Sivera scanned the room, his gaze settling on Rahl, a sturdy figure with a no-nonsense demeanor. "Rahl," he called out, beckoning the man over. Rahl approached, his expression expectant as he awaited Sivera's command.
"How much food and meat do we have left?" Sivera inquired, his voice measured but urgent.
Rahl scratched his beard thoughtfully before responding, "We've got enough food to last us about four days, give or take."
Sivera nodded, a plan already formulating in his mind. "Then it's settled. Our next heist will be in four days. We'll need to start preparing immediately."
With a dismissive wave of his hand, Sivera directed Griswa and Yesdar to take a break, urging them to change their clothes and bathe. Malaes chimed in, her tone laced with playful disdain. "Yeah, you two definitely need it. No offense, but you guys smell worse than a pack of wild Yahunyens."
Griswa and Yesdar exchanged sheepish glances before nodding in agreement, the prospect of cleanliness more appealing than they cared to admit.
Malaes, always one step ahead, flashed a mischievous grin as she led the boys towards a hidden oasis deep within the chasm. "Come on, I'll show you where to find some relief from the stench. Trust me, you'll thank me later."
As they ventured deeper into the labyrinthine caves, Malaes couldn't help but revel in the wonder of their surroundings. The oasis with waterfalls, a hidden gem nestled within the unforgiving desert landscape, offered a momentary reprieve from the harsh realities of their existence.
The sound of rushing water filled the air as they approached, the sight of lush greenery a stark contrast to the barren landscape outside. Griswa and Yesdar stared in awe, their eyes wide with wonder as they took in the beauty of their surroundings.
Malaes grinned, her sarcasm momentarily forgotten as she watched the boys soak in the tranquility of the oasis. "Not bad for a bunch of rebels, huh?"
Griswa and Yesdar nodded in agreement, their spirits lifted by the unexpected discovery. In that moment, as they basked in the serenity of the oasis, they felt a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos of their world.
As Griswa and Yesdar shed their worn slave clothes, Malaes discreetly turned away, offering them a semblance of privacy amidst the oasis's tranquil surroundings. She laid out the kurta-like garments she had brought, a small gesture of kindness.
Yesdar wasted no time in immersing himself in the cool waters, a sigh of relief escaping his lips as the weight of the world seemed to lift from his shoulders. Griswa followed suit, the sensation of freedom washing over him with each passing moment.
As they emerged from the water, their new clothes clinging to their damp skin, Yesdar couldn't help but reflect on the irreconcilable difference between his former life as a slave and the newfound freedom he now enjoyed.
"You know," Yesdar began, his voice tinged with awe, "I never thought I'd live to see the day when I could bathe in cold water like this. Back in the slave order, all I had was the scorching sun and my own sweat to wash away the dirt along with the little water provided everyday."
Griswa nodded in understanding, though he couldn't fully relate to Yesdar's experiences, he listened intently, offering his silent support.
Malaes, who had been listening intently, couldn't help but interject with a hint of playful sarcasm. "Well, aren't you two just a couple of pampered princes now? Enjoying your fancy bath while the rest of us common folk have to make do with whatever we can find."
Griswa chuckled softly, his gaze distant as he considered the contrast between Yesdar's past and his own. While he couldn't share Yesdar's memories, he understood the significance of this moment for his friend.
"Yes, it's quite the luxury," Griswa agreed, his tone thoughtful. "Though my experiences may differ from yours, Yesdar, I can appreciate the freedom we have now."
Malaes's voice echoed with authority as she declared, "It's my turn now. You two, out." Her tone brooked no argument as she gestured firmly towards the exit, her eyes daring Griswa and Yesdar to defy her command.
Griswa and Yesdar, having already changed into the new garments Malaes had provided, they retraced their steps back to where Sivera awaited.
Upon their return, Sivera's gaze flicked up from his preparations, his expression expectant. "Where's Malaes?" he inquired, his tone clipped and businesslike.
"She's taken her turn to bathe," Yesdar replied succinctly, his voice devoid of any hint of amusement. "We didn't stick around to chat."
