One foot in hell

  Heavy breathing, nausea, wet closes and acing cold. Kiyeri woke up.

  Eyes, still drowsy, met with morning sun glow with an ache, but little by little - world came it to focus. Marble red leaves tossed by wind on grayish blue shore by the ke, dark, rolling sky and rain drops coming from it, hitting his face, sending chills through spine.

  It’s been a year. A year of constantly feeling like something is stuck in your throat. No matter how much you try to take a deep breath, to rex, you just can’t. Every minute is suffocating and you just end up gaping, like a fish, tossed from the water.

  Although Kiyeri knows it‘s useless, he tries ones again to fill his chest with deep breath, then hisses. ?Will this ever end...?“

  Crisp annoyed voice from behind his back, makes Kiyeri‘s muscles tense up.

  ?Kiye, this is what happens, when you try to save others forgetting yourself “.

  ?Mhmmm... “. Kiyeri closed his eyes and made innocent face. No need to turn around, he knows quite well with what expression Ashiya talks. ?Aaahhh... why the second I return from hell, I need to babysit you “. Feeling hopeless, Kiyeri rises from soft cushion of maple leaves and sits facing Ashiya. Steeling himself, he crosses his legs and slowly lifts his head, to meet that annoyed brat eyes.

  This conversation might be serious, if not for this comically high lifted eyebrow on Ashiya face and messy long bck hair, that looked more like wet crow’s nest, then a bun. Kiyeri did put a lot of effort to look at him normally. “Don’t ugh, don’t ugh, DO NOT LAUGHT! “but ultimately couldn’t and started to snicker through talking.

  ?Ashi, look at yourself, what the hell? Please make an effort to at least look presentable “.

  The youth, kneeling on one knee before Kiyeri, now drew both eyebrows together in one line. ?What’s the problem? It’s not like anyone can see me here “.

  ?That not the point, your moron. A warrior should always look orderly and dignified “. Kiyeri patiently expined, while crunching his closes to drain the water and collecting his own hair in to neat ponytail. ?You have to look after your image, be more disciplined, no matter you seen at the moment, or not. Also, I’m here – I can see you, so make haste “.

  The youth clenched his fist for a moment before talking “We’re not… It doesn’t matter, I have no energy left for that”. He fixed his hair in rush and extended a hand, helping Kiyeri to stand up. “Let’s go. While Kiye was trapped in Beyond I scouted the forest. Half an hour from here I could hear dogs barking and sheep crying. It should be residence nearby, we can eat and sleep there”

  “No.” Kiyeri answered immediately while grabbing that extended hand. Now standing on equal footing he swept a look across Ashiya and stopped his eyes looking straight him in to eyes. After giving himself a moment to focus, Kiyeri calmly but surely continued, “You know you can’t go there. We only have a week left until we reach destination. We will travel without rest”.

  Now, like every time Kiyeri denes Ashiya request, he did not let his guard OR gaze down until hearing the answer. They both knew well how uncontrolling and dangerous Ashiya gets, when he can’t have whatever he wanted. After being exhausted this morning, Kiyeri didn’t mince his words. “You know perfectly why. Accept it”.

  Ashiya clenched his teeth for a moment, the opened up to speak, only to bit them again. Fingertips already white from pushing into fist, face changing colors. At st he could not take it. “Why? Why always everyone else matter more, then we? Why we always run like coward??”

  Being used to temper tantrums, Kiyeri stayed silent, but already could feel his blood boiling. He is the one who wants to know why he needs to expin basic things about life again and again to this brat. If someone want to have anything in this world, to go anywhere, to reach something, they have to work hard, head bowed low and stay silent. But this spoiled lord will never learn it, he just doesn’t understand, he can’t take whatever he wants.

  Ashiya presses further, voice louder, “Why on earth we should wade through swamp, dirty and hungry, when there is food, shelter and horses just around the corner? This makes no sense! “

  ?And if they say NO?“, Kiyeri interrupted calmly, ?What will you do, if those people say no?“

  Ashiya looked at him strongly and rised his hands in the air, like answer would be the most natural thing in the world, ?I will take it by force, of course “.

