Chapter Two
Dark Age Year 871
Sixth day of the Eighth month
It was a crisp summer morning when they left the town of Arcus. The birds were chirping, and the smell of pine needles started to fill the air, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Rayner and Cedric walked slowly beside the horse-drawn wagon, keeping an eye on the surrounding woodlands and playing I Spy. Initially, both he and Rayner disliked playing I Spy and only started doing it to keep Cenric from getting board during there travels. but in the last few months, it had started to become an enjoyable pastime for their group, and it was better than just plain silence sometimes. While they where doing that Tharos sat up next to the driver’s seat, chatting with Jabari. “I would like to ask you, if you don’t mind, where do you hail from? I have met many people in all my travels, but I have not met a man like yourself,” Jabari asked Tharos, his hands firm on the horse’s reins as they pulled the cart slowly. Tharos thought to himself. I don’t think he would believe me even if I told him the truth, and there is not much i could say regardless for there not much i know about my current condition.
It wasn’t a rude question, but from what he knew so far, his people, the Zarbarians, were mostly forgotten by the people of Aria, remembered only by the most educated scholars and sages who knew only the most basic of things, viewing it mostly as hearsay and myth. But this was the fate of all peoples—to be swept aside by the tides of history like so many others before them and those that would come after them. To Tharos, there was no such thing as immortality; it is only an illusion, for nothing truly lasts forever. If there was such a thing as immortality, it can only be achieved through one’s deeds, the impact of those deeds, and how they echo throughout space and time, no matter how small or minor. The only example Tharos could think of that came to mind was Mithra the Great. Although he has long been dead and forgotten by the people of Aria, his legacy and what he left behind are still here. Even if people do not know, if it wasn’t for him, there wouldn’t be anyone alive to ponder these questions, as his legacy lives on in every man, woman, and child who now inhabit this world.
While Rayner and Cedric didn’t ask many questions about his origins or what he was, Tharos still felt it would be prudent to keep his origins and current conditions a secret and maintain a low profile for now. Despite the challenge of building a reputation as a sword for hire, he preferred to keep his mysterious nature hidden. Whether he was some type of undead creature or he had some how achieved a level of longevity similar to Elves or Dwarves. he was uncertain. Until he fully understood his true nature and what was happening to his body, he would keep it to himself. People often fear what they don’t understand, and fear can drive them to act irrationally. If they didn’t fear his abilities, they might try to exploit them for their gain. Tharos was aware that many mages would covet his powers. While he didn’t believe Jabari was that kind of person, because so far Jabari had shown himself to be a rather cunning and shrewd individual who relied on reason and logic. However, if his years as a diplomat had taught him anything, it was that first impressions could be deceiving. While most people had as much depth as a cup of water, as most people were simple in intentions and goals, there were some people as deep as the ocean, making it hard to really get a sense of who they are or pin them down. Tharos suspected that Jabari was one of those types of people. Regardless, he still believed it was wise to keep his true identity concealed for the time being.
“I am afraid I can’t answer that question, for I don’t know myself. As I have forgotten,” Tharos said with a sigh as his head tilted to the side and slumped backwards more into the wagon seat. To try and help sell the lie well, It wasn’t entirely a lie, but Jabari didn’t need to know that.
“I see, that is a shame. Well, if I ever come across more of your people, I will try and point them in your direction.”
“Thank you, I quite appreciate it.” Even though he was with all certainty the last of his people, he did at least appreciate the sentiment, even though it would never happen. “So, which route are we taking to Ammos?” Tharos asked Jabari, wanting to change the topic to something less personal or revealing. He didn’t want to have some sort of Freudian slip, and he had a feeling that Jabari was the type of person who could catch such a slip.
“We will follow the main roads for a few miles before we start taking the less travelled back roads. It will make the journey longer, but we have a less likely chance to encounter bandits or others with ill intentions.” Jabari explained.
“Really? I think it would be the opposite,” Jabari turned his head to Tharos. “Why would you think that?” he asked Tharos. “Well, the simple fact is most of these bandits, while it’s true they stalk the main roads, it isn’t uncommon for them to set up their camps near less travelled roads as well..” Jabari scratched his chin for a monument as he deep in thought. “Good point. However, here is my counter to that: what you have said is true, but it is the numbers that matter. In my travels, I have encountered many bandit groups that set up their main forces near the main roads due to the high volume of traffic. Most bandit groups establish their camps near the main roads and highways. The larger groups, if they have enough members, will station a few members near the back-roads. But I am confident that you three can handle yourselves against that,” Jabari said calmly and matter-of-factly.
