The Last Scion by Ryan Czajkowski

Author:Ryan Czajkowski [Czajkowski, Ryan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-02T16:00:00+00:00

A large hand wrapped around Aay’ika’s shoulder and shook her. There was no effect at first. Aay’ika was shaken again, and she bounced up. She reached to her stiff neck as she rolled her head from side to side.

“Hey, Commander, wake up,” Rorig said.

Aay’ika hadn’t felt sleepy. But she had fallen asleep anyway. Hours had passed, the late-afternoon sun gleaming through the window across the shop, and Rorig had finished his work. It was time for Aay’ika to pay for the services and get going before she overstayed her welcome in town.

Wait, commander? Aay’ika paused, her mouth going dry as she realized what the blacksmith had said. Did Rorig know who she was? Had he informed the guards while she was asleep? There was no time to wait and find out. She had to get out of there. Now.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t tell the guards anything,” Rorig said as he stepped in front of Aay’ika. “Take a moment and breathe. You’re safe here.”

“You know who I am?” Aay’ika bit her bottom lip. She knew she should go, but she wanted answers. “Why would you risk your safety by allowing me to stay? I’m a fugitive, and I mean nothing to you.”

“Truthfully, I don’t much care if you’re a fugitive from the Order.” Rorig backed off from Aay’ika to give her some space. “Maybe you did what they say, maybe you didn’t. Who am I to judge?” The blacksmith showed no sign of dishonesty. Every word that left his mouth seemed as sincere as his initial greeting. “You’re my customer, and I protect my customers. Besides, you’re not even new here. I remember you. From when you were young. You used to come in here with your father.”

“How do you remember that?” Aay’ika could barely recall it herself. It was so distant. And not only from the years that had passed, but she had changed so much since she had been that innocent child.

“I almost didn’t. And I still wouldn’t if it weren’t for you asking about the Awakening.”

“Why did that remind you?” Aay’ika allowed herself to be at ease. She sat back on the bench as the blacksmith explained.

“You used to always wait here with your father, mumbling passages of the Awakening to yourself. It was odd but also kind of cute.”

“I don’t remember ever talking about the Awakening,” Aay’ika said, mostly to herself.

“Not to rush you or anything, but it might be wise to get going as fast as you can.”

“What? Why?”

Rorig nervously glanced around the shop. Aay’ika wondered what he was looking for. It didn’t take her long to realize he wasn’t looking for something. He was watching the front door and windows for someone.

“Those two Order guards are going to be back any minute now,” Rorig said. “They didn’t seem to like you much before, and I’m afraid it might get ugly if you’re here when they return.”

“How much for the blades?” Aay’ika asked, digging out the currency from her pack. She completely understood Rorig’s point and was just as eager to get out of there.

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