Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 215: The High Place

Saunaks next words would determine his fate. Itd mean the difference between obtaining the demon's help with the Artifact consensually, or by force. If the thaumaturge knew who Vir was, hed no doubt have some plan to exploit it.

But why did he reveal that information now? Vir thought anxiously. Surely, he must know how suspicious it makes him look?

Saunak regarded Vir quizzically. You have your mothers face and your fathers unruly hair. Id recognize you anywhere.

My mother? You knew my mother? Vir asked, looking to Cirayus, who relaxed slightly. This wasnt the explanation either of them had been expecting.

Saunak had been exiled from the Demon Realm for a hundred years. If all he knew about Vir was that he was Maion and Sharis son, and not the Akh Nara, then there wasnt much of a need to fear the Thaumaturges knowledge.

Wait. That means my parents were together for nearly a century before having me.

Demonic lifespans threw his mind for a loop. After thinking so long on human time scales, itd take some adjustment. Hed have to question everyones age upon arriving at the Demon Realm. Someone who looked like Vir might very well be sixty years old.

Hang on. My mother was a gray demon? Vir asked.

Saunak froze. Well. Now that is curious, isnt it? he said, gazing quizzically at Vir.

Sorry? Vir asked, panicking.

See, Id figured youd come out here from the Demon Realm on a training mission. I wondered how Shari would let her child venture this deeply into the Ash, even with a guardian like Cirayus. She wouldnt have. But now Shes dead, isnt she? And she died when you were very young, for you to not have known her. You I see. Cirayus likely guarded you while you grew up. Perhaps in secret. Which indicates turmoil. Unrest. Something happened to the Garga. Something bad. And knowing their past Hmm. The Chitrans. Yes. And, by your expressions, it appears I am correct.

Vir glanced at Cirayus, but only saw his normal, stoic expression. Only the slightest furrowing of his brow gave away his concern. Which meant Saunak was either very good at reading peoples faces or he was familiar enough with Cirayus mannerisms to read him.

Saunak calmly returned to his meal, as casually as if hed been commenting about the weather.

How could he have figured out all of that, though? All just from a single thing I said?

Either he was lying and knew all about Virs history already or Saunak was truly a genius of logical deduction. He hadnt mentioned anything about the Primordial, or Greeshas prophecy, which made senseif hed known about them, itd have been obvious he was using prior knowledge to come to his conclusions.

No, Saunak had read the subtext of Virs words, then rebuilt a historical timeline. It was frightening.

Vir immediately thought he would not want this man as an enemy. But as an ally? Hed be invaluable.

Cirayus regarded Saunak with a grave expression. I would have told you when the time was right.

You failed to protect her, Saunak said, ignoring him.

I did.

Then Maion failed to protect her. Is he dead, as well?

He is, Cirayus admitted. As you suspected, it was the Chitran.

Hardly surprising. In fact, Id predicted they would act sooner, what with the encroaching Ash. Only so far you can bend a kingdom before they snap.

Vir thought of Matali they hadnt snapped, but broken instead. It seemed the Chitrans had the opposite reaction. Was it because of a difference between humans and demons? Or simply one of national strength? The Chitrans seemed more powerful than Matali had been before their downfall.

So you knew my mom, Vir said softly, his thoughts returning to his deceased parents.

Saunak nodded. And one of the most beautiful demons at that. She was breathtaking. Wouldnt you agree, Cirayus?

Cirayus stiffened, though not out of caution. He looked distinctly uncomfortable.

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Wouldnt know, the giant said, prompting a scoff from Saunak.

Cirayus stuck a fork into his food, gingerly bringing it to his mouth.

Wouldnt know!? You wouldnt know? Saunak barked a hollow laugh. Then his eyes found Vir, and his expression turned even colder. Ah. I see. Yes, that would be awkward, wouldnt it?

Small automatons trundling around on spherical bases brought out the steaming hot plates, and it wasnt until theyd set all the table for everyone that Cirayus finally gave Vir the all clear to begin eating.

Theyd looked nothing like Ashanilacking skin, or even heads, though that didnt stop them from working with masterful efficiency.

Vir assumed the Automatons had cooked the food, so hed been expecting mediocrity, but he shouldve known better. They mightve been more primitive than Ashani, but they were still Imperium creations nonetheless. The food was absolutely divine, making him salivate despite himself. It was the tastiest food hed had in a very long time.

So much so that he had to force his mind back to the conversation.

What did you mean earlier? What would be awkward? he asked, sensing there was something to Saunaks words. The way the demon talked about his mother seemed familiar. Too familiar.

Why, your guardian over there had the biggest crush on Shari of anyone Ive seen! He even proposed to her, you know?

