before preceding to the back of the wagon. I opened the back of wagon and saw a dozen or so rabbit pups. They at first were afraid but seeing a Noble Knight like me they were put at ease and began to cheer and…adorate me.
A strange voice spoke
“Now, now kids leave the nice fox alone. He must be tired." It was a young Rabbit maiden. The pups reluctantly obeyed. She approached me and gave a small bow I did the same. A rabbit…thing, I don't know.
“Thank you for freeing us…" she gestures for my name.
“Cyalrinu Olriishithy Ashito Intythy[[9]](#_ftn9) and don't think me. It's my honor."
The Rabbit maiden gasped
“I just head of you guys in legend, I thought you were myths."
“Myths are often based on reality." I make sure to give a very heroic and wise pose
The Maiden is unimpressed
“You shouldn't try so hard. Your much more heroic when you don't make yourself look like an arrogant noble." Why do people keep saying I look like an arrogant noble!?
“Well…never mind that."
“I didn't know your ego was so fragile" the Maiden says surprised.
“I don't have an ego. What I want to know is can you get home."
“Yeah, I can. I know my way around. The question is where you are headed."
“We…" I say boldly and strike a pose “are headed for the Cultist stronghold and shall banish the threat from these lands."
The Maiden tries to contain her laughter
“I'm sorry, your just so ridiculous. But um... who else is with you." I pointed to the fainted Chii "Oh, is he ok?!"
“Yes, just fainted from exertion."
“Ok…um but you know its kind of a bad idea attacking the stronghold. Its like filled with these guys."
“Nothing to hard for a paladin like me to handle."
“I doubt it. Besides if you really want to weaken the cultist you need to strike at their heart."
“Isn't that the stronghold?"
“That's just their stronghold, their main base of operations. Their heart is a warren northwest. Its were their god lives, at least that's what the elders say."
“Thank you for the information. I'll keep it in mind."
“Welcome, well we better get going."
The rabbits head off. While I trusted the Maiden, I would continue our current heading. Our quest was for the stronghold and for the stronghold it shall be. I carried the fainted Chii back to camp. I sat down and waited for him to wake up. When the pup awoke he was distraught before I calmed him down.
“What…what's going on…where's my gem." I had the gem I was looking over while I waited for him to wake up. I tossed it to him. “Thanks." He smiled “You were awesome!"
“I know. You were… impressive to." Chii's eyes lit up
“Really?!"
“Yes really."
“My mom, she was a Yichikri for my village." that explained a lot.
“Well she must have been a very god one then."
“The best."
“Now then. Let's get packed up and we'll keep heading towards the warren.
When we got back on the road Chii asked
“Why don't we use the wagon?"
“It's cursed. If you look at it it has runic symbols. Such dark magic can corrupt a person."
“Oh, can you uncurse it?"
“Yes, but it's not worth it." As we traveled the air started getting colder, but that didn't stop Chii's mouth. It seemed like it would never stop. He asked more questions than I knew one could have and he told me enough about his village I thought I had lived in it. Luckily, we came to a crossroads and stopped and Chii shut up for a little bit, probably thinking which road we would take. the Kings road continued northwest to the 'heart warren', while it also broke off onto a smaller road heading north to the stronghold.
“Which way are we to go?"
I was about to head north towards the stronghold when I looked towards the sky. The stars were fading for the moon was rising. But as I looked I saw it, an omen. A shooting star heading from the south east towards the northwest.
“The quest is changed."
“What do you mean?"
“We're no longer heading for the Cultists stronghold. We must go northwest towards their god's abode."
“That sounds even more dangerous."
“Have no fear, our quest is ordained by our Lady herself." And with that we were off. As we traveled the land begin growing barren. There was no grass or flowers. No trees but a few scattered dead stumps hollowed and rotting. I felt a growing pain in the air. “Can you feel it Chii."
“Yeah I can and did you call me by my name?"
“I did…bushk[[10]](#_ftn10)"
“Hey! I'm not tiny. My Mom said I was very tall for my age."
“Which is still tiny…. can you explain it? What you feel?"
“Yeah it feels painful."
“Very good. Now I want you too close your eyes and focus on the manna, you can do that right?"
“Yeah my mom taught me." After a minute Chii said “It seems dark and angry." Chii seems to be quite adept at magic.
“Good. The darkness would be Ghu manna. The anger would be Suri manna."
“I guess something bad happen or a war."
"Yes…Do you know who the rabbit god around here was?"
“There's lots of them."
“Yes, but who was the patron god."
