Chapter Seventeen: Sunon

Inísel, Kaelan, her maidservant Isra, the knight Garath, and the bohemian Cassian embarked on a journey with the warriors from the village of Talahar to the capital of the southern kingdom. Among the indigenous people escorting them was a young man with dark skin and a muscular torso, covered in scars from the harsh desert life. His name was Zaidan, the undisputed leader of the Talahar warriors.

During the journey, Inísel had multiple opportunities to converse with Cassian and Garath. Through these talks, she better understood the complex situations of the three continents and the constant war between the West and the East. Cassian, with his relaxed yet insightful attitude, would tell her embellished stories of his travels, highlighting grand actions, while Garath, with his discipline and seriousness, always tried to contradict the bohemian's exaggerated words.

After about a week under the scorching desert sun, the group finally arrived at the indigenous capital, Sunon. The city, which had seen better days, was surrounded by remnants of ancient walls and oddly designed towers. These structures, though worn by time, still maintained a majestic presence that spoke of a glorious past.

Inísel, Kaelan, Isra, Garath, Cassian, and Zaidan walked through the bustling streets of Sunon, where merchants from different regions hawked their wares. The exotic aromas of spices and food filled the air, and the constant sound of haggling and conversations created a vibrant and chaotic atmosphere. Inísel observed everything with a mix of fascination and nostalgia, recalling the vitality of Sabla Urbo before the tragedy.

Finally, they reached a building designated for the villagers of Talahar, a shelter they used each month when they came to Sunon. The place, though modest, offered a safe haven and a space to rest. Zaidan, with his imposing presence, addressed Inísel.

In dynami: "To Afentikó tha tou dósei akróasi se líges méres" (The Afentikó will grant you an audience in a couple of days), said Zaidan in a deep, resonant voice, with Garath translating his words. In dynami: "Sto metaxý, eíste eléftheroi na exerevnísete tin póli. Allá sas proeidopoió, ypárchoun periochés tou Sunon pou eínai epikíndynes kai an apofasísete na páte, sas synistó na páte me synodeía. Ostóso, an thélete na meínete edó, se aftó to méros, boró na sas yposchethó óti tha eíste asfaleís" (In the meantime, you are free to explore the city. But I warn you, there are regions of Sunon that are dangerous, and if you decide to go, I recommend you go with an escort. However, if you want to stay here, I can promise you will be safe).

Inísel nodded, grateful for the hospitality. Although her heart remained heavy with loss and betrayal, the bustle of Sunon and the promise of an audience with the Afentikó offered a ray of hope. She spent the following days exploring the city, always accompanied by Kaelan and Isra, and sometimes by Cassian and Garath. Every corner of Sunon revealed something new and fascinating: ancient temples, crowded markets, and plazas where people gathered to share stories and news.

One afternoon, while walking through a craft market with the company of Cassian, Kaelan, and some indigenous warriors provided by Zaidan, Inísel stopped at a stall selling handmade jewelry. The pieces, intricately designed with local metals and precious stones, reminded her of her mother's jewelry.

"These jewels are beautiful..." she commented, gently touching a gold necklace adorned with a beautiful reddish gem.

Cassian, who was by her side, smiled.

In dynami: "Sas endiaférei to kolié, despoinís?" (Are you interested in the necklace, miss?) said the vendor. In dynami: "To kolié eínai ftiagméno apó archaía Ailorianá yliká, tétoio bimpeló den tha vreíte pouthená alloú" (The necklace is made with ancient Aelorian materials, you won't find such a trinket anywhere else).

Inísel looked slightly confused at the man. She still did not understand the language well enough and immediately turned her attention to Cassian.

"He is asking if you want to buy the necklace. He claims it is made with unique and exclusive materials..."

Inísel gently put down the necklace and shook her head languidly, moving away from the stall, and continued her walk. Although she was far from Sabla Urbo, she couldn't help but find an undeniable similarity in Sunon. The people, the merchants, the children in the streets, all reminded her of what she had lost.

