The travel was shortly halted after three bells of walking along the main road. The Silver Hand didn’t really get that far as they have only traveled up to ten miles at a rough estimation. At that time night has fallen and Rick was starting to get a bit anxious with there being little to no light. The only light source they currently have without being the beacon to all predators is the waning crescent moon, and that wasn’t much light at all. Although Ashtok claimed that he could see just fine under this lighting, none of the other three could see that well.
Ascen had eventually quelled with his anger as the walking was enough to be lost in his thoughts and find inner peace with himself. However, Ascen has been getting this odd feeling nagging at the back of his mind like he’s being watched. When Ascen looked around all he saw was the terrain and the sun going down with the moon rising up in it’s place. But it simply wouldn’t go away and it even made Ascen question if his paranoid quirk has gotten worst now. In truth he can’t help but get the feeling that those men are going to try to follow them.
“We should camp at one of the crest of these hills for tonight. Preferably away from the main road’s view to avoid unwanted attention.” Rick suggested as Ashtok took his eyes up at the night’s sky. Ascen thought that Ashtok was looking at the stars, but then a second thought came to him that what if Ashtok is concerned about Zith hunting parties tonight? Sure Ashtok had killed some Zith as it was required for him to obtain a surname in the first place. Plus Ashtok had always threatened Ascen when he was a much younger lad that if Ascen didn’t get stronger and skilled then he would be bait for the Zith. However that was to get Ascen motivated to progress further into his training.
“No fire tonight. It’s best if we find tall grass and use them as cover.” Ashtok more of commanded the group rather than suggesting. Ascen knew better than to question Ashtok’s instincts, though the other two didn’t seem share the same type of concern. “A small fire won’t hurt for a short period of time. Just enough to get this wound of Rick’s sealed up.” Sabrina protested that only seem to be awarded by a fierce glare coming from those dark eyes of Ashtok’s. Ashtok used a chime to ponder over the decision for he can’t help but get the heavy gut feeling that something is watching from the sky. “Would ten chimes at best work?” Ascen suggested as even he has to admit that it would be reckless to leave that wound untreated for that arrow could have been poisoned.
Sabrina gives her nod as a silent way of saying yes before Ashtok responded finally in a reluctant manner. “Fine, but be quick about it. The more time spent on the fire the more of a target we become.” With that being said, the group found a decent spot to rest behind the crest at the one of many grassy hills where they gathered enough sticks and dead grass into a pile. Sabrina asked Ascen for permission to ignite the fire with his magic, mostly because she has a hint that using magic takes a toll on his body more than moving around physically. Ascen gives his nod in acknowledgement before he produce only a tiny bit of Res and guided it over to the small pile of grass and sticks. Shaped into a gas the Res was as it seeped into the middle of the pile before Ascen ignites the spark of flame to get it started. It wasn’t enough to set a campfire on the spot, but with Sabrina lightly blowing into the pile and feeding it more dead grass and sticks to produce a small campfire.
This particular use of magic didn’t really do any harm to Ascen, but still he refrained from using it any further than he already has. Ascen had already warned Rick and the others about the consequences Ascen faces when he’s using Reimancy. So they knew better than to make Ascen push himself beyond his limits. Ashtok, giving Ascen’s condition, suggested on training Ascen during the beginning days of being in the group. Ascen of course agreed, and Ashtok taught him a particular style that relies more on defense than offense. Least to say it was something that Ascen can protect himself with if he’s being conservative on his magic.
About five chimes had passed since the fire has been lit upon the small circle of stone. Occasionally being stoked and fed by Ashtok to keep it lit while Sabrina was submitting primitive healing to Rick’s wound by applying a burning stick. Luckily Rick was biting down onto the hilt of his dagger to reduce the level of screaming in agony from his lips. Ascen could still hear Rick’s voice once the burn started, but it was muffled to some extent. The night was quiet save for the crickets making their calls and the occasional gust of light wind blowing over the hill. However Ascen still can’t shrug off the feeling that they’re being watched.
Ascen’s fear of being more paranoid than usual had gotten to the point where even Ashtok could see it on the lad’s face. Ashtok mumbled to Ascen as the Akalak was trying to be considerate. “What is going through that head of yours?” Ascen’s eyes shifted from the crisping fire over to Ashtok’s dark skin that has some tattoos displayed on his face. “I don’t know… I keep getting the feeling that some crow is watching us. For quite a while actually.” Ascen admitted before suddenly getting a chill crawling down his spine. A certain chill that made Ascen look up at the night’s sky.