“It was…. I don't know"
“Au-ei-hrui"
“That's a funny name"
“I'm sure the rabbits find your name funny as well, I do."
“Heh!"
“Now listen. You know of Osidi the black."
“Yeah who doesn't."
“Then you know of the Southern crusade of 2203."
“I think. That's how all the fox villages got around here 'cause Osidi made all the rabbits move somewhere else."
“It was much more than that. Osidi the Vulture blamed the Rabbits for the White Famine and claimed them Heretics…"
“Why?!"
“I'm getting there. Osidi the Vile was a pious man, but instead of following the Normal Fox-gods and general gods he followed the Dioda."
“The dioda?"
“Yes, the Dioda they are old Fox-gods very old ones. From the first generation. They are who we followed before there even was a kingdom. Osidi the Sordid even more than followed the Dioda made Magu[[11]](#_ftn11)-may he burn- his patron god. Magu -may he be shattered- was the Dioda god of death and savagery a very powerful god. In fact, he's still present in some religions under different names and legends but he's still around, some still even follow him as is."
“He sounds scary."
“He is. But as I was saying Osidi the Uicala was pious. The Rabbits followed different gods."
“Rabbit-gods like Au-ei-hrui!"
“Yes, and different ones too even the Cyalrinu Fala. So Osidi the Evil wanted them to convert and blamed their heretical ways for the Famine. The Rabbits didn't bow to Osidi the Abhorration. So, he ordered the Templars to slaughter all the rabbits and if any survived carry them off across the empire as slaves. They Templars did just that."
“That's horrible!"
“It is. Such an event is bound to impact the manna."
“So how do we fix it?" a rather silly question.
“By slaying the cultists."
“So, we fix the damage of a bunch of armed foxes killing rabbits by killing more rabbits?" He…does… have a point.
“Well these are bad rabbits and I'm doing it for good reasons."
“I bet the templars thought they had good reasons too."
“Ok…so maybe killing the Cultists won't…fix it. But it will at least kill Cultists."
“Maybe we can talk to Au-ei-hrui. You know talk it out. That's what my mom would say"
“No, we can't. Our quest is to head to her abode and slay her it is divinely ordained and therefore we shall not deviate. We will kill the cultists and their god for they are Uicala…heretics. Au-ei-hrui is perverted beyond recognition."
“Why?"
“Magic. She helped kill a very important templar and payed the price."
“It's foggy". Chii was correct. A fog had rolled in. “So..."
“Quiet!" I snapped.
“Why it's just a fog?"
“Shut up!" I could feel the pain in the air and more disconcerting I heard whispers. Whispers of the dead. Chii was growing uneasy
“Who's whispering?"
“For the last time, be, quiet!...The dead." I couldn't see Chii but his gasp was enough to know what he thought. But I did not fear for I carry the Starlit Oak brooch and my blade Starrin. The more we traveled the stronger the death on the air become and the whispers became screams. Screams of pain and cries for mercy. Screams from an age long past. Of countless sins and wrongs. Chii had been quiet most likely out of fear than my attempts to shush him. The fog darkened into a pitch black. The air was thick. I stopped, it was only evening it should not be dark. I dismounted my horse “Stay on the horse." I drew Starrin, runes glowed a white blue along its blade. I grabbed my order's Ilnu from underneath my cloak and it shone against the darkness. Light of pure starlight as if pluck from the gown of the Argent Lady blasted the vile blackness from before me. Chii gasped in awe. Then it wailed. It wailed the tortured screams that foul beasts such as it wailed. Chii yelled and covered his ears. A Malgu. The Malgu with its many eyes stared at me and peered deep into my soul. But I am stronger than whatever curse and power the beast had. It stared into my soul and I stared back. Once more it wailed its screams of lament and I yelled my orders cry “Ta aña taki hwuyiithy Ashito Intythy griri[[12]](#ftn12)!!" and charged. The Beast launched its tentacles. One above I ducked still charging. One to the left I swerved to the right. One below. I jumped and flipped and landed into a roll right in front of the beast. I stared it in one of its many eyes and plunged Starrin into the foul beast. The Beast wailed and threw its self-back. The wound bled a viscous black substance of blood and rotting flesh. But around it cracks of white-blue formed. The beast was enraged beyond imagining. I ran and leapt into the air. The Beast tried to grab me with its tentacles. I avoided them. I landed on the beast's head. It thrashed and bucked. But I held onto its flesh. I plunged Starrin into the beast. I then began sliding off the Malgu still with my sword in it and me holding onto the sword. It screamed pure torment. When I reached the ground, the large gaping wound flowed its foul liquid like a river and Starrin's enchantments worked their way through the beast. It turned towards me with what strength it had. I kept my back to it. It gave one last scream and launched its tentacles. But before they reached my turned back they hit the ground with a thud. The beast as well. It was dead and slowly faded into dust leaving a small dagger. The 'heart' of the beast. I picked it up and wrapped it in cloth. I sheathed Starrin and put my Ilnu under my cloak and walked back to the horse with _Chii still sitting there. He listened for once and stayed on the horse. I mounted my horse and gave Chii the blade.
