The Last Aayu: Book 1 - Ashes

Chapter 22: The Lord of House Aayu

Consciousness returns to Utahis slowly, his senses gradually coming back online. The first thing he becomes aware of is pain - a dull ache that seems to permeate his entire body. Then, the smells: the metallic tang of blood, the sharp scent of medicinal herbs, and the lingering odor of smoke and battle.

His eyes flutter open, vision blurry at first. As it clears, he finds himself staring at the canvas roof of what he assumes is a medical tent. The sounds around him are muffled, but he can make out the groans of the wounded and the hushed voices of healers.

Panic suddenly grips him as memories of the battle flood back. The Shaw, the Kutzaldi, Kaiden being thrown... and then a haze of rage and darkness. His heart races, thinking the battle must still be raging.

Utahis tries to sit up, ignoring the pain that shoots through his body. "The battle," he croaks, his voice barely above a whisper. "I need to get back... my men..."

It's then that he becomes aware of a presence beside him. Turning his head, he sees Leisan, her face a mixture of relief and concern.

"Utahis," she says softly, gently pushing him back down. "It's alright. You're safe."

"Leisan?" he manages, confusion evident in his voice. "What are you... the battle, I need to..."

"Shh," she soothes, her hand finding his. "The battle is over, Utahis. You've been unconscious for three days."

This information doesn't immediately register with Utahis. His mind is still caught in the chaos of combat, the urgency of needing to lead his men.

"Over?" he repeats, his brow furrowed. "But the Shaw... the Avarians..."

Leisan squeezes his hand reassuringly. "It's done. We won. The Avarian army broke when their enhanced soldiers lost their power. The Kaan's forces arrived and routed them completely."

As her words slowly sink in, Utahis begins to relax, the tension leaving his body. But with this relaxation comes a flood of questions and a creeping dread about what happened in those final moments of the battle.

"I... I don't remember how it ended," he admits, his voice tinged with worry. "There was so much rage, so much power..."

As Utahis' mind clears further, his gaze drifts across the medical tent, settling on another cot not far from his own. There, lying motionless and heavily bandaged, is Kaiden. The sight of his friend's battered form sends a pang of guilt and concern through Utahis.

"Kaiden," Utahis whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "Is he...?"

Leisan follows his gaze and nods solemnly. "He's alive, but... it's been touch and go. The healers have been working tirelessly."

Utahis tries to push himself up again, wanting to be closer to his friend, but Leisan gently restrains him.

"You need to stay still," she insists. "Both of you need time to heal."

Utahis settles back, his eyes never leaving Kaiden's still form. "He saved me," he murmurs. "He broke away from the fight with the Knights to help me against the Kutzaldi. And then..."

His voice trails off as the memory of Kaiden being hurled by the demon floods back. Leisan squeezes his hand comfortingly.

"When I arrived with the Kaan's army," she explains, "I made sure that you, Kaiden, and all the champions who faced the Shaw were given priority care. The healers have been using their most potent magics and medicines."

Utahis nods gratefully, but the worry doesn't leave his face. "And the others? Zalish, Utidass?"

"They're alive," Leisan assures him. "Wounded, but recovering. Your fifty... well, they've already become legends. The bards are composing songs about the champions who turned the tide of the war."