Hexe - The Great Exodus

[CH. 0005] - Moonbay

Scheida

Shy−dah

Type: Interjection, Noun Meaning: An expletive used to express frustration, disappointment, or dismay. It carries the connotation of both "shit" and "fuck" in its emotional expressiveness.

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Yeso's eyes flickered with suspicion as they locked onto Balenos, the centaur who had come to him desperate for help. "You're asking me to go to war? Against who?"

Balenos' chest heaved, his equine half shifting restlessly. "We're cornered, Yeso. The atrocities they're committing against our families-I can't bear to speak it. We have nowhere else to turn."

Yeso's hands moved to his temples, fingertips barely touching his skin as he digested the plea. "I've always welcomed your people to Ormgrund. Veilla Mageschstea, our Herbstdame, herself said the centaurs could have a new home! Moonbay is a Ormsaat but-"

"Moonbay is not just a Ormsaat; it's our homeland. It is a place of power we swore to protect!" Balenos' voice spiked with raw intensity, silencing Yeso. "We can't just flee. Understand that."

Taking a deep breath, Yeso calculated his next words carefully. "I've been in talks with both kings. They swore peace until they reached an agreement. I'm working for Moonbay to be an independent state! If I show up with an army, it will spark chaos, not peace. I can't jeopardise your only chance to get rid of those kings!"

"Yeso, I'm not exaggerating when I say we're at our wit's end. I'm begging you, do something, Commander."

Just then, a third voice intruded-quiet but sharp enough to cut through the thick tension. "Perhaps we don't have to fight at all." Both turned toward Mediah, the young Magi who had been standing on the periphery of their discussion unnoticed until now.

"What are you suggesting, Magi?" Yeso shifted his gaze to Mediah, intrigued but visibly annoyed by the interruption. It was a not-so-secret talent of the young Magi to appear or to speak when less expected.

He hesitated, choosing his words cautiously. "Well, the centaurs are praying to the Sun for relief, right? So, I thought-"

"You want to set Moonbay on fire?" Yeso snapped, irritation clouding his judgment for a moment.

Mediah shook his head. "No, no, think about it. What if there were no Sun at all? Who could wage war in complete darkness?"

For a moment, the atmosphere around them went silent. Yeso's eyes revealed a flicker of something unexpected-hope.

Balenos, catching on to Mediah's inference, let out a sigh so heavy it seemed to carry the weight of his entire tribe.

The Commander observed Mediah up and down before locking eyes with the young halfling once more. "You're witty."

"Yes, I am."

"But not so humble."

A ripple of pride spread across Mediah's face, brightening his eyes for a fleeting moment. "No, Commander, I'm not."

"Now go and prepare our people!"

"Yes, Commander!" Mediah's voice boomed as he spun on his heels and dashed out of the tent. His legs took him through the labyrinthine pathways of the encampment, dodging makeshift cooking fires and clumps of fighters whetting their blades or sharing tales of home.