  This arrogant pose of human, who thinks everything on this pnet belongs to him, standing surrounded by trees with open hands, finally broke Kiyeri ‘s calmness. He felt this temples to pulse ?You can‘t just do whatever. You gave you this right??“.

  Ashiya started to ugh ?Gave? I had it from birth! Who can take it away from me?! If I want it, I take it – simple. It‘s not normal to hurt yourself for others!”

  “But hurting others for yourself is normal??“ Kiyeri finally broke out in shout, ?The things you did in that vilge is normal?? Burning EVERYTHIG to the ground is normal to you?!“

  Ashiya froze. The look of bewilderment in his eyes, like he really could not comprehend why he was yelled at. After moment of stunned silence he spoke ?I did it for Kiye...“

  ?WHO ASKED YOU? “Kiyeri shouted. Now his blood really was boiling. With every sentence he took a step and showed Ashiya away. ? YOU called me, when I was running from dungeon. YOU followed me this whole year. YOU are the reason they find me every time. YOU are the reason we‘re hungry and dirty! And YOU dare to tell ME it‘s for my sake?! If not for YOU, I would sleep in BED, SATED! “

  With that st push Ashiya stumbled backwards and fell to the ground. Not because Kiyeri pushed him too hard, but because he stunned silent. Not only because Kiyeri yelled at him like that for the first time, but also because he finally heard what Kiyeri thought all this time and never voiced it. In front of these words, all Ashiya's arguments had fallen and gave out, just like his legs now. He could not think a single word to answer that, he could only sit there and stare at the ground silent, not daring to lift his eyes.

  After a minute of that cold silence, Kiyeri felt his anger dissipate. He rexed his shoulders, looking pitifully to the youth on the ground. Why did he sh out like that? Even he didn’t know. Regret and fear crept to his heart. Ashiya could really just turn and go away after these words, Kiyeri opened his mouth to say at least something, afraid he might not make it and Ashiya will really leave.

  “Ashi,” the voice that came out was too timid and gentle, so Kiyeri paused to collect himself “I’m moving on, and you can come with me. I just want you to understand, that we need to avoid problems”.

  Ashiya was still and silent.

  “Ashi?” Kiyeri felt his heart press to his throat.

  "How am I supposed to get through to you...” Ashiya murmured, his face still hidden, but Kiyeri still heard the thing he did not want to hear.

  “What was that?”

  Ashiya took a deep breath lifting his face up and finally looking at Kiyeri’s eyes “Nothing. I understood, Kiye is right, we should move on”.

  Received a correct answer Kiyeri wanted to give a hand and help him stand up, but those gentle eyes, staring directly at him, changed his mind. So he just turned on his heel and moved away, carefully stepping on wet, slippery leaves that spread all around this lonely path on the ke shore. Kiyeri listened carefully for sounds, making sure he was being followed and when he heard rustling of closes and quick steps, he finally rexed quickening the pace.

  Nerving sounds and angry voices of vilgers could still be heard across ke's surface from a distant shore, and only silenced when the couple entered a denser forest. A few minutes passed and all they could hear were branches breaking beneath their feet. Wet clothes were weighing on Kiyeri's body and that grey sky felt even more heavy, making his steps falter and slower from time to time.

  After some time, something came to him “All that chaos, where is my stuff?” he thought while shaking his pockets. A few golden and silver coins fell out. Kiyeri checked the belt and found his two beloved combat daggers and some throwing daggers. A zy voice drifted from behind him.

  “I collected everything”.

  “Well, at least we are talking,” Kiyeri thought to himself smiling. Week of travel with no food or rest will be hard, even for Sigil bearers like them. Lost in thought — or maybe just out of habit — Kiyeri reached inside his shirt, brushed his chest with his fingertips, and found that engraved Sigil. Somewhere deep in his mind, there was a thought, maybe something had changed? Maybe it’s gone? But what he found was the same empty circle, as big as his hand burned deep into his skin. Instantly, he left stupid for checking it and blushed. Remembering he wasn’t alone, Kiyeri turned slightly — and met Ashiya’s gaze, staring intently at him.

