Ekka stretched on the only pair of pants he currently owned which might not be considered trash by a

normal person. They were too tight around his waist and too short around his ankles, but the once
course brown fabric was now soft and well-broken in. He pulled his grey fur coat on over his white
shirt then forced on his brown leather shoes and headed out.
He peaked around every room in his house before leaving to insure that his family truly was
gone. It was just like Nari had told him, but part of him hadn't been able to believe it. Their absence
was strange, though he didn't lend it much thought as he knew they would have certainly restricted him
from leaving, and he was now feeling somewhat feisty after being freed from his room.
Outside, he found Nari talking to a tall and lanky woman with a jagged face leaned up against
the side of his home. She was wearing a tight black overcoat and tan pants which hung loosely down
around some black fabric shoes. What hair she had was hidden under a small dark red cap. He
recognized her immediately as Itxi, who most knew to be short for Itxillai; one of Nari's brother's
associates who he'd left in a position of power to help run the village while he was away.
When Ekka was younger, Nari's older brotherknown infamously as Lopehad sidled his way
into Ederas with his troupe of bandits; all arriving at different times with each member then slowly
ingratiating themselves into her village's ruling nest. They grew closer and closer to the nest's Apson
familythe Blood of Rindarwhich ruled over Ederas, until one of their membersa particularly
attractive young girl named Olufime with an enticingly exotic appearance that also claimed to be an
Apson herselfmanaged to woo the favor of the nest's axis at the time; who was the head of his brood
and leader of the village.
The other members then saw to it that his other consort fell ill, and some of the additional,
closer members of the brood were removed from the situation. Two were taken out with a forged letter
from a high-ranking member of the Azimuththe all-powerful religious organization that sits above
and is able to dictate the Federation in any matterdemanding they leave immediately on a diplomatic
trip to a distant and little known land at the far corner of the grand plane, and they were to stay there for
as long as necessary until they'd brought the local peoples into the fold of the Federation. Another
member of the brood was also disappeared, though in a slightly less delicate manner. And a member of
the bandit troupe named Osingo was even able to arrange and lead a gentle uprising over the local
marshal by implicating him in a number of fabricated scandals and sordid dealings. He'd then acted as
the voice of justice for the people by rallying support amongst the locals to eventually have the
marshall exiled. And Osingo, appearing as the hero in this matter, was then easily able to parley his
momentum into the newly available position.
Suddenly, Lope's conniving organization was running the village through both the royal nest
and the lower faction's marshal system. He instilled members of his troupe into various positions of
power then left them to maintain control while he traveled off with the remainder of his group to
continue furthering their influence elsewhere.
It was a swift, savage, and remarkably effective takeover that had left Ekka's people stunned but
complacent; as nothing had really changed for them, and they knew as well that any action on their part
might result in horrible retribution.
Itxi had been left as one of Ederas' keepers, acting as an authority figure directly beneath the
marshal, prowling around the village to keep order for the marshal and the members of the royal brood.
Ekka, like most, was somewhat familiar with her to the extent that her already extensive record of coy
ruthlessness and generally devious behavior had made itself persistent in everyone's mind for some
time. And so, in seeing her, Ekka immediately lost much of his motivation for doing anything further
with Nari.
This one? drawled Itxi, brushing a hand at Ekka and raising herself up from the wall. He'll
get us into the smith's chamber?
Yeah, he can definitely do it. He can get to... anywhere.
 You're sure of this?
Definitely. He can. I've gone all over with him.
Why do you want me to get you there? Ekka slowly interjected.
You don't need to know, little friend, Itxi quickly replied. There's no good point in
telling you. Though listen to me, listen now, and she crouched to make eye contact with Ekka. She
says your family needs some help, help I have the power to provide, and... I would love to provide you
that help. All you've gotta do is get me into the smith's shop through his cave at the back, that entrance
I'm told you know. And I won't hurt him, or take anything from him... Though I'm seeing this hesitation
all over you. So, let me just sort this out now. Will you help? Will you do what I've asked? I need to
find another method quickly if you won't, so just come on, give an answer, yeah? My offer is far more
than fair.
Itxi looked to be going too fast for the world around her, life for her seeming to be a race down
the edge of a knife. Just being the focus of her intensity brought anxiety.
But Ekka had already considered and come to his answer while she'd spoke. The woman reeked
of trouble, though it'd be far-too shameful to hide from this opportunity.