Sivera nodded in acknowledgment before redirecting their attention to the present. "Very well. Let's make ourselves useful while we wait. You boys can assist me with preparing lunch."
As they worked alongside Sivera, Griswa and Yesdar fell into a rhythm, their movements efficient and purposeful, with each stir of the pot.
Griswa and Yesdar finished assisting Sivera with lunch preparations, the anticipation for their dragon riding lesson loomed heavy in the air. Sivera, ever the pragmatic leader, saw it as a necessary skill for their upcoming mission.
"Alright, boys," Sivera began, wiping his hands on a cloth before turning to face them, "it's time we discuss your dragon riding training."
Griswa listened attentively, his expression stoic as he absorbed Sivera's instructions. Yesdar, on the other hand, couldn't contain his excitement, his eyes wide with anticipation.
"Yesdar," Sivera addressed the enthusiastic boy, "you'll be working closely with Malaes to get a feel for riding. Griswa, I expect you to pay close attention. This skill may prove invaluable to us in the days to come."
Griswa nodded silently, his mind already processing the information. He had secrets hidden in his past, experiences that had shaped him into the cautious and reserved individual he was today. Dragon riding was just another skill that wasn't new to him.
"Yesdar," Sivera continued, "I want you to focus on building a rapport with the dragons. They're intelligent creatures, and trust is key when it comes to riding them."
"Yes, sir!" Yesdar exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over. "I can't wait to ride a dragon! It's going to be amazing!"
Griswa couldn't help but smile at Yesdar's enthusiasm, though he couldn't share in the same excitement. For him, riding a dragon was a means to an end, a necessary skill for their mission. But he knew better than to dampen Yesdar's spirits with his own reservations.
As they made their way to the designated training area, Griswa observed Malaes patiently guiding Yesdar through the initial steps of bonding with the dragon. He couldn't help but admire her ease with the creatures, her confidence shining through as she interacted with them.
"Yesdar, remember what I told you," Malaes instructed, her voice calm yet firm. "Building trust takes time. Be patient and respectful, and Silyahun will respond in kind."
"Yes, I understand," Yesdar replied eagerly, his determination evident in his voice.
Griswa watched silently from the sidelines, taking note of Malaes's techniques and the dragon's responses, judging in his mind on how well should he rate her skills and maturity.
Well, in the depths of the chasm, amidst the towering cliffs and winding pathways, Malaes stood beside her dragon, Silyahun, with an air of confidence. Griswa observed her closely, his keen eyes taking in every detail of her demeanor as she interacted with the majestic creature. He noted the way her laughter danced on the breeze and the grace with which she moved, her hair catching the sunlight in a radiant halo around her.
As Yesdar eagerly followed Malaes's instructions, attempting to establish a connection with the dragon, Griswa remained silent, his expression unreadable. He had seen it all before, mastered it even, but there was a quiet admiration in his gaze as he watched Malaes effortlessly navigate the intricacies of dragon riding.
When Malaes suggested they all take a ride on Silyahun, Griswa's initial response was one of indifference. But as they soared through the chasm, the wind rushing past them and the sun dipping below the horizon, Griswa couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. Yesdar's infectious enthusiasm was contagious, and even Griswa found himself caught up in the moment.
As they navigated the narrow passages of the chasm, Griswa's gaze lifted to the skies, where the sun cast its golden rays across the horizon, painting the clouds in hues of pink and orange. It was a breathtaking sight, one that filled him with a sense of awe and wonder.
But amidst the beauty of the moment, there was also an undeniable sense of adventure. Malaes guided Silyahun with skill and precision, her laughter ringing out as they swooped and soared through the air. Yesdar's whoops of joy echoed off the cliffs, his excitement palpable as he experienced the thrill of flight for the first time.
Griswa couldn't help but smile as he watched his companions revel in the joy of the moment. Despite his reservations, there was a part of him that couldn't deny the thrill of the ride, the rush of wind against his face as they soared through the skies.