  Kiyeri sighed, “I told you, don’t worry about me. You need to focus on controlling your own Sigil”. Slowing his steps, Kiyeri let Ashiya catch up, “Let’s make our way to Ley town, it’s rge enough for mixing with the crowd. If we find some clothes, we can rest and eat there. Okay? It’s far enough, no one should recognize us”

  Their destination was Temple of Metal Sigil, one of five Temples for worshiping Celestial Stones. Although more or less, everyone could manipute life energy – mana in their body, only ones with great talent could extract elemental Sigil from those Stones. Legend says, that thousands of years ago, those stones fell from the sky like rain, scattering across the continent, and over time, people learned how to purify and use them to their advantage.

  Nowadays, only eight Celestial Stones are left on the Continent, all of them are covered by Temples. Five in this – Moon Kingdom and three in neighboring Sun Land. And two of those rare Sigil bearers are traveling here, to Temple of Metal Sigil. To be exact, not two, but one and a half. Ashiya carries Fire Sigil on his chest, but Kiyeri has only an empty circle, no Sigil in the center, proving, that something went wrong.

  “Kiye, what…” – the voice of Ashiya was hesitant, “What did Kiye see Beyond this time?”

  Kiyeri looked at soon after the question firmly pressed Ashiya’s lips. It was hart to lie for someone so sincere, so Kiyeri had to turn away, facing the road, and tried to keep a light smile.

  “Nothing bad this time. When I fell from that cliff, I did not die instantly”.

  “You didn’t fall; you were pushed down”. Ahiya interrupted.

  Kiyeri ughed “If you want to be specific – I jumped. You know they were just doing their job as soldiers, I am a runaway, you can’t bme them”.

  “You are not a criminal”.

  Kiyeri sighed “I know that, you know that. So what? We are no one, so no one cares what we think”.

  After a beat, Ashiya asked again “Kiye still haven’t told what happened in Beyond. Did you encounter any Voidbornes?”

  Kiyeri crossed his arms behind his back “Like I said, when I jumped off the cliff, I got stuck between some branches, that slowed my fall and did not die instantly, so already less time in Beyond. When I finally crossed the line, there was just empty space, full of gray sand. No one was there. So I just sat in that dark desert until you woke me up. That’s it.” He put his hand on Ashiya's shoulder and smiled, “You did a great job this time, you brought me back quickly, made it just in time”.

  Ahiya turned away slightly, “No need to thank me, I just did exactly like you said. Waited for you to fall, found you and swam to next ke shore, and gave my mana to you. I’m gd you didn’t see them, this time.”

  Although Ashiya only had one chance to see Voidborns with his own eyes, while receiving his Sigil by diving to Beyond, it was more than enough. Ugly deformed bck creatures, tearing apart human souls with their cws was horrible to witness and no one would forget that in their life.

  On the other hand, Kiyeri messed up in Sigil transfer ceremony, so every time he dies and goes to Beyond, where all dead people go, he can come back. The only problem – he has to go through literal hell and meet Voidborne – punishers of another world. After a couple of these “visits,” Kiyeri discovered, that he could come back quicker if mana were poured into his vessel, calling his soul back. Because the soul can’t exist in a body striped from mana, and mana scatters when people die.

  “Mmm, thank you.” Kiyeri patted Ashiya’s shoulder two more times and turned away to move forward. Brutal images surged in his head on the Beyond visit just now. Ashiya did not make it on time. There’s no such thing as making it in time or calm desert sand. Voiborns are always there, waiting for next unlucky soul to come, they grab and shred it with their four crooked beastly hands to pieces, bite out their innards, and leave it to scatter, just to be formed into shape again before those fourteen fly-like eyes and repeat the process. Kiyeri counted those eyes many times in his torture.

  But Ashiya doesn’t need to know that, everything is complicated enough as it is. It's hard enough to teach this youth, that there are times, when self-sacrifice should be made, and there are times when you have to do things you don’t want to, it’s just how the world works. The two of them traveled together almost a year now, many things have happened. There were calm days, enough food and rest, and there were bad weeks, when all they did was run from one point to another, just to reach the next Temple. Four Temples visited already, but no answers were discovered, Metal one is the st hope. As if that weren’t enough, for the st couple of months, Kiyeri goes into Beyond while sleeping!

