5 Beyond The Horizon

At dawn, the eastern plains of Artharys were bathed in glistening, soft sunlight. They were largely uninhabited. Covered with grass as tall as half a man, it was difficult for caravanners seeking to reach the few cities to venture beyond the roads.

The only inhabitants of these inhospitable lands were bandits and a few rare hermits. Life was harsh, water was scarce, and the region was filled with wild animals, each as dangerous as the next. It is also said that a tribe of orcs roamed these plains, attacking any unfortunate humans who encountered them.

At that time, few people wandered the streets of Ninakami. Some people were on their way home after a night of drinking that had gone on a bit too long, while some merchants were starting to prepare their stalls, even though the market was not yet open.

As for Eiji, he had a completely different goal. Armed with his steel sword and wearing his lightest armor, from which he had removed his helmet so that his half-length hair fell to his shoulders, he was about to leave the city for an adventure and to join an order he had only recently become aware of.

The city of Ninakami was laid out simply: in the center were the administrative buildings and the castle of the Shogun Maeda. Around them were the market, the services, and the people's quarters. Finally, on the western side of the city, where the land was larger, were the aristocratic districts. On the east side was the coastal area of the city with all its port activities.

Eiji had only a few minutes to walk to the exit of the city, and although he had prepared for it, he found it difficult to say goodbye to the town, to the area where he had lived for the past nineteen years.

When he arrived at the guardhouse on the outskirts of town, he saw a person sitting near two horses tied to a beam near the stables. From a distance, he recognized Tahrren's slender figure.

Tahrren soon saw him as well. He stood up, and the two men approached.

"So, you finally came."

There was no trace of doubt on Eiji's face. He looked into the elf's eyes.

"I will follow you. I want to join the Order of Soul Chasers."

For the very first time, Eiji saw a smile creep across Tahrren's face.

"Excellent. But first, let me apologize once again. At least for the abruptness of our meeting. You will probably never forgive me for what I did. But from now on, and for many months to come, I will be your teacher. Honestly, you are still too weak to be a full member of the Soul Chasers.

Tahrren held out his arm to shake Eiji's hand. The latter did not hesitate long before accepting.

"Eiji, nice to meet you. Well, we'll get to know each other better on the way. Follow me. I will introduce you to your horse."

Slightly surprised, Eiji raised his eyebrows.

"My horse?"

Tahrren led Eiji to the two harnessed horses. The first was pure white, obviously very muscular and docile looking. It reacted to the slightest gesture from Tahrren. The second one was darker, almost black. Its eyes were wilder. It was also more restless than the first. He was obviously not quite used to being locked up in a stable.

"This white horse is mine and his name is Minska. I bought this second one yesterday from a local breeder."

Eiji twitched at these words and shot an accusing glance at his new mentor.

"So you knew I was coming..."

Tahrren struggled to hide the smile on his face and decided not to venture into the subject.

"Someone already taught you to ride, right?"

Eiji nodded slightly. All Higashito, male or female, civilian or guard, had undergone some riding training during their education. For the guards, this also included fighting on horseback.

"This horse is called Suiseki. Although he is not the strongest horse around, according to the breeder, he is very tough and fast. Also, although he looks wild, he is quite docile."

Eiji gently approached the animal and tried to put his hand on its skull. At first, Suiseki refused his approach and pulled his head back. After a few attempts, he got used to the smell and the presence of his new master and accepted his caresses.

Tahrren untied the two horses, which were ready to be ridden: bit, saddle, harness, and stirrups... Everything was there.

They each drew their horses to the middle of the road. As they were about to ride, a hoarse voice sounded behind them.

"Were you planning to leave without saying goodbye, son?"

Shun was a man of indomitable spirit. His imposing physique, his many scars, and his deep gaze proved that he had at least endured the worst that life had to offer; he had forged a character of steel and few things could shake his spirit. But today, he who had shed few tears over the death of his daughter and wife was shedding tears over the departure of his son.

"Father..."

Eiji approached him slowly. When he finally stood in front of him, the major immediately took him in his arms.

"My son. Today, you will leave us. But Ninakami is still your home and you will always have a place here. You are the son of the Kawasaki family, one of the most honorable houses in the eastern lands, so do not let us down. Don't ever forget that. Honor and pride. Be a proud man and save our world. Protect the people, punish those who disrespect, and reform those who stray from the path. My son... I wish you a safe journey.

Shun struggled to finish his tirade, emotion gradually taking place over reason. He hugged his son tighter and tighter. Tears inevitably began to flow.

Eiji could not bear to see him like this and unconsciously took him into his arms. They stayed like that for several long minutes.

Tahrren waited beside him, not wanting to interfere. He knew that this moment was important for both of them.

When Shun finally let go of his son, he approached Tahrren and put his big hand on his shoulders.

"And you, who took my wife and daughter. At least, I beg you, protect my son. He is all I have left in this world."

Tahrren was uncomfortable with the Commander's firm face and authoritative gaze. He closed his eyes and searched for the right words.

"The moment he decided to become my apprentice, his life became more important to me than my own. I will never let him stray from the right path, let alone die soon."

Reassured, Shun gently withdrew his hand. His gaze wandered to the few conifers that lined the town.

"Good. Go now. The sun is getting high."

Tahrren looked to the eastern horizon, beyond the city and the conifers.

"Indeed, it has already passed the treetops. Eiji, saddle up, we're leaving now, or we'll be dozing outside tonight."

Eiji exchanged a last look with his father before he rode Suiseki.

"Here we go." Tahrren said to his horse while stroking it. Eiji almost did the same, though he didn't say anything, forcing him to push with his heels to get Suiseki to deign to move forward.

The horses went down the road at a walking pace. Leaving his father behind, Eiji shed a few tears.

"Goodbye, Father."

Finally, they left the town. After a few minutes of walking and trotting, Eiji recovered from his emotions.

"Where are we going, Tahrren?"

"Right now, I have to find someone, but I don't know where that person is. So we'll go to an informant of the order."

"And where is this informant?"

Tahrren took a moment before answering.

"The Holy City, Ophelia."