Chapter 108 - Asara's Past

Asara led the way to her tribe as we flew behind Rath's back. The beasts Karyea and her fellow tribesmen rode looked like horses, except they were covered in scales and had two extra sets of feet, that said, they moved far faster than I expected, although still no match for Rath's speed. The old Rath might have had trouble, but all his levels had increased all aspects of his abilities including his speed. My wyvern soared through the skies with ease.

"I'm still not sure about this Your majesty," Asara grumbled from behind me.

This was the first time I'd ever seen Asara act like this. Usually, for her, it was protocol and acting as she thought someone of her position should. She was by no means machine-like, but she definitely wasn't as free with her words or attitude as somebody like Leone was, not that I would have minded. I liked Asara and wouldn't mind if she acted a bit more lively at times, which begged the question as to what was causing her to act as such now.

"Asara you've been saying the same thing for the past ten minutes," I said. "What exactly are you worried about. It cant be the danger they pose to us. You've seen my summons fight and should know these tribespeople wouldn't stand a chance if they attacked us. Are you mad at Karyea for interrupting you earlier?"

Asara shook her head and sighed. "No, it's not that your majesty."

"Enough with the majesty, just for a few hours," I replied. "Just call me Nathan."

"Your majesty I couldn't poss-"

I gave her a firm look. "That's an order from your king! You will call me Nathan, just for a few hours, and then back to your majesty. Now tell me why you dislike this plan so much?"

The talon rider frowned and for a long moment I thought she wasn't going to respond, but then she shook her head and pointed down at Karyea. "I'm not sure if I told you this, but all the talon riders are orphans, people without families, or at least there were until they joined us."

"Ok… I'm sorry to hear that," I said. "Does that mean?"

"Yes," Asara replied. "I am without parents, but it wasn't always like that. I was eight when one of the tribes from here, raided the village I lived in. It doesn't happen often, but some of these savages possess riding beasts, and sometimes they raid villages close to the mountains."

"I see."

Now it made sense as to why Asara seemed to harbor a dislike for Karyea.

"I along with a few other survivors made our way to a nearby town," Asara began. "I stayed with a relative for a time but left for the capital when I grew old enough. The rest isn't that exciting. I joined one of the bounty hunting guilds and made a name for myself. When the talon riders were recruiting, I applied and was allowed to join."

"I get it, but you must understand that Karyea probably had nothing to do with that attack," I said.

"I know that." Asara sighed. "It's just… it brought up some bad memories. I shouldn't blame her, but the old anger is rising and it's trying to find a target. I'm sorry if I disappointed you."

"Never," I said firmly. "I asked you to share this, and don't ever think something like this would cause disappointment in me. We all have our flaws and errors from time to time. As long as your try to get over it and better yourself, I'll be happy and support you."

Asara smiled and rested her head against my back. "Thank you, your maj- I mean, Nathan."

"Your welcome," I said as I reached back and took one of her hands in my own. "I care for you, Asara as I do for all the riders. I don't have the time currently to do what i want, but if all works out then eventually I'll be powerful enough that I can spend all the time I want with my friends and loved ones."

"That sounds wonderful," Asara noted. "Perhaps one day you'll take me to see your homeland?"

"Perhaps," I chuckled. "You'll find it to be quite the odd place."

"Then I look forward to it even more."