  While they made their way through forest beasts' paths, sides of the fields, and small roads, the sun was setting lower and lower until completely disappeared behind the horizon. Sky was blessed with countless stars and a big round moon lighted up their journey. They talked strategies, had some unserious fights, joked about meaningless things, and walked until the morning sun came up again. Kiyeri felt like that nightmare never happened and his mood was good enough to go along with Ashiya's silly talks. He concluded that it was safe to go where people were when Ashiyas mood was this good, so he started to look for a shortcut to town. Warriors like them can go without food for a long time, only feeding on mana, but it‘s smart to eat at least something if they have a chance and conserve some strength if trouble comes their way.

  A Light Warmup

  The road between plowed fields started to get busier. At first, they saw a couple of people carrying bundles of vegetables on their backs. Later came carriages and, ter more people. Men, women, and children were everywhere. Some made haste and looked busy, some just walked around admiring nature, and some were drinking beer in fields on breaks, but everyone looked at these two with bulging eyes or tried to sneak a discreet peak and whisper among themselves.

  Kiyeri sighed, ?We‘re inviting trouble...“

  This kind of behavior by commoners was understandable. Ashiya had an elegant face, long bck hair sparkling in the sun, proud posture, and calcuted steps. It was evident he came from a good household, possibly a rich lord. But now that face was dirty and tired, hair messy and that posture wrapped in old torn and patched clothes, looking like they were worn by three generations and handed down from father to son. On top of that, on his wais, Ashiya had gold enbrodined Shamshir sword. Sheth buttoned with jewels. How can anyone react to this man in any other way? Random commoner had never even seen this kind of treasure in their whole life.

  Next to that show-off, Kiyeri looks a little bit more decent to these surroundings, but not much. More fit, than elegant, he still carries a long reddish ponytail and a white well-kept face. Kiyeris weapons were always hidden, it was part of the job actually – a habit he kept. Like being able to adjust his ?aura“ to fit in anywhere and not be discovered. He grew up in a common household, so it‘s not that hard.

  At the end of the busy road, they finally reached Ley town. This broad territory was surrounded by a fence of grown men's height made of logs. In front of them were big gates, that could fit three carriages at once. These gates were open to masses of people walking in and out. It was evident this town lived a good life, not like in many towns of the Kingdom. Many were carrying little piglets or ducks to sell, not mutch beggars sat on the streets and no steeling bandit children were present.

  Kiyeri pulled Ashiya's sleeve, ?Let‘s stop here to rest and eat“.

  Hearing these words Ashiya went wild with joy. Kiyeri thought he would see tears of happiness soon. They found the biggest inn, full of people, and sat down next to the farthest table in the corner. Ashiya tried to order a white whine and quail bird stewed with tomatoes. Waitter looked lost with words, having nothing to say, and stared intently at him, before looking back to his colleague. ?Did you hear what this psycho ordered?“ was practically written on his face.

  Kiyeri buried his face down into his palms, ?You never give up, do you?“

  ?It‘s worth trying, you never know“ – Ashiya answered like it was the most natural thing in the world.

  ?Behave appropriately, please“.

  Finally, they received lunch, two beers, and a pig‘s hoof. Food was delicious, a little greasy for the lord, but just right for a commoner. Soon, ptes were empty, only bones left. Hearing all the whispering around them and feeling uneasy, Kiyeri decided it was time to go, even leaving his beer unfinished. ?Enough, we should go get some clothes and find a bath“.

  After paying for food, they turned to visit the market.

  The broad main road was surrounded by long iles of market stalls from both sides. Everywhere voices were heard, bargaining, suggestions, praise of good looks, anything to sell an item. There were too many people, Kiyeri got anxious he would lose Ashiya, so he turned to look at him from time to time, but every time he was there, looking back with a small smile.

  ?What are you so happy about?“ Kiyeri could not take it anymore, ?Smiling all day for no reason. Is the food the only thing you need to be happy?“

  ?No, but food helps, even if it‘s just a pig‘s hoof“ Ashiya answered, still smiling.