“Keep it in the cloth it's cursed. But I'll teach you how to uncurse it." and I continued on the road.
“You were epic!" Chii finally said.
“I was. Wasn't I."
“What was that thing."
“It was a Malgu. An amalgamation of the tormented dead. Usually to kill then one must pierce its center corpse and reach whatever foul thing it centers on. But Starrin is enchanted and its magic did the work."
“Where'd you get Starrin and…is this dagger as cool."
“Starrin was given to me by my Mother, whose father gave it to her and so on it's a family heirloom and no yours won't be as cool."
“Aww. Well when will we uncurse it?"
“After we complete the quest. We won't have a rest till it's done. This land is evil and decayed. Making camp would be folly." As night fell there was no song. Nothing but the whispers of the dead. We were luckily, the road was old yet it was built in the Golden age of the kingdom we were safe...relatively. That Malgu was an anomaly probably came through a weakened part of the road. The stars were faint struggling against the darkness. We continued one. Eventually I saw ahead, the road went into a forest. It wasn't any forest it was Ca Kriakthy Fanuthod[[13]](#_ftn13).
“Why have we stopped?"
I pointed to the forest “It's Ca Kriakthy Fanuthod."
“So."
“It's evil. Ancient dark evil."
“Isn't that the problem with the plains?"
“Its older, from beyond this age. Some say since the beginning of the world."
“Ok, sounds fun."
“It's not. It would be folly to go through the forest."
“You're scared."
“I'm not scared. I'm just not stupid. Even the greatest paladin wouldn't dare go into the forest without utmost need."
“Well that's what we have."
“We can go around. This is the thinnest part of the forest. It shouldn't take long."
“The road doesn't go around."
I wince when Chii makes that point. He's right. The road doesn't wrap around. Either we leave the protection of the road or head into the maw of the forest. I remember the Omen, the shooting star. It followed the road north west…so shall we. May the Argent Lady protect us.
“We take the road. But you must remember three rules."
“Alright, what are they?"
“Look straight ahead, anything you hear do not listen, and most importantly. Stay. On. The. Road."
“Why?"
“Because I assume you want to live to see tomorrow."
We headed into the forest it was bare. The trees had no leaves and were warped and crooked. The trees whispered whether or not the wind blew. The sky was black no moon, no stars but the great Star[[14]](#_ftn14). I gained an uneasy feeling of being watched. One could feel the evil of the forest. Seeking to seep into our souls yet halted just barely by the road. As we journeyed soon I could see the end. The forest stopped and only a little further was Ca Kriakthy Shiost. The Creaking River.
“Just a little further Chii." I stopped the horse and looked behind me. Chii was gone. I saw him walking towards the forest. Off. The. Road.
“No, stop!" “Chii" I jumped off the horse and grabbed him. But it was too late. He had stepped out. “What are you doing?!" “It's not real!" I ran back to Atlosi nearly dragging Chii for I could hear them. I spurred Atlosi just in time. For the barrier was broke and the Evil of the forest spilt forth. Haints and other dark spirits poured forth. They were unworldly fast yet Atlosi was faster. Atlosi carried us from the forest, yet the evil still poured forth. I spurred Atlosi faster and faster, the evils would not relent, faster and faster they chased. Atlosi in all his might ran forth. It was horrifying surrounded by such evil only surviving by the speed and might of your horse and the blessing of the Lady. Yet it was glorious. Our only chance was the river, they would not cross it. But only a few yards from safety a haint slashed Atlosi's leg and he tumbled. Without a second of delay I pulled my Ilnu and spoke
“ Tlachi aa çòho ?òzi!" the evil was forced back “Go! Across the river" Chii ran. I drew my Starrin and dueled the Evils. No matter how many I slayed they kept coming from all sides. I slowly backed towards the river when is was right on the bank once more I spoke “ Tlachi aa çòho ?òzi!" and leapt for the river.
I woke up wet and shivering, but I was across the river.
“Are you ok? I pulled you at the river, your kind of heavy." Chii's face was filled with concern.
“I'm fine."
“Are you sure?"
