Story of Raidarian Peace

“I wish I were as disciplined as you at your age,” Iziro said.

“What about your friend? Is he kind too?” Wel asked Iziro. “Idia said he might be one of the most dangerous Raiderians among those we’ve known.”

“Where did she get that idea?” Iziro asked warily.

“She mentioned something about him not being an ordinary exile but an exiled king of all Raideria, and then she laughed. I defeated the king of the Raiderian Empire. Ha-ha.”

While Wel laughed, Rein was extremely uneasy. He tried to figure out the best way to leave before it was too late.

“I’ll step away for a moment,” Iziro said.

“Sure, the bathrooms are over there if you need them,” Wel replied.

Iziro went to free Rein from his earthen prison. However, by the time he arrived, Rein was nowhere to be found. “Did he manage to dig himself out?” Iziro wondered. Meanwhile, with a bag over his head, Rein was being led somewhere by a couple of burly miners.

They brought Rein, removed the bag from his head, and he found himself in a room with a decent view from the balcony overlooking the entire mine. Rein went to check the mine, hoping to see Iziro, but before he could get a good look, Idia’s voice came from behind.

“I apologize for how I treated you,” Idia said. “It wasn’t the best decision on my part.”

“Seriously, I haven’t eaten in almost three days, spent almost a day lying in the mud, and almost died for those who put me in chains and then buried me in the ground. You were right – this isn’t enough,” Rein replied.

Rein looked at the sword displayed on the wall, almost identical to his Reinian sword. He rushed to grab it, but before he could make a swing, Idia drew her own sword from its sheath at her waist and pointed it at Rein’s throat.

“Well, what’s it like being killed by an ordinary woman?” she asked.

“I’m still alive if I can talk…” Rein replied.

Rein casually pushed her blade away from his throat, once again cutting himself on the edge of her sword. In a swift leap, holding the sword in one hand and directing it with the other, he executed a slashing blow. Idia stumbled backward, almost losing her balance, but a wall behind her stopped her fall. Rein extended his sword towards her neck with his arm fully stretched. The blade of his sword almost touched her neck.

“Now I’ve killed you,” Rein said with complete seriousness.

“My name is Idia, in case you’re interested,” she said, smiling as if it was all part of the plan. “I was told you were almost dug out when they came for you. You dig quite fast, it seems. It’s respected here. But I thought that wasn’t the most dignified occupation for the king of all Raideria.”

“What?” Rein asked in surprise. “Where did you get the idea that I’m the king of Raideria?”

“I mentioned several times that I’ve been to Raideria. I heard such a legend there.”

“What legend?”

“A legend about an exile with a mark on his cheek who was the rightful king. Or something like that.”

“You do understand that a legend is fiction, right?”

“I thought so too until I put two and two together. You fight as if you were trained in a castle. You sometimes behave as if you grew up in a castle. You appear to be the age of the guy from that legend. And the mark of an exile from the empire on your cheek. You really stand out in that regard. Probably, it’s hard to notice it under the hood of the cloak you came in here with, but without the hood, only a blind person wouldn’t see it.”

Rein became noticeably uneasy.

“What’s your name?” Idia asked. “Does it start with an ‘S,’ if I’m not mistaken?”

“Who have you told already?” Rein asked angrily.

“Everyone I could,” she replied.

Rein got angry and grabbed her by the neck, pressing her against the wall. She dropped the wine flask in response. In return, she pressed the blade of her sword against his torso, causing another stream of blood.

“I should kill you and everyone you told because my life depends on it… But I can’t.”

Rein sighed, holding her by the neck.

“My name is Rein! That’s all you need to know. Forget it!”

After these words, he released her.

– I’m sorry! Those whom I told… they won’t tell anyone. I vouch for them. I had to protect myself so that, upon learning that I know everything, you wouldn’t kill me alone. I’m not your enemy – I’m a friend. Even if you can be quite rough at times.

– Where is my friend Iziro? – asked the still angry Rain.

– Your friend is fine; he’s with that boy – his name is Wel – at the evening campfire – that’s where we rest. I’m sure they fed him, and he’s in good health now.

– You say I’m your friend… Does that mean you’ll let me go? I can’t continue to stay here, waiting for those you vouch for to sell information about me to my enemies and come after me.

– Yes, you can go, but…

– What – but? – asked Rain.

