When the trio arrived at Sumeru City, they were given Akasha Terminals, devices that allowed them to access any knowledge they desired. It also gave basic information on the people they looked at. Collei's information was covered in static, while Sying's didn't appear at all. After that, they talked to someone Tighnari said they should talk to and learned that the Dendro Archon has never left the Sanctuary of Surasthana or made a public appearance. The trio tried asking Katheryne if they could meet with the Dendro Archon, but there was nothing she could do about it. However, she did mention a group of Eremites called the Corps of Thirty that was in charge of Sumeru's defenses. A member named Asfand tried to help the travelers, but sadly, there was nothing he could do either.
"Seems Asfand was right. The people of Sumeru aren't even interested in their own Archon. They only think about the Akasha Terminals." Sying grumbled.
"It seems like the harder we try, we get less information." Aether complained.
"The people of Sumeru aren't the nicest. I doubt we'll find a way to get to Lesser Lord Kusanali." Collei sighed.
"You three are interested in Lesser Lord Kusanali?" A voice called out, making Collei scream. The girl hid behind Sying as a lady with brown hair dressed in purple walks over. "Sorry for scaring you. From the sound of it, you three are travelers that recently arrived here. You've been asking for information about Lesser Lord Kusanali, right?"
"Who are you?" Aether asked.
"I am Dunyarzad, one of Lesser Lord Kusanali's faithful followers!" She introduced herself. Collei poked her head out and kept her gaze on the bandages on Dunyarzad's hands.
"I'm Sying, the blond's Aether, and the one behind me is my daughter Collei. So, do you know how we can meet with her?" The adeptus wondered.
"I'm afraid I can't help with that, but your conversation earlier did happen to remind me of a legend about the Dendro Archon." The girl replied.
"Could you tell us the legend?" Collei wondered.
"Sure. It goes like this: Long, long ago, there was a man who heard a prophecy. It predicted that a great calamity was about to befall him. Panicked by what he heard, the man sought out the Dendro Archon in the hopes that she would bless him with the wisdom to help him escape his predicament. The man journeyed across deserts and through rainforests, and experienced tribulations of every kind. However, he still couldn't find any trace of the Dendro Archon. In despair he thought, "Alas, the Archon has abandoned me!" He then had no choice but to sorrowfully resign to his fate." Dunyarzad told them.
"Then what happened?" Aether asked.
"And then the calamity came! But to his own surprise, the man felt somehow emboldened by the trials of his journey. By relying on his own strength, he managed to overcome the adversity. At that moment, a bird perched upon his shoulder. The bird was, in fact, an avatar of the Dendro Archon. She said: "O archon-seeker, do you now understand? She and her wisdom have long been found by you. Along your journey, we were in every flower and blade of grass, every ray of sparkling sun, and every breath of dancing wind. So long as we continue to think and ponder, we'll be wherever you go." Dunyarzad said.
"What a nice story." Collei mumbled, still holding onto Sying's jacket sleeve.
"Since you worship Lesser Lord Kusanali, can you tell us anything else about her?" Sying wondered.
"Of course! So, did you know..." She trailed off, looking at the people behind the trio. Sying glanced behind them and pushed Collei in front of him. His daughter let out a quiet cry of alarm as Aether looked in the direction Sying and Dunyarzad were. A few Eremites in red were pretending to blend in with the crowd. The adeptus wasted no time in gently guiding Collei forward, while grabbing Dunyarzad's arm with his other hand. His tail wrapped around Aether's arm as the group moved away from the Eremites. The Nova god brought them behind a nearby building.
"Dad, what's going on?" Collei asked, peeking from around the corner. Sying pulled her back by the hoodie as Dunyarzad caught her breath.
"Someone's looking for Dunyarzad." Sying explained.
"Let's make a run for it." Aether suggested.
"My body isn't in the best shape. It's difficult for me to run." Dunyarzad admitted. Collei watched her carefully as she spoke up.
"How about we find someplace to hide?" She spoke.
"There's a tavern on the other side of the port." Dunyarzad told them. The trio followed her to the tavern and went inside. "They shouldn't be able to find us now." Feeling a presence from behind, Sying drew his sword and made contact with someone's metal glove. The girl had brown hair with two yellow streaks in it and blue eyes. She looked like some kind of mercenary or Eremite. "Wait, stand down Dehya!" Collei backed away in surprise, staying close to Aether. The girl, whose name was Dehya, walked over to Dunyarzad and glared at the trio.
"My lady, who are these three?" She questioned. Sying could detect a hint of affection in her voice.
"They're travelers that I met on the street just a moment ago. They happened to notice that you were all searching for me, so they helped me hide." Dunyarzad answered.
"I see. In that case, you three should scram. There's nothing here for you." Dehya stated.
"Who are you?" Aether wondered.
"I'm Miss Dunyarzad's bodyguard, here to see that she returns home safe and sound."
YOU ARE READING
Meraki
Fanfictionthe soul, creativity, or love you put into something; the essence of yourself that is put into your work. In which the King of Khaenri'ah plans to overthrow the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles.
