vorasaad

[vorasaad]

Chapter 2 - Safe Place

After a few days of traveling, Hessa and Saya had finally reached Galaansira. It was a beautiful city, rich with culture and history. It was believed to be the oldest city in Voriaad, and was the capital for many centuries before Abaansira was made the new capital. Before entering the city, Saya gave Hessa her cloak, and told her to pull the hood over her head. The two went directly to Saya's house on the outskirts of town. It was a quaint little place, with a garden, a stable, and a small chicken farm. The interior was densely decorated in a Hebilaoan style. "I've never seen a place like this before…" Hessa said.

"Everyone's house looks like this where I'm from." Saya replied. "I'm gonna patch this up real quick." she said, motioning towards her shoulder with her head. As she tended to her wounds, she asked Hessa "So, you going to make good on your part and tell me what's going on with you? I did risk my life and all trying to protect you."

Hessa paused for a moment, the gruesome scene repeating in her mind. She didn't want to talk about it, but she did make a deal. "My father, the king was murdered by his advisor, Haziyaan. I found my father dead on his throne, with my own dagger planted at the scene. I ran and ran until I collapsed. That's when you found me."

"Why do you think he did it?" Saya asked.

"Haziyaan is a very old fashioned Vorian national. He probably hated my father the entire time he spent with him. He values things like strength, and conquest. He killed my father so he can control Voriaad. He's gonna make it into a warring superpower, like it was in the past." Hessa explained.

"What would make him hate your father?" asked Saya.

"My father used his power over Voriaad for the sake of peace. He ordered our soldiers out of the countries we occupied, gave reparations, and shrank our borders. A lot of people hated him, especially the more conservative crowd. I knew Haziyaan had his differences, politically, but I never knew he felt strongly enough to murder my father over it." Hessa said.

"People will do anything for power." Saya said.

There was a slight pause before Saya looked at Hessa with a serious face. "You know what you must do, right?" she said in a quiet tone.

"Yeah… I have to kill the bastard. Not just for vengeance, but for the sake of my country. I have to protect the peace my father worked so hard for." she said. "Thanks for everything, but tomorrow I have to leave you… It's my responsibility."

"Don't be a fool" Saya replied. "The entirety of Voriaad is looking for you, you won't get close to Haziyaan. Right now, you need to get out of the country."

"The country? This is the first time I've ever even been outside Abaansira!" Hessa protested.

"Don't worry, I'll help you. I have a place down in Hebilao where you can stay." Saya said.

"Why are you going through such lengths for a stranger?" Hessa asked.

"Well… No. It's my turn to keep secrets."

Noticing Saya's discomfort, she changed the topic. "Hey, I got a question. What happened when I kicked that soldier's ass? We never talked about it. Everything was red and it felt so hot. I got this sudden urge to beat the shit out of that guy, and before I knew it he was on the ground." Hessa said.

"That, is your Aspect." Saya answered.

"Aspect? I think my sister told me about something about that from a book she was reading, but I wasn't paying attention." Hessa said.

"Very rarely, someone will manifest a special power or ability. Nobody really knows why; the phenomenon is somewhat of a mystery. I have an Aspect too." Saya said.

"Is that how you made his sword go flying? It bounced off of your blade without you moving at all." Hessa asked.

"Yes, I've named my Aspect Parry." Saya replied.

"Parry? What a boring name!" Hessa exclaimed.

"What will you name yours?" Saya asked.

"I haven't thought of that, actually." Hessa said, holding her chin in thought. A name… What do I name my Aspect…? she thought to herself. "When I was fighting, there was this huge rush of heat, it was like my body was moving on it's own and I was just along for the ride." Hessa said. "Oh, I know! I'll name it… 'Heat Rush'!" she said excitedly.

"That's stupid. Try again." Saya said in a flat tone.

"Tell me what you really think, why don't you?" Hessa replied. She paused for a moment, brainstorming. "I got another one, how about 'Ride The Fire'?" she proposed.