– You’ll leave tomorrow, wherever you plan to go, I can even provide you with escorts, but only if you give me what I want.

– What is it? – asked Rain with a serious face.

– You see… those knights didn’t come here for no reason today. And they will come again. I went against the kingdoms because I couldn’t stand watching my people being exploited. Before, they would come to take the majority of people to their death in the battle against the Raidarians. That was the last straw for me. We work for them, pay taxes, and even our lives are needed by them. This couldn’t just continue. I rebelled against Lord Rinfoll, and now there is only one path for me and the people who chose me. This path involves fighting the kingdoms for power. Most likely, Rinfoll will soon fall under the pressure of the Raidarian legions. But Santris… they won’t just leave us alone. So the only way for us is to fight. To fight against Santris and hope that when the Raidarians come, they will be merciful to us. I consider myself a warrior, just like you. And I will probably die in my pursuit of battles, but I don’t want to die without leaving someone behind. Do you understand me?

– Maybe. But if I understood you correctly, you should know that I’m not the best choice. If you’ve been to Raidaria, you must know that the offspring of a human and a Raidarian often dies, and women often die during the… process of such birth.

Idia approached Rain closely and hugged him, looking straight into his eyes.

– I have my own opinion on this matter. And even if you are telling the truth, I believe this risk is justified. I would like to have a child who is strong in both spirit and body. I have a strong spirit, and the body… It’s unlikely that there is anyone in the world stronger physically than a Raidarian, especially one with your blood.

Rain looked at her and was about to kiss her, but then she said:

– But first, please take a bath. It’s over there!

Meanwhile, Iziro was trying his best to figure out where Rain had gone. He could only hope that everything was okay with him. Suddenly, Wel appeared out of nowhere.

– You won’t find him here! – he said. – Idia took him. She’s probably having fun with him, like with the others.

– What is she doing with him? – Iziro asked threateningly, approaching Wel. – Where can I find them, kid?

– Don’t be angry, he’s fine. I told you: “She’s having fun with him.”

– Having fun? – Iziro asked in surprise.

– Yeah, having fun. She likes guys like your friend.

– Oh… And how long will they be… having fun there?

– I don’t know, – the boy said and laughed.

Wel ignited a fire in the palm of his hand and began to examine it.

– Aren’t you too young to know what they’re doing there?

– Am I too young to kill people? – Wel asked Iziro in surprise.

A day passed. The next morning, Idia was lying in her bed, and Rain was putting on his armor and new clothes that Idia’s people brought him.

– It suits you, – Idia said to Rain.

– I think white looks a bit too flashy. Especially considering that for me, every day is a battle, – Rain replied.

– If you’re really going to Aeris to meet the local king, dressing nicely is not the worst idea.

– Maybe you’re right.

– Just try not to provoke conflicts, – Idia said with a smile.

– My talent for provoking them will get in the way, – Rain replied with a slight dissatisfaction.

– Well, I did promise to provide an escort… My people and I control everything here, including smuggling into and out of the empire, so you’ll go through the Rabbit Hole with the local smugglers who owe me.

– Perhaps, going with smugglers might not be the best idea, don’t you think? – Rain asked in surprise.

– It’s your only chance. They won’t know anything about you. I’ll introduce you as their escort.

Rain pondered.

– But if you don’t want to leave, I’ll be happy to see you here. In the upcoming battles, I wouldn’t mind having your help.

– Hm, – Rain said, thinking. – Just a couple of days ago, I would have told you a definite “yes,” as I had no goal or aspirations, but now… Something has changed in me. It’s as if my crazy idea is tempering my anger and sorrow that haunted me all the years of my exile, or even more. The feeling that I can’t help but go there, as foolish as it may seem. Do you understand?

– Stronger than you think, – Idia replied.

Rain fastened the belt on the final part of his armor and looked at Idia.

– Well, then… Until we meet again… Idia. You’re not mad that I’m leaving you just like that after what happened between us?

– No, – said Idia, smiling and blushing. – You were only needed for one thing – and I got that. Now you’re free to go wherever you want, as we agreed.

Rain approached his sword, took it, and sheathed it behind his back.

