The Undying God by Nathan Wilson Read Free Book Online Page B

what they are, an exile may
receive markings on his body with dyes extracted from wild indigo
herbs. These runes bind to his skin and prevent him from returning
to the sanctuary. Should he try, he will be unable to pass beyond a
certain point in the forest. It would be as though the exile was
trying to walk through an invisible gate. If his offense is
considered too great, his hair may be dyed with indigo.”
    Nishka stifled her laughter when she
realized he was not capable of humor. At once, she felt slightly
uncomfortable around Arxu.
    “Were you exiled?”
    “I cannot remember.”
    “I would like to think I’m not
traveling with someone dangerous.”
    “By that same logic, I should hesitate
to journey alongside you.” Nishka looked insulted. “You swung an
axe at a man in Sepulzer and maimed him.”
    “I did so out of self-defense! Didn’t
you see what he was going to do to me?” They winded further down
the road. “So... you aren’t a danger to me?” Nishka
asked.
    “I am sworn to protect you. I am a
danger to anyone who would bring you harm.”
    “You have a charming way of saying
you’ll kill for me.”
    “I didn’t say that.” Nishka couldn’t
help but laugh at the amusing exchange.
    “What can you tell me about
Azia-Nocti?” Arxu asked.
    “Azia-Nocti is an oligarchy ruled by
two kings and a council of elders. Oligarch Nizaz and Ichari
oversee the city affairs. They are constantly opposed to each
other. Azia-Nocti is plagued with political rivalry largely because
of their egos. They are preoccupied with gaining influence in the
council. I imagine they bribe the elders for their
allegiance.
    “Fortunately, their efforts to
undermine each other haven’t harmed the city... yet . Anyway,
Azia-Nocti is often regarded as a city of opportunity. It is very
friendly compared to other city-states, and there is much business
to be explored.”
    “Considering our reception in Sepulzer,
to say it is friendly in comparison does not say much at
all.”
    “That’s true,” she laughed.
    Arxu and Nishka set up camp along the
road as the evening unfurled. They gathered around the small
bonfire Arxu provided. Its flames gently coaxed light across
Nishka’s face from her pink lips to her blue eyes. She looked
somberly at the sky, a vacuum of color with no beginning or ending.
The night stretched on for eternity, and like a jewel in its
depths, the moon hovered high above. A rich halo encircled the
moon, an icy corona that glazed her vision. It entranced Nishka as
she quietly nodded off.
    She predicted the Nightwalker would
spirit away in a few hours. Arxu set down his staff by the fire,
also lost in thought. He had no intention of leaving her alone
after the incident with the bandits.
    He could only think about the task
appointed to him by Nishka’s father. Arxu would escort her to the
remaining city-states and part ways with her. He would likely never
see Nishka again.
    They had spent the afternoon discussing
the city-states they would soon encounter. Nishka described her
childhood in the village of Riverwell. She shared her happy
memories with Arxu, painfully aware that he could not appreciate
them. Despite the emotional barriers, she enjoyed recalling her
childhood experiences. How strange it seemed that she confessed her
dreams and hopes to a man she barely knew. Perhaps she confided in
Arxu because he would never judge her.
    She sighed with content and glanced at
the stern Nightwalker.
    The soft clip-clop of hooves startled
Arxu. He looked over his shoulder toward the road blanketed in
shadow. Arxu reached for his staff, but he relaxed as a merchant
came into view. He led a chestnut brown horse by its reins. The
merchant was clad in a traveling cloak that blended into the
forest. His middle-aged face was friendly but weary, a somber
expression taking hold of him.
    “I come from Sepulzer,” he announced.
Nishka shifted uncomfortably at the mention of the city. Arxu
gestured at the fire, inviting the