"Badass. That one's a keeper." said Saya confidently.

"So how does yours work?" Hessa asked.

"At will, I can instantly reverse the momentum of any moving object that comes in contact with my hands or whatever I'm holding. Sharp, concentrated points of impact can pierce through though. That's why the soldier's spear managed to get past my sword." Saya explained.

"So, what if someone shoots an arrow at you? Could you deflect that?" asked Hessa.

"No. I could block it with a sword but it'll go the same way as someone without my Aspect. If I tried deflecting it with my hands, It'll probably go right through." Saya replied. "When you defeated that soldier, was that the first time you used your Aspect?" she asked.

"Yeah, I didn't know I could do something like that." answered Hessa.

"For those with the potential, an Aspect usually manifests when they're under stress or if their life is in danger." Saya explained. "I'm surprised you weren't educated on this like your sister." she said.

"Yeah, well, I never took my schooling seriously." Hessa remarked.

"Too busy guzzling mead by the barrel?" Saya asked.

"No!… Well, yeah, but you didn't have to say it like that. Hessa said in a defeated tone."

"Go bathe, you stink. I've got some clothes that'll fit you. Tomorrow we set out for Hebilao." Saya said as she showed Hessa the way to the bath. After the door closed Saya's face changed to one of sadness, and grief. A single tear rolled down her face, as she cried silently. "I'll have some clothes on the bed for you in the room right across from here." she told Hessa while hiding her sadness.

Saya went to the aforementioned room, but hesitated to enter. After mustering up the will to go through the door, she prepared the room for Hessa. Saya looked through the closet and pulled out something for Hessa to wear. She stood still, looking at the clothes, and after a few moments, she folded them up, and placed them on the bed, before exiting the room.

Next she started preparing their meal. She took a chicken from its enclosure and slaughtered it. She prepared the chicken into meat to be cooked then set it aside. Next she lit the fireplace, then got a deep pan hanging on the wall, and placed it on down. She then got an onion, some garlic, peppers, and tomato, chopped them up, and sautéed them in lard. As they cooked she added black pepper, cumin, salt, and turmeric. Once the vegetables were almost done cooking, she added in the prepared chicken, and more salt alongside enough vegetable stock to cover everything. Once the chicken was cooked, she added rice to the pan, and covered it with a lid. After some time passed, all the stock had evaporated and the rice was perfectly cooked.

After Hessa's bath, she went into the room and put the clothes on. She looked around the room and wondered why there was more than one room in this house if Saya apparently lived alone. Maybe there was someone else in her life? She wouldn't ask though, as Saya seemed to be protective of her personal life. Maybe that's one of the secrets she mentioned earlier…? she thought to herself.

Just when the food finished cooking, Hessa came out of the room and sat at the table. "Perfect timing, I just got done." Saya said. "Feeling better without all the blood and mud?" she asked.

"Yeah, this place is paradise." Hessa replied.

"I made a lot if you want seconds." Saya said before placing a plate of food in front of Hessa.

Hessa looked at the plate, and as her face got closer she could smell it. The fragrance of the meal was mesmerizing, almost intoxicating. As she lifted the spoon to her mouth, and took a small bite. After a short silence Hessa gave her feedback. "Holy shit…" was all she said before continuing to shovel the food into her mouth. She ravenously scarfed down everything on the plate. If Saya hadn't removed the bones, Hessa would have probably eaten them too. Eventually Hessa accepted the offer for seconds, then thirds, then finally fourths. Hessa had eaten everything that wasn't on Saya's plate. Saya looked at Hessa, stunned. "Wow… You like it that much?" she asked.

"This is the best thing I've ever eaten… It's better than anything the royal chefs have ever fed me… you're a genius Saya. When I'm on the throne I'm hiring you as my cook." Hessa said.

"It's just something I whipped up in a hurry. I can do better than this." Saya replied.

