Chapter Ashborn 379: Garga Lavani

As Vir walked the camp listening to Balagra’s onslaught of updates, he wished for one thing, and one thing only.

To retreat to his mindscape and practice Balancer of Scales. With Tara’s healing, his wound would be closed in minutes, allowing him to practice to his heart’s content.

If only it weren’t for his duties as the Akh Nara. As a leader.

So instead of cloistering himself for days to master his new ability, Vir stomped to the command hut and held council.

Cirayus arrived in mere moments, a grave expression etched onto his face. He was followed by Tara and Malik, who furiously scribbled on a large piece of paper attached to a portable tablet, working as he walked. Balagra and Ashani had accompanied him in, and so Vir called the meeting to session.

“The Garga Lavani,” Vir said. “They’ve found us. I have to say I’m more than a little surprised.”

“The Lavani’s intelligence network runs deep. Always has,” Cirayus said. “That does not mean you should trust them.”

“Why?” Vir asked with a confused frown. “Not long ago, you told me they worship the Akh Nara.”

“Indeed, they do,” Cirayus said. “And you need only ask your lover what that’s like, yes?”

Vir’s eyes widened in realization. “You fear they will be difficult to control—beholden to bizarre rituals like the Children of Ash?”

“I know they are, lad,” Cirayus replied. “It’s well documented, I assure you. Besides, the Garga Lavani are no warriors. They are nothing more than a ragtag group of worshippers. Believe me, lad, these are not the sort of demons you want in your army.”

“Unfortunately, we’re in no position to be choosy,” Vir said. “A thousand demons. Five times our current force. I cannot simply turn them away.”

“Nor am I advising you to,” Cirayus said. “Just stay vigilant, and be aware that it will be no easy feat molding these fanatics into useful warriors.”

“Anyone else? Thoughts?”

“I agree with Cirayus,” Balagra said. “Their reputation had never been positive. Throughout history, your predecessors have either ignored them or outright suppressed them when they proved to be too much a nuisance.”

“The difference is most of my predecessors had the backing of their clan, at the very least. As I said, we cannot be choosy.”

“Aye,” Cirayus replied with a nod of his head. “Even if half their number prove to be misfits and need to be excised, five hundred Warriors is nothing to scoff at. T’would take us some time to cobble together that number.”

“Then it’s settled,” Vir said. “Let’s go meet our guests.”

The Garga Lavani awaited at the original Gate Vir had created near the Bairan capital of Camar Gadin. At least, it was nearby for him. For most, the journey would take the better part of a day.

For a group such as this… Vir’s expression fell the moment he stepped through the Gate into the Demon Realm.

At first, Vir just thought the demons were lounging, having bored of waiting. But no… Many demons were on their hands and knees, having collapsed. From exhaustion, and by the looks of things, from starvation. Most were so far gone that they hadn’t even noticed Vir’s arrival. The few who did either stared with wide eyes or fell over from the shock.

Nearly all the demons were so scrawny that Vir could see their ribcages. Precious few had any flesh on them, and all looked as though they’d marched a thousand miles without food or water.

Some were short, others tall, but aside from their emaciation, the only other common trait they shared was their black robes, all emblazoned with the white symbol of the Akh Nara.

A handful carried a weapon of any sort, though to Vir’s dismay, it was the flag bearers holding his symbol who appeared more frequently. Vir found crudely fashioned spears, hoes, and a couple of scythes. Farming tools that had no right on a battlefield.

“These are no warriors,” Balagra muttered. “More like starving demons looking for handouts.”

“In other words, ideal candidates to reshape and reforge, yes?” Cirayus said with a knowing smile. “Desperation often makes for the greatest motivator of them all.”

“Perhaps,” Vir muttered. “I suppose that will depend on their temperament. And the degree of their fanaticism. I refuse to leverage that to bend them to my will.”

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While the prospect of using his ‘godly’ might to command them into subservience might have been tempting for some, it only disgusted Vir. It was a short-term solution, good only for creating mindless minions that had no business in his army.

For this rebellion to have a hope of success—and more importantly, for the society that came after to thrive—Vir needed independent, free-thinking demons. Warriors who could act based on the good of Garga, and not what they thought curried the most favor with the Akh Nara.

“I wonder how many died just to make it here,” Tara muttered.

“A fair few, I imagine,” Cirayus said. “They survive by living in the tunnels and sewers of Gargan cities, or by blending in amongst the poor. They are not welcomed in any clan, least of all the Chitran. As you might imagine, they are persecuted as much as Vir would be if he revealed his true identity in Samar Patag. Demons are a hardy lot, but even we cannot cheat our stomachs. For them to have organized and marched this many is quite an impressive feat. They must have a capable leader.”

“That’s a good thing, right?” Vir asked.

“Perhaps,” Cirayus said with a frown as he stroked his beard. “I would appear we are about to find out.”

A muscular gray demon wearing a pristine robe strode with powerful, confident steps up to Vir and went down on one knee before Vir had a chance to greet him.

“Akh Nara, savior of demonkind, and the last bastion of the Garga. We meet at last. I am known as Raoul, and I hereby pledge the Garga Lavani to your service. Now, and forevermore.”

