The Forsaken Hero
Chapter 322: Alone in the Crowd

Chapter 322: Alone in the Crowd

The following day, I was awakened by a sharp knock on the tentpole. I startled awake, yawning wide, and rubbed my eyes bleary for a moment. Finally, after another rap, I mustered the motivation to leave the warm comfort of Fable’s side, slipping on a dress.

"Lady Xiviyah!" Orion’s voice filtered through the canvas, accompanied by a third sharp knock.

"I’m awake, " I muttered pulling the tent flap aside. "What is it?"

I blinked several times, adjusting to the bright light without the tent. Was it morning already? Just how long had I been asleep?

What was more surprising was that it wasn’t only Orion waiting for me, but Lieutenant Joel as well. The two soldiers stepped back as I slipped outside, eyes running lingering for a moment on my body before they rapidly looked away. It was the first time I’d ever seen the stern lieutenant show anything resembling an emotion, sending an uncertain thrill through my lethargic mind. Still half asleep, I glanced down and found that in my haste, one of my sleeves had slipped down, exposing a fair bit more of my modest chest than intended.

"S-sorry!" I squeaked. Blushing faintly, I quickly adjusted the garment and stared at my feet, my tail swishing audibly through the still, early morning air.

Joel coughed and turned back, folding his hands stiffly behind his back. "I apologize for intruding at this early hour, but there is something important we must see to in the city. I expect you ready to go in ten minutes."

My eyes widened. Ten minutes? It took me at least twice that long to even begin to brush my hair! Perhaps now that I had some practice it could be faster, but only ten?

Orion frowned, taking in my response, and nudged the Lieutenant’s shoulder. "Perhaps we should allow her a bit more time."

"Fine, fifteen. But no longer," Joel grumbled. "Leave that beast of yours here, too. It would be best if we remained unnoticed. And do something about your hair. It’s far too striking."

I nodded dumbly, tail twitching uncertainly. Joel turned on his heel and stalked away. Orion offered an apologetic shrug then followed. I sighed and rested a hand on Fable’s head, rubbing between his horns.

"I don’t suppose this is to see Korra?" I murmured wistfully. "Maybe I can convince him to stop by. If we’re already in the city, then his previous excuses won’t work."

Fable whined softly and nudged me back inside. Time was short enough as it was. I didn’t know what would happen if we made Joel wait, but something told me it wouldn’t be pleasant.

Fifteen minutes later, I slipped out of my tent staff in hand. I didn’t have to hold it, of course, but after yesterday, I wanted something familiar to hold close. My hands still trembled whenever I thought of the chilling words of the Inquisitor. I’d have to face it at some point, but for now, all I wanted to think about was Korra. Perhaps, after I made sure she was okay, she’d talk it through with me. But until then, I didn’t even want to consider what or who might bear the Eyes of Fate.

Orion greeted me with a friendly nod, Joel a far less warm one. Their gazes lingered on my garb for a moment before they turned toward the city. I’d chosen a simple red dress with a black ribbon sash about my waist and wore the protective cloak I’d been gifted at Viriden. It was one of the few garments I trusted to go over my shoulder, and had always been effective at concealing my horns and tail.

The city wasn’t far, barely a mile from the camp, but I found myself trailing behind the two soldiers. They walked briskly and with purpose, leaving me struggling to keep pace. Whenever I tried to ask where we were going, even Orion put me off, deflecting the question with a shake of his head or muttered excuse.

They couldn’t be taking me to the inquisitors, right? I faltered at the thought, nearly tripping over my tail, before shaking my head and dismissing it. It had only been a few days, but I trusted Orion more than that. He’d been ready to fight to the death yesterday, and as for Joel...no, there was no chance of that either. Not if everything he said yesterday was true.

So then...what? It was a small city, less than five thousand. From what I’d heard from the soldiers, it was called Blue Rock City, after the canyon, and sprang up as a waypoint for travelers and merchants. Most of the commerce revolved around lodging and amenities–inns, shops, and brothels. Anything a weary traveler might need or indulge in.