"I find that hard to believe but I'm open to being proven wrong." Hessa said followed by some light laughter.

Saya smiled slightly, happy to see Hessa enjoying herself after going through such a traumatic experience.

"You still want to know why I'm helping you?" Saya asked.

"Sure, if you don't mind telling me." Hessa replied.

"This is where my daughter, Zaani and I lived. The room you were in and the clothes you're wearing were hers." Saya said, looking down at her half eaten meal.

"What happened to her?" Hessa asked.

"She's dead. She died many years ago from disease. Nobody knew what was wrong with her, and she withered away." Saya replied.

After a pensive silence, Hessa spoke. "What was she like?" she asked.

"She was quiet mostly, shy, very reserved, but also very passionate about what she liked. She loved the garden. She grew the most beautiful vines there." Saya said. "You look almost exactly like her. Sorry if that's weird… I'm not expecting you to replace my daughter or anything, it's just that when I see you, I'm reminded of her. it makes me wanna be there for you."

"Huh. I thought you were just some weird wandering foreigner. Turns out you're actually a pretty caring person." Hessa replied, in a somewhat inappropriately casual tone for the somber moment.

"Thirsty?" Saya asked as she got up and grabbed a bottle of wine.

"Nice! We're partying tonight!" Hessa said excitedly.

"Have a little self control. if I have to peel you off of the floor tomorrow morning, I'll be pissed."

Hessa nodded in acknowledgement.

"So now it's your turn to tell me about you." Saya said while pouring their glasses.

"Well, I like Martial Arts, grilled pythons, and my favorite color is sky blue" Hessa said.

"Oh come one, I got all personal and in exchange I get the boring stuff?" Saya asked.

"Hmm… Okay, how about this? When I was 10 I killed a Vorian boar with my bare hands" She said.

"No way. That did not happen." Saya stated.

"It sure did! I got a scar on my leg where it's tusk stabbed me" Hessa retorted playfully.

"Say I believe you, tell me how you felled the beast." Saya said.

"I was wandering around town and the boar had came running in from nowhere! Apparently some hunters had been chasing it for a while but couldn't kill it before it ran into the city. The beast was running straight towards me, and suddenly I had a horrible idea. I grabbed a nearby soldier's sword, and stuck it, blade pointed outward, between some rice sacks that were stacked on top of each other behind me. Once the boar got close enough I dodged out of the way, and the beast had run face first into the sword! I didn't dodge fast enough though, hence the scar." Hessa explained.

"So… not with your 'bare hands.' That's a little more believable." Saya said.

"All good stories deserve embellishment." Hessa replied. "Anyway, the shop I was standing in front of got wrecked and covered in the boar blood. My father would have made me clean it all up if I didn't get injured. The shop owner was so pissed!" Hessa said followed by a hearty laugh. "What about you? Any childhood stories?" Hessa asked.

"Uhh… There was one time I swallowed a fish alive" Saya said.

"What!? Why would you do that!?" Hessa asked between bursts of laughter.

"I was a little younger than you at the time. I was fishing for dinner and my bastard of a little brother kicked me into the water! In the panic, a small fish managed to wind up in my mouth somehow, for a reason unbeknownst to me to this day, I swallowed it." Saya said.

"That's disgusting. Please elaborate." Hessa said with a huge smile on her face.

"Oh it gets worse. As soon as I got out of the water I puked so hard it hurt- and the fish actually lived! It just swam off after I puked it into the water like nothing happened!" Saya said.

"Oh god that is horrible. I would never eat fish again if that happened to me."

"Ironically enough, I love fish." Saya said.

The two erupted in laughter as they kept exchanging stories. Eventually the bottle of wine had run empty. "Oh no… I think we both overdid it…" Saya said, looking into the dark glass bottle. The two were shitfaced before they realized it.

"That's some really strong stuff… I thought you adults were supposed to be all responsible and shit?" Hessa slurred.

"Be warned Hessa, I'm what delinquents like you grow up into." Saya replied.

