Galen stood in the doorway of his shop in awe of the scenery around him. He had lived in Sunmesto for months now, but the town was as beautiful as when he first arrived. Erasima used to be a collection of independent, warring islands before Queen Malika and her family unified them. Under her rule, the nation prospered. People from around the world came to see the new country and returned with tales that spoke of gorgeous landscapes. After hearing the stories, Galen knew this would be his next home.
Most foreigners who moved to Erasima lived in the port cities, but Galen went further inland. Sunmesto was a medium-sized town that was surrounded by a lush forest. Galen could see the center square from his shop, where a giant statue of the twin goddesses stood as the centerpiece. Galen was not surprised to see them. Queen Malika’s family had been blessed by the goddesses, so they turned into the country's patron god. One of Queen Malika’s first initiatives was to build statues all over the country. Townsfolk could be seen praying before them at any point in the day. Severin was no exception. Galen was waiting for him to finish before they could go on their routine run for supplies.
Galen saw Severin come from around the corner, "Are you ready?"
"Yep!"
Galen grabbed his basket and headed to the entrance of the town. Severin fell in step behind him. Their walk to their usual gathering place was held in comfortable silence. Once they arrived, Galen said, "Today, our goal is to stock up on turmeric. Remember what that looks like?"
"Turmeric has green, glossy leaves that are low to the ground. Its roots are orange."
"Good. What’s it used for?"
"It’s an anti-inflammatory. Mostly used for joint pain."
"Correct again. How is it prepared?"
"We put it into tisanes."
Galen smiled proudly, "You've certainly kept up with your studies."
Severin flushed and looked away shyly, "I've had a good teacher."
Galen opened his mouth to respond when he heard a low growling noise. He shoved Severin behind him and searched the area, holding a protective arm in front of him. Severin batted the arm away and moved to stand next to him, searching the area as well.
"What did you hear?"
"Growling. It sounded like a bear."
"A bear?" Severin shook his head, "They don't come this far south. It can't be."
"I swear that what I heard was a bear. I don't—" Galen was cut off by another growl. This one was louder than the last.
Severin paled. He clutched Galen's shoulder tightly, turning him. He whispered, "What would sound like a bear but not act like one?"
Galen cursed under his breath. He scanned the area again, "We have to leave. Now."
"You don't have to tell me twice."
Galen and Severin backed up slowly, keeping their eyes peeled for any movement. They were barely breathing. Then, a roar echoed around them. A large figure crashed through the trees, skidding to a stop in the clearing. Galen and Severin glanced at each other before running away as fast as they could. The bear-like creature did not hesitate to give chase.
"We'll never outrun it!" Severin shouted.
"Any ideas?"
"We could try scaring it, but I don't know what scares an astera!"
"What scares a bear?"
"It's an astera, not a bear!"
"Well, it looks like a bear! What scares a bear?"
"Loud noises!"
Galen frantically searched his pockets for anything that would be loud enough to scare away the creature. The astera crashed through the trees behind them. It was gaining on them and fast. "I don't have anything on me! Do you?"
"No!"
"Fuck!" Galen grew even more desperate. He closed his eyes. There was only one option, so he stopped abruptly.
Severin slid to a stop as well, "What are you doing? You can't win against an astera."
Both men were heaving, the sprint taking out most of their energy. The astera burst into the clearing. Drool dripped from its mouth, and it bared its fangs aggressively. Galen looked resolutely into the creature's eyes.
"Cover your ears."
"What?" Severin asked.
"Cover your ears. I won't tell you again."
Severin was confused but complied. Galen sucked in a deep breath, gathering his concentration. Magic began to consolidate in his hands. Severin stared wide-eyed at the purple wisps that formed. The creature readied itself, tensing and crouching. Galen released his magic just as the creature pounced. Cacophony filled the air. The astera stopped in the middle of its attack. It brought its paws to its ears in an attempt to stop the noise. However, Galen held strong. The astera backed away, eventually turning tail and running. Once he was sure the astera was gone for good, Galen stopped the illusion. He glanced over his shoulder at Severin and found him with his arms limp at his sides and his mouth slack.
Galen sighed, "Just say it."
"You're an asteris!" Severin exclaimed. He backed away. "You're one of the soulless."
A sad smile spread over Galen's face, "Yeah."
"You're just like that creature. You're no better."
"No better," Galen scoffed, "Do you see me running around trying to eat people? Am I a mindless killer to you?"
Severin flinched. He shuffled his feet, "No."
Galen started pacing. He grabbed at his hair in frustration and said, “I thought you would be different. You know what it’s like to be targeted for something you can’t control. For something you didn’t even do.”
Severin stayed silent. Galen's pacing became more intense. He continued, "I don't have a soul, so what? You humans have twisted my existence into a story that only tells of violence. I'm no less than you or any other human in this town, but I'm hunted by all who know the truth."
Severin started to speak, "I—"
"I'm going back to the shop. Follow me if you want. I'm getting out of this forest," Galen interrupted him. He stopped pacing and marched away. Severin followed hesitantly behind him.
Galen threw open the door to his store and stormed in. He leaned his palms against the counter before resting on his forearms, hunched over. The bell rang behind him, but Galen did not look up.
"Galen. I'm sorry."
"It's fine. No harm done."
"I'm really, really sorry. Please look at me," Galen lifted his head and locked eyes with Severin, "I reacted poorly."
"No more poorly than anyone else."
"But I was your friend. I am your friend. I should've known better."
Galen turned completely, "You didn't know better. The things said about asteris aren't pretty."
Severin walked up to the counter and leaned against it next to Galen. He took a deep breath, "I won't tell anyone. I promise."
"Thank you."
"It's the least I can
do."
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