With the fire serving as a light, even if Ascen squinted his eyes he could barely make out the stars in the sky. Even Ashtok looked up at the sky trying to see what Ascen was searching for, but he couldn’t see much either. Mostly because both of their eyes are adjusted to the light of fire to see that well in the dark. Ascen shook his head trying to dismiss his paranoia aside to think clearly before it drives him mad. “I could just be going insane after all.” However Ashtok shook his head in disagreement on that note. “No, you’re very sane from what i can tell. Of course i may not know what it is you’re feeling, but I too am feeling like we’re being watched.”
Eventually after ten more chimes had passed which was a bit more time than it was supposed to have taken. However Sabrina had to apply some ointment on Rick’s burn to reduce the uncomfortable burning sensation. Plus even with the fire out there was still a bit of smoke coming from the circle of stones. With it being night though, neither of the group members didn’t worry about it too much for who would be able to see a thin string of smoke in the middle of the night? So the Silver Hand nestled close together, mostly hidden by the tall grass and covered from visual sight of the main road. Rick took up the first watch as he was still allowing the burn to subside from the pain. It gave him some time to heal before he could sleep comfortably.
Two bells had passed since Rick took the first watch of the night, and with their fire gone Rick can see a bit more in the darkness. Not to where he can see in clear detail, but just enough to pick out dark silhouettes amongst the grass where little vermin and rodents dwell. At this point Rick was starting to feel the veil of exhaustion creeping along the back of his mind. His eyes started to get droopy and Rick even caught himself almost falling asleep on the spot. Rick was going to give it about an extra thirty chimes before he switches place with someone else.
Rick chose to wake Ascen up since Ascen actually slept the lightest of them all, as in Ascen could wake up just by hearing rustling in the grass. It’s not really anything to do with skill, it’s just his paranoia has rooted into his subconsciousness that every time he wakes up Ascen always seem ready to defend himself. Only to see Rick’s face did Ascen relax his shoulders and laid his head back down. “Is it my shift tonight?” Ascen whispered to Rick as the man smiled at the kid. “Yeah. I would’ve stayed up longer, but I’m no longer in the condition to keep watch effectively.” Ascen, even though he’s technically still half asleep, could relate that much considering of all the walking they did.
Rick had extended his hand towards Ascen so that he could help the kid up on his feet. However, when Ascen reached out to take Rick’s hand, all of the sudden he grabbed nothing but air. Ascen was confused as he was certain that Ascen had grabbed the hand, but soon like a curtain dropping to reveal what was behind the curtain Ascen came under the realization. It wasn’t that Ascen was hallucinating nor was it a mistake. Rick simply wasn’t there, and as Ascen blinked a couple of times he could both see Rick being carried off in the air and hear the yelling coming from Rick.
There was something else too. Something that had a pair of wings that at first Ascen mistook them to be wings like Ashtok’s, however there was almost half a dozen of them carrying Rick further from the ground. “Zith!” Ashtok exclaimed as he completely threw the blanket off and with a burning hatred drew out his sword before taking flight after the Zith. The winged creatures looked behind them and saw Ashtok getting closer at a faster pace than they are. Without a second thought the Zith simply dropped Rick so that they could disperse and hoped to avoid Ashtok’s steel.
Ashtok took this opportunity to quickly swoop down after Rick as it was a fifty foot plummet to the ground. Using the free hand, Ashtok barely catches Rick by grabbing onto the ankle and used his wings to try and slow the descent as much as possible. However the ground was too close and so Ashtok couldn’t slow the descent fast enough before both Rick and Ashtok crashed into the ground. It wasn’t a death dealing fall though, for both of them are fine as Ashtok managed to minimize enough to where it wouldn’t be fatal. At least, that’s what it seemed at first. Rick’s left arm was officially broken at the wrist where he landed on as fresh blood flowed from jagged bone that now pierced through his flesh. Leaving his hand completely limp and broken backwards.
Rick yelled in even more agony than before and Ashtok luckily only got some bruises from the fall. Both Ascen and Sabrina came running to Rick’s aid with Sabrina throwing one of her knives at the Zith as one of them attempted to swoop down at the two. Seeing the knife however, it redirected itself in order to avoid the thrown knife. Sabrina slid on her knees to get over to Rick’s side and gasps upon seeing the wrist. Ascen however looked at the wrist from what little he could see and immediately the guilt comes crawling up on his heart. At the same time, Ascen was facing a mild case of shock as well.
