| Generated by Google Flow text-to-video AI software, powered by Omni Flash |
Isavet’s training doesn’t ever have to be over, but it can be today. She has
been with this warband for the last six months, and has learned a lot. She
has turned out to be wrong about Caleb. He knows his way around a sword and
a spear. All the guys do. They might be mercenaries, but they are honorable
men. Her plan to prove herself on day one worked. They accepted her, and
treated her like one of their own just about immediately. Of course, she had
to continue to be worthy of their regard, but she never felt like her bust
had anything to do with it.
The men have not been too forward with her either. It was a few months
before she realized that it’s because Caleb, as their leader, essentially
has inherent claim to her as his woman. One thing she understands about the
world that lies beyond is that there is no such thing as owning another
person, in any sense. So he has not tried to exercise any control over her,
except in his capacity as her leader. He has not technically relinquished
this claim, however, hopefully so no one else tries to take it, and not
because he is planning something for the future.
Isavet stands at a crossroads now. Two choices lie before her. Will she
begin to go on campaigns with the men, or is she satisfied with her
training? If she stays with them for two more years, they will
help her get revenge. If she cuts out now, she will have to do it on
her own, but now that she has the skills, that might be okay. That doesn’t
mean she’s confident yet. She is still thinking.
“Do you want to know what I think,” Caleb asks, “or should I just shut up?”
“I am open to your opinion,” Isavet begins, “as long as it is a good one.”
Caleb sighs. “You were born to this world, and in this world, death is
permanent. That is a gray area for Castlebourne. Certain domes are
off-limits to people like you, because of how dangerous they are. Being born
in here is not something that the laws accounted for, but if you will
indulge me, I would like to show you this.” He removes something from his
bag. It looks like paper, but it’s glowing.
Isavet recognizes it. That is the magical technology which her mother showed
her when they were trying to explain that this was all only a simulation. “I
don’t want to mess with that. I will see plenty when I’m ready to leave,
which will be on my terms.”
“I respect that, so I’ll just tell you. The law was changed because of
Talus. I don’t think they are going to force you to leave, but someone may
show up here to strongly encourage it. You would be well within your rights
to return if you opt for virtual imm—”
“Don’t say that word,” Isavet warns. “That means something to my people. It
is not something that you can simply request from one of your friends, or
however it is you do it. I like myself the way I am. I’m not changing. When
I go out there and fight the men who burned down my home, I will do it
knowing that it could be the last thing I do on Earth. I’m okay with that,
and you’re going to have to be okay with it too.”
“But that’s just it,” Caleb says. “You’re not on Earth.”
“I know. It doesn’t matter. I have made my choice. Your king can send as
many people as he wants, I’m not leaving my world until the job is done,”
Isavet explains.
“Okay. So what are you going to do? I won’t make it easy on you, and except
you from our traditions. Will you stay and fight for our causes, or
will you go off alone?”
“I believe that you have shown me the light,” Isavet says. “Now that I know
others may be after me, all I can do is stay alone. Goodbye, Caleb.
Thank you for teaching me.”
No comments :
Post a Comment