As they returned to the caves at dusk, Sivera's stern expression greeted them. Griswa knew they would have to explain their adventures, but for now, he simply sat back and observed as Malaes recounted their journey with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
"We flew through the chasm, weaving between the cliffs and skimming the surface of the water," Malaes explained, her words painting a vivid picture of their adventure. "But there were moments when I lost my bearings, and Silyahun had to navigate around obstacles with incredible agility."
Sivera listened intently, his brow furrowed in concern. "And you all returned safely?"
As Malaes confirmed their safe return, Sivera's expression softened slightly, though concern still etched lines across his forehead. "Yes, thanks to Silyahun's quick thinking and Griswa's steady hand," she reassured him, a hint of relief lacing her voice.
But Sivera's relief was short-lived as he delved into the heart of the matter. "This is not what I meant, Malaes," he began, his voice carrying the weight of a thousand worries. "I asked you to teach them dragon riding, not to leave the chasm and fly until dusk. And you people missed lunch too, but okay fine, that's not the point, what if the Yahunyens had seen you? Their watch is everywhere."
Malaes met his gaze with defiance, her chin lifting slightly in a silent challenge. "There's no need to worry. No Yahunyen saw us, and we didn't go too far. It was just a harmless adventure."
But Sivera's eyes darkened with concern, his voice a low rumble of disapproval. "But that's not the point. It was daytime, Malaes. What if you had been caught? We cannot afford to be so reckless."
Turning to Yesdar and Griswa, Sivera's disappointment was palpable, his gaze heavy with expectation. "You should have been more vigilant too. How could you allow yourselves to venture so far?"
Yesdar and Griswa exchanged sheepish glances, guilt weighing heavily upon their young shoulders as they realized the gravity of their actions. "We're sorry, Sivera." Yesdar murmured, his voice trembling with remorse.
But Malaes, her frustration simmering beneath the surface, refused to yield. "We didn't go too far!" she protested, her voice rising with defiance. "There's not enough freedom for me here, Father! I'm tired of being confined to this chasm."
Sivera's patience wore thin, his tone laced with a hint of exasperation. "That's precisely why you shouldn't go beyond the chasm, Malaes! There's not enough freedom in this world! I don't give you freedom because there isn't any left, which is exactly why you stay sound!"
But Malaes stood her ground, her tears threatening to spill over as she confronted her father. "You never let me accompany you into the city of Shiyahval. All I can do is wait here, hoping for your safe return. There's nothing else for me!"
Sivera's voice softened, a tinge of sorrow creeping into his tone. "Because you're not ready, Malaes. You're only nine years old. First, you were taken care of by Rahl, then for a while you were alone, but now?... now you have companions, responsibilities. There's nothing wrong with staying safe here, with them."
Yesdar, got a little surprised and asked, "Wait wait, that means we weren't going to accompany you in your heist?"
"No! What have you guys been thinking? What have you even learned till now? We are going there in four days, what will you even learn in four days? I want you people to learn more, basically learn enough. Joining us doesn't mean you are ready to come with us, if you want to come with us, grow up." replied Sivera turning to the boys with a no joke tone, which was different from his usual character, and that silenced Yesdar and slightly disappointed him.
Malaes's resolve wavered, her tears flowing freely now as she voiced her deepest fear. "But what if I lost you?! What if you never returned from one of your dangerous heists?!" What if you go away before watching me grow up?" Her words hung heavy in the air, an unspoken plea for understanding.
With a heavy sigh, Sivera sank down onto a nearby rock, his heart heavy with the weight of his daughter's words. The tension in the air was suffocating, the silence broken only by Malaes's soft sobs as she turned away, her anguish palpable in the darkness.
Griswa and Yesdar exchanged a helpless glance, their young hearts heavy with the burden of witnessing the rift between father and daughter. But caught up in the moment, they were thoughtless on how Malaes' only laughing face, hid so much pain behind, as it washed away with her tears.
And as the echoes of their voices faded into the night, Sivera was left alone with his thoughts, the weight of his daughter's fears pressing heavily upon his weary soul as the night passed.
Pronunciations:
Rahl: [RAA]+[HL]