“Well, I thank you for the vote of confidence. But I am sure you, of all people, know how chaotic and unpredictable battle can be,” Jabari nodded in agreement. “That is true; however, from what I heard about you, you seem to be one of the rare few people who isn’t affected by the chaos like most people are. In fact, you seem to be the type that thrives in it,” Tharos then gave Jabari a puzzled look. “Would you care to elaborate on that?” he asked Jabari
“Yes, from what I have observed, most people desire comfort and safety, even if they do not openly admit it. They prefer to avoid taking risks to preserve their peaceful and quiet lives. They are reluctant to take any chances to improve their circumstances if they can avoid it. This is because risks often bring about change, which can be either positive or negative, and very few individuals are willing to take a gamble with such uncertain outcomes. However, you, a stranger in a foreign land without any ties to your past, are forging your own path with your blade. While others perceive chaos as dangerous and risky, you however see it as an opportunity. This quality is admirable, and I believe we share it in common.”
“The way you word it makes me and yourself sound like nothing more than scheming opportunists, here to profit off others’ misfortune.”
“That is one interpretation, an interpretation I don’t share.”
“So Is this something you picked up in your travels, or are these ideas influenced by something else?” Tharos asked Jabari. Normally he wouldn’t be this curious about an employer, but this employer was proving interesting to him. “A bit of both. Do you like to read books?” Tharos raised an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?”
“The reason I ask is because I noticed a few volumes of the histories of the Invicti Emperors in your room, and there are not many hired swords that I know of that dedicate their time to more intellectual pursuits.”
“Well, knowledge is power, and a warrior who knows nothing aside from the next battle is nothing more than a dull and rusting sword that will be thrown away,” Tharos answered.
“Wise sentiments,” Jabari pondered for a few moments. “That reminds me, are you familiar with the works of the Wilder philosopher Raibeart of Greenhill?” he asked Tharos. Tharos was surprised by the question. He didn’t know that the Wilder people had produced or were even capable of such a thing. Whoever this Raibeart of Greenhill was, he had never heard of him. In some ways, Tharos was intrigued. “I didn’t know the Wilders had philosophers.” Jabari smiled slightly. “Yes, when I was a boy, I thought the same thing until I came across some of his works during my studies. Although I wouldn’t blame you for not knowing about him; he has been dead for the last few hundred years, and his works are more popular in Naver than they are in Aria.”
“What did he write about?”
“Among his numerous subjects, his most famous work was….” Jabari paused for a moment. “Allow me to correct myself,” he said before he continued, “His most famous surviving work is an essay on the nature of power. In one of its passages, he talks about how having power is not about being obsessed with controlling everything, as life can be unpredictable and random. True power, as he puts it, is being able to embrace that chaos, that change within yourself and transform it into something new.”
“And do you think I am one of those people who able to do that?”
“I think that’s up to you,” Jabari said as he turned onto the back roads. For the next few hours, The both of them would talk about various subjects. Tharos was quite surprised to meet someone so well-versed in many topics and enjoyed the exchange of information. He made sure to keep his information as modern as possible and avoided referencing thinkers or events that were obscure or forgotten. He found this quite challenging as his knowledge of current events was quite limited, and even though he was learning quite a bit during his conversation with Jabari, it still irked him that Jabari knew more about the modern era than he did. Well, at least I am learning new things. he thought to himself. As they left the woodlands, the road began to transition into a more rugged terrain. Previously surrounded by lush forests, they now found themselves amidst rocky hills with sparse trees and other plant life. Tharos couldn’t deny the breath taking view as they ascended higher into the hills. The outline of the town of Arcus came into view, resembling a randomly coloured jewel with its multi-coloured walls and buildings standing out against the lush green surroundings. In the distance, Tharos could make out the outlines of the arid forests that populated the frontier region closer to the Deadlands.
“It’s a nice view, isn’t it?” Tharos decided to change the conversation mid-subject. Jabari raised an eyebrow. “Yes, I do believe Aria is at its most beautiful when seen from up high,” he said, his voice measured with a tinge of annoyance.
“Did you also pick this route just so you can enjoy the view?”
“No, this is just a nice bonus. However, I should warn you, there is a group of highwaymen that operate in these hills. So you might not have much time to enjoy it.” Tharos crossed his arms. “I thought we were taking this route to avoid trouble.”
“And trouble we will avoid; this group is more willing to negotiate than most, and this is not the first time I have passed through these hills. As long as I keep a cool head and pay their toll, things should be fine.”
“And if they’re not fine,” Tharos asked.
“Then that is where you three come in,” Jabari said.
“So you’re a fan of aggressive negotiations.” Jabari face and countenance were measured and almost stone-like. Tharos however could hear him trying to hold back a chuckle.
“Well, that is one tool I can use; however, it is a tool I would rather use sparingly,” Jabari answered back, his voice sounding a bit strained as he was clearly trying to compose himself.
“I would agree with such sentiments,” the two of them both nodded in agreement and continued talking. However, little did they both know at the time that this trip was about to get a whole lot more exciting in more ways than one.