This time, it was a completely different Rain. The same sword and Raidarian armor he had stolen once, but a different gaze, different fabrics over and under the armor, a clean and neat appearance not so characteristic of him due to his previous lifestyle. His white attire with golden trimmings on the fabric contours, worn over the armor, especially stood out. It was a sleeveless cloak with a hood and a wedge-shaped cut in the middle.

– It really suits you.

– It’s been a long time since I wore such clean clothes, – Rain replied to Idia.

Rain looked at Idia as if for the last time, and they looked at him the same way. They both smiled at each other, and Rain said:

– If I survive this, I’ll repay you. Hear me. I’ll do everything in my power.

But Idia just smiled, deep down understanding that she herself is unlikely to survive the turmoil she created. And even if she does, the Raidarians might still finish what the people of King Alec Ford and his lords couldn’t accomplish.

And Rain stepped outside her house…

Iziro sat on his knees, folding his hands, near a sturdy boulder.

– I was told I could find you here, – Rain said, approaching him slowly from behind.

Iziro quickly stood up and brushed off his knees.

– No, I just had time to wash my old clothes, – Iziro replied.

– Oh… I see.

– And you got that girl who rules everyone here, – Iziro said with enthusiasm. – Not bad.

– More like she got me. If we’re being honest, – Rain replied. – What have you been up to all this time?

– Various things… Talked with that boy-wizard, ate, meditated, slept, trained, washed clothes, – Iziro said with a smile.

– And what were you doing just now? – Rain asked.

– I know it’s not accepted in Raidaria, but it’s something like communicating with those who are no longer in our world, those who have died.

– There’s nothing beyond our world, Izi, – Rain replied.

– Perhaps, I can never prove something like that to you, but I have seen it myself. There’s such powerful magic in the world that allows you to see that realm and those who inhabit it. If you saw it the way I did, you would understand too.

At that moment, one of Idia’s servants approached them and said:

– Lady Idia said for you to follow me. I’ll show you the gathering and departure point.

Iziro looked at him and then at Rain in confusion.

– Today, we’re heading one way across the border of the Raidarian Empire, and with an escort, no less. I made a deal with Idia – she arranged everything! – Rain said enthusiastically.

– Well, finally. Okay, let’s not waste a minute.

– Alright! Just let me get my horse. – replied Rein to Idia’s servant, and they went after him.

When they arrived at the location, Wel in the clearing in the woods was shooting fire from his hands into the sky. These pillars exceeded his height by twenty times. Nearby, horses were tied to the branches sticking out of a log. Some people were sitting on the log, talking about something. As Rein and Iziro approached a bit closer, Wel released the last pillar of flames from his hands, which was even larger than the previous ones.

– What are you doing here? – Rein asked the boy.

– Hi, Wel, – Iziro greeted the boy.

– Hi, Izi! You can’t open the passage to the Rabbit Hole without me. If you have another earth mage, I’d be happy to leave, – Wel replied, smirking.

– Wait… I know her! – Rein said, looking at the people sitting on the log. – She was in that tavern. What’s her name… Miri!

Rein got angry, dismounted his horse, and quickly walked towards the girl.

– Miri, isn’t it! – Rein said, pointing at her menacingly.

The girl literally didn’t know what to do. She immediately jumped to the other side of the log and put her hands on it.

– You! Where’s your damn friend, Acres?

– How should I know, – she replied. – I understand that you’re angry, but can we discuss everything peacefully?

– No! I owe something to your friend, and I really want to repay that debt.

– I don’t know where he is, – she said, looking up at the sky, then to the side, then at the ground.

Rein looked to the side and saw a hooded figure sitting with his back to him.

– Wait… Is that him? – Rein said angrily.

When she remained silent, slightly contorting her face, Rein immediately went to the person. Taking him by the shoulder, he turned him around and saw a painfully familiar face.

– Acres, damn bastard, – Rein said before punching him in the face with all his might, causing him to fall.

– Ouch! – Acres said. – Are all you Raidarians so unforgiving?

– You betrayed me in that tavern, even though I saved you from that convoy of Raidarians.

– Yes, but you’re alive – and I’m alive. Everyone is alive! And when you saved me, you got armor and a sword in return… It’s a win-win!

– You bastard! I should have let them kill you back then.

Rein moved to give Acres another punch, but Wel sent a pillar of flames between them, allowing Acres to crawl away and stand up.

– Don’t tarnish our reputation, Rein, – Wel said. – You need to forget your grudge, or you’ll have to find another passage to the empire.