As we approached the gate, the guards cast a critical eye on me. I shrunk back, tugging my cowl lower and casting my eyes down, praying they didn’t look further. The starry gold of my irises was just as, if not more so, incriminating than my hair or demonkin features.

Fortunately, as they moved to challenge us, Joel threw back his cloak, revealing his rank. The guards immediately saluted and stepped back. As we passed beneath the shadow of the portcullis, I breathed a sigh of relief.

"You didn’t think they’d cause trouble for us, did you?" Orion asked, smirking. "They wouldn’t dare stop a lieutenant, especially not Joel. One of them tried a few months ago when he first arrived and still hasn’t been taken off latrine duty."

I bit my lower lip, grateful for the cowl which hid my blush. Of course they wouldn’t stop us. We weren’t mere adventurers or fugitives sneaking into a city, but the military force responsible for protecting it. Even if they found my presence a little suspicious, why would they assume I was a danger? If the commanding officer of the region thought it wise to bring me in with my identity veiled, it was only natural he had a good reason.

But just what was that reason? I wished I had a better idea of what the lieutenant was thinking, but the truth was, I had no more information than the guards. If Orion knew, he certainly wasn’t saying anything, something I found rather problematic. He’d been nothing if not loyal, but with him being so quiet...I couldn’t help but worry.

The city streets were practically empty. The few passersby hardly spared us a glance, tending to keep to themselves and hurry to their destinations with short, swift steps.

"This used to be a bustling city, before the war," Orion mused. "There’s little opportunity for trade now, leaving only the permanent residents and those unlucky enough to hitch a ride out."

"There wasn’t anyone on the road here. Not even a wagon or trader," I said softly.

He nodded. "Makes sense. With the looming threat of demons, the road isn’t safe. Even if the front lines have managed to keep the way clear, there are plenty of powerful monsters roaming about, driven from their traditional lairs by the battle."

"Like the crawler."

"Exactly. It was fortunate you were able to defeat it, or who knows just how much damage it would have caused." He shook his head wryly. "I still can’t believe you managed that at fifth level. That friend of yours must be something else."

I bit my lip, glancing at the buildings on either side of the streets. Was Korra in one of these? "She’s very special to me. I owe her my life."

Orion said something, but the words muddled in my ears. Tail twitching uncertainty, I glanced up and found him staring at me, bewildered. He spoke again, but his speech was completely unintelligible now, a series of harsh sounds I didn’t recognize. Was this some new prank to embarrass me?

I came to a stop, clasping my hands together pleadingly. "Please, don’t tease me. I don’t think I can handle it right now."

Orion and Joel both stopped, swinging to face me, faces overcome with shock. They both tried speaking, one after the other, but I shook my head. It wasn’t just them, either. Every word and conversation around me was a mass of unfamiliar syllables.

Finally, after a few failed attempts, Orion glanced at Joel who just shrugged. They conversed for a second and the Lieutenant spun and continued walking. Orion fell back beside me and gestured for us to follow. I nodded uncertainly and tried my best to keep pace, now terrified of being left behind. Just what in the world was happening to me?

Occasionally, I received a burst of clarity, and the conversations returned, but they became increasingly sparse as penetrated the depths of the city. As we rounded a corner and approached a large stone inn, it finally hit me. I had strayed too far from Fable and lost the Tongues ability.

The realization came upon me with the weight of a mountain, awakening the feelings of loneliness I’d kept buried deep within my heart. There was no Fable, or Korra, to rely on. I was alone in this city with two men I barely knew, who now demanded I follow without explanation. I thought I had put my suspicions to rest, but they surged all at once. How would I know if they were leading me into a trap? The inquisitors could be just around the next corner or hiding in a nearby alley, just waiting for a signal. How would I be able to resist or escape if I couldn’t even understand what was being said?

All I could do was hope. Hope that my trust hadn’t been misplaced, that these two men would protect me in my vulnerability. But could I really trust them? I’d been betrayed before by those who acted and felt far more sincere than they.

The question was vain, and I shook my head bitterly. I didn’t have a choice anymore, I was in their hands whether I liked it or not. The only thing to do was move forward.