The two wheezed in laughter, to the point of tears. Then, suddenly, as if to interrupt them, there was a heavy knock at the door.

"You expecting company or something?" Hessa whispered loudly.

"Go to your room, hide!" Saya said quietly.

Hessa went to the room, and Saya answered the door.

She opened it and was greeted by two soldiers. "Hi! Nice to meen you- I mean meet you. How… how's it goin?" Saya said. The two soldiers looked at each other, then back at Saya.

"Erm… We're looking for a girl. She's Vorian, with red hair, golden eyes, and fancy clothes. You know anything that can help us?" one soldier asked.

"Nope. She a runaway or somethin?" Saya replied.

"She's wanted for murder. If you hear or see something that can help us track her down, let us know." the other soldier said.

The two started to walk off, then one stopped. "Wait." he said with his back turned. "I heard laughter before you opened the door, yet I didn't see anyone inside…" Saya froze, panicked at their suspicion. "Is there anyone else here?" he asked.

"…No." she replied.

"Then why were you laughing?" he asks, with growing suspicion.

"It's… my cat. He's hilarious!" Saya said with a stupid smile.

An awkward silence transpired before the soldier spoke again. "Never mind. She's not hiding anything, she's just a drunk idiot. he said to his partner before the two walked off."

Saya closed the door quickly but quietly. "I would kick your ass if I wasn't harboring a fugitive…" she mumbled beneath her breath. She then got Hessa and informed her that the coast was clear.

"We should be okay for now, but we leave early tomorrow before they start getting suspicious." Saya said.

Hessa stared at Saya with an amused look. "Your cat? Really?" she asked.

A moment of silence passed before the two started laughing yet again.

When they'd calmed down, Saya told Hessa it was time to sleep. "We've got a long journey ahead of us. The road to Calavaana is twice as long as the one from here to Abaansira." she said.

"Alright. Goodnight then, Saya… Oh, and, I'm glad I met you. I'd surely be in a dungeon or at the end of Haziyaan's blade if not for you." Hessa said.

"Happy to help, kiddo." Saya replied.

[vorasaad]

All Chapters

[vorasaad]

Chapter 1A - Aftermath

As the sun crept behind the desert horizon, the sky was painted in somber purple light. The air was still that night, and Sunalia, the second born princess of Voriaad, was alone in her room, diligently studying a selection of books from her father's library. The books covered topics such as military strategy, science, and the enigmatic power of Aspect.

Sunalia sat motionless at her desk, the waning violet sunlight illuminating her current page. Then, she heard a slow creak behind her. The door to her room opened slowly, and out crept her father's royal advisor, Haziyaan. He slowly stepped into the room. "Princess… I must speak with you…" he said with a solemn expression.

Sunalia arose from her seat to face him. The way the light poured into the room from the hallway, mixing with the somber twilight unsettled Sunalia. She had no idea what she was about to hear, but she knew something was wrong.

"Your father, Sunalia… He has been killed." he said to the girl.

Sunalia stood silently, processing what she just heard. "What…?" was all she could say.

"I found your sister in the throne room, holding the weapon that killed him." he explained. "Furthermore, your sister was covered in his bloo-"

"Stop! Just stop already, I don't wanna hear!" she shouted before he could finish his sentence. She then dashed out of her room, as fast as she could.

Sunalia ran, not knowing where she was running to. After a few random turns, she ended up in her father's bedroom. On the bed there was her father, his wound tended to and bandaged. He laid there, still as death. Sunalia approached in stunned silence. "Father…?" she quietly asked. There was no answer. Sunalia had now found out for herself that her father really was dead. After a short pause, she fell to her knees sobbing. Her wails echoed across the palace, and soon Haziyaan entered the room. "I'm so sorry, Sunalia." he said with a straight face. Sunalia's back was turned to him, so he did not bother with his mournful front. "It's truly a terrible tragedy, losing your father at your age. Do not worry, I promised your father I would take care of you." he said as he got closer.

