The Ashes Wake

Chapter 10: Trifica

TRIFICA

"There are multiple hierarchies within the Realm. First and foremost is the difference between each species, based on abilities. However, there exists an inner-species hierarchy. For example, Death Collectors who have the innate ability to read bones are seen as far superior to the vast majority. Similarly, the Pixies and Zycanths born without wings are typically shunned within their own species."

Passage from A Scientific Study of Species, Volume I. Written by Wrenn Ward
Published 3092 Year, Novus Season

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There wasn't even enough time for Trifica to scream.

Raiden's body flew against the wall from the arrow's impact. He grunted once, pulled her down next to him, and pressed a finger to his lips.

Another whizzing sound carried in the air. As Trifica sent up a silent prayer, Raiden mumbled a spew of words in a language she didn't recognize. The reaction was immediate. A wall of shining light materialized in front of them, stretching the width of the alleyway, covering their bodies.The arrow snapped against the vibrant shield at immense speed, sending splintered wood everywhere.

A loud, gruff voice cursed in the dark as the barrier faded. It was a slow disappearance, like the last of the suns' rays dimming, until left in the night's black again. Trifica looked at Raiden in awe and terror, her mouth gaping open.

He wasn't paying any attention to her. He looked out into the night. "I wouldn't shoot anymore," he yelled, chest rising slowly, pain etched into his face. "If you have any sense of competency you'll know it's in your best interest to leave."

Still on the ground, Trifica could see nothing but rows of huts and shops with lighted candles perched near windows as she looked out, but Raiden seemed to be staring at one distinct area as he spoke- a house just across the road from them, only its outline visible. She supposed he could see in the impenetrable black just as he'd created the light that shielded them. And she also supposed he hadn't been lying about being able to burn her where she stood.

Thoughts and questions whirled in her head. And though she wasn't familiar with being attacked by random creatures, she knew some things you just didn't ask while being shot at, so she kept her mouth shut.

The sound of laughter erupted. "Found yourself quite the protecter, Hunted One," the attacker taunted.

Hunted One? Is he talking to me?

She stood up shakily. She was surprised the creature sounded so confident. Surely no one could laugh after seeing what Raiden was capable of. There were only rumors of that kind of skill, and none that ended well.

Trifica squinted at the house Raiden hadn't taken his eyes off of and sure enough, a shadowy figure materialized at the top of the building. It jumped down and landed on the balls of its feet without a sound. Then it stepped into the moonlight.

The first thing Trifica noticed was a large bow, beautifully made, gripped tightly in the creature's left hand. Her eyes quickly traveled up his body, looking for any characteristics that might give away his lineage, but she found none. His skin was dark brown, almost blending in with the night, and his hair black and curly. Slight movement made her shift her gaze from the creature's face to his hand-a hand reaching for another arrow kept in the sling around his back.

She sucked in a breath as Raiden mumbled another indiscernible string of words. Trifica expected a light show again but instead was rocked backwards by an invisible force. Her body flew until landing against the back wall of the alley; her spine crunched as she hit the bricks and a gasp was ripped from her. A sympathetic glance from Raiden told her it was he who had pushed her away. Anger flooded her vision-or perhaps it was the pain.