In kune: "Estante ĉi tie, ĉirkaŭita de tiom da homoj, kiuj ŝajnas tiom malproksimaj de la severa realo, kiun mi alfrontis, mi vidas tiom da ĝojo en la stratoj kaj mi demandas min, ĉu mi havas ian ŝancon, ke la dýnamis helpu min reakiri Sabla Urbon. Nu, kiajn kialojn ili havus por helpi min? Kial riski perdi ĉion, kion ili havas en konfrontiĝo, kiu ne vere koncernas ilin? Ĉu por mi? Por popolo, kiu malestimis kaj marĝenigis ilin dum jaroj?" (Being here, surrounded by so many people who seem so far removed from the harsh reality I have faced, I see so much joy in the streets and wonder if I have any chance that the dýnamis will help me reclaim Sabla Urbo. After all, what reasons would they have to help me? Why risk losing everything they have in a confrontation that doesn't really concern them? For me? For a people who have despised and marginalized them for years?)

Kaelan, always attentive, approached her with a worried expression.

In kune: "Via Valkúr, vi ne devas timi, mi scias, ke ni reakiros vian urbon." (Your Valkúr, you do not need to fear, I know we will reclaim your city) he said with conviction.

In kune: "Mi certas, ke Afentikó povos havigi al vi la necesan helpon. Mi aŭdis rakontojn pri la dýnamis. Kaj mi scias, ke ili estas paca popolo, forigita de la konfrontiĝo de la Nordo kaj volanta protekti la antikvajn Aelorianajn restaĵojn. Se ili povas trovi komunan celon, mi certas, ke ili helpos ŝin repreni Sabla Urbo." (I am sure that the Afentikó will be able to provide the necessary help. I have heard stories about the dýnamis. And I know that they are a peaceful people, removed from the confrontation of the North and willing to protect the ancient remains of Aelorian. If they can find a common goal, I am sure they will help you reclaim Sabla Urbo).

Inísel nodded, but her mind was filled with uncertainties. Sunon was not only a temporary refuge but an opportunity to strengthen her resources and alliances. She knew she needed to understand these people to find something to offer them and thus gain their help.

Night fell, and the group gathered around a campfire at the Talahar warriors' refuge. Zaidan shared stories of his village's traditions, his words painting vivid images of bravery and sacrifice. Cassian and Garath listened attentively, while Kaelan and Isra stayed close to Inísel, offering their unwavering support.

In dynami: "Ta choriá vrískontai páno stous archaíous roúnous tou politismoú ton Ailóron. Polloí lachtaroún ta ereípia tou exafanisménou politismoú kai eínai ypochréosí mas na prostatéfsoume tin klironomiá mas, óste oi átaktoi ánthropoi na min kánoun katáchrisi tis gnósis kai ton pleonektimáton tis Ailorías" (The villages are settled on the ancient ruins of the Aelorian civilization. Many covet the remains of the extinct civilization and it is our duty to protect our legacy so that wicked people do not abuse the knowledge and advantages of Aelorian), said Zaidan, looking at Inísel. Garath made sure to translate everything the indigenous man said.

In dynami: "O Afentikós eínai énas sofós kai díkaios ánthropos. Eínai o odigós mas kai ton epélexe o proigoúmenos Afentikó. Emeís oi dýnamis eímaste enoménos laós kai sas akoúme. Akóma ki an den symfonó me to na steílo tous ántres mou se mia katáktisi pou den échei kamía schési me to Aelorian, an to Afentikó theoreí óti to na se voithísoume eínai aftó pou prépei na kánoume, tóte den tha distáso na polemíso gia séna" (The Afentikó is a wise and just man. He is our guide and was chosen by the previous Afentikó. We dýnamis are a united people and we listen to him. Even if I do not agree with sending my men to a conquest that has nothing to do with Aelorian, if the Afentikó considers that helping you is what we should do, then I will not hesitate to fight for you).