  ?Cut it out. Be useful and find a decent stall of closes“.

  ?Yes, sir. It is right here actually“, Ashiya pointed to a stall near them.

  After rustling in clothes and finding a couple of hooded items, Kyeri gave the owner st of his golden coin. Shaking the money pouch he saw only two silver coins left ?Now it‘s really over, this is our st stop. Tomorrow we will need to travel without stopping to Temple. If not for clothes, we could pay for a ride“.

  ?I‘m afraid the st Temple will be guarded heavily, given all events that passed. No disguise will be sufficient for sneaking in“ Ashiya answered while pushing items into the bag.

  ?I know. It will help at least to come into town. From there, I will think of some way. Now, lets go and find a bath“.

  While they were walking that uneven street, looking for a public bath, the sound of thundering started to appear like ten or more horses were trampling tiles. Tired and sleepy after lunch, Kiyeri did not register it at first. Autumn is the season when everyone is in a hurry. Big harvests and sowing again, everyone moves around like little ants. Only when some angry shouts were heard from a distance did he freeze and look at Ashiya. Both of them listened closely, taut like bow strings.

  ?Get out of the WAY!“

  ?You headless chicken! Where do you think you're going? The street is full of people! Slow down your horse!“

  ?Madman...“

  ?Is your ass on fire?? Or do you have diarrhea?! Look where you're going asshole!“

  ?Do you know whose taxes pay for your food, you pig!“

  ?I said, GET THE FUCK OUT OF THE WAY!“

  ?Look at that, soldiers who kick commoners! You should be ashamed, you dog!”

  “Fucking animals! Dogs! Give us back the money you wasted!”

  These interactions made it clear who came into town. Clutching their bags, Ashiya and Kiyeri started sprinting in opposite from sound direction. While running, they pushed the crowd, much like those soldiers, some people stumbled to the ground swearing at them. Soon, they reached the back of the town and came to face that wooden log fence. Quickly and gracefully they hoped over it and the most horrible sight came into their eyes – bare fields and pins, no were to hide.

  ?Shit!“ – Kiyeri smacked his tongue. No time wasted, he looked over the distance calcuting then pointed his finger to a small pond way across those fields– ?There!“ Ashiya did not waste any time nodding, just moved as instructed and they both shot like arrows in that direction. The soldiers who were practically at their heels ran into that wall and had to stop. Some of them dismounted and jumped the fence, others went around through gates. Soon, the whole battalion was following them.

  Kiyeri instructed while running, ?When you reach the pond wait for them to come closer, then jump in, but don't swim. We need as many of them to reach it as possible. When they...“

  ?Got it.“ Ashiya interrupted.

  Kiyeri looked at him intently before replying. ?Don't overdo it“.

  While running, Kiyeri kept looking back until he spotted arrows flying in his direction. Feeling annoyed he smacked his tong again, ?Well of course...“

  Ashiya reacted to these words by looking over. Seeing the sky full of arrows, he lifted his hands and started chanting a spell silently, but was immediately stopped by Kiyeri, ?No. Don‘t waste your mana“.

  Ashiya put down his hands in agreement and picked up the pace with full confidence, that his back would be protected. Right behind him, Kiyeri managed to run the same speed and deflect arrows, that would hit them with his dagger, shouting some evaluation words to those soldiers from time to time.

  ?Wow... Where are you looking when shooting?“, ?Ha, ha, ha, this one was blown by the wind, I‘m sure“, ?I know an old dy, that can spit sunflower seeds better than you shoot“, and ?Your father must feel ashamed of you, he could aim better“.

  Ashiya could not hold out anymore and started to ugh hysterically. The more vulgar taunts – the better. Kiyeri wanted this battalion to get emotional and use less logic. When these soldiers fed town people with kicks, they proved their incompetence and exposed their weeknesses.

  When they finally reached that pond, Kiyeri and Ashiya turned around to face their enemies with confident combat poses. Ashiya lifted his palms for a spell and Kiyeri was holding his deadly daggers. No fear on their faces, only confidence, anyone would falter before attacking a couple this calm, collected, and looking ready for anything.