“Yes, I'm sure, I would be even more fine if you listened!"
“I'm sorry." Chii is visibly remorseful
“You could have died. This…" I wildly gesture “... is not for little pups."
“I'm not a pup."
“Yes, you are. You are a pup. I can't let you go any further in good conscious."
“You said I could."
“I only said that because I was being a fugha[[15]](#_ftn15), I should have taken you back."
"No!'
“Yes, I won't have any more blood on my paws. I… can't get anyone else killed."
“What do you mean?"
“You think a paladin like me should be on his own?.... after my fami-…I became a paladin I was save-… rescu-… taken in by a member of the order as his apprentice. I failed. When we were in the east woods we were in a town and I met a young kit. I…befriended them. They didn't believe I was a paladin. My ego blinded me and I showed them our camp that was in the woods. That very night we were ambushed by a wolf pack. While my master fought the pack, he told me to run…and I did like a coward."
“It's not-"
“It is my fault. I won't let anyone else die because of my folly. You'll going to go back to the town… and I-when I complete my quest, I'll find your mother."
“My…my mom is dead!"
“By the Argent Lady what do you mean!?"
“Just that! My village was burned down by Raiders from the hills. My mom hid me in the pantry while she tried to fight off them off. I stayed in there all night. When I came out everyone was dead or gone and the town was burnt. I've been traveling ever since looking for a new home and family."
“…I'm sorry Chii. I…lost my family as well. I've lost anybody who's ever meant anything. I… don't know what I'm doing. I'm a paladin of a dying order. The last member of a dying dynasty of a dead kingdom. I just wish my family was still here."
“We can be family together. I know I'm not the best fighting or the best at magic. But I can get better you can teach me!"
I thought for a second, Chii was right
“Your right. We can. But it won't be easy."
“I know"
“You will die"
“I know"
“You won't ever have a true home or life."
“I know"
“Very well. If you and I survive and you still want to. I will take you own as my... apprentice."
“Really!?"
“Yes. But you have to survive."
“I've done it this long."
“I'm aware and to be honest I'm… impressed. But the last leg is always the hardest."
“I'll give it my all."
“I wouldn't expect nothing less."
“Now then Chii, the warrens only a little further."
As we resumed our journey on the Kings road Chii asked
“What do you mean a “dying dynasty?" are you a king?!"
“No and it's a secret."
“I mean I kinda already know it now. You could just tell me at this point."
“No and I can't."
“I'm not gonna to tell anyone."
“I know."
“Then why won't you tell me?"
“Because it's a secret!"
“Your no fun sometimes."
“Thank you."
[[1]](#ftnref1) Borrowed from a mouse language spelt as it is in _Chii's language. The foxes would have pronounced it as Yishikri. A Yichikri is a herbalist and magic user essentially a shaman,
[[2]](#_ftnref2) Foxes of both the North and South use the following naming convention (House/clan name) (Name of the Family's Founder) (Mother) (Name) Ghuehit Uni Bemi Akuri translated into English is Blacksword Uni Bemi Akuri
[[3]](#_ftnref3) A god of the Dioda(explained later on)
[[4]](#_ftnref4) A common nickname for tiny children translates to tiny kit.
[[5]](#_ftnref5) Refers to the core lands of the Kingdom or even the whole of it mainly used by non-foxes. Used more often since it's no longer united.
[[6]](#_ftnref6) Cishithy Aishiu. Cishithy is made of Cishi which means art and thy which is a genitive case alongside Aishiu it means Art of Magic/manna or the Magic/manna arts
[[7]](#_ftnref7) Suri is red and Ghu is black
[[8]](#_ftnref8) Means symbol or crest. The protagonist as do all paladins have a necklace with their crest on it. Its used for enchanting and protection.
[[9]](#_ftnref9) If it was translated into English it would read Cyalrinu paladin of the divine oak.
[[10]](#_ftnref10) Tiny
[[11]](#_ftnref11) Also know to the northern foxes as Maghik
[[12]](#_ftnref12) Ta aña taki hwuyiithy Ashito Intythy griri literaly translated is You (masc.) I By/using Power/might genitive. God Oak (genitive.) Dispel/rebuke i.e I by the might/power of the Divine Oak rebuke/dispel you.
[[13]](#_ftnref13) Ca Kriakthy Fanuthod Ca proper article. Kriakthy Kri creak ak present imperfect tense thy genitive Fanuthod Tree thod feminine/neutral plural. The Creaking Forest
[[14]](#_ftnref14) Sirius the brightest star in the night sky
[[15]](#_ftnref15) Means empty, in this context it means stupid