The eyes of the leader of the Talahar warriors fixed on Isra. The indigenous man examined her from head to toe, noticing a mark on Isra's shoulder. The warrior knew that mark meant she was a slave. Since childhood, he had heard that in La Kvin Urboj, slaves were branded with that mark.

In dynami: "Emeís oi dýnamis apagorévetai i sklaviá. Akrivós ópos diakíryxe o archaíos politismós, kaneís den prépei na eínai alysodeménos me állon. I elefthería eínai aparaítiti gia na thrépsei mia koinonía. Eán epithymeíte na apoktísete ti voítheiá mas, prépei próta na aparnitheíte tin idioktisía sklávon edó" (We dýnamis have forbidden slavery. Just as the ancient civilization proclaimed, no one should be chained to another. Freedom is essential to nurture a society. If you wish to gain our help, you must first renounce the ownership of slaves here).

Garath translated the words. Inísel looked at the indigenous man with determination. She had always wanted to give her friend freedom and nodded, her eyes shining with determination.

"I wanted to abolish slavery in La Kvin Urboj, and that was one of the reasons why my people turned against me..." she replied, turning her attention to Isra. Inísel took her maid's hands, knowing that here, in the south, with the dýnamis, she could do what she never could before, and began.

In kune: "Isra, vi estis bonega amiko. Mi neniam konsideris vin malsupera ol mi kaj mi volas, ke vi sciu, ke la sola afero, kiun mi ĉiam deziris, estas povi doni al vi liberecon. Do nun, en ĉi tiu momento, vi neniam plu devos nomi min mastrino. Nun vi rajtas fari viajn proprajn decidojn. Se vi volas foriri, mi ne haltigos vin" (Isra, you have been a great friend. I have never considered you inferior to me and I want you to know that the only thing I have always wanted is to give you freedom. So now, at this moment, you will never have to call me mistress again. Now you are free to make your own decisions. If you want to leave, I will not stop you).

Isra smiled at her friend and affectionately approached her to hug her.

In kune: "Dankon, Ines. Sed mi plenumos mian promeson. Ĉu via sklavo aŭ ne, mi estas via amiko kaj mi neniam forlasos vin" (Thank you, Ines. But I will keep my promise. Whether your slave or not, I am your friend and I will never leave you), she whispered in response, holding Inísel tighter.

Everyone around the campfire observed the interaction between the two friends. Smiles lit up the faces of many. Zaidan watched Inísel more closely. From the moment he saw her, with her lighter skin and fierce determination to reclaim the city that was taken from her, he judged her as someone merely seeking power. However, now that she had shown her ability to value human life, Zaidan seemed to see someone trustworthy in Inísel.

Inísel woke up early on her second day in Sunon, feeling more rested after having a relatively peaceful night's sleep. She decided to explore the city, and Garath, the knight of the three continents, and Kaelan, her loyal soldier, accompanied her. Isra, her faithful maidservant, opted to stay in the building where they were lodging, along with Cassian, Zaidan, and the warriors from the village of Talahar.

In kune: "Bonan matenon, Via Moŝto Cassian. Ĉu vi bone dormis?" (Good morning, your highness Cassian. Did you sleep well?) greeted the maidservant as she entered the main room of the floor where they were staying, finding Cassian sitting calmly in a chair.

The bohemian raised his head, looking confused at Isra's words.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"I suppose you said good morning, right? I think we need to find a better way to communicate..." Isra frowned and approached the bohemian.

In kune: "Vi parolas la kutime, ĉu ne? Mia Valkúr ankaŭ parolas ĝin kaj mi scias tre malmulte, danke al esti kun ŝi kiam ŝi lernis ĝin" (You speak the usual, right? My Valkúr also speaks it, and I know very little, thanks to being with her when she learned it).

"I try to review to adapt to you..." she said with difficulty. Cassian nodded with a jubilant smile and patiently indicated.