– Because of this bastard, I killed many, possibly good guys, and then he betrayed me.

– Don’t pretend to be a saint, Rein, – Acres said. – You’re no less of a bastard than I am, and you know it. Just like me, you killed all those not-so-bad guys and benefited from it. You could have really spared them if you considered yourself so righteous. All you Raidarians loot, kill, and violate the innocent. It’s the foundation of your life. And now you come and try to lecture me about moral standards… Seriously?

– Have you known each other for a long time? – asked Iziro.

– You’ll answer for betraying me, – Rein said.

– If I hadn’t done that, who knows how many more would have suffered there.

– You just saved your damn skin. Don’t lie to anyone here.

– And even if I did save it, so what? You’re alive! Everyone is alive! But you’re not satisfied with something.

– Those Raidarians are dead!

– You need to cool down, – Wel said to Rein. – You’re his escort, after all! Or have you forgotten?

– Listen! Let’s go through this Rabbit Hole and just go our separate ways, – Acres said. – I think it’s a great plan.

– He’s right, – Iziro said.

– So are we going today or not? – said one of the smugglers sitting on the log next to Miri.

– Trusting him is like signing your own grave.

– We have no choice, – Iziro said.

– Alright, – Rein said. – But if you even dare to think anything unfavorable towards us – I will personally execute you, Acres.

– Glad that everyone reconciled, – Wel said.

And they went into the depths of the forests that ended in Raidaria itself. Wel kept approaching the trees and placing his hand on them, pausing briefly, as if listening to them.

– We’ll be walking for a couple of days, the first rest stop is halfway to the cave, and we’ll arrange the second one before the burrow, – Wel said loudly so that everyone could hear. – The Rabbit Hole is also a long cave. The passage through it will take about a day, and it’s not the best idea to spend the night in it.

– Didn’t expect to be commanded by a ten-year-old boy, – Rein said to Iziro.

– In his soul, he’s much older than he seems, – Iziro said.

They set up their first camp in a similar place to where they all met, with several logs scattered around a large bonfire. Rising at dawn, they continued their journey – and they walked until the evening.

– And here is the burrow! – Wel exclaimed joyfully. – Better step away from that tree!

Surprisingly, everyone quickly stepped back, and with clenched fists, Wel effortlessly toppled the tree with a small hand movement. Then, loosening his fists and raising his palms to shoulder level, he evaporated all the moisture in the tree.

– You can detach the branches for the fire yourselves, – Wel said, a bit less cheerfully.

They quickly managed to break off the branches from the tree. Rein used his sword to chop the larger ones. When it got dark, some sat on the fallen tree, some lay down with their backs against the fallen horse, and some constructed a makeshift shelter near the fire from branches and leaves. They were preparing rabbits on the fire. Everyone engaged in simple, friendly conversations despite their differences.

Rein and Wel sat in front of the fire, watching the food.

– Shouldn’t you be punished in Raidaria for your mark on your cheek? – Wel asked Rein.

– I hope for the best. And I don’t wear the hood for nothing.

– Brave of you! I could remove the mark if you want.

– Can you remove it? – Rein asked in surprise. – How?

The boy directed his hand towards Rein, strained, but nothing happened.

– Your protective seal interferes, – he said.

– Do you want me to remove the seal? – Rein asked with a smile.

– That’s the only way I can do it. It hinders me from using magic on you. I can even remove all your scars, even those you sewed recently.

– Do you possess life magic?

– I can’t resurrect, though, – the boy replied.

– You do have a talent… – Rein said.

– So, what do you say?

– I’ll remove the seal, and you’ll cast something bad on me… How do I know you won’t deceive me?

– Well, as you wish. I just wanted to help.

The boy checked the food’s readiness. After a brief thought, Rein said:

– Okay. Fine. If you’re not lying to me, then I must give it a try.

– Good, – replied the boy and looked at his seal hidden under his pauldron.

Rein removed his pauldron and took a knife used for cutting rabbit meat. He placed the knife in the fire to sterilize it, but the boy immediately took it out and heated it in a matter of moments.

– Thanks, – said Rein.

Rein took the knife and pressed the still very hot blade to his shoulder. When the skin made contact, smoke rose from it, and then with a swift motion, he cut off the part of the skin with the protective seal.