A long moment of silence passed before Sunalia rose to her feet, her eyes still fixed on her father's lifeless body. "My sister… Hessa did this…?" she said looking downward. She picked up her head, and looked into Haziyaan's eyes, her face contorted in rage. The tears fell from her eyes, in a mix of grief and anger. "Find her. Now." she demanded.

"As you wish. We will have our justice, princess." Haziyaan replied, before calmly exiting. His plan had worked. He killed the king, framed Hessa, and turned Sunalia against her. According to Vorian law, one cannot rule until the age of 20. Since Sunalia was 13, and her sister was out of the picture, he had 7 years to rule Voriaad as regent. Hessa, still being alive however, was his only weakness. She knew the truth, so she had to be eliminated.

A day passed and Haziyaan had finished preparing the king's body. Before the funeral began, Haziyaan addressed the masses that gathered to mourn their king. "King Kanja was not only my king but my friend. Together we laughed, drank, ate, and all other things. We were inseparable, and to have him ripped away from me, feels as though death has come for my soul as well. I will not rest until we have justice for our king, and to that end I ask for your help. The king was assassinated by his own daughter, Princess Hessa. I know this is shocking, but it's true. I found her standing over my king's lifeless body. If anyone knows the whereabouts of Princess Hessa, inform any soldier you see. In addition, there is a large reward for her capture." Haziyaan's false sincerity had moved the Vorian public, and soon private bounty hunters and military search parties had begun their hunt for Hessa.

After the masses had cleared, Sunalia stood silently over her father's casket. Haziyaan approached the princess. Before he had the chance, Sunalia spoke. "Why'd she do it…? Why'd she kill him? He's our father…" she asked. Haziyaan pounced on the opportunity to slander Hessa. "Your sister has always been a violent, unstable person. It's my greatest shame that I didn't notice her homicidal nature sooner. If I had, I could have prevented your father's murder." he said.

"Will she kill me too? Is she gonna hurt me?" Sunalia asked.

"Don't worry. I swore to your father that I'd protect you. I won't let her harm you."

Sunalia left without another word. She returned to her room, and laid on her bed. Why would Hessa do this? She loves our family… She loves father… right? Did something happen? Did father wrong her somehow? Even if he did… Killing him… She finished her thought out loud. "is unforgivable." she said to herself. As she thought over and over about Hessa, she could feel only one thing- hatred. How could she take him from me… Was mother's death not enough…? she thought, and right after she had another thought. Was Hessa behind mother's death too? The queen had died from disease when Sunalia was 9. Hessa, of course, was not involved, but in Sunalia's current state of mind anything was possible. Did she poison mother? Is that how she really died? she thought.

Sunalia fell to her knees, holding her head. She began to cry. Her tears began to change into screams, and soon enough she was rampaging around her room, flipping over her desk, and throwing whatever she could grab across the room. "I'll kill her… I'LL KILL HER!" she screamed, and as she did, an intensely bright light flashed all around her. Sparks flew everywhere, and electricity covered her whole body. Her hair flowed like it was free from gravity, and emitted a vibrant purple light.

Once she had calmed down, she looked around at her room. Everything was charred and blackened, as if the entire room had been struck by lightning. The door to her room swung open, and Haziyaan ran inside. "Princess! Are you okay? What happened?" he asked with false concern. He knew exactly what happened. Sunalia awoke to a new power, her Aspect.

"I've read about this, in the books from the library. This is my Aspect…" she stated.

Haziyaan looked around the room. "Your power is incredible. With this, you can lead Voriaad to a bright future." he said.

"Maybe… But I know exactly what to do with this power before any of that… I'll ride this lightning straight through Hessa's heart."

"Do what you must." Haziyaan said before leaving the room. Another step in his plan had been fulfilled. He had brought Sunalia to hate Hessa so much, it awakened her Aspect. If Hessa ever reappeared, Sunalia would kill her at any cost, and with extreme ferocity. He had planted the seed of hatred in her heart, and he planned to feed it as she grew into the ruler he wanted her to be.