"You can review as much as you want with me and more..." the bohemian's smile widened, and his eyes roamed with interest over the maidservant's body. Isra, not understanding Cassian's ulterior motives, nodded firmly.

Meanwhile, Inísel's group made their way through the bustling streets of Sunon.

As they walked, Garath began to talk about the ancient civilization that once flourished in the south and mysteriously disappeared. With eyes shining with passion, the knight explained:

"I have always had a deep interest in this part of history. The ruins surrounding Sunon, the ancient texts discovered, all suggest that this civilization was advanced and prosperous. However, it disappeared without a trace. There are many theories, but no certainty."

Inísel nodded, sharing her own knowledge.

"Aelorian: it is believed to have been extinct for over a thousand years. In Erial, we have always considered Aelorian a very advanced civilization. It is said that they possessed artifacts that performed human tasks; they cultivated the land without the need for animals or human labor, they moved quickly with objects larger than a horse and much faster..."

"I have always felt that there is much more to discover about our past. And maybe, we will find the answers to achieve a better future..." Garath commented.

Kaelan, who had been attentively observing the surroundings, commented:

"Sunon is a city full of opportunities and dangers. Many mercenaries seek contracts with smugglers here, taking advantage of the high commercial activity. It's a place where you can find almost anything if you know where to look."

Inísel nodded again, understanding the implications. They continued their tour of the streets, observing the diversity and dýnamism of the city. They passed crowded markets, artisan workshops, and plazas where people gathered to exchange news and tell stories.

Garath, feeling a singular need to share more about his own story, began to speak with a seriousness that drew Inísel's attention.

"A few years ago, when the first battle between the East and the West began, my superior from the East ordered me to cold-bloodedly kill a marshal to weaken their enemies, but... I couldn't do it... I deserted, unable to continue fighting for a cause I didn't believe in. Currently, it's likely that the East considers me a traitor and seeks to judge me. I came south to seek refuge, looking for a new opportunity to rebuild my life in Erial."

Inísel listened attentively, noting that Garath's mention of desertion seemed to conceal a deeper motive.

"It must have been a difficult decision..." she said, carefully examining the knight's expression.

"Your compatriots must consider you a renegade for abandoning the battle. Seeking a life away from the war and the obligations of your kingdom is a risky decision, but necessary if you want to rebuild your life. Here, in the south, maybe you have found the peace and purpose you were looking for..."

Garath nodded, his gaze fixed on a point on the horizon.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. Here, in Sunon, I have found a community that has accepted me. And who knows, after talking with the Afentikó, maybe our paths will cross again."

They continued walking, getting to know more about the city and its people. They visited ancient temples that were still revered by the locals, and discovered hidden plazas where rituals and traditional ceremonies were held. Every corner of Sunon offered a new discovery, a new story.

Inísel stopped in front of an ancient statue in one of the quieter squares. The figure represented a forgotten deity, a king of the ancient civilization. Its face, eroded by time, still emanated a powerful presence.

"This city seems to have so many hidden stories..." she murmured, feeling a deep connection to the place. "Although I am far from home, I feel that here I can find the strength to move forward."

Kaelan, always attentive to his lady, approached and said:

"Whatever happens, I want you to know that you will always have an ally in me, Your Valkúr..."

Garath, observing the determination in Inísel's eyes, felt a strange connection with the woman for a few seconds:

"And remember that you can have a home here. Whatever your decision, the dýnamis will be willing to welcome you, as long as you respect their traditions."

Despite the hopeful words offered by Garath and the idea of finding a peaceful life with the dýnamis away from all conflict and betrayal, Inísel could not forget her city, and decided she would do everything possible to reclaim it. She knew the path ahead would be arduous, but she was willing to continue and face any difficulty.

