Chapter 17 – The Survivor's Tale
The morning light filtered through the thick canopy of the forest, golden rays cutting through mist and dew.
Ashton and Kyen-Seen walked side by side along a faint animal trail, the forest alive with distant bird calls and the rustling of leaves stirred by the breeze.
Ashton glanced at the tall, broad-shouldered man walking beside him.
Kyen-Seen's long blood-red hair, streaked with black, gleamed faintly in the sunlight.
The scar carved across his chest was faintly visible where his tunic hung loose, a silent testament to his past.
After a long silence, Ashton finally asked,
"Why are you in this forest, anyway?"
Kyen-Seen's grin faltered just a little, his cheer softening.
He lifted his gaze to the branches above, voice dropping low before he spoke in his peculiar manner.
"Lo, twelve winters have I tarried in these woods," he said.
"Cast adrift from hearth and kin, I didst stumble upon this realm of beasts."
His tone, though archaic, remained lighthearted, almost as though he enjoyed dressing his tragedies in grandiose words.
Ashton blinked, unsure whether to take him seriously, but said nothing as Kyen-Seen continued.
"I was born in a village far yonder.
We were but simple folk, tilling the soil and sharing our bread.
Peace was ours—aye, fragile peace—until the gods' apostles came."
His fists clenched tightly, the knuckles whitening as his voice sharpened.
"They declared we had not given enough offerings.
And so… their blades and fire did fall upon us."
The air between them grew heavier as Kyen-Seen's cheerful grin cracked.
"That day, I lost all.
Family, friends, home.
The scar upon my chest—behold, 'tis the mark of their cruelty."
Ashton's eyes flicked to the wound.
"They struck you down?"
"Aye," Kyen-Seen nodded gravely, then suddenly smirked again.
"And yet here I stand.
Too stubborn to die, it seemeth.
By herbs and grit did I survive, and in this forest did I learn to fend tooth and nail."
His grin widened, voice brightening once more.
"Why, once I slew a dragon with mine own hands!"
Ashton raised an eyebrow.
"A dragon? Really."
"Verily," Kyen-Seen said proudly, puffing his chest.
"I did feast upon its flesh and drink its blood.
Stronger did I grow, though methinks it ruined my taste for poultry.
Chicken no longer satisfieth."
Despite himself, Ashton let out a small chuckle.
"That's… certainly an experience."
"Aye!" Kyen-Seen beamed at the sound of Ashton's laughter, as though proud of wringing amusement from him.
Then, his expression softened as he glanced sideways.
"When mine eyes first beheld thy countenance, fair and radiant, I did mistake thee for a god.
Thus did I attack.
Pray forgive the folly."
Ashton gave a small nod.
"I understand.
You were only cautious."
They walked in silence for a moment longer, the sound of boots crunching over damp earth filling the air.
Then Ashton spoke again, his tone quieter this time.
"If you want, you can join me.
I'm planning on training here with my soldiers.
A man like you would be valuable."
Kyen-Seen's eyes widened for just a moment before he broke into a wide, cheerful grin.
"Ha! Dost thou ask if I would walk beside thee?
Then I say, aye!
'Tis not as though I have aught else to call home.
Let us carve fate together."
Ashton gave a faint smile at his enthusiasm.
By the time they reached the camp, the soldiers were already awake, gathered around the fires, eating breakfast from simple wooden bowls.
Smoke rose into the morning air, carrying the scent of roasted meat and herbs.
Dino and Syph were sitting near Ashton's tent, quietly eating, when they spotted their lord approaching with an unfamiliar man at his side.
In an instant, both stood, hands instinctively reaching for their weapons.
"Hold," Ashton commanded, raising his hand calmly.
They froze, though their gazes remained wary.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," Dino said cautiously.
"Yes.
Good morning," Ashton replied evenly.
Then he gestured toward Kyen-Seen.
"This is someone I want you all to meet."
Kyen-Seen stepped forward, bowing slightly with a flourish of his long hair.
His bright grin returned.
"Hail, comrades-to-be!
My name is Kyen-Seen.
Mayhap my speech soundeth strange to thine ears, yet I assure thee, I am but a man who seeks kinship and mirth.
I look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with thee upon the field!"
Dino blinked, then gave a cautious nod.
"…I'm Dino."
"I'm Syph," the other added, though her eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion.
Kyen-Seen leaned closer, whispering loudly to Ashton in mock secrecy.
"Methinks they find me odd."
"You don't say," Ashton muttered, though a faint smirk tugged at his lips.
Kyen-Seen, unfazed, plopped down near the fire and helped himself to a bowl of stew, much to the soldiers' bewilderment.
"Mmm!
Fine fare, fine indeed!
'Tis not dragon meat, but mayhap that is a blessing."
Dino raised an eyebrow at Ashton.
"Is he… always like this?"
Ashton sighed.
"Yes.
I think so."
The men around the fire exchanged glances, some amused, some wary.
But slowly, the tension began to ease.
Kyen-Seen's strange speech and infectious grin were disarming in their own way.
Soon, a few soldiers were chuckling quietly at his antics, and by the time he asked—dead serious—whether anyone had spare chickens because he wished to "test his ruined taste," laughter rippled through the camp.
For the first time in a while, Ashton felt a lightness among his soldiers.
A strange man had entered their midst, but somehow, his presence didn't feel like a burden.
Ashton sat back, watching as Kyen-Seen animatedly recounted some over-the-top tale of wrestling a bear with his bare hands, while Dino muttered to Syph,
"I bet half of that story isn't true."
Syph smirked faintly.
"And yet, somehow… I kind of want to believe him."
Ashton closed his eyes briefly, allowing himself the smallest of smiles.
Perhaps, just perhaps, this crimson-haired wanderer would be more than just another fighter in their ranks.
Perhaps he would be a friend.
Hey readers! I hope you like the chapter.
Question: how do you feel about Kyen-Seen.
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