If you just need me to take you somewhere, I can do it, he said, breathing in and straightening
himself up. Just, like you said, please make sure they forget about my family. It wasn't our fault in the
first place.
He then watched Itxi nod all-too politely before motioning him onward. He glanced up at her
eager face then started off.
And move fast but not too fast, little one, Itxi called behind him.
Everywhere on their left, an enormous tethered chain of supply carts was making its way up the
cobbled road that the trio were traveling along. Being overwhelmingly close, so that all sounds came as
a blind roar, was somewhat of a welcome difference from the droning stomp of marching boots that'd
now become far-too familiar throughout town, though the carts were quite wide and left only a small
area for them to travel through.
The path they walked, Ederas' only main street, had been set long ago with light red rocks and
grey and white stones. It was about as wide as two men's outstretched arms, and it'd become smooth
only by the mercy of the dirt that'd slowly accumulated between the stones. The buildings surrounding
them, mostly made with old recycled dark wood or a mixture of mud and stone, looked to be clumsily
placed, with most of the taller buildings hanging just over the road. Already Ekka had heard two
different figures in the convoy alongside toss an insult at his village's unseemly quality.
Cries and frantic shouts seemed to be consistently wriggling out from somewhere amongst the
buildings around them, though such noises became disturbingly regular after just a short time and so
garnered less and less consideration.
It was a strange and tense hurried walk up a street that'd never once before felt uncomfortable in
Ekka's life. The soldiers were undeniably a toxic element, and that poison was all-too clear to Ekka as
he fought from stopping or even giving attention to any particular anguished sound; it was as if
everyone around him was in some way suffering. He caught glimpses of bread and water being ripped
away from merchants, and other vendors bloodied and on their knees pleading with soldiers. It didn't
seem as if there was ever a lull in the cries and shouts of struggling men and women in the surrounding
houses. The overall effect gave an ugly disorientation and had Ekka wanting only to return and secure
himself in his house with his family. It was all hard for him to accept and understand. The scene was
repulsive, so terribly far from the visions of gallant armies that had decorated his idle thoughts growing
up.
Itxi had made it clear that Nari should be careful, and therefor, should walk as far as she could
from the convoy. Yet, it was Ekkalost in thoughtwho somehow found himself a victim. A hand
shot out and snatched a chunk of his hair, to roaring laughter from inside the cart, then another had a
hold of his shoulder.
 Itxi was there in a moment, horribly contorting the wrist grabbing Ekka's hair until a soldier
came awkwardly flopping out of the cart to save his bone. Two more soldiers then jumped out after,
one moving quickly forward with an outstretched palm and a baffled look.
This one's out of her fucking mind, he started. Any idea what we're going to do to you for
that?
Itxi boldly started in, These are property of one of your blue hats who's instructed me to let no
one lay a hand on them til he has his way. I'm the local keeper who was given the instruction to do this.
I'd never wish to defy a soldier, but I'd never dare defy a blue hat... As you all know, that would make
for a situation far worse for any involved. She then gave a long and slow bow, I'm sorry for any
problems this has caused you. She her hands then prodded the two youths onward.
The soldiers remained still and shared some quick looks then, after a few whispers, started
hustling to catch up to their cart. They all in someway doubted her story, though no small doubt would
have any of them risking an encounter with a blue hat or any other member of the Spectrum.

Besides the main road, only a handful of other streets existed in their town, and only a few extended for
more than a couple hundred paces. This being because their town was built up against a series of hills,
and any street traveling west off the main north-south road could only go so far before encountering
these hills. The blacksmith's shop was at the southern edge of town at the far end of one of the longer
roads. At the front of that road, groups of soldiers had been placed to check the numbers of the passing
men and supplies.
Ekka was just beginning to see these groups of men up ahead when he turned them right off of
the main road. Itxi suddenly grabbed him by the shoulder.
How much longer?
Um... it's not too long, just slightly longer than it would take if we went the normal way, I
guess. But I'm pretty sure we couldn't go the normal way... Because of the soldiers... you know.
Itxi frustratingly waved Ekka on then turned to Nari. Wait for just a bit, then go.
Nari nodded, I'll get it right, don't worry.
Ekka was then leading Itxi quickly down the street to then pass between two short houses on
their left. He was wondering about Nari but didn't bother to ask, focusing instead on navigating the
backyard of the house on their left belonging to an elderly widow he'd come to know quite well. They
moved through her unkempt garden and up to a dense patch of thorn bushes, spotted with dark pointed
leaves, small red berries, and the occasional white flower, which sat up against a green hill that rose
rather steeply behind the home.