  Kiyeri threw down the st taunt while smiling ?Why your group is so small? The two of us can‘t even warm up on this number. Bring a whole brigade next time“.

  ?Our clothes...“ Ashiya looked at the bag trampled under the horse's hooves and sighed.

  ?Also BUNS. I didn't even get to taste them“, replied Kiyeri in a serious tone.

  This kind of tone and behavior from these two turned out to be the st drop and the foot soldiers in front of them really got a little scared. Soldiers slowed down their pace considerably and were obviously wary to approach. This led all of them to huddle together in one neat straight line, moving slowly. When they finally decided to attack, Kiyeri yelled ?Now!”

  Both of them jumped into the water with a backflip. Soldiers were lost for a second at what to do. Some of them tried to follow, others started baking up startled, and some decided to circle the pond and take prisoners from the other side. Pin chaos, no discipline. When so many people move in disorder – it's over. They started tripping on one another feet, half of the battalion was already on the ground. These couple of chaotic seconds were all Ashiya needed. He resurfaced and made a huge fireball before directing it to enemies. Kiyeri swam toward the opposite shore, but kept peeking back — making sure Ashiya wasn’t hurting anyone too badly, but to his surprise, fire was controlled perfectly.

  Soldiers were wearing leather and metal armor, so it wasn't that bad, but there were some cloth, so everyone was in panic, rolling on the ground, jumping to the pond, no need to chase anyone anymore. The couple had all the time they needed to swim to the other side and run like crazy to the nearest forest. Kiyeri managed to spot alone running horses, “At least one of them could come this way…”, but decided, you can’t get lucky at everything.

  “Kiye saw their emblems?”, Ashiya asked “They’re from the same camp as we were”.

  “Yes, I saw. Unbelievably disappointing”.

  A moment of peace

  After couple of days waning thro swamps, climbing thro branches, and crossing thick bushes, both of them looked like old flor rags. They had water to drink from springs passed, but it was different with food. Also, if you can go without food, it doesn’t mean you’re not hungry. The hunger never goes away; you just don’t starve. The road was getting longer, because Kiyeri tried to bypass all towns on the way, not risking any more encounters. When the finish line is so close, they have to avoid problems. Not to mention the fact, that st couple of weeks, they are too easily discovered. It’s like someone knows where they are at all times. Last time, they stayed in a vilge for a couple of days, and soldiers just popped up from nowhere one morning. Because of this, he had to strategically fall from that cliff. And now, this st incident. They hadn’t even rested for two hours and still were discovered. All evidence shows they are being followed.

  Fourth evening of this travel nearing the end, the forest changed again, from the bushes to tall conifers. All trees grew with big spaces between, tall and mighty, swinging in wind, carrying sweet smell of sap. Kiyeri felt like he finally could breathe full lungs of fresh air and space opened up a little. The ground was covered in nice soft moss and every step felt a little lighter. Little bushes with small leaves started to appear bit by bit. Some of them had berries, red, round and plump, shining in evening glow. Even looking at them made one salivate from that juicy sweet and sour aroma.

  Kiyeri didn’t even had time to open his mouth when someone grabbed him on the wrist. That grab was so sudden, that he even lost his bance for a second.

  “Kiye, look! Drunkards!“ Ashiya's face was practically glowing from anticipation, ?Can we stop and have a taste?“. Still holding Kiyeris wrist he seemed to almost squat from joy. By looking at this Kiyeri left conflicted, it may be funny, but not pretty. Pittifull maybe? He didn't know.

  ?What do you mean, taste? You have tasted them before. And quit this jumping/squatting... It‘s unsightly, what kind of grown man acts like that?“ Kiyeri ripped out his wrist with force, ?You do remember, right? I brought ten of these berries for you during my mission in the south and ter regretted it. You became so drunk, that you turned upside down the whole pavilion!“.

  Ashiya turned away his eyes, ?Yes, I remember... But I ate them alone that time. Also, there is nothing to turn upside down here“, he said with such conviction, Kiyeri was left speechless.