“Where did they come from?!” Rick exclaimed while trying to stifle anymore screaming, but is failing to contain it. Ashtok didn’t answer as he took flight once more and engages in a deadly aerial combat with an incoming Zith. Meanwhile Sabrina, who is in tears right now, is fumbling for bandages and tries to wrap Rick’s wrist as much as possible. Before Ascen knew it, all he felt was claws suddenly latching onto his shoulders as the talons dug into the boy’s flesh for extra grip. He was taken off from the familiar ground and Ascen could feel the wind rushing past his head. Wincing and grumbling in pain from the talons digging into his shoulder. Ascen reached up and grabbed whatever it was carrying him off. It felt like Ascen grabbed onto a pair of ankles, but Ascen didn’t care as he used his bladed gauntlet in a backhanded fashion. Where those cold iron blades lining along the gauntlets rips and tears through the Zith’s flesh.
Ascen heard a feminine voice scream in pain as he could see the ground was coming closer almost like they were gliding. Eventually both Ascen and the wounded Zith crashed onto the mound of grass as both of them rolled a couple of times before lying still for a moment. The collision and the tumbling had practically knocked the air out of Ascen’s lungs as he took the moment to breathe. Ascen had started to get up on his feet, but before he even set his knee down Ascen was tackled in a rough manner by the Zith and forced him back down. Now that Ascen could see the creature’s face, he was honestly surprised to see how the Zith’s face was surprisingly human and possessing the body type of a female as well. However there was a dark slash on the Zith’s abdomen where Ascen assumed had slashed at.
The female Zith raised her hand that had balled up into a fist before driving it back down as an attempt to strike Ascen’s face. However Ascen still had enough room to tilt his head over to the side and makes the fist barely graze the thickness of his neck. Ascen attempted to knee the Zith on the back from what little leverage he had, and she did move forward a bit only to raise her fist again. Ascen would have loved to move his hands, unfortunately this one seemed to have learned or just by pure luck has both of her knees placed on Ascen’s wrists and preventing him from moving his hands. Ascen instead kneed her back once again to force her fist to strike the ground just above his head. Meanwhile he was producing a small amount of Res in a gas form and directs it over to the Zith’s face. Where Ascen simply blew on her face just before a flare of fire erupts in front of her face.
The Zith woman cried out as her vision was suddenly blinded by a sheet of white and caused her to crawl off Ascen while blinking and wiping away at her eyes. Her night vision was ruined temporarily from the sudden flare of light, and gives Ascen the opportunity to quickly stand up on his feet. Ascen also took the opportunity to get a look over at Rick’s direction and see that Rick is shooting off his crossbow with only hand and using the left arm to hold up the crossbow. While Sabrina was left with being his eyes and calling out the targets coming for them. Ashtok had already dealt the fatal blow with one of the Zith, and is currently working on another one. The third Zith was dodging and trying to get close to Rick. Unfortunately with Sabrina there guarding Rick with her knives the Zith is having to pick and choose what to do.
The final Zith that’s remaining is right where Ascen is located at, which is approximately forty feet from the group. Ascen could feel the burning sensations on his shoulders as the warm rivers of life seep from the wounds. “Sorry love, but I’m afraid i don’t have time for you. Go back wherever you came from. I have no intention on hurting you.” Ascen told the Zith woman as he was actually trying to be diplomatic and persuasive. Sure he’s heard rumors of how evil and corrupted these Zith are. However if there was even a tiny chance of avoiding a fight with a Zith by talking then it could open a different perspective for Ascen.
Unfortunately that didn’t seem to get through to her as the vision has returned to her eyes and looked over at Ascen’s direction. Even though Ascen couldn’t see the eyes very clearly, he could feel the burning hatred being directed towards him. “Relax. If i wanted to burn your face off i would’ve done it instead of blinding you.” Ascen tried to reason with her, but it proved to have no fruit being ripe from the tree that Ascen was hoping for. Instead the Zith charged up at Ascen while using her wings to give her an extra boost of speed by flapping them once which allowed her to briefly glide over the ground and attempted lash out her claws at Ascen’s face. Ascen of course tried to avoid it as much as possible by jumping back and trying to get out of the creature’s reach. However it wasn’t enough as the clawed hand grazed the side of Ascen’s cheek.
Leaving two nice red lines on his right cheek of the face. Ascen retaliated by using her own momentum against the Zith by thrusting his left fist forward at her abdomen area and due to her recklessness the Zith had practically ran into the fist. No wounds were visible from that blow, but it still appears to hurt the woman as she gasped and halted her assault while placing a hand over the abdomen. It didn’t help her case that she was bleeding from the wound Ascen had dealt earlier. Ascen took the moment to examine the Zith’s body, for it was first time seeing a Zith in person he doesn’t really know where her weaknesses are. One thing is for certain from common sense and seeing her source of speed and flight. Taking out her wings would render her flightless, however he doesn’t wish to go that far if he can help it.
