Purged (The Wevlian Chronicles Book 2) by Aaron N. Hall

Author:Aaron N. Hall [Hall, Aaron N.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-28T22:00:00+00:00

22 – THE REJECTION

Port Gala spent the rest of the day removing Ash remains from the streets. As the locals cleaned up the mangled, dusty bodies, they clapped each other on the backs, embraced, and counted themselves grateful to be alive. The Ash weapons and armor were collected and stored for future use. The bodies were lifted into giant carts then hauled outside the city for burning.

Although the town rejoiced over the victory and crinkled their noses at the sight of the Ash, Kalyk and Chief Patu tried not to look into the faces of the dead. These bodies were once the people they loved. Their friends. But they were slain, corrupted, and used as puppets for a vile purpose. For that reason, they worked silently.

The Nezmythians labored until eventually the sun set. As the local leaders took account of the casualties from the battle, they discovered something magnificent—there were none. Many soldiers were wounded or otherwise hurt, but not a single Nezmythian lost their life at the battle of Port Gala. What was most curious of all was that the soldiers at the South Gate experienced the fewest injuries by far—the battalion led by Barnabas.

As the sun set over the west, a red-orange glow shimmered over the Wevlian Sea. The candles and lanterns of Port Gala illuminated, and as darkness fell, the city returned to its usual festive self. Celebrating townspeople filled the taverns and pubs, reveling in their miraculous victory. The dimly lit streets became abuzz with the dull noise of clinking glasses, singing, and dancing.

In one particular tavern in the East District, several residents tried to cajole Jason and Saryan into joining the festivities. They politely declined. The locals were disappointed, but weren’t about to tease their royalty about it, so they let the King and Queen leave, shouting “Hail King Jason!” and “Dragon bless the King and Queen!”

Jason and Saryan began the short walk to their inn, side by side, wearing street clothes that were plastered with ashes. Their hands, forearms, and faces were also covered with soot from the day’s labors.

“Everyone is celebrating,” Jason said. “If only they knew. We should have killed every last one of them today.”

Saryan’s tone was equally dark. “I don’t think we can even consider this a victory. You know they’ll be back again. It’s inevitable.”

Jason didn’t speak.

“You know the worst part?” Saryan asked. “This.”

She stopped and held out her fists, accentuating the dark dust that clung to her sweaty arms. It was all over her, from her neck down to her boots. Nearly every inch of her clothes.

“I can’t stop thinking about who is on me,” Saryan said. “Who from Treetown or Pinegrove? Whose children? Or fathers? Which of our people did I kill today?” He paused as she swallowed. “And they’re not even anyone I know. But what about Chief Patu and Kalyk?” She swallowed again. “Before the battle… Chief Patu told me she was worried she would see Adria’s face in one of them.”

A shiver slid down Jason’s back.

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