  ?...Nothing to turn..?“. Kiyeri pressed his fingers to his temples and rubbed on them, but it did not help. He lifted his eyes again gazing at that excited young man and spoke again ?I‘m speechless from this argument“. Ashiya just smiled brilliantly, but for some reason, Kiyeri could not look at him any longer, something seemed to send a shock to his chest. So he looked around. Brightly red sky was hugging tree tops on the evening side, the whether was getting cold. The two of them traveled a long way avoiding any, people or roads. It was very quiet, only birds singing on branches.

  Ashiya did not back down, ? Drunkards are so rare, I can collect them all here, while Kye can rest. We can eat a handful and sell the rest at the market, or exchange them for clothes and food. How about that?“

  ?Well, now it sounds like an actual argument“, Kiyeri thought to himself. Ashiya was right, these berries were extremely expensive. They were only suitable for harvesting one week in autumn and it was now, when they are red. Any earlier, and they have nothing to offer, no toxin, no healing abilities, no taste. Any tter, and they will fall and rot right away, becoming poisonous. They are difficult to find, the fact they just stumbled on this plot of nd was pure luck.

  ?Okay...“ Kiyeri let out a breath, ?It is deep in the forest and undiscovered yet, but keep your guard up, just in case. We can sleep here tonight. You go collect the berries and I will set up the camp“, he said, while unbuttoning letter pouch from his belt and giving it to Ashiya.

  The drool on Ashiya's lips was practically visible, eyes shining be quickly grabbed the pouch and crouched right there and then, collecting from the nearest bush.

  Kiyeri just raised his eyebrows, a difficult look on his face, ?Do you really miss the taste of the wine this badlly?“ mulling in this line of thout, he wached Ashiya work with dedication for a couple more seconds, before turning away and going to look for some wood to make a campfire.

  While Ashiya cleaned all and every red berrie from bushes, not even leaving one behind, Kiyeri took care of firewood and collected a mountain of moss, which will be used for beds. Cold evenings only just started to show up, but nights are not comfortable to sleep anywhere anymore. At the same time, when Kiyeri had finished building these forest beds about fire, Ashiya came back, proudly showing off a full pouch.

  ?Wow, it didn‘t seem that much when we came here. With this quantity, we can make some money“, Kiyeri said.

  ?Mhm“, Ashiya answered satisfied with himself, ?Should I light up the fire?“

  ?Please, do“, Kiyeri smiled.

  Ashiya gave bag full of berries to him and moved to campfire. With his right thumb, he circled one time on his left palm and fire instantly erupted in it, carefully, Ashiya brought fire close to cone of branches in the middle, lighting them up.

  Watching this process, Kiyeri could feel seed of envy deep within him move, but it died at the same moment, drowning in sense of admiration. Theoretically, everyone could manipute mana in their body. The ones who wanted to study this energy, could enroll in the academy and take exams after turning sixteen. To pass it, one has to have good theoretical knowledge of mana and be able to send its current one way, for example, to injury and make it heal, or lead it out from their body and give to another. If one passes this exam, then by the time they are eighteen, they can enroll in the military branch, by proving the capability of mana flow to two sides at the same time. The most exceptional warriors were noticed by military chefs and made into candidates for receiving elemental Sigil, the biggest honor one can get. When the time comes to transfer Sigil from an old person to a young one, the best of the best are chosen for this.

  Ashiya and Kiyeri were in those ranks. One year ago, Ashiya successfully received his Fire Sigil and finally could turn his mana to a higher existence – fire. Kiyeri also had to receive his Sigil from the old Master and Sigil bearer, who was ready to retire, but the ceremony failed, Sigil Wardens did something wrong in their ritual, in that event, Metal Sigil vanished and most people participating died. That was the day Kiyeri lost everything he worked so hard for.

  Lost in this thout, he sat down on a log and looked at the young man, who was staking branches into the fire. That pretty face looked to serious for task like this, it made Kiyeri smile unknowingly. Somewhere deep in his memories was buried a phrase, that came to the surface out of nowhere in the form of a whisper, ?Only in complete darkness can light burn the brightest...“

  ?Mm?“ Ashiya lifted his head.

