Chapter 5. Revival of an Ancient Tradition

Carysse’s cheeks went red at his words. 

Stupid body.

“Here is the plan. But first, ever heard of Gairoshi?”

Ashki squinted his brows. Carysse tilted her head slightly in curiosity.

“Perhaps you could begin on the history of Gairoshi, my child.”

“I will answer that later, Elder Shimar. I want to clarify what Gairoshi is to…them.”

Carysse knew why he hesitated. He was about to say ‘my friends.’

“Gairoshi is a phrase from the old language of Apharoth. It means grit for glory,” explained Chaos. 

A strong wind blew outside the tent and some of the cold breeze got in. Carysse knew she felt the icy air but also felt it from her insides. It was like Gairoshi was a bad omen.

“It is an ancient practice much like the gladiators in the arenas found in the outskirts of this nation. It even almost has the same rules where representatives from each tribe gather to duel, making their way to the top until one only remains. In Gairoshi, it's slightly different. Anyone can join. Everyone, whether you are a peasant or a prince, has a chance to win the prize.”

“The crown,” Elder Shimar continued. Carysse didn’t get it at first. ‘What crown?’ she thought. And then it dawned upon her.

Chaos looked at the elder but he nodded and Carysse became all the more shocked, the meaning of Gairoshi sinking in.

“I see. So it is a selection. On who will be the next king,” Ashki concluded.

Chaos nodded with satisfaction, happy that Ashki was a fast one.

“I don’t blame you if you don’t know. You were busy surviving after all,” Chaos said and looked at both Ashki and Carysse.

Yeah, and we wouldn’t have been in such a tight position if you were with us.

“I’ll just have you know, my children, this Gairoshi that you are talking about–its last practice was during my grandfather’s time and it was banned for many decades due to its brutal nature. Killing during the dueling is not allowed. However, that rule doesn’t cover when you are outside the arena.” Elder Shimar’s voice quivered a little but immediately smiled to erase the fact that he shuddered at a memory. “Please continue, my child.”

“The revival of Gairoshi was something that shook the whole world. King Visian declared Gairoshi a year ago. It was in exchange for the ceasefire here at Thalisse.”

“What?” Carysse could not help but react.

“You must have noticed yourself. Why has no soldier found you here when they were such a large army that attacked two years ago. This is why you can now rest easy because no one is coming to find you. Even Saizen Lifir, the prince that attacked us, is not here. Everyone is busy preparing for the Gairoshi which will happen in a month.”

The wood cackled softly as all of them took in all the information. It was suddenly too much for just one night. Carysse had the urge to get the tea beside her so she grabbed it and drank all of it in one gulp. When she set the cup on the floor, Chaos was looking at the rug on the floor with his fists clenched. He had this seriousness that meant he was about to say something deep.

“Carysse and Ashki.” There was a heavy tone in his voice. “Will you travel with me to Apharothia and fight with me at the Gairoshi?”

Carysse almost coughed the tea out of her body. She had not expected that. 

“Y-you are participating?”

Chaos flashed her an irritated look as if offended by her question.

“Should I not?”

“That’s not what I meant. This Gairoshi–what’s in it for you?”

He gave her a long look before answering. “As Elder Shimar had said, the sole winner of the Gairoshi will be the next king. And when you’re king, you can do whatever you want.”

“Say it, my child. Be honest.”

“I…as funny as this might sound,” Chaos looked away for a bit, already feeling the embarrassment of what he was about to say. 

“If I win, I will drive any presence of Saizen Lifir’s influence which he had been building for the past two years. You will no longer live in this secluded area with little pasture and limited resources. You will no longer hide out of fear of the colonizing soldiers. For the victims of the attack for two years, I’m tempted to say that I will revive them but that’s impossible yet I have not forgotten them. I still remember all their names. Giving an inheritance to the families left behind is what I can do best. I will then multiply the size of the original land of Thalisse, till it, build houses, and leave all its territory and resources in your hands. I’m going to restore Thalisse, my own homeland.”

It was for the first time in history did Carysse hear such words come out from his mouth. The Chaos she knew was not interested in such things. He was just a random cold guy with the lean body and experience of a young warrior who excelled in combat but skipped writing and reading classes from the other teachers. He was an anti-social who only wanted to team up with Ashki or her sometimes and never gave a second look to the others. To think that the Chaos now wanted to accomplish such a noble feat, it was like she was seeing another Chaos. What had happened to him for the past two years that he was missing?

“So? What’s your full plan then? What do you have in mind for us?” It was not surprising that Ashki was into this immediately. He was always the enthusiastic one.

“Even I need companions, you know. In Gairoshi, if the contestant happened to be in an accident, anyone from his household or team can continue.” Chaos was relaxed now. From where he was squatting, he lifted one of his legs where he placed his bandaged hand to rest. 

“Ashki, I know your strength. Truth be told, you are more qualified than me to enter. That is why I need to have you at our back. Though I already said that it’s on me to fulfill my wish, if ever I get my ass kicked or killed, then it’s still a sure win if you will continue in my stead.”

He spoke of his death like normal. The sudden uneasiness made Carysse admit that she didn’t like what he said no matter how much she hated him.

“And as you have been told, playing dirty outside the arena is common in Gairoshi and there are no rules that prohibit it. We need one more person who will act as our guard and a lookout. There is a reason why the best team is always composed of three.” Chaos looked at her.

“It’s unfair how you boys always get to be in the spotlight,” Carysse snorted after realizing her part.

“Then we can switch roles if you want,” Chaos blatantly said.

“Hmph,” she just said but did not raise an issue. Though she was not belittling a support’s role, especially in Chaos’ plan, she was just used to being at the frontlines for the past two years. 

“You said that Gairoshi will already happen in a month and the place where it will be held will be at Apharothia, the center city. When will we travel?”

It was Elder Shimar who replied in a sad voice.

“Now.” The Elder folded his right leg, his strong leg, as if to stand up. “Get your necessary things, my children. You leave this very hour.”