The Blinding

Chapter 54 - Tissa

In the distance, the haunting echo of war cries resonated, a chilling reminder that the battle had begun. Each resonating shout sent tendrils of anxiety wrapping around my heart. Stepping out of the tent, I hoped the vast expanse of the desert might grant some semblance of peace. Instead, I was met with Aweys' relentless pacing, his footprints crisscrossing the sand, painting a vivid picture of his internal struggle. As a revered Councilmember, his place was at the forefront, yet fate had anchored him here, tasked with my protection.
Watching him, a pang of guilt seared through me. Aweys was a warrior, trained and conditioned for combat, yet here he was, relegated to the sidelines while his the two people closest to him faced mortal peril.

"Is everything alright?" I inquired, receiving a noncommittal grunt in return.
Suppressing my urge to respond with irritation, I tried a softer approach. "Perhaps sitting down might help? Your breathing seems labored."
His reply was curt. "No."
"Hibo left us some snacks. Maybe eating something might distract you?"
He gave a disdainful shake of his head, continuing his agitated pacing.
"Endlessly worrying won't do you any goodh, Aweys. Perhaps a brief distraction?"
It took a moment, but he finally halted, his gaze settling on me. "I'll sit if you promise to ask fewer questions."
Though slightly taken aback by his blunt demeanor, I nodded, signaling him to enter the tent.
Inside, remnants of Hibo's visit the previous evening awaited — a spread of sambusa and burr. Though the tea had probably gone cold, I poured it anyway the comforting aroma still lingering. I hoped the familiar routine would invoke some semblance of normalcy.
As Aweys settled, his incessant foot-tapping painted a vivid picture of his internal conflict. His every fiber seemed to be pulled towards the raging battle beyond our refuge. I grappled with my own turmoil — would his departure truly compromise my safety? We were far enough from the fighting that it was unlikely any of the Warriors would find me here, My heart ached to offer solace, even if words seemed inadequate.
Searching for a bridge of understanding, I began, "It's no doubt torturous for you, being confined here, especially knowing the purpose of their fight."
His intense gaze locked onto mine. "You truly cannot grasp the gravity out there."
His rebuke, though harsh, held a kernel of truth. Pushing past the sting, I confessed, "While I'm unfamiliar with war's horrors, it's no less tormenting to be aware of a dormant power within me. The sensation of being powerless is suffocating."
He let out a bitter chuckle. "You think this is any easier for me?"
Wanting desperately to connect, I ventured, "Samakaab and Hibo have always shown incredible prowess. I have faith they can hold their own."
He interrupted, his voice tinged with resentment. "Never presume to gauge their capabilities or their limits. Anyone out there could be lost."
Seeking a way to assuage both our fears, I softly suggested, "If you truly feel compelled to join them, perhaps you should. The Warriors wouldn't think to search for me in such a secluded spot."

"But surely they wouldn't suspect I'm out here, in this desolate expanse. They'd more likely assume I'm hidden within the bustling labyrinth of Miandi, perhaps in a Council-sanctioned safe house or under the protection of an ally," I reasoned.

Aweys scoffed, "The Council doesn't maintain safe houses. Magicians, as a lot, are too destitute for such luxuries."

"That may be true," I countered, "but they'd be hard-pressed to locate me amidst Miandi's sprawling slums, especially if we'd set up shelter there."

The distant clamor of battle intensified, the once-defined cries now intermingling with unmistakable sounds of anguish. Each scream felt like a knife cutting through the tense atmosphere. Aweys' features contorted in pain, as though each echo resonated with personal anguish.

"I don't know if Samakaab told you, but my powers have emerged in the past. If threatened, they are likely to resurface. Go, join your family. If Samakaab has any issue I will bear the brunt of his anger. I'm sure both him and Hibo are worried about you as well."

His reaction to Hibo's name caught my attention. Digging a little deeper, I said, "Hibo's out there, likely thinking about you. Just as you're here, thinking of her." The grunt he let out was different this time, almost defensive. The look in his eyes gave him away; they were a window into his turmoil, shifting between me and the battle outside.
Taking a deep breath, I said, "I can handle myself. Trust me." I placed my hand on his arm, hoping to convey assurance.

He took a moment, "Promise you'll flee if anyone approaches? And you'll stay inside otherwise?"

"I promise."

"Make sure you keep that promise."

"I will."

"Take care of yourself," I added.

He fled then, hurriedly pushing past the flap of the tent, and I watched as he sprinted away, his figure fading into the distance. A part of me was glad I had given him that push, but now I was alone, with nothing but my disquietude left as a companion.