Over the next two days, Inísel explored the nooks and crannies of Sunon with her faithful maidservant Isra, Kaelan, Garath, and occasionally Cassian. The bohemian, with his natural charisma and fascinating stories, brought a sense of lightness and joy to their walks. They stopped at a spice market where the aromas of cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric blended into a symphony of scents that intoxicated the senses. Inísel tasted exotic fruits and observed strange rituals performed in crowded squares. However, she noticed something peculiar: the dýnamis, despite showing a friendly and peaceful character, seemed to reject music. During those days exploring the city, she did not see any indigenous or foreigner playing any instrument, as was common in her hometown. Inísel wondered why music was not practiced in Sunon.

Finally, the awaited day arrived. The Afentikó, leader of the dýnamis indigenous people, would receive them. A warrior escort led them through the city towards the center, where a ruined tower known as the Tower of Zahara stood. The tower, which must have been imposing in the past, was now a reminder of the lost grandeur of the ancient civilization that once inhabited these lands. As Inísel entered the structure, she noticed how the walls, covered in ancient inscriptions and symbols, revealed the intricate culture of the Aelorians.

Inísel, accompanied by Isra and Kaelan, ventured into the place, leaving Cassian and Garath at the entrance. The large wooden doors, carved with intricate motifs, opened to reveal a spacious and dimly lit room, illuminated only by torches that cast dancing shadows on the walls. In the center of the room, seated on a stone throne adorned with furs and jewels, was the Afentikó.

Inísel advanced with a firm step, aware of the importance of this meeting. Isra and Kaelan remained by her side, providing support. When they were close enough, Inísel stood firm, without hesitation in her next words.

"Afentikó, spiritual guide of the dýnamis..." she said in a clear voice in the usual language, knowing from Garath that the Afentikó understood and spoke it.

"I am Inísel Zendel, the Valkúr of Sabla Urbo. I appreciate your hospitality and the help provided by your people. I am here seeking advice and help to reclaim my city and restore peace to my kingdom..."

The Afentikó, a middle-aged man with dark skin and penetrating eyes, wore shamanic robes adorned with feathers and beads, and a necklace with a large stone amulet that seemed to glow with its own light.

"I know who you are, Inísel, Valkúr of Sabla Urbo..." he said in a deep and resonant voice.

"My name is Tahiro, and such formality is not necessary. Now, tell me, young one, what exactly do you seek from us, the dýnamis?"

Inísel approached with a firm step, although she felt uncertainty vibrating within her. She knew that this conversation could determine the fate of her city and her people.

"Tahiro..." Inísel began, using the man's first name.

"I have been told that you can help me reclaim my city and protect my people. Sabla Urbo has been taken by a treacherous organization, and my people suffer under their oppression. I need a means to liberate our land and restore peace..."

Tahiro observed her in silence for a few moments, his dark eyes full of wisdom and reflection.

"The dýnamis are not an offensive people; we are not prepared for conquest..." he finally responded.

"We have adapted to defensive positions, protecting our cities and villages from any threat. Although we have warriors capable of fighting, our strategies have always been to defend our own and the city built on the ruins of the ancient Aelorian civilization. We do not have the sufficient military and strategic knowledge to reclaim your city..."

Inísel maintained her serene expression; she had expected a negative response in advance, but her resolve did not waver.

"I understand, Tahiro..." she said with a mix of respect and suspicion.

"But think of the benefits your people would receive if they helped me reclaim my city. I am the Valkúr of Sabla Urbo, the capital city of northern Erial. When I reclaim it, I will become the Shántruk, the most powerful and respected figure of La Kvin Urboj. If the dýnamis support me, I promise that other cities will not dare to cause disturbances in the southern villages and capital. We could create an alliance that benefits both peoples..."

Inísel knew that despite the distances and the vast desert that separated northern Erial from the south, many had coveted the ancient ruins protected by the dýnamis. Although they had maintained relative peace with La Kvin Urboj in recent years, Inísel knew human greed and understood that such peace was precarious. Her offer was to ensure an alliance to protect the ancient ruins that the dýnamis so revered. It was risky, but it was all she could offer.