What a load of Ashva shit, Cirayus roared. Conveniently forgetting to mention your proposals, arent you? All five of them?

Vir suddenly felt his food go sour in his mouth.

Saunak was one thingcreepy, perhaps, but that fit with his character. Cirayus, though?

Vir looked at his guardian, who looked away in embarrassment.

Why didnt you say anything? Vir asked. He now saw Sharis existence in a whole new light. How difficult must it have been for Cirayus? To have loved someone, only for them to choose someone else And now she was gone. Was he angry? Guilty? Vir couldnt know.

Cirayus shook his head, seeing Virs worried expression. This is a tale of a century ago, lad. Maion was my closest friend. I was truly happy Shari chose him. Happy they had you. Besides, Shari had no end of suitors. Believe me, we certainly werent the only ones to approach her.

Vir thought back to how hard his father had fought to win his mothers love. Knowing so many others had failed made it sound like so much more of a feat.

He definitely takes after his mother, Saunak said with a fond expression.

Oh, hes got plenty of Maion in him, too, Cirayus replied warmly. And, after our time in the Ash, myself as well, I think.

Cirayus was one thing, but Vir didnt know how to feel about the Thaumaturge looking at him like that.

Maybe I can use this to my advantage, Vir thought. If the demon regarded him favorably, then maybe hed also be willing to help.

So? How did she pass? Saunak asked. It must have been in the line of duty, knowing her. Sacrificing her life for another.

Vir looked at Cirayus for guidance on how to respond, but the demon had balled his fists, staring at his plate.

In a way, Cirayus said. Id rather not speak of it. Maion died fighting off the Chits, buying time to allow me to escape with young Vir here.

Hmm? I see, Saunak said, eyes flitting between Cirayus and Vir.

Vir wasnt sure what exactly the demon saw, but a part of him wondered if Saunak understood that his mother had died during childbirth. He shook off the thought. It was too much of a stretch, even for a genius like him.

So. What kind of research do you do here? Vir asked, hoping to shift the topic. Do you work with any Artifacts?

Saunak flashed a broad grin. Oho? A curious mind, I see. You get that from your mother. But, yes. I have been able to perform all manner of experiments in my time here. As for Artifacts look around you, boy. Everything you see here is an Artifact. Now, lets see. A boy your age Hmm, why dont I tell you about my airship bluepri

How did you survive, Sau? Cirayus asked, interrupting the demons monologue. The Demon Realm exiled you, but everyone knew it was just a death sentence by another name. How did someone as weak as yourself come to possess this place?

Saunak sneered at Cirayus. Oh, please. Dont you think I noticed everyones hatred of me in the years leading to my banishment? Id planned to flee to the Ash all along, should anyone make an attempt on my life. I didnt think youd all band together to oust me, though. Didnt think you lot had it in you.

Nevertheless, Id laid the groundwork for decades. I built safe houses. I located the least dense areas of the Ash, and used my inventions to help me survive the acclimatization process.

You have inventions for that? Vir asked.

Saunak grinned. But of course! Admittedly, even with them, the survival rate is just fifteen percent, but thats still fifteen times better than what it normally is!

Vir blanched. You had a fifteen percent chance of survival?

And most people only have a one percent chance?

Vir knew that wasnt right. It mightve been the case for a weaker demon, but only the strongest demons braved the Ash. The survival rate would be far higher for them.

The thaumaturge gestured to himself. I survived. Thats really all that matters, dont you think?

As for how I found this tower, that was by sheer dumb luck. I only happened upon it forty years ago. Took me another twenty to figure out how to crack its secret, but few magics hold up to the pressure of time. Its secrets fell to my efforts, as sure as the falling Ash.

Vir rolled his eyes. It was an extremely verbose way of saying that he wasnt about to divulge his secrets.

Now! Ive been a terrible host. How about I give you a tour and show you to your quarters? Saunak said, winking at Vir. Perhaps youll even get to see an Artifact! Or, ten.

Cirayus rose as well, shaking his head. No. Fix our navigation Artifact and well be on our way.

Come now, Cirayus. Recalibrating your guidance beacon will take some time. Why dont you enjoy my hospitality in the meantime? Besides, look at the excitement in the boys eyes. Youd deprive him of his happiness?

Cirayus growled, not falling for Saunaks bait. Hospitality? Youre more likely to imprison us than host us.

How rude. Why dont we let the boy decide? Saunak asked.

Vir paused for a moment, weighing the benefits against the risks. Show us to our quarters. Im honestly tired after everything recently, and I think Cirayus and I could both use a little rest.

Cirayus was about to say something, but Vir spoke before he could. After that, I think Id like to see more of Saunaks tower. If theres still time.

A grin crept upon Saunaks face. Excellent.