He repeats the question, but it's still a faint echo that circles my ears and barely impresses itself into my consciousness. Something about who we should talk to first, or how we should approach achieving our goal? Even though Pomaqli's inquiry is perfectly valid, frankly it's been the least of my recent concerns.
These countless days—has it been a moon cycle?—have overwhelmed me, to say the least, and unfolded in a way I never envisioned for my involvement. The mission is an undertaking I hadn't thought likely, given my original desire for a simple, quiet life at the inn after serving in a long and grueling war. But simplicity was taken away from me the day Limaqumtlia was murdered. Despite being thrust into action, am I the person who should be called upon to find the truth behind my brother's death? Do I possess what's necessary to succeed, the strength to persevere when the burden of seeking answers and fighting through the shroud of deception rests upon my shoulders?
It's because of this that I'm thankful for the alliances I've formed, the people who have faithfully fought by my side when such obstacles appear. Knowing I don't have to take on these challenges alone has been beyond reassuring, beyond anything that can be put into words. It's not something that comes easily to me, having developed my issues in trusting, well, anyone, multiplied by the assassination while my brother's advisors and allies stood idly by—another signal of being let down and disappointed by those in whom you place your trust.
Yet, in a world rife with deception and hidden agendas, I've managed to overcome the easy excuses for distrusting anyone and everyone, instead choosing to believe in those who have shown to possess an equal desire for seeking truth and justice that so many have shied away from when faced with the same circumstances. This fear of vulnerability, in protecting myself to avoid potential hurt and emotional wounds, is something about myself which I've only confronted recently. Recognizing my own insecurities is not an easy admission to make, and I've an insufficient supply of chicha to wrestle with them further.
But what has led to this change in conviction? Perhaps it was witnessing Walumaq's supernatural and unreal capabilities that had me place my wholehearted trust in her. But no, my respect for and trust in her goes beyond such things. Our brief conversation before returning south to Pichaqta enlightened me to a whole other way of thinking, of engaging and interacting with the world. I have a long way from becoming spiritual, if that day will ever come, but her perspective of everything's interconnectivity and our place within it is moving. It's my encounter with the Sanqo princess that has challenged my perceptions, displaying an earnest—and maybe naïve—passion for fighting injustices and defeating any evil that rears its ugly head. Not that I'm much older, but how someone so young can be so defiantly brave and resolute, while placing the wellbeing of others before herself... to say it's admirable does her a disservice. Does she see something I have yet to see in myself? Watching her put her faith and trust in people she hardly knows was initially unfathomable, but now that we've confronted dire challenges together, I know it's woven into the fabric of who she is, qualities which I desire making a part of me, as well.
Along with her, the loyal and unflappable Pomaqli has proven himself an invaluable asset in maneuvering about the chaotic political scene in the Pichaqta palace. What he lacks in personality is more than made up for in his steadfastness and determination. It's no wonder Qumuna entrusted him with this mission that goes way beyond the scope and scale of his duties as a Qiapu warrior. With Pomaqli and Walumaq joining me in this quest for justice, their deliberate and thoughtful approaches helping to keep my excitable and impulsive nature at bay, it's easy to feel as though any challenge laid before us can be conquered.
Though the matter of investigating my brother's death was never going to be simple, the complexities of what's involved in his assassination has exposed how significant and influential this looming threat is. The broader and far-reaching implications his murder has had not just on Qiapu, but on all of Pachil, allows me to see how interconnected the people and factions of the continent truly are, how everything can affect everyone. I see now that this is not just a Qiapu matter anymore; this Eye in the Flame seeks to disrupt the peace and freedom of all people throughout the land that was so valiantly fought for. I must find any indication that these cultists threaten to impose their will upon those who only seek to rebuild what was lost to the Timuaq. Discovering the meaning and value of the heavily sought after amulets, as well as anyone who can aid us in defeating the Eye in the Flame and end their machinations, becomes imperative. Though we may have been friends in another time, if Saxina played any part in their climb to power, then he must be stopped at all costs.
YOU ARE READING
Revolutions
FantasyAt long last, the oppressive rule of the titans has ended. We are finally free, thanks to the sacrifice of The Eleven, who unified a fractured land and used their supernatural powers to defeat the Timuaq. There are many like myself who have only kno...