Ekka dropped to his knees and began crawling around the right edge of a thorn bush. The grass
and weeds were thick behind, but Ekka began to press against them and was soon edging his way
through a previously invisible opening in the hillside.
It gets bigger after this, he turned back to say. Just stay close, there's no light.
I'll be fine, just move, hurry.
And with that, Ekka set off, guiding himself forward by feel, counting the little minor offshoots
and familiar dips as went to help keep his place. They soon entered into a larger room, which took
some careful navigating: having no walls to touch. He knew this room branched off to a number of
passages, but the one they wanted was directly ahead. After a careful crawl, he reached it and started in.
After the first bend in this passage, a small amount of light could be seen which grew and grew as the
passage itself slightly widened until they reached a relatively well-lit area with almost enough room to
stand.
Ekka stopped her and pointed at the handful of finger to wrist sized openings in the wall where
the light was coming through.
Smith's back area, he said. We just have to go a bit further down, and you can get into one of
these shoots which will
No, Itxi sharply whispered. This is fine.
She had her face pressed up against one of gashes through the thin rock wall and was intensely
studying the scene on the other side.
Oh... well alright, Ekka carefully said. He then began trying to squeeze himself back behind
Itxi. I... my best wishes with...I hope things are fine.
Itxi's hand suddenly grabbed Ekka's side and pulled him back into place.
You won't be leaving until I do... And what a rather nasty thing. She twisted and brought her
eyes to his; their splashes of yellow somehow coming alive in the darkness to clarify the insignificance
of his life. Imagine the difficulty I'd have finding my way out? Can't you see? So you just wait. Just
wait. And then we're fine, she softly finished.
Itxi then returned her attention to the room, and Ekka slowly curled his arms around his chest.
He watched her stare for a short time, mumbling this and that to herself.
Does make it tricky.
Was expected.
Should be fine.
Ekka tried not to pay any of it much attention. Then he caught a snippet of Nari's voice, and he
found his eyes being drawn to an opening to see three figures standing in the room; a giant man
standing like a statue at the far end of the cavern, a brightly dressed red hat seated on a bench built into
a nearby wall, and a blue hat, who looked to be a small and plainly dressed girl, standing just before the
giant and having a hushed conversation.
Nari's here, I can here her.
Keep yourself silent.
Was that what you were waiting for?
No more words.
Moments later, a very tall and gangly soldier came running into the mini cavern.
There was an attack on a blue nearby, he huffed out. We don't know what's happened.
There's supposed to be a group of attackers, the soldier shakily announced
Can you lead me there? said the blue hat girl.
Yeah... yes, it's not far from here.
Go now. She turned to the giant. Settle this affair with the smith then meet me at the
southern post. The girl then hurried after the soldier.
Itxi began cursing under her breath.
I suppose I will need a bit more help from you, she said, pulling slim wooden tubes out from
behind her ears. She then connected the pieces together and clutched the tube between her teeth as she
unfolded a large and very elongated slingshot from her coat. Her hands then began work out lengths of
rope from the other side of her coat which she neatly coiled on the ground.
When I say, begin pulling on this rope. Pull hard but not as hard as you can until I tell you to.
She was then holding the sling and drawing its bands down the length of her outstretched arm.
Ekka just caught sight of what looked like a massive barbed fish hook at the end of the sling before Itxi
was guiding her forward hand out of one of the gashes. She peaked through a separate gash for a
moment then released. Immediately her hands were pulling and jerking at the rope.
Take it, now. Go! Go!
Ekka, almost without thinking, planted his feet in the wall and began to pull.
Itxi, meanwhile, had pulled a long feathered quill out of her hat. She aimed her tube and fired a
similar quill that'd already been in place, then she loaded the second one and fired within an instant.
Pull as hard as you can, her whisper snapped.
Itxi's hands had already found an loaded another quill which had been fired before it'd even
fully settled into the tube; all three of her shots now having landed around the neck and face of the
giant who'd finally reached the scene after taking an extended moment at first to ascertain what was
happening. Though the massive man was clearly slowing, he still began pawing at the rope Ekka was
fighting with, but Itxi quickly put another two quills into the side of his throat and he fell slack.