Ascen took the moment to produce a small amount of Res in a gas like form that coats around his hands for a moment before forming a spike shaped on the palm of his hands. The Zith woman assumed her assault by moving in a zigzag pattern as an attempt to deceive his eyes before attempting to claw at his left hand that was extended from his body. Ascen steps forward with his right foot while vigorously throwing his right fist towards the Zith’s face. As a reaction on the Zith’s part, she quickly raised her free hand which was the right hand in order to block the fist from connecting her face. However to her surprise Ascen firmly grabs the right elbow of the Zith with his left hand and surprises the Zith even more so by pushing down on the Zith’s right wrist that she had used to block with.
It was like the world had flipped around to the woman’s eyes as she finds herself landing hard on the ground due to her own momentum and not Ascen’s strength. In essence Ascen had just used her own momentum and strength to flip her body and put her on the ground. From there Ascen proceeds to pin her arm with a firm grip at an right angle to her body. The Zith attempted to get back up and throw Ascen off. However with her right arm positioned as it is she can’t move that well without risking on breaking her own arm. The Zith found this out the hard way as Ascen kept his grip firm and the Zith felt her shoulder was hurting from struggling.
“Stop struggling would ya. Can’t you see i’m trying not to harm you?” Ascen brought up the question that for once Ascen had gotten a different reaction this time. Ascen couldn’t see the woman’s face, but he didn’t read that same level of hostility towards him as before. Instead all he heard was her panting and Ascen finally noticed that she was sweating in a mild and healthy sense. The only reason why he noticed is because Ascen had to secure his grip more for fear of the sweat making it where she could escape. The spikes of Res that had formed on the palms of Ascen’s hands were dropped as he only had those up in case he needed an extra edge to pin her down.
It was then that Ascen heard Rick’s voice once again as it was cried out only to stop short. The voice drew Ascen’s eyes over to Rick and Sabrina only to watch with shock on his face. It wasn’t just Rick and Sabrina anymore. Instead Ascen could barely make out the appearance of an arrow that had pierced Rick’s back before another arrow shooting from the top of the hill had pierced in the spine. Rick had collapsed to the ground in a slow fashion as if he was questioning on whether he truly got struck down or not. Even the Zith looked over to where Ascen was staring at as she noticed his grip had loosened. Honestly she wasn’t sure what happened for in her eyes one of his allies just went down.
The Zith woman seemed to be quite curious about Ascen, though he doesn’t seem to notice her interest for the moment as he was in shock right now. It’s not like he forgot about the Zith woman, Ascen just thought that Rick was more important right now as he dashed off after the two while releasing the woman. The Zith sat up while rubbing her wrist and elbow where Ascen had firmly pinned her down with. Actually she was more of confused for she was certain that he was going to kill her as most has attempted to do. So her eyes followed Ascen and watched him get ever closer to the other two humans from what she can tell.
However something else had caught her attention. Up on the top of the hill that Ascen was running towards were two other humanoid figures garbed in fur cloaks and equipped with two bows. They were launching two extra arrows at Ascen and the group. Luckily they missed, however the Zith woman didn’t like that those men were firing their arrows at her new toy. Swallowing her pain as it turned out to not be as bad as she thought it was. The woman takes flight once again and flies past Ascen. The bowmen were now focused on the incoming Zith as they hurriedly loaded up their arrows, but one of the two accidentally dropped the arrow and simply reached behind to grab another arrow from his quiver. Before the other one could fully draw the string, the winged woman swatted the bow away before tackling the man. Shredding and tearing away at the man’s face with her deadly claws as he screamed in agony and terror.
The only remaining bowman was just starting to notch his arrow before a large ball of fire struck the man’s body. The licking fires burned and consumed the fabrics and fur on the man’s body as he too is screaming in agony while desperately trying to put out the fire. However the ball of fire had consumed the entire body and thus the entire body is ignited. The man even attempted to roll around on the ground as a way of putting out the fire, but it wasn’t enough as the fire was still consuming the man’s flesh. Ascen could draw the fire away, however Ascen was also engulfed with rage as his mouth tasted like he just ate a whole chunk of iron that makes him gag just from the taste of it. Ascen had put a lot of Res to forming a singular large sized ball that was the size of a large beach ball. It may not seem that much to be completely exhausted over, but Ascen has also used his magic before and minorly used it a couple times. With only two bells of rest there wasn’t enough time to fully recover from it. |