Tahiro smiled gently, his eyes shining with a mix of interest and compassion.

"We live to protect the legacy of Aelorian, Inísel..." he explained.

"We have plantations, water reserves from the ancient civilization, warriors, and villages throughout southern Erial. We revere the ancient city of Aelorian and are here to maintain the vestiges of what humanity once was. We do not seek glory or power but the preservation of our history and traditions. An alliance with you would not guarantee the safety of my people. We know that the north of Erial is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and will not accept a woman leading them. Tell me, Inísel, how do you plan to earn their respect? How do you plan to gain recognition as their undisputed leader? You had to flee precisely because your people do not want you..."

Inísel took a moment to absorb Tahiro's words. She understood that the dýnamis valued their independence and ancestral legacy above all. However, the last words had resonated deeply with her. The Afentikó was right; her people would never accept her...

"They will not accept me... for now..." she said firmly... "But I know that, over time, traditions will change. Sabla Urbo is in chaos now that despots govern the city. Although I do not know their purposes, I know that the Tiger's Claw organization will not look out for my people. My citizens do not recognize me yet, but deep down, they need me. They need someone to guide and support them, to bring them prosperity and joy. And although it may sound pretentious, I know that I must be their queen and protector." she announced with confidence...

"I do not seek to impose my desires or alter your way of life. I only ask for your support to restore balance in my land. Sabla Urbo is a vital part of Erial, and if it falls into the hands of tyrants, the entire continent will suffer. An alliance between our peoples could strengthen both sides, preserving peace and prosperity for future generations."

Tahiro looked at her with a thoughtful expression, weighing her words.

"I can see in you, Inísel, the essence of Aelorian. I can see that you descend from a powerful and ancient lineage..."

Inísel was left breathless at the declaration. It made her remember again the day of the attack. She recalled how her skin transformed into silver scales, as if magic from within had protected her from the explosion. Her mind filled with questions, but before she could formulate any, Tahiro continued:

"Your lineage is ancient and powerful, linked to the very essence of Aelorian. And many do not believe in your extinct power. But your features, your hair, your eyes, that iron will, that confidence; I can see the designs of the gods in you..." he said in a low voice, examining Inísel with keen eyes.

"What do you know about me, Afentikó?" asked the Valkúr with confusion and an intense desire for answers.

But Tahiro suddenly changed his posture, responding to Inísel's previous request...

"What I know of you and Aelorian is not the reason you came to me, is it?" he responded with suspicion. Inísel nodded slowly, knowing there were more important matters to discuss at that moment. She decided to set her curiosity aside for another time and indicated to Tahiro to continue...

"There is a way to make the dýnamis willing to help you reclaim Sabla Urbo..." Tahiro said, resting his elbow on the armrest of his throne...

"A few kilometers from Sunon, there is a hidden mountain. It is a sanctuary, an ancient refuge of the God Vocat. Inside, over the lava, lie dangerous paths that lead to the Chamber of the Gods."

Inísel listened attentively, intrigued by every word.

"In the Chamber of the Gods, there are two objects left there by the gods themselves. Only the chosen one, the one indicated by them, will be able to claim them..." explained Tahiro.

"What are these objects?" asked Inísel with determination.

Tahiro smiled mysteriously.

"Many indigenous people have tried to recover the objects left by the gods, but none have succeeded. The form and purpose of these objects are unknown, but recovering what lies hidden in the Chamber of the Gods could convince the dýnamis to join your cause. The mountain is a very dangerous and treacherous place, and only the bravest dýnamis warriors venture inside..."

Inísel felt a knot in her stomach, but also a spark of hope. She was willing to do anything to protect her people and reclaim her city.

"I accept..." she said firmly... "If that convinces your people to help me, I will travel to that mountain and recover the objects. I will do whatever it takes to protect my city..."