She then took the rope from Ekka, who's efforts had dragged the seated red hat up and pinned
him against the wall by the thick barbs that'd been lodged into his throat; the individual having
desperately moved to wherever he was being pulled to. Itxi's freehand expertly drew out a long and
slightly curved knife from her side which she shot out through an opening to penetrate the man's spine.
She withdrew her hand then guided it back through a higher opening. Her free hand grabbed the man,
then she started sawing the fungal red-hat off of his neck and scalp. She gave one final push then let out
a satisfied groan as her knife-wielding hand returned holding the bizarre looking organism
resembling bark-like webs of crimsonas the man, now without the colony he'd been bound to, began
to horribly convulse and groan before collapsing.
Ekka was immobile, completely distant from the world. The smallest voice somewhere was
telling him to run, begging him to leave. But he couldn't move. He could hardly think.
Wonderful work, Itxi muttered, stuffing the red organism into an interior coat pocket and
storing away her weapons. Now, comon now, get us out of here as fast as you
An arm had burst through the thin rock wall to immediately wrap its hand around Itxi's neck
before ripping her body into the cavern. Another hand was then grabbing Ekka by the chest, and in a
quick motion, flinging him into the cavern towards Itxi.
Ekka, in a wild daze, began clumsily scrambling away from the direction of his attacker. But
within a moment, he could feel a hand firmly grabbing his hip then he was struck on the side of the
knee then the top of his thigh with what felt like the end of a broomstick being driven into him by a
lightning bolt. The same treatment was then given to his other leg, and he found himself hopelessly
immobilized with a foul shaking rattling throughout his body.
Itxi could be seen doubled over with both of her hands clawing at her own neck. The figure
who'd struck Ekka stood before her and placed a heal over her ankle then stomped down, almost
certainly shattering bones. He repeated it to the other ankle, then used a foot to turn her over.
We simply cannot have people moving so freely about who wish harm, as you've shown you
do, upon our brethren.
Ekka was now slowly gaining a clearer image of the figure amongst his fluttering vision, though
it looked to be no more than a youth, with a size and weight that looked similar to his own. Yet, his skin
looked to be blue, and his flowing white and red attire was like nothing Ekka had ever seen.
I'll ask you these questions once, as I see that you're a person who's quite resolved. If you can
provide any satisfactory answers, your punishment for this grievous crime will be lessened accordingly.
If you cannot, your death will become a very drawn-out affair.
He squatted down and grabbed her face to stare into her eyes. Who told you of the scalping
contracts? Do you know who or what organization ordered the scalping contract? Who were you going
to bring the scalp to? Who are the others that were involved with you today? Who are the others that
you regularly associate with in such activities? Answer anything for mercy.
As he'd been asking his questions, Nari was brought in, her form limply being dragged behind
the blue-hat by one arm, with the blacksmith walking just behind them; his withered features stuck on
somber, and his body moving with apprehension.
Nalunteddi, called out a girl entering swiftly in behind the blacksmith.
The blue-hat winced at the apparently clumsy attempt at her name. Just try Teddi.
My apologies... Teddi, but we could have just carried the girl. She already looks to be, well,
suffering.
The suggestion seemed to disgust Teddi, who looked to have to take a moment to believe what
was happening.
This filth just aided in the assassination of a red: inconvenience isn't a factor. And, then
dropping Nari's arm, we're already here. Teddi then looked as if she wanted to go on but instead
seemed to steady herself as she turned to face the others in the room.
The blue youth paid them no mind, continuing to give his stare to Itxi.
She wouldn't meet his eyes, knowing not to. I can't answer your questions, she eventually
announced. Most I don't know... But I won't answer any.
The blue youth cocked his head slightly to the side as he looked into her. I understand your
sentiment, I have a level of respect for it. But I will advise you that there are techniques to bring about
a form of death which gives no release from this world. Methods that should not be known for the stain
their existence brings on those who know them and any who are forced to experience them. Suffice to
say that simple death and physical torture are far from the true depths of mortal cruelty that you may
come to know.
Itzi's had seemed to shrink, her expression becoming limp and distant. Her mouth opened and
closed a number of times as the room stared her down, but she remained quiet.
Well then, said the blue-skinned youth, before we conclude these matters, I'll ask you one
final question. What is the role that these two played in this affair? And his hand then moved slowly
from Ekka then to Nari. A full and truthful response may do much for their well-being.
Itzi remained motionless and still, looking ever-more disconnected. They all watched her for a
few moments, Ekka and Nari quivering as they stared. Itzi caught their eyes, then she began to slowly
speak.
