Ever since the skirmish with the Eye of the Flame assassin, Upachu has kept a vigilant watch over me with an unwavering gaze. The result of the encounter leaves much speculation, something I've been unable to shake. He continues to gawk the whole walk to the Qantua trading post by the Maiu Qasapaq, mouth open to the extent where I begin to fear that, should someone attempt to cast a line to catch a fish, they'd hook him instead.
As annoying and frustrating as it is to be ogled over, I'm hesitant to confess that I, too, share the same curiosity as Upachu. Clutching the lapis lazuli amulet that dangles on my chest, I wonder what influence it has over me, what powers it provides. When Entilqan expressed to me during our conversation in my dream that this was the same amulet she wore, I hadn't guessed how it may affect me. Yet her powers were never to hear people's thoughts. She was an adept warrior, possessing a prowess unseen in Pachil. Her uncanny ability for military strategy and tactics in combat go unmatched to this day—all the teachings at the Maqanuiache pale in comparison to her wisdom. But those are not the abilities I possess, leaving me confused as to how this all works. How does one obtain supernatural abilities, and what dictates the powers one receives? Is it from this amulet, or something else entirely?
We collect ourselves and resume the journey to Auilqa by way of the trading post. The tiny settlement buzzes with business, as merchants from far and wide gather to present their wares and exchange news from their homelands. Against the backdrop of rust-colored stone, there is a showcase throughout the bustling plaza involving vibrant displays of textiles and garments from all over Pachil, the wafting aromas of exotic foods being cooked on grills and in fire pits, glimmering metallic jewelry, exquisitely painted pottery and tools to handle any type of labor—all of which is a sight that rivals the grandest marketplaces of Qapauma.
Eyeing over the goods, we manage to scrounge up enough supplies to get us to Chopaqte, the Achope capital. Traversing the Haqu Minsa from Iaqutaq will be lengthy and arduous, requiring countless days enduring the sea's open waters. Having never before been on a water vessel, I would be lying if the idea of traveling aboard one of those mechanisms didn't cause me to feel trepidation. However, if it's what is required of me, I will persevere, likely being dragged against my will like our llama companion.
Much of our time spent at the trading post involves me haggling over the steep prices that Upachu is too willing to pay. Whether it's the checkered patterns of the adorning garments worn outside of my tunic or Upachu's white robes of the Great Library, we're frequently met with merchants attempting to price gouge us, believing us to be wealthier than we actually are. I grow increasingly tired and infuriated with the countless traders telling someone one price, then giving us an inflated number when we approach.
I'm about to give up the endeavor and rely on hunting to fill our stockpile when one more agreeable merchant waves us over. His eyes are bright and light brown, and he smiles warmly at us as we approach. His clothing is more modest than that of his compatriots, dressed in simpler tunics and lacking the excessive number of jewelry pieces that the others flaunt. I look for clues of his homeland in the colors of his garment, but the deep blue and silver doesn't bring anything to mind.
"Your presence has caused quite a stir," he smirks. "Seeing a Qantua general and member of the Great Library this far south has caught everyone's attention. What has taken you away from the comforts of Hilaqta?"
"We're on a great journey," Upachu exclaims. I give him a glowering look, wordlessly demanding he bite his tongue lest he give too much away. We can't afford to be discovered by our enemies and have our mission exposed carelessly. He doesn't silence himself, but instead replies in a tone of solemn reverence, "We're embarking on a journey to honor the ancient tradition of the Great Library of Hilaqta. As stewards of our history, it's our duty to traverse Pachil, verifying the accuracy of our records and enriching them with the wisdom of distant lands. It's an opportunity to weave new threads into our quipus, ensuring our ancestors' efforts and sacrifices aren't forgotten by those who come after us."
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...
