Page 58 of Aria's Ascension

“Tribe?”

Aria startled slightly at hearing him speak. His voice was deep, gravelly, and perfectly matched his appearance.

“Yes. I’m looking for people who are aware to help me. We need to stop what’s happening here. The slavery, the fights, the killing, all of it. Would you be interested in joining us?”

She felt like a missionary, but instead of trying to convert people, she was spreading the word of rebellion and dissent. All they lacked were flyers.

Do you want freedom? Tired of being a slave? Hate Zhrovni? Join us!

Aria held her breath while he stared at her, hard, for a long couple of seconds then leaned to the side to look behind them.

Straightening, he gave her a cynical look. “You lack a horde. You will fail your mission.”

Pessimist.

“Which is why we’re looking for people to join us,” she pointed out wryly.

Another moment of silence. Finally, he nodded once, startling her with how readily he agreed. She’d thought it would be a hell of a lot harder to convince him to fight with them, especially after his stoic greeting.

“I will join your horde, but that is all. You do not inspire the Knowing. I will not join yourshkull. ‘Harem.’”

Her men went tense beside her, but Aria had to fight to hold in a surprised laugh at his blunt proclamation.

Oh my god, I cannot wait to introduce him to Skaa. They’re either going to fall madly in love or absolutely hate each other.

“That’s totally fine,” she assured shakily. “I’m not looking to add anyone else to my… shh-kull. Promise.”

“Then I vow my strength to your mission.”

“Good. Awesome. Let’s sit, shall we? I’ve got some questions for you.”

Chapter 32

At Sauren’s nod of agreement, Tirox split off to turn on the tiny patch of mushrooms present in the small cave, Kix dimmed himself to a more subdued glow, and they all perched on a circle of rocks near the back wall.

“Let’s start with your name,” Aria prompted.

“Sauran, warrior of theNktaritribe.”

“It’s good to meet you, Sauran,” she replied sincerely. “Do you know how long you’ve been here?”

“Many seasons, though I cannot say how many.”

“How much of that time have you been aware of what’s happening? And how much has been spent down here?”

He eyed her like he didn’t understand. “I am a warrior. We must be aware at all times lest our distraction endanger the tribe.”

“Right. Okay. Uhh, how to word this. Do you remember waking up in the… fuck, what did Skaa call it?”

Tirox cut in, “Do you have memory of waking in the fighting lands above?”

Understanding dawned on Sauran’s rugged face. “Ah. Yes. I felt like I was drunk onnjerisap. My mind was hazy, full of strange images. Then I heard a sound. It cleared my mind, and I found myself in the Changing Land above with many strange beings. They attacked, so I fought them, but they did not respond to my words. They were drunk as well, but the sound did not sober them as it did me. It drove them to madness. It was… shameful. Many died, senselessly.”

“There is no honor to be had in killing for others’ amusement,” Tirox rumbled in agreement. “But, you must release yourself of that shame. It is not yours to carry, friend, nor is the burden of those deaths.”

Aria was only half listening, still trying to decipher what he’d said.

A sound woke him up. Does he mean… Holy fuck. The octoflies call didn’t work…

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