  ?I‘m asking how many berries you want to eat?“ – Kiyeri replied pyfully, taking two drunkards from the pouch and rolling them in his palm. Kiyeri could see Ashiya brighten up for only a second and then go serious again.

  ?Only a few...“ he turned away completely. ?Or maybe none. Better next time“.

  Kiyeri found this weird, ?Werent you the one, who begged to stop here and eat them? Where is this coming from?“. But mere seconds after finishing this thought, he realized the problem. He came to sit on the mountain of moss behind Ashiya and gestured to him by tapping two times on it. Ashiya came to sit next to him immediately.

  Kiyeri asked in a small voice, still pying with berries in his palm, ?You want me to sleep at least a little and you arfaid to get drunk and fall asleep also?“

  Ashiya pressed his lips together, so Kiyeri continued after the pause, ?You are afraid I will be gone Beyond, while asleep and you will not be there to wake me up? You know I can rest, just by sitting a little, I don't need sleep. Besides, someone needs to be on guard for people and wild animals. So eat.“

  ?I will stand guard, Kye should rest“, Ashiya didn‘t surrender.

  Kiyeri sighted demonstratively, ?When you bring trouble to me, by fighting some vilgers, you are not remorseful, but when I try to spoil you a little, you turn into a knight“. He made sure to put the bag of berries on moss next to them, so Ashiya could see, then came closer to him and couped up his chin in his hand and turned to make Ashiya face him directly. Both of Ashiyas eyebrows were instantly on the top of his forehead from this unexpected move, Kiyeri also felt, like he may crossed the line with this, but it was already done, so no point in turning back.

  Three, five, then more seconds passed with them frozen like that, faces apart by meer inches, but Kiyeri did nothig else, just stared squerly into Ashiyas eyes, finaly, Ashiya opened his mouth to speak.

  ?What...“

  That same instant Kiyeri showed drunkards he was holding in his other hand into Ashiya's mouth and pressed his chin shut, making it bite on them, then started ughing, but no one could tell if he ughed from this joke or because he felt awkward.

  The two of them met five years ago, when Ashiya was put as a punishment into battalion, Kiyeri was leading at the time. The talented, smart, and brave young man instantly was spotted by Kiyeri. He loved to curb smart-ass noble ones like Ashiya, but for some reason, soon after joining, that young man started to calm down and did not make any more huge problems, like at the start. In one year, that hotheaded prince became compliant and simple, and in the end, he confessed his feelings to Kiyeri. That took Kiyeri by surprise and he decided to hold as much space as possible between them. Every commoner like him knew one golden rule – do not associate with nobles, if you care for your life. After that messy part, now their communication is on the delicate side and often awkward if simply put.

  ?There, problem solved. You can drink today and I will keep guard“, Kiyeri ughed while turning back to sit on his own moss bed, tossing that pouch to Ashiya. That lord looked like he was somehow wronged and stared angrily at the one who did that. After a short ?hmt“ he started to chew on more berries himself. At the same time, Kiyeri y on his back and crossed his and behind his head, watching the countless stars in the sky and listening to the sound of sparks in the fire.

  In that bck sky, surrounded by every color and size of stars was seated around the full moon. Kiyeri was thinking about how rarely they could gaze into the sky so beautiful this year. They ran all around, many times sleeping in cold basements or debilitated shacks, staying completely silent.

  From early childhood, he always was fascinated by celestial bodies and their movement. Children in this Kingdom often hear stories, about how special are noble people in their nd especially Sigil bearers, even stars follow them and light up the way as they go. It was said, that no other nd can see stars, because they only shine here, for the chosen ones. As a child, he was fasinated by these stories, but growing up and enrolling in the military taught him otherwise. Any soldier who traveled to a distant nd could see the same sky there, nothing different.

  Humming his favorite song from childhood, Kiyeri went down memory ne, thinking about other bearers: ?I wonder how they are.”

  Suddenly, he heard a sharp whistle, but before he could identify it, a sharp pain pierced his stomach. Instinctively crouching he looked down and saw an arrow, piercing straight through his abdomen.