Lorick laughs. “I pray it is so.” He places his large hand on my leg, his leather wristbands jangling.
I snatch my leg away from his touch as I clench my fists. “Don’t touch me,” I demand, shocked, “I’m here because Krogoth brought me. And I don’t think he’d like you touching me.” My eyes bore into his.
Lorick jerks backwards from his seat, as if my words had struck him like a hammer. “Krogoth… As in Chieftain Krogoth? There’s obviously been a misunderstanding here. I bid you farewell, Roxy.” Lorick abruptly gets up and leaves, almost running in his haste.
I let out a sigh. And go back to enjoying my meal. The meat is lovely, not so keen on the vegetables though. They taste like turnips and carrots. Seated by the inviting warmth of the roaring bonfire, I immerse myself in the gentle ebb and flow of conversations around me. It’s relaxing, just taking it all in.
It’s not long before other Klendathian men ask me questions. Curious to learn more about me, the flood of questions becomes a torrent, and I struggle to keep pace with their curiosity. Warmly, they extend their hospitality, presenting drinks and food, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie. As they share their narratives of battles and daily existence, my heart swells with empathy, witnessing the scars and disfigurements many bear from serving the Scythians war machine. Others, aged and worn, have retired from the front lines. There’s no sign of any young men, most likely fighting for their lives on a distant planet somewhere. No children play in sight, and only a handful of non-Klendathian women are present. I see a society in decline, a people on the brink, fading away.
Can Krogoth really fix this?
Chapter 8
Krogoth
Summoned
Iwatch the youngwarriors perform drills and sprints as I stand on the outskirts of the forging grounds.Could anything be done to help them, or is it too late?I don’t know how many hours have passed since the sparring match that had gone so wrong. But now I enjoy the calm silence of nature. This is the first time in years I haven’t been leading my men on the battlefield or on a hunt killing an enemy leader.
How long would this peace last? Too soon I will have to go into a political battle, a type of fight I’m not experienced in.And the most important battle of all.Give me an honest fight any time over a war of words and subterfuge!
The rustling leaves behind me abruptly seize my attention. My pulse quickens as I turn in an instant, my claws extended.
“Hail, High Chieftain,”Xandor declares, waving as he emerges from between two great trees. “I knew I’d find you here,” he says, looking very pleased with himself.
“Hail, brother,” I reply, retracting my claws. “Forgive me, I forgot our meeting… I got distracted after the young recruits tried to tear me apart during a friendly sparring session,” I state, gesturing towards the dried blood on my ankle.
Xandor sucks in a breath loudly. “Madness,” he shakes his head, “They lose control this easily now?” he asks.
“I fear they grow increasingly unstable, each generation worse than the last.” My gaze fixes on the sky. “We need to stop the Scythians, and soon.”
“I relish the day we can tear them to shreds.” A fierce glint sparks in Xandor’s eyes, his claws extending in defiance.
Just as determination courses through us, my wrist console vibrates urgently. My heart pounds in my chest reading it.I thought I had more time!“The Council of Elders have called on me to present myself. There’s already a glider on the way,” I announce, displaying the message for Xandor to see.
“Right, so what’s the plan?” Xandor inquires, his gaze fixed on me with anticipation.
“There isn’t one,” I respond with a forced smile as I attempt to mask the roiling turmoil within my stomach. “That’s what I wanted to discuss with you.”
Before Xandor can reply, a glider comes into view, swiftly descending and sending loose foliage scattering around. It hovers just above the ground, awaiting my entry.
“That was quick!” Xandor scoffs. “They want to take you by surprise.” He moves closer to the glider.
If surprise was their intention, it worked.“Xandor, there’s no need for you to go. I would have you stay and look after Pebbles if something happens,” I request, stopping my friend with a hand on his shoulder.
“No way, Krogoth! I’m not letting those old bastards execute you,” Xandor exclaims. Turning to look at me, his golden eyes blaze with intensity. “If this is the end… of whatever our Scythian rebellion is called, then I will face it with you, my brother.” He resumes entering the glider.
“It may not come to that, but so be it.” I smile, glad to have my old friend with me. “I hope Astraxius watches over us,” I say, taking a seat on the glider.
“Knowing him, he’d be late.” Xandor laughs dryly as I hope all Astraxius’ efforts will not have been in vain.
The glider rumbles as the propulsion carries us into the sky, hurtling towards our destination. The Council of Elders assemble atop the highest peak of Scarn. They sit high among the clouds in judgment as if they were Gods themselves.
Typically, to seek the Elders, one must brave the treacherous journey on foot. Many die in the attempt, scaling the sheer molten cliffs of Scarn, surviving the many predators. Those skilled enough to reach the summit may present their petitions to the Elders. However, for particularly pressing matters, they make an exception and allow the use of gliders, thereby defying the taboo of technology. That they had dispatched a glider doesn’t bode well.
Hastily, I begin constructing a message to Pebbles. Should the worst happen, I will send it to her before they can take me. My heart breaks to think our last words together could be in anger. A churning feeling in my stomach gnaws on me as I struggle to express myself to her. I’ve started and restarted the first sentence a dozen times. The right words are so elusive, yet I persist, until I’m satisfied enough with it, although my literacy skills pale compared to my love for her.
Xandor’s voice is filled with frustration. “So, how do you see this going down?” he asks, gazing out of the glider window.