Rise of Yahunyens: Origin

Episode 6: You Stay Sound!

Sivera scanned the room, his gaze settling on Rahl, a sturdy figure with a no-nonsense demeanor. "Rahl," he called out, beckoning the man over. Rahl approached, his expression expectant as he awaited Sivera's command.

"How much food and meat do we have left?" Sivera inquired, his voice measured but urgent.

Rahl scratched his beard thoughtfully before responding, "We've got enough food to last us about four days, give or take."

Sivera nodded, a plan already formulating in his mind. "Then it's settled. Our next heist will be in four days. We'll need to start preparing immediately."

With a dismissive wave of his hand, Sivera directed Griswa and Yesdar to take a break, urging them to change their clothes and bathe. Malaes chimed in, her tone laced with playful disdain. "Yeah, you two definitely need it. No offense, but you guys smell worse than a pack of wild Yahunyens."

Griswa and Yesdar exchanged sheepish glances before nodding in agreement, the prospect of cleanliness more appealing than they cared to admit.

Malaes, always one step ahead, flashed a mischievous grin as she led the boys towards a hidden oasis deep within the chasm. "Come on, I'll show you where to find some relief from the stench. Trust me, you'll thank me later."

As they ventured deeper into the labyrinthine caves, Malaes couldn't help but revel in the wonder of their surroundings. The oasis with waterfalls, a hidden gem nestled within the unforgiving desert landscape, offered a momentary reprieve from the harsh realities of their existence.

The sound of rushing water filled the air as they approached, the sight of lush greenery a stark contrast to the barren landscape outside. Griswa and Yesdar stared in awe, their eyes wide with wonder as they took in the beauty of their surroundings.

Malaes grinned, her sarcasm momentarily forgotten as she watched the boys soak in the tranquility of the oasis. "Not bad for a bunch of rebels, huh?"

Griswa and Yesdar nodded in agreement, their spirits lifted by the unexpected discovery. In that moment, as they basked in the serenity of the oasis, they felt a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos of their world.

As Griswa and Yesdar shed their worn slave clothes, Malaes discreetly turned away, offering them a semblance of privacy amidst the oasis's tranquil surroundings. She laid out the kurta-like garments she had brought, a small gesture of kindness.

Yesdar wasted no time in immersing himself in the cool waters, a sigh of relief escaping his lips as the weight of the world seemed to lift from his shoulders. Griswa followed suit, the sensation of freedom washing over him with each passing moment.

As they emerged from the water, their new clothes clinging to their damp skin, Yesdar couldn't help but reflect on the irreconcilable difference between his former life as a slave and the newfound freedom he now enjoyed.

"You know," Yesdar began, his voice tinged with awe, "I never thought I'd live to see the day when I could bathe in cold water like this. Back in the slave order, all I had was the scorching sun and my own sweat to wash away the dirt along with the little water provided everyday."

Griswa nodded in understanding, though he couldn't fully relate to Yesdar's experiences, he listened intently, offering his silent support.

Malaes, who had been listening intently, couldn't help but interject with a hint of playful sarcasm. "Well, aren't you two just a couple of pampered princes now? Enjoying your fancy bath while the rest of us common folk have to make do with whatever we can find."

Griswa chuckled softly, his gaze distant as he considered the contrast between Yesdar's past and his own. While he couldn't share Yesdar's memories, he understood the significance of this moment for his friend.