– Ahhhh, – escaped from Rein’s mouth. – That hurt.

– Ready? – asked Wel.

– Let’s do it!

The boy directed his palms at Rein, and a faint white glow began emanating from his hand, easily visible under the night sky. This white glow, resembling light smoke, first headed towards Rein’s shoulder. Fully healing his shoulder, the light penetrated through Rein’s armor and clothes to wounds that the boy couldn’t even see.

– Leave some battle scars at least, – Rein told the boy. – Let’s get rid of the stigma.

– As you wish, – the boy replied.

And the light moved towards his cheek. Rein placed his palm on his cheek, trying to feel the scar from the disgraceful brand left on him, but he couldn’t. He tried again but still couldn’t feel anything. Then he felt a tear rolling down his cheek. After that, Rein turned abruptly away from the boy with a smile.

– It’s all magic… – Rein said.

– You’re welcome, – Wel said.

– How do I fight with mages now? Without the mark, I’ll become a punching bag for them.

– A good mage won’t be bothered by your mark, but if you want, I can return it.

Rein turned to the boy in profile and nodded. Wel extended two fingers of his hand, and they ignited. Wel burned away the seal on Rein’s shoulder that had been there for many years.

– I thought you’d tattoo it with magic drawing on my body, – Rein said discontentedly.

– You’re welcome! – the boy said with an emotionless face.

At the same moment, Rein hugged the boy.

– Thank you.

– Wow! – the boy exclaimed unexpectedly. – You really shouldn’t have. It wasn’t really difficult for me.

The boy didn’t expect a Raidarian warrior to behave like that.

The campfire crackled, the sky was full of stars, and even shooting stars were visible.

…But suddenly, in the distant sky, a strange glow appeared.

– Do you see that too? – Rein asked.

– That light is coming from the direction of Rinfoll, – Acres unexpectedly said, lying on his makeshift bed. – I heard something cruel is happening there. They say King Alex sent a couple of personal mages there. They will surely have a significant battle.

– If seven hundred years ago, getting out of the jungles, Raidarians managed to capture Illyrion armed only with Raidarian armor, swords, and catapults to breach the Illyrian wall, then taking Rinfoll for them is just a matter of time, – Rein said. – And then, all the Last Kingdoms.

– The question is how many lives it will take, – Iziro said, looking at Rein.

– I’m only interested in where the Rabbit Hole is, – one of the smugglers said. – We were supposed to be in front of the cave.

– There it is, – Wel said, pointing to the rocky formation. – You just need to move that huge stone. I’ll move it tomorrow – today I’m tired. And now, I’m going to sleep.

Having finished the last piece of rabbit, Wel put the plate aside and lay down by the fire, closing his eyes. Soon, many followed his example, but Rein continued to gaze at the stars, leaning against his horse lying on the ground.

The next morning, Wel was the first to wake up, and Rein was the last. It happened due to an incredibly loud sound of grinding stones and crashing. The boy, in a stance, fists clenched, strained and slowly but surely moved an almost gigantic stone, resembling a rock.

– Well, lucky for the ruler whose servant this kid will be when he grows up, – said a robust smuggler who looked more like a Radianian than Rein, although he wasn’t.

– I won’t serve anyone! – the boy shouted. – Because I like freedom.

– I thought you serve Lady Idia.

The boy, completely sweaty and wiping his face after fully opening the passage to the cave, said:

– Idia is my friend, and we work together! As for you, it seems it’s time. Let’s go faster; I still need to close this and tidy up a bit here.

– Well? Let’s go! – said Acres and moved into the darkness.

– Is it long? – asked Iziro.

– We didn’t even reach the border with the empire, and it goes a bit further, – said one of the smugglers leading a herd of horses.

Rein looked at Wel, smiled, and nodded slightly when Wel noticed him and went into the cave.

– Let’s go, – said the robust smuggler.

And they all went into the long and dark cave. When everyone entered, Wel, standing outside the cave, said:

– Hey, Izi, you’ll need this.

And he threw a torch he had lit to Iziro, then started closing the entrance by moving the stone block back.

– Will it be enough for him? – asked Iziro.

– It’s better to move faster, – the boy replied.

Iziro illuminated the low cave, which seemed to extend into absolute darkness in the distance. Then everyone moved forward straight into the unknown.