As if freed from some spell, the Garga Lavani behind him seemed to suddenly realize whose presence they were in, and a tidal wave ensued, with Garga Lavani going to their knees, mashing their heads on the ground, and outright prostrating.

“Rise, Raoul,” Vir said, eyeing the display with narrowed eyes. “I do not enjoy such formality.”

He’d been about to tell them he doesn’t want a bunch of worshippers, but Vir seriously doubted they’d change their traditions stretching back millennia just because he asked. It would be a long, arduous path to break them of their blind devotion.

“Of course, your Eminence,” Raoul said, making no move to rise.

Vir suppressed a sigh, and instead reached down and pulled Raoul up by his shoulders. It was only a moment later when he learned what a grave mistake that was.

“T-the Akh Nara touches me!” Raoul cried, eyes as wide as saucers. “This… This is a Blessing! I am unworthy of such honor! Oh! Akh Nara! I pledge my soul to you!”

“How did you find us, leader of the Garga Lavani?” Cirayus asked, and when he did, Vir let out a breath. He’d been desperate to get the demon past his groveling. He couldn’t be sure, but it all felt a little… Put on. Or at the very least, exaggerated. Perhaps that was simply Vir being unaccustomed to such platitudes. Maybe this was the sort of thing all Rajas and Rajnis experienced. Maybe he simply ought to get used to it.

That, however, did not explain why Raoul had yet to address or even acknowledge the existence of Vir’s entourage. Even forgetting the others, he hadn’t so much as glanced at Cirayus until now. An odd reaction, to be sure. Especially since most demons tended to go wide-eyed before the celebrity that was Vir’s godfather. Nor had he even noticed Ashani, for that matter. While the goddess was in her demoness form, she was still eye-catchingly beautiful.

“A thousand apologies, my Akh Nara,” Raoul said, addressing Vir as he theatrically clutching his heart. “To forget to tell you… Even as overcome with emotion as I am, this is no excuse. Please, punish me as you see fit. Take my life if you wish!”

Vir was sorely tempted to respond with an ‘Okay’, just to test the demon’s reaction, but refrained. Such a mean-spirited response wasn’t called for. The demon might be a showman, but the last Vir checked, being annoying was no crime.

“Just tell me,” Vir said. “If there’s a security leak, we’ll need to abandon this Gate.”

“Nothing of the sort, my Akh Nara,” Raoul said, clasping his hands. “Merely that the Garga Lavani’s eyes and ears are second only to those of the Iksana. A swallow tweeted of your overwhelming victory at the Tournament, and of your glorious exit after. Tell me, oh Akh Nara, is it true that you have mastered the ways of the gods?”

“Nothing like that,” Vir said, shaking his head. “But it is true that I can create Ash Gates… With some assistance.” He threw an awkward glance at Ashani, who smiled warmly back. He hated taking credit for the feats of others, despite it being at Ashani’s request.

“Your demons are in rough shape,” Tara said icily. It was the first she’d spoken since they’d arrived, and between her tone, crossed arms, and frown, it was quite clear what she felt about that situation. “How many did you lose along the way?”

Raoul scowled at the naga. “What concern is it to you? Can’t you see I am communing with the Akh Nara?”

“Tara is a trusted member of my staff,” Vir said in a firm tone. “I would appreciate it if you grant her the respect she is due.”

“Of course, my Akh Nara. I humbly apologize,” Raoul replied, bowing deeply. Except, it was Vir he bowed to.

Vir exchanged a glance with Tara. This one will be a handful…

“To answer your question… I assure you, only the weakest of us perished along our route here. Those of us who remain are stronger for it.”

“You let them die?” Tara asked. The normally cool-headed Naga seemed about ready to burst into a fight, and Vir couldn’t blame her.

“Surely you don’t mean that,” Vir said.

“Of course not, my Akh Nara!” Raoul laughed. “Merely a figure of speech, is all. We did everything we could, but I’m afraid life has not been easy for the Lavani of late. Many who joined the expedition were elderly and frail. Even so, their devotion runs deep, and despite my best efforts, they could not be convinced. They insisted upon seeing you… ‘Tis a tragedy that their foolhardiness cost them their lives.”

It was as if a dagger had been plunged into Vir’s heart. For them to have died trying to meet him, journeying across the realm when he could have come to them without a second thought… All because of the name of the Akh Nara. How many more would give their lives futilely? How many avoidable deaths would occur despite his best efforts?

Vir felt the comforting weight of a giant’s hand upon his shoulder.

“You cannot control everything, lad,” Cirayus said softly. “Least of all the minds of delusional chals. They chose death when they could have lived. That is their decision. Not yours.”

Vir took a slow breath to steady his thoughts. “I know. Thanks.”

He turned to the crowd and raised his voice. “I can do nothing for those that are gone. But I can at least clothe, feed, and shelter those of you who remain. You are safe now. Welcome, all of you, to my camp. You honor me with your devotion. In return, I shall forge you into the finest warriors in the realm. Prepare yourselves, for the path will not be easy. But I assure you. Together, we will prevail!”

The torpor that had plagued the ragtag group of half-dead demons evaporated in an instant. As if they’d awoken together from a collective dream, they rallied, and the thousand-odd cheers and shouts proved it.