To think there’s an entire city right under our feet.
A city of demons. For demons. Possibly the only demonic sanctuary in the Known World. This was a place he truly could call home. A place he’d truly fit in. Now that he’d experienced what it was like to walk around in the open without makeup, to be accepted, he didn’t know if he could give it up.
Yes, the Demon Realm Janak asked him to seek would be similar. Better, perhaps. But at what cost? How likely was it he’d survive the Ashen Realm? How would he even get across? How would he know where to go?
The risk was too great. Maybe the Pagan Order had some extreme views on humans, but with time, perhaps he could help temper those. There were good humans in this world—people like Rudvik, Apramor, and Maiya. People who’d be happy to coexist with demons.
The more Vir thought about it, the more his priorities shifted. He could find Maiya and bring her to the Order. Maybe her magic wouldn’t function, but it was a big city, and Maiya always wanted to live in one.
This could work!
“Getting a little chilly, don’t you think?” Tia said, shivering. “Let’s head back. Apramor, you got a place to stay?”
“Uh, yeah. They’re putting me up at the castle.”
“Fancy. But it must be a cold stone room somewhere. Why don’t you come over to our nice, warm inn instead?”
Vir had nothing to do until tomorrow night, and while he wanted to explore the Undercity, spending time with Tia didn’t sound so bad. It may very well be the last chance he’d have to spend time with them.
“If you insist.”
On their walk back, Vason and Tia struck up a conversation, debating the merits of prana-rich Ash’va. Vason preferred them, while Tia felt the performance difference compared to their prana-starved brethren wasn’t worth the added cost.
Haymi hung back and quietly approached Vir.
“Apramor, I…”
“You know I’m Ashborn, don’t you?” Vir said, too quietly for Tia to hear.
Haymi nodded. “I know what that really means, too.”
“Did… does Tia know?”
“Of course not! You think she’d be so casual if she did?”
Vir shook his head. Then what was with that look earlier? Wasn’t it guilt? Or was it something else?
“True enough. Thank you. For keeping the secret. You even healed me up.”
“I, that’s…” Haymi’s expression strained, and that same look of guilt flashed across her face. “Not all of us hate demons the way Tia does. She watched her parents be butchered before her very eyes as a child, Apra. Please understand what sort of impact that might have on a person.”
Ah. So that’s it. She’s so thoughtful… Vir’s eyes flickered to the blonde walking in front of them.
“Hard to believe she turned out so normal after going through something like that,” Vir admitted.
“She’s strong. Sometimes too strong,” Haymi said, before hesitating. “Apramor, I must warn you. My duties are to Tia. I’ve known her since we were children. I should have told her right away. I didn’t because… well… I didn’t want to hurt you, but if we ever find ourselves in conflict… I…”
“I know,” Vir said quietly.
“Just, please do not let it come to that. Please don’t make me harm you.”
Vir smiled sadly. “If anyone does, it’ll be her. Not me.”
“I fear you might be right.”
“Hey, Apra! What do you think?” Tia shouted over her shoulder. “Cheaper Ash’va? Or the prana-rich ones?”
“Well, Bumpy grew up in Hiranya and he’s got a limp, but he’s done right by me. I think all Ash’va are good, so long as they’re well trained and cared for.”
“See, Vason? See?”
Vason threw his hands up in defeat. “Fine. Fine! I can never win.”
Vir smiled despite himself. Even knowing Tia’s animosity toward demons, Vir still cherished their time together. How could he taint those precious memories?
Tia’s place wasn’t far. Near the western Green Ring rose a district of three-story brick buildings. The inn nestled within was a simple affair, though tapestries livened up the walls and rugs warmed the floors. For fifty coppers a night, the three-bedroom suite was a steal, though it was a little dark. Thanks to the low ceiling, it served to give the place a cozy mood.
Candles were expensive, after all. Even for a premium suite like this, only a handful could be lit at once. The magic-less light that lit the Under City was nowhere to be seen—a privilege reserved for demonkind alone. The thought uplifted Vir, though he couldn’t say why.
“Worst part of the Voidlands is no magical cooling. It’s a wonder how they keep anything preserved here,” Tia said, rummaging around a sack of dried food.
“Salt,” Vason said. “Lots and lots of salt.”
Tia wrinkled her nose as she poured some local mead into four glasses and handed them to everyone. “So? How’d you enjoy that Acira ride?” she asked, setting down a plate of nuts and dried fruit on the table, around which the four of them sat. “Pretty amazing creatures, aren’t they?”
Vir nodded, sipping on his wildflower mead.
Maybe it was foolish. Maybe he ought to have returned to Badal straight away, but the cozy mood prevented him.
I’m gonna miss this, he thought. Maybe we can meet from time to time.
“That they are,” Vir said with a wry smile. “Never knew anything could feel so terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.”
“Yeah, well, don’t get used to it,” Vason said. “Most people never even lay eyes on an Acira, let alone ride on one. The Order extended you quite the honor by flying you here.”
“Right. Says the guy who owns an Acira,” Vir countered.
“Not me! It’s all her!” the warrior said, pointing at Tia.
“Y’know, it’s pretty obvious by now you’re Sawai, Tia. There’s no point hiding it.”
“Haha, yeaaah, well. It’s complicated,” Tia said smoothly. She must’ve guessed Vir knew as much. “Anyway, if you think Acira are great, just wait until you see the Altani’s fast attack airships. Those things are even faster, and you can walk around the whole deck while it’s in flight! Really incredible. Plus, they’re invincible.”
“That’s just a rumor,” Vason replied. “No one’s seen them in action.”
“Kin’jal did,” Haymi said. “The One Day’s War. Banshi’s Folly? Their power is no rumor.”
“You sound like you’ve ridden them,” Vir said, feeling the drink’s effects take hold. He’d never been a fan of alcohol, but he couldn’t deny the drink was delicious.
Tia must’ve splurged for the good stuff. Is she trying to get me drunk?
“Maybe just once or twice,” Tia said meekly, staring at her glass. “So, uh, you gonna do their mission?”
And there it was.
“Think I am, yeah,” Vir replied, meeting her gaze and taking another sip.
“What do they want you to do?” Tia asked sweetly.
“Tia,” Haymi said. “Don’t be nosy. If Apra doesn’t want to tell, it’s none of our business.”
“It’s a rescue operation. Some innocent people are going to die. They want my help in saving them.”
“Well, that sounds somewhat noble, if you ask me!” Vason roared, clapping Vir’s back, making him cough out a mouthful of drink.
How much has this guy drunk? Vir thought. Vason was refilling his glass, but there was no way the warrior was inebriated after just a few sips.
“It is honorable, yeah. I don’t really have a reason to turn them down.”
Tia stared at him for a long moment. Then she sighed.
“To tell you the truth, I… have an obligation I have to see to. Hate it, but that’s life, yeah? Can’t do much about it.”