Chapter 1: The Dubious Descent
The bustling town of Graywood lay on the outskirts of a barren forest, ashed 22 years ago. A child born that day has been hated as a foul omen ever since... He goes by the name, Asher. The temple priest, Sanatan, looks after him for he has no one else. His mother breathed her last breath as her bare arms brought Asher to the threshold of Graywood, a wooden gate that kept forest beasts at bay and lived out its utility. It's as forsaken and ragged as the dark-skinned Asher napping by its side.
Anthony Salazar, another ill omen brings him out his sole safe haven, dreams, "You need food to dream again! Wake up, my brother from another mother." His sweet words heed deaf ears, so a kick to his tummy follows. "Death is better than living like a rat.", Asher grumbles. "One day we will pay them back with due interest, and I see that day coming closest.", Salazar seduces with his enchanting tone.
"Every new day, it's closest. Anyway, forgiveness is greater than all.", Asher argues. "Religion is raped by hypocrites. Stop abiding by the law of the priest.", Anthony presses. "Stop it! I hate it when you guys bad-mouth one another. You two are all I have for a family." Asher takes leave.
The Sun rose and set for the young man as he loaded and unloaded bags of coal from the bogeys. He reaches his master for compensation. The fat man spanked his belly, tickled the thick mole on his chin, and threw three loads on the floor, babbling, "Sanitizing all those bags cost the rest of your wage. How many times have I told you to use gloves!", the Merchant clarifies. "Lord Setha, Pay me in coin, not bread, and I will obey like the rest of your hounds.", Asher demands. "Coins represent the divine, the Goddess of wealth, and I dare not anger her by allowing the touch of swine blood.", Setha gnaws upon deeper wounds. "When a priest accepts me, why don't you?" Asher wonders. Setha ragefully counters, with his spit sprinkling upon the scene, "For the priest has done many good things to balance out nurturing a festering worm like you. I have not. Get out, or lose your job." With clenched fists and furrowed brows, Asher leaves.
The Temple of Agni Deva.
Asher enters the antique hall where thousands find the Hindu God of Fire in a clay idol, and its sculpted walls speak of a story like Egyptian hieroglyphs. Sanatan is a father figure whose shaven head symbolizes his detachment, and his wearing of Rudraksha beads means he's a man of a clear vision.
Sanatan spoke as gently as the spring blossoms flowers, "The one without a father must find one in God. (He alludes to the idol) Stay with me, and listen less to those who lack empathy and guidance.z'
Asher argues like Autumn drying its greenery and rustling with the moving wind, "Sometimes I think, are these people even worth the Kindness of Gods? For they know of no forgiveness of my caste. They know it not, but fear it to be downtrodden and treat me no matter.", he moves toward the clay idol, "If that day, you wouldn't have unleashed your fury upon the forest-- (clenches his teeth, tears pouring down his face) This good man's kind heart leaning toward an orphan won't have been at question. It seems your heart's of clay, lacking any warmth whatsoever."
"You are angry, and anger brings out the worst of men. Time will heal--", Sanatan attempts to console him.
"When!? They don't even lend me a coin to leave this shithole! The people here deserve not an angry man like me to nag incessantly, but an angry God to rain his fury." Asher storms out.
Chapter 2: The Lost Hand
"Tall, deep-brown eyes like the Sun, but in such, poor condition."
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