The girl, Nari, I told her I needed help reaching this place. I asked if she knew of the ancient
Wasu's catacombs which travel all throughout this area. She said she had a friend who'd taken her into
them before, and that he would know. She did not know what my intention was. She led me to the boy
who we convinced to take us here by offering to help his family out of a debt. I promised to do this. I
told the girl to talk to the blacksmith to distract him. I gave her a story to tell. That is as far as their
involvement goes.
The blue youth motioned at Teddi. Take her. I won't sully this place any further. And send for
four guards.
Ekka was then turned to. Was everything that woman just told me accurate?
Well, Ekka paused then realized the last thing he should try to do was deceive this figure.
When we were hiding behind the wall, she told me to pull on a rope. And I did so. After I stopped, I
realized that the rope had been attached to a hook that she'd put into a man's neck.
He studied Ekka for a few moments.
"Rather curious that you've been able to enter and explore the Wasu's catacombs...
"And you? The youth strode over to squat before Nari.
She said it true. I'm not proud of it... And I did feel like we were doing something wrong.
The blue figure took a few steps back then looked back at the two of them. Four guards then
marched in and stood at attention.
He brought his focus to Ekka. What is your name and age?
My name is Ekkales Dune Korant of the Iseni faction. Um... most people call me Ekka. And
this is my thirteenth cycle.
And you, Nari?
Narine Iloppah of the Esdu. And this is my fifteenth.
Very well, said the youth. You can refer to me as Inka. I'm a klesha of the jogini. He then
motioned to the girl who'd come in behind Nari. This is Selinne, my swara.
He then stared at Nari. I've come to understand somewhat of what's been happening in this
village, and that presents an issue for another time. For now, two of you men escort Ekka here back to
his home. You may need to carry him... And Ekka, your legs will feel fine soon enough.
Two of the soldiers then came and gingerly picked up Ekka, shouldered him between the two of
them, then began to leave.
 One moment, called out Inka.
They turned to find him scooping the recently made sword off the ground to then approach and
hand it to one of the guards.
Ekka, I believe you were promised compensation to help your family. And since you seemed to
have held up your end of the bargain, and your intentions throughout were far from sinister, this now
belongs to you... Your village's blacksmith is one of the finest known, and this creation here is a
marvelous testament to his work. Selling it in a larger town should bring you the money you need to
free your family from debt. Though you're never what took place here or how you came to have this
sword. The work your blacksmith does for the Federation can not to be known by anyone else in your
village.
Ekka managed something close to a thank you then was turned and guided out of the cavern
before he could say anything further.
Nari was now receiving the full attention of everyone in the room.
It's unfortunate what's about to happen, Inka began. You were keeping information from me
as we spoke, and you knowingly placed Ekka, a friend of yours, into a situation that would undoubtedly
put him into harms way. As well, I strongly believe you to be a family member of a man known as
Lope; which I've come to understand is short for Iloppah. It is my duty to ascertain these things, it is a
task that a great deal of my existence has been shaped for. Yet, even still, I am not entirely certain...
Regardless, the notoriety of this figure Lope has continued to reach myself and those around me. And
having a family member, ideally a younger sister, in our control would do much in helping us restore
the order that is being increasingly lost in the wake of this figure.
It seems your village, for instance, may be under the control of his associates. Which is one of
the reasons you'll be leaving immediately. We simply cannot have any word of our attention reach him
as it may greatly exacerbate the problems surrounding a newer and far-more worrisome branch of
endeavors we fear he may be pursuing.
So take what I said as both an apology and an explanation, potentially one that may help you
come to terms with what's happening... I've tried to be generous in helping you understand.
He then turned to the two remaining guards. Arrange for her to be taken to this dominion's
focus. She's not to be allowed to speak to anyone. Be discreet. I'll have provided a letter with further
instructions before she departs.
He turned back once more to face Nari, who was now being helped up. I don't know if you've
ever seen the great focus of Amon, but it is quite a remarkable city. Try to enjoy what you can. I'll be
seeing you after the campaign.
And with that, Nari's form was carried away.
Selinne turned to face Inka, Shouldn't they have been removed?
Unnecessary... we may need the girl to deal with these issues arising around the figure Lope...
the boy will say nothing... he did not deserve death... there is something fortuitous about him that feels
dangerous to squander... try to keep your eyes from me... know me in your mind... know my
vibration...hurry off now... your set is waiting at the front.
Understood.