Next Chapter ↓

[vorasaad]

Voriaad - The Ancient Empire of the Sands

The Vorian empire has been present throughout their desert homeland and other territories it controls for centuries. The Vorian Empire is believed to be the oldest known civilization in the world. Many prehistoric and historic ruins are present under the sands, making Voriaad a treasure trove for archeologists. It has a very long history of warfare and territorial expansion. It was once the largest and strongest empire in the world, though nowadays it's territory has shrank due to the actions of king Kanja Vorasaad, who focused more on the welfare of his people, than foreign affairs.

[vorasaad]

Chapter 1 - Red Sands

On the twenty second of the Crimson moon, 1451, the old, worn sandstone floor of the Vorian throne room was dyed a deep red. The king, Kanja Vorasaad lies dead on his throne, his throat slit.

There was no sign of a struggle, no forced entry into the throne room, and the guards were nowhere to be found. Whoever killed him must have been someone he trusted deeply, and had some amount of control over the palace. The king, being a widower had no one to take his place. His heir, Hessa was only 16, his other daughter, Sunalia was only 13. They were both too young to rule Voriaad, so the responsibility fell to the King's royal advisor, and now regent, Haziyaan.

He was a shrewd man, skilled in manipulation, deceit, and all things cowardly. His untrustworthy nature was very well hidden, especially to the king. Haziyaan's counsel had provided the late king with not only victory in battle but domestic prosperity. In many ways, Haziyaan was the brains to Kanja's brawn, and the two worked alongside each other, treating each other as equals, and as friends.

The façade was excellent, and no one saw his betrayal coming, all except for the king's firstborn daughter, Hessa. She was never that bright, taking after her father in that regard, but was perceptive where it really counted. For weeks she spied on Haziyaan. His behavior had changed recently, very subtly. Lately, he seemed on edge, stressed, and quick to anger. Normally, he seemed relaxed, patient, and understanding. Hessa had made a routine of spying on Haziyaan, she knew his schedule, the routes he'd take, and the places he'd stop. On the day of the king's murder, Hessa noticed that Haziyaan was nowhere he'd usually be found. Hessa assumed he was doing something inappropriate for a man of his position, or maybe had some embarrassing secret. Little did she know the horrible truth of her father's fate. Hessa, thinking of Haziyaan's closeness to the king, went to her father to ask of Haziyaan's whereabouts. First she checked her father's bedroom, then the garden where he liked to spend his free time. Lastly, she looked in the throne room, where she had discovered a gruesome scene.

Her father sat in his throne, dead, blood pooling on the floor and staining it red. Hessa recoiled in horror and let out a piercing shriek heard across the whole palace. After a few moments of stunned silence, Hessa approached her father's body, still slightly warm. Hessa wept, holding her father, begging him to wake up. Through her tears she noticed something else about her father. In his lap sat an ornate dagger, made of gold and covered in jewels. This weapon was never meant for fighting, or even killing. The dagger was purely ornamental, nothing an assassin would carry. Hessa recognized the weapon, it was a gift from her father. The realization dawned on her, Haziyaan was the killer. His strange behavior, his absence today, Hessa's own dagger planted at the scene.

"This is perfect…" a low voice said from the corner of the room. Hessa jolted back, startled. From the shadows emerged Haziyaan, with a still and expressionless face. "I noticed you following me. You're an observant little pest, one that will hinder Voriaad's future." Haziyaan said. Hessa's face shifted from fear to fury. She grabbed the dagger, drenched in her father's blood. Her heart began to race, and she could feel something was different. She felt a huge rush of adrenaline wash over her, and before she could even think, she lunged at Haziyaan will all her might. He dodged the fatal attack, and Hessa fell onto the floor. Dazed and confused, she got up, and staggered towards Haziyaan. Then, in the distance footsteps were heard. "HELP ME!" Haziyaan cried out with a sinister smile, and seconds later, two guards stormed into the room. All they saw was Hessa, standing by her father, covered in his blood, holding her dagger.

The scene was damning. There was no explanation that could possibly save her, the setup was undoubtedly more believable than the truth. She dropped the dagger in stunned panic as the guards surrounded Hessa.

"Princess Hessa, you are under arrest for patricide." one guard said.

The other hesitated before saying "Princess… How could you do this?"

Hessa, knowing she could never talk her way out of this, bolted out of the room pushing the guards to the ground. She ran through the halls, and out of the palace, sobbing all the way. She ran and ran, eventually running so far she had exited the city and began wandering the road. Eventually, as the adrenaline faded, her fatigue set in. Her legs failed, and she collapsed to the ground, then, everything went dark.

When she next awoke, she was lying on her stomach, hanging over the back of a horse. Startled and disoriented, she fell off the horse and onto her back, into a puddle of mud. After a moment of staring into the cloudless sky, the head of a woman entered Hessa's view. She was tall, slender, with long white hair. Her face was stern, with a stoic expression.

"Well, well. Looks like my mystery passenger is awake." she said, looking down at Hessa's pathetic state.

Hessa scooted backward, quickly. "Who the hell are you?" She barked.

Hessa's defensive body language and attitude was apparent to the woman, she stepped back as to keep her distance. "Are you okay? I found you unconscious by the road" she said.

A long silence ensued before the woman spoke again.

"Something happened to you, am I right? I won't expect you to trust me, but I mean you no harm." Hessa responded with more silence before the woman reached for a water container made from animal hide. "You thirsty?" Without hesitation Hessa grabbed the water and guzzled it savagely. "When I saw you passed out, covered in blood, I thought I could help you, but you don't have any wounds. Who's blood is that?" the woman asked.

Hessa stood silently, looking down at her feet. The scenario kept playing out in her mind, she couldn't think of anything else. "It's not something I want to talk about." she said as she turned her back to the woman. Now facing away from the woman, tears welled up in Hessa's eyes, rolling down her cheeks.

"Then tell me something else." the woman said. "I'm Saya, I'm from a big city called Fujikyong, in Hebilao. What's your name?"

Hessa, knowing she's a fugitive, came up with a fake name on the spot. She lifted her head, and looked into Saya's eyes. "My name's Haana." She said.

"See, now that's a start." Saya replied "So what brings you to the middle of nowhere?" said Saya.

Hessa replied "Family… I guess… I just wanna get away from it all."

Saya paused and looked at Hessa, suspiciously. After a short silence, she spoke again. "Come with me to Galaansira" Saya said.

Hessa was taken aback by the sudden invitation. "You want me to go with you?" she said.

"I can tell you don't have anywhere else to be, but if you'd like you can stay here on the side of the road." Saya said with a dismissive shrug.

Knowing she could not return home, she agreed. "I'll go with you, but I still don't trust you." Hessa said. She got on the horse and the two made their way to Galaansira.

As the two carried on, the sun began to descend behind the horizon. Saya turned off the road, then brought the horse to a stop, before getting off. "You ever go camping, Haana?" she asked.

"I've slept behind a tavern once. Couldn't remember the way home." she answered.

"You're very well dressed for a delinquent." Saya said, while going through her supplies. She set down some firewood, and a few steel skewers. "I'm gonna get something to eat, stay here."

Alone with her thoughts, Hessa's mind turned to her father. The image was seared into her brain. Haziyaan must have been planning this for some time, to pull it off with such perfection. Hessa sat on the ground, her forehead pressed up against her knees. She thought of her sister, Sunalia. I hope she doesn't believe Haziyaan… I don't want to her end up hating me…" she thought to herself. After a few pensive moments, she heard multiple footsteps approaching. She froze before forcing out a shaky "Saya…? That you?" Suddenly, a spark, then a flame from a torch illuminated the figures. They were 2 soldiers, presumably on the search for Hessa. The two men examined Hessa, then drew their swords. "Princess, you're under arrest. Please don't make this difficult." one said.

Before anything else could happen, Saya returned, holding two dead snakes. "Who are these guys, Haana?" she asked.

"Haana? It seems this girl isn't who you think she is. This is Hessa Vorasaad, princess of Voriaad. She's wanted for the murder of her father." the other soldier said.

"It's not true! I didn't do it!" Hessa exclaimed. "Protect me Saya, and I'll tell you the truth, everything! Please…" Hessa pleaded.

Saya already made up her mind before Hessa even asked. There was no way she could bring herself to betray this helpless girl. Saya didn't know exactly what happened but she knew that Hessa didn't know who she could trust, Saya had to be on her side. "Stay behind me." Saya said. She placed her hand on her sword, ready to draw.

"Don't kill them! They're just doing their jobs!" Hessa said.

"You're lucky this girl is showing mercy, I could cut you down with ease." said Saya, looking into the soldier's eyes with a confident face.

"If you protect her, we'll be forced to take you in, or take you out." the soldier said.

"I would hope so." Saya said with a smile.

Saya unsheathed her sword. It was a slender blade, as long as Hessa was tall. It had one edge and a slight curve. The handle was straight, with red leather wrapped around it in an intricate pattern. Hessa had read about weapons from Hebilao but this was her first time seeing one. One soldier dashed at Saya, raising his sword to the moon and swinging it down towards Her. In the blink of an eye, Saya raised her sword in front of her face, and held it perfectly still. As the soldier's blade clashed against hers, there was a flash of light, and the soldier's sword bounced off of Saya's blade, out of his hand, and high into the air.

"How'd you do that!? That was amazing!" Hessa exclaimed.

Saya ignored her and kept fighting. She closed the distance on the soldier and delivered a punch with all her strength straight to his face. The soldier was instantly knocked out. The other soldier, seeing the blade deflected knew that a sword would be useless here, so he sheathed it and reached to his back for his spear. When Saya saw the spear her expression changed. She looked unsure, worried almost. The soldier pointed it at Saya, keeping his distance. He thrusted the spear and Saya deflected the blow, but with far less power this time. The deflection seemed to be less effective on a sharp concentrated point of impact, like a spearhead. The soldier made a mental note of this and kept up his assault. Saya was just barely hanging on, and with her weakness exposed, the soldier kept thrusting. Eventually, one of the strikes connected, and the soldier's spearhead dug into Saya's shoulder. Saya let out shriek, and the pain caused her to drop her sword to the ground. The soldier took his spear out and prepared to deliver the finishing blow, but then, out of nowhere, something changed.

Just like when she lunged at Haziyaan, Hessa jumped towards the soldier with tremendous force. Her heart was racing, and she felt her power grow. Before the soldier could kill Saya, Hessa delivered a devastating punch to the soldier's stomach, sending him flying backwards. As the dust cleared, Saya saw Hessa. Her hair was glowing with a fiery orange and red color, flowing around her head as if she was underwater. The warm light covered the area, revealing through the dust, the soldier on the ground. He staggered to his feet and ran at Hessa spear in hand, letting out a scream of desperation. Hessa stood unmoving, and at the last moment dodged out of the way of the spearhead. She grabbed the handle, ripped it from the soldier's hands, and snapped it in half over her knee. Then, before the soldier knew what hit him, Hessa delivered a flurry of punches to the soldier's torso. The soldier went flying, and then landed, unmoving. Saya ran over to him and checked his pulse. "Did I…?" Hessa asked weakly. Her heart began to race even faster, panicked that she might have actually killed one of her own loyal soldiers.

"He's just unconscious, don't worry. We have to get out of here quickly though." The two got on the horse, leaving the firewood, skewers and